Dubai is known for its modern buildings and busy life, yet it also has outdoor spots for families to relax and spend time together. Locals and tourists alike enjoy the picnic places in Dubai, where green lawns and shaded areas invite unhurried gatherings. These outdoor spots offer variety, with quiet spaces where couples can unwind, safe areas where children can play, and open fields where groups can share meals together. From flower-filled landscapes to calm beaches, Dubai has spaces where people can unwind, share moments, and enjoy nature.
Top 9 Picnic Places In Dubai For A Relaxing Day
Here are ten picnic places in Dubai that bring families together for simple outings filled with nature and quiet.
1. Zabeel Park

Photo: wilhelmtittes / Wikimedia Commons
Zabeel Park has been a favourite spot in Dubai for people looking to relax outdoors. It stretches out with big green lawns, plenty of shady patches, and water features that give the place a calm, refreshing feel. Families spread out across the open grass for weekend gatherings, while smaller groups prefer the benches and quiet spaces tucked under the trees. Kids enjoy running across the open lawns, while parents settle down close to them. The fountains sound gentle, and the still pools add calm. People often pause here just to catch a quiet break from Dubai’s busy life.
Best Time: Afternoon hours during the cooler season
Highlights: Picnic lawns, barbecue pits, pedal boats, amphitheatre events
Ideal For: Families, day picnics, and visits with the Dubai Frame
Suggested Read: Wadi Hatta Park Adventures You Didn’t Know You Needed
2. Creek Park (Umm Hurair, Dubai)

Photo: Ahmad3027 / Wikimedia Commons
Creek Park sits right along Dubai Creek and is one of the largest parks in the city. Families often spread their picnic mats near the shaded lawns, where the breeze from the water makes the air feel cooler than most places in town. It is common to see children rushing straight toward the playgrounds or climbing into the small train before their parents even settle down. The park also has mini-golf, cycling paths, and plenty of quiet corners for those who prefer a slower day.
Best Time To Visit: October to April; mornings are cooler, evenings lively
Highlights: Dolphinarium, Children’s City, mini-train, lawns kids run on
Ideal For: Families, mostly children, casual weekend barbecues
3. Mushrif Park (Al Khawaneej, Dubai)

Photo: Tashmetova808 / Wikimedia Commons
Mushrif Park sits on the edge of the city, with plenty of shaded trees and open fields that stretch wide. It doesn’t get as packed as Central Park, so many families choose it when they want a slower weekend. Children race along the cycling tracks or wait their turn for the horse rides, while others scatter across the different playgrounds. By mid-morning, the smell of barbecues drifts through the air as groups start setting up their spots. The International Village is a quirky corner with small houses built in different styles.
Best Time To Visit: October to April; mornings feel cool, evenings slow down
Highlights: International Village, horse rides, cycling tracks, barbecue smoke drifting
Ideal For: Families with children, small groups, people who like nature walks
Suggested Read: Creek Park Bird Show
4. Al Barsha Pond Park (Al Barsha, Dubai)

Photo: Tashmetova808 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Al Barsha Pond Park is built around a large man-made pond and has become one of the favourite places for relaxed family outings. The wide walking and jogging track circles the water, and people of all ages use it from early morning until night. Families usually pick spots on the lawns close to the pond, where children can run freely while adults sit back and watch the view. There are basketball and tennis courts for those who prefer something more active, and cycling rentals are easy to find near the entrance.
Best Time To Visit: October to April, better when the weather is cool
Highlights: Big pond, rented bikes, sports courts
Ideal For: Families, evening walkers, small groups
5. Safa Park (Al Wasl, Dubai)

Photo: Edgar El / Wikimedia Commons
Safa Park opened decades ago and is still one of the city’s well-known green spots among the picnic places in Dubai for family get-togethers. The park is full of wide grassy spaces with tall trees for shade and a couple of small lakes that bring a calm feel, even though it sits in the middle of the city. Families set up picnics in different spots. Children chase each other on the grass while parents relax on mats or take a seat on benches. The park is big enough that it doesn’t feel packed, even on weekends.
Best Time To Visit: Cooler afternoons, October to April
Highlights: Barbecue areas, artificial lakes, jogging and cycling tracks
Ideal For: Families, groups, evening gatherings
Suggested Read: Explore Hatta Hill Park
6. Jumeirah Beach (Jumeirah, Dubai)

Photo: pe-sa / Wikimedia Commons
Jumeirah Beach is always busy and still counts as one of the best picnic places in Dubai. The sand feels soft underfoot, and the wide sea view pulls people in. Families sit on mats near the shoreline. Kids chase waves, splash in the water, or dig in the sand. Couples stroll the edge of the beach, while groups of friends gather during the cool months just to enjoy the breeze. The Burj Al Arab in the background gives the beach its famous setting, making it a favourite location for photos.
Best Time To Visit: Early mornings are quiet; evenings in winter bring a cool breeze.
Highlights: Soft sand, Burj Al Arab view, kids’ play spots
Ideal For: Families, couples, friends
7. Dubai Miracle Garden (Dubailand, Dubai)

Photo: Abrar Alnasheet / Wikimedia Commons
Dubai Miracle Garden gets crowded each season and is one of the picnic places in Dubai that people often visit. The park has flowers arranged in many styles. Families sit on mats in the shade while kids wander around to see everything. Children get excited about the floral teddy bear, bright houses, and the butterfly garden. Couples walk the paths at a slower pace, pausing for photos near the flower tunnels or heart-shaped arches. Food stalls are inside the garden, though many still like to bring small snacks and drinks.
Best Time: November to March
Highlights: Flower displays, butterfly garden, shaded corners
Ideal For: Families, couples, photo lovers
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Abu Dhabi
8. Palm Jumeirah Park (Jumeirah, Dubai)

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Palm Jumeirah Park gives visitors both green lawns and a stretch of beach in the same place. Families like it because children can play on the grass before moving toward the sea. On weekends, groups gather around the barbecue spots, and the smell of cooking drifts through the park. With shaded trees beside the sand, it’s a good choice for anyone planning to spend the whole day outdoors. Some visitors like to stay on the lawns and enjoy the sea view from a distance, while others split their time between the grass and the waves.
Best Time: Winter afternoons or early evenings
Highlights: Sandy stretch, shady trees, barbecue spots
Ideal For: Families, groups, laid-back outings
9. Al Mamzar Beach Park (Deira, Dubai)

Photo: Fabio Achilli / Wikimedia Commons
Al Mamzar Beach Park is one of the largest outdoor parks in Dubai and a regular choice for families. It has big lawns, play zones for children, paths for cycling, and five beaches. Some families rent chalets for the day, while others just bring mats and settle close to the water. On weekends, the barbecue spots get busy. Families grill food while kids play, and the smell spreads across the grass. The park can get busy, but its large size still makes it feel open. There is enough space for everyone to spread out.
Best Time: Morning or late afternoon
Highlights: Beaches, barbecues, cycle tracks
Ideal For: Families, groups, day trips
Suggested Read: Beaches In Dubai
Dubai is well known for its tall towers and busy lifestyle, yet weekends often take people outdoors. The picnic places in Dubai offer space, greenery, and comfort, turning each visit into a beautiful memory. With TripXL showing more spots to explore, the city keeps offering new and different choices for people who enjoy spending time outdoors together.
Cover Photo: Ali Raoufian / Unsplash