10 Things To Do In Dubai With Family That Are Bound To Leave You Amazed

From witnessing skyscrapers to indulging in desert adventures, Dubai has got you covered.

The Islamic nation welcomes travellers looking for things to do in Dubai with family thanks to its amazing architecture, luxurious shopping, and rich Arab culture. Located on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, this modern city has changed from a small fishing village to a booming metropolis known for its iconic skyscrapers and luxury lifestyle. Whether you’re amazed by the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, or looking for the joy of a desert safari under the Arabian stars, Dubai promises a journey of happiness, adventure, and cultural experience to everyone.

10 Things To Do In Dubai With Family

Enjoy top attractions and things to do in Dubai with family that include sightseeing of architectural marvels and adrenaline-pumping adventures, guaranteeing a memorable visit.

1. Burj Khalifa

Enjoying panoramic views from Burj Khalifa is among the things to do in Dubai with family.

Photo: Laika ac / Wikimedia Commons

Standing tall at 828 metres, the Burj Khalifa dominates Dubai’s skyline as the tallest structure in the world. A visit here promises breathtaking views of the city and beyond from its observation decks. Burj Khalifa has high-speed elevators that offer panoramic views that stretch across the Arabian Gulf and the urban space below. At night, the Burj Khalifa transforms into a beauty of its own with its LED light displays, showing the focus that Dubai has on its infrastructure.

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2. Dubai Desert Safari

For adventurous souls, hopping on to Desert Safari ride is a must to do in this city.

Photo: Siddeshindia / Wikimedia Commons

Take a break from the fast-paced city and explore the beauty of Dubai with a desert safari experience. Get onboard a 4×4 vehicle for a high-action dune bashing session across Dubai sands, a heart-pounding adventure that tests the vehicle’s agility and limits to have fun. Pause to witness a stunning desert sunset before arriving at a Bedouin-style camp, where cultural performances, camel rides, and more await you. Enjoy a feast of Arabic cuisine under the starlit sky, along with traditional music and dance, offering a peek into Dubai’s heritage and culture.

3. Dubai Aquarium And Underwater Zoo

Among the best things to do in Dubai with family, visiting Dubai Aquarium is a must.

Photo: Leandro Neumann Ciuffo / Wikimedia Commons

Located within the beautiful Dubai Mall, the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo is a great attraction that brings visitors face-to-face with marine life from around the world. Begin your journey with the 48-metre-long aquarium tunnel, surrounded by thousands of aquatic creatures, including sharks, rays, and colourful fish. Soak in the information at the interactive exhibits and educational displays that highlight conservation efforts and marine biodiversity. For an adrenaline rush, get on a cage snorkelling experience or take a glass-bottom boat ride, offering a unique perspective of the underwater world.

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4. IMG Worlds Of Adventure

Exploring this largest indoor park is one of the best things to do in Dubai with family.

Photo: Jeremy Thompson / Wikimedia Commons

Walk into imagination at IMG Worlds of Adventure, the world’s largest indoor theme park located in Dubai. Covering over 1.5 million square feet, this entertainment complex features four themed zones: Marvel, Cartoon Network, Lost Valley: Dinosaur Adventure, and IMG Boulevard. Get ready for adrenaline-pumping roller coasters, interactive rides, and wonderful attractions inspired by beloved characters and blockbuster films. From meeting superheroes to witnessing lifesize prehistoric creatures, IMG Worlds of Adventure promises excitement for kids and adults alike.

5. Ski Dubai

Ski Dubai offers a myriad of activities like skiing and snowboarding to enjoy with family.

Photo: Matyas Rehak / Shutterstock

Jump out of the desert heat and step into a winter wonderland at Ski Dubai, an indoor ski resort located within the Mall of the Emirates. Whether you’re a first-timer or an experienced skier, this snowy wonderland offers high-quality activities such as skiing, snowboarding, and tobogganing on real snow slopes. Enjoy Snow Park’s ice caves, toboggan runs, and encounters with penguins, offering you an unforgettable experience. Ski Dubai also provides ski lessons and equipment rental, making sure that beginners don’t miss out on anything.

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6. Dubai Dhow Cruise

Dubai Dhow Cruise is one of the best things to do in Dubai with family and friends.

