Ras Al Khaimah family holidays

Ras Al Khaimah has loads of family attractions – big and small – to suit every taste. Animal-lovers can get up close with 40 rare, wild and endangered species at RAK Zoo, or go horse-riding across the desert from Al Wadi Equestrian Center. Elsewhere, you can immerse yourself in nature as you kayak through rich mangroves.

If you’re travelling with younger children, Saqr Park offers specially created children’s play areas and family arcades. And Al Marjan Island is the ideal family day out. Here, you can stroll along a seaside boardwalk, play on powdery beaches, or let the kids run wild at the play areas. Or, if you want to explore the island further, why not hire bikes – either pedal-power or electric – and go on a family bike ride?

From the desert to the mountains, there’s no end to outdoor adventures for families in Ras Al Khaimah. If you’re travelling with teens, head to Jebel Jais Adventure Park. This place offers loads of hiking trails and a variety of climbing and zip-line activities, ranging from a 10-metre-high course of ropes and platforms, to the world’s longest zip-line. Alternatively, get your adrenaline pumping when you try go-karting at RAK Track.

Out on the sands, meanwhile, you can all climb into a 4x4 for a thrilling dune-bashing ride. Why not round off your day in the desert at a Bedouin camp? Enjoy a barbecue under the stars, ride a camel, and enjoy some cultural entertainment. Visitors of all ages can also learn about the proud history of falconry, and see the mastery of these majestic birds first-hand.

Most family hotels in Ras Al Khaimah offer a range of watersports. You can go for a gentle kayak or hop on a stand-up paddle-board, or try windsurfing, water-skiing, and jet-skiing. There are different options available for kids and adults, so everyone can enjoy an easy day on the water. You can even visit waterparks in other resorts, as day passes are often available for non-guests. Or head to Fly Fish Watersports on Al Marjan Island.

You’ll also find a selection of floating water parks in the shallow waters of the Gulf, alongside golden beaches. Want to discover an underwater world? Several sunken shipwrecks off the coast are home to marine life of all kinds, creating an enchanting place for snorkellers or scuba divers. You can swing among rays, sea turtles and lots of tropical fish.  

Ras Al Khaimah is just a seven-hour flight from the UK, making it ideal for a family holiday during half term in February and October. Longer trips during the Easter school holidays are also very popular, when temperatures are usually around 30°C. Likewise, you could soak up some winter sun during a festive break for Christmas and New Year. The beauty of Ras Al Khaimah is that sun is guaranteed all year round, and even the cooler months rarely see daytime temperatures drop below 20°C.

The British school summer holidays are when Ras Al Khaimah is at its hottest. Temperatures in July and August range between 35°C and 45°C, so you may wish to avoid travelling at this time, especially with very young children.