Photo: Alan & Flora Botting / Wikimedia Commons

Experience Dubai’s maritime heritage on a traditional wooden dhow cruise, offering a ride along the Dubai Creek or Dubai Marina. Set sail in the evening to capture the city’s skyline with skyscrapers like Burj Khalifa, creating a perfect romantic scene for dinner. They offer Arabian and international cuisine, along with live music and entertainment. As you go past historic landmarks and modern skyscrapers, the dhow cruise provides a new perspective and an opportunity to appreciate Dubai’s architecture.

7. Dubai Fountain

Enjoy amazing synchronised musical performances through spectacular light effects here.

Photo: GinaD / Wikimedia Commons

Located at the base of the Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Fountain is the world’s largest choreographed fountain system that entertains visitors with its carefully choreographed water displays and synchronised musical performances. Watch this fountain as jets of water shoot up to 150 metres into the air, matched to a symphony of classical, contemporary, and Arabic music. The Dubai Fountain show, which occurs every evening, leaves you in awe with its spectacular light effects and intricate choreography that celebrates Dubai’s creativity.

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8. Palm Jumeirah Skydive

Partaking in skydiving is one of the best things to do in Dubai with family and friends.

Photo: Dubai Tourism / Wikimedia Commons

For thrill-seekers and adventure enthusiasts, a skydiving experience over Palm Jumeirah offers the best adventure up above Dubai’s iconic landmarks and coastline. Wear a parachute and rise to breathtaking heights before freefalling over the palm-shaped man-made islands, and enjoy panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf and the city skyline below. Whether you’re a first-timer or a certified skydiver, this adrenaline-pumping activity is your answer to what to do in Dubai with family as it promises an unforgettable aerial adventure, which is a must-have for all.

9. Ferrari World Abu Dhabi

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is one of the best places to visit in Dubai with family.

Photo: ArtEvent ET / Shutterstock

Go beyond Dubai on a day trip to Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, a dedicated theme park focused on the iconic Italian sports car manufacturer. Located on Yas Island, Ferrari World has the world’s fastest roller coaster, the Formula Rossa, which accelerates to speeds of up to 240 kilometres per hour in just 4.9 seconds. Experience the thrill of racing simulators, interactive exhibits, and family-friendly attractions that showcase Ferrari’s history, innovation, and passion for motorsports. Ferrari World Abu Dhabi offers high-action rides and unforgettable experiences, making it a must-visit spot for automotive lovers and people who like fast roller coasters.

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10. Scuba Diving And Dolphin Shows

Exploring underwater is one of the best things to do in Dubai with family for adventurers.

Photo: Summitandbeach / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Coming last on our list is Dubai’s vibrant underwater world with scuba diving adventures. It offers colourful coral reefs, shipwrecks, and marine species growing in the Arabian Gulf’s warm waters. Whether you’re a certified diver or a beginner, you get to dive across Dubai, providing guided diving to underwater attractions and artificial reefs. Alternatively, enjoy family-friendly entertainment with dolphin shows at Dubai’s marine parks, where intelligent dolphins showcase their agility and playful antics in entertaining performances.

Dubai’s beauty lies in its ability to offer traditional experiences with architectural beauty, thus there are plenty of things to do in Dubai with family that cater to every interest and passion. Whether you want to explore architectural wonders like Burj Khalifa, indulge in adventure, or focus on world-class entertainment, Dubai promises a journey filled with luxury, excitement, and cultural discovery. Plan your visit to Dubai today with TripXL.

Cover Photo: Aleksander Pasaric / Pexels

Frequently Asked Questions

Dubai is known specifically for its iconic skyscrapers, luxurious shopping malls, and high-value Arabic culture.
The best time to visit Dubai is during the winter months, from November to March when the weather is mild and pleasant.
The best things to see in Dubai with family include Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, Palm Jumeirah, and Dubai Marina. These places offer luxury and amazing architecture, along with the right kind of Arabic cultural showcase.
Dubai offers a range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses. They even have affordable transport options, like cabs and buses, for every traveller's needs.
Ideally, 3-4 days are sufficient to explore the main attractions of Dubai, but longer stays allow for more in-depth exploration and information on what to do in Dubai with family.

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