Things to do in Dubai with family – Dubai attractions!

Are you planning a family trip to the “Pearl of the Gulf”? This modern city in the Middle East is well known for its sky-touching buildings and landmarks like the Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa. A week-long holiday in Dubai is full of adventure and joy. But apart from exploring these landmarks, there are plenty of things to do in Dubai with family.

In Dubai, every minute is to be counted as incredible, from day to night. Happily, Dubai doesn’t believe in boredom and has abundant fun after dark too. This reading has covered everything, including places to see, things to do and perfect stay options in Dubai. Keep reading…!

Top things to do in Dubai with family at night

Shopping at Dubai’s night markets

When it comes to things to do in Dubai with family at night, shopping always comes as a priority. All the long day, travellers wait for to Deira island’s Night souk to open. After dark, shoppers can stroll the market on JBR beach, which is filled with colourful stalls, street food, and swimming. You can even explore the Ripe market in Al Barsha Pond Park to see the fresh and local ingredients.

Experience the Dubai Fountain Show

If you are wondering in the dark in this enchanting city, then don’t miss the Spectacular fountain show. Being there, you can even visit the downtown restaurant, where you can have a cosy seat, enjoy food and have scenic views. Magnificent views of dancing waters leave the visitors amazed, and the joy kids get is far more worthy than the dinner.

Watch movie under the Dubai sky

What about a night filled with movie shows? Sounds interesting, right? With a great canopy under a cosy sky, popcorn as per wish, and beanbags to layover, what else can make a movie night in Dubai amazing? Experience watching a movie at VOX OUTDOOR on the rooftop of Galleria Mall. This will not only be the most luxurious experience but also worth it. From all-time classics to recent kids’ releases, the tickets have everything to keep your joy high.

See the night fireworks

Dubai parks are the biggest theme parks in the East and cover everything from teen-thrilling to kids’ cute activities. If you wish to escape to the joyful world, then you must add this to your list of things to do in Dubai with family. The enchantment of the Riverland area and the spectacular fireworks display every night are just unbeatable. The pyrotechnics are fully free to watch for the visitors and explore the late evening shops too.

Overnight safari in Dubai’s desert

No matter what, there are plenty of things that can be enjoyed in Dubai; nothing can beat the safari in the enchanting desert. Dubai desert is the greatest attraction which never creates a space for disappointment among the visitors. Spending a night in a historic Bedouin camp is definitely an unforgettable experience for the kids. You can have a peaceful sleep under the stars in those cosy tents, and you can also enjoy wonderful food & music. Whether you love sandboarding or camel trekking, just go for it!

The most visited place in Dubai

When it comes to finding the best places in Dubai UAE, the list is vast, and there are plenty of options that make your holiday an ultimate one. Apart from the amazing things to do in Dubai with family, here are a few must-visit places.

1.Burj Khalifa

As tall as 828m high, Burj Khalifa is proudly regarded as the tallest building in the world and is among the must-visit attractions of this city. This skyscraper is located in the heart of the city and is full of activities that make your day well. This place is undoubtedly worth venturing into. From here, you can enjoy the spectacular views of the city and also try the food at the top sky lounge. Not just this, the sunset at the Lounge, Burj Khalifa, will take your experience to another level.

2.Palm Jumeirah

Famous all over the world, this place is a symbol of human triumph. Locals and tourists all wish to wander around the range of high-end hotels here, including – One&Only, Waldorf Astoria, Fairmont, Jumeirah Zabeel, and also Atlantis, Atlantis the Royal and The Palm. Make sure you visit this place as you are in this “City of Gold”.

3.Dubai Creek

The city is filled with a rich culture, so definitely there is plenty to discover. Modern developments have added a different touch to the old charm of this city. And the best example of a modernistic landmark is Dubai Creek. Originally, this salty estuary was the site where the Bani Yas tribe had settled for the first time, and it is considered their establishment. While at the creek, you must try the traditional abra boat ride. Being here, you can also visit the labyrinthine alleyways of textile souks and gold spice to see the different sides of enchanting Dubai.

4.Dubai Mall

Dubai Mall is the renowned world’s largest destination for shopping, leisure and entertainment. And the best thing is it is located just next to the world’s tallest building, i.e. Burj Khalifa. Boasting over 1200 retail stores, hundreds of food outlets, and two standard department stores, this mall is spread over an area of 1 million sqm, which is around 200 football pitches. Shocking, but true! Whenever you are here, even a day is not enough to do it all. So, being here must include this bundle of joy in your Dubai journey.

5.Dubai water canal

A 3.2 kilometre-long waterway which extends from Creek to the Arabian Gulf covering the area through old Dubai and Business Bay. Dubai water canal has 80,000sqm of public space and also a 12km cycling path, making it an incredible sight to experience during a Dubai trip. There are also five stunning pedestrian bridges crossing their way to iconic waterways. So, if you want that classic view and want to stroll around in a serene ambience, then this place is perfect. And the best part is there are several five-star hotels and also plenty of restaurants.

6.The beach

If you are seeking relaxation and want a retreat away from city hustles, then the beach is perfect. If you want to dine, shop, watch a movie or swim, then a trip to the beach opposite Jumeirah Beach Residence is an amazing option. With guest DJs and plenty of trendy boutiques, this is just perfect. The beach is always a buzzing spot as you can try the watersports or even enjoy time in the cabana. The beach is also connected with Bluewaters Island and is also home to attractions like Madame Tussauds and Brass Monkey.

7.Dubai Miracle Garden

Wish to wander around the floral valleys? Then the world of florals awaits at Dubai Miracle Garden, which is proudly regarded as the world’s largest natural flower garden. The 72,000 sqm park has an impressive structure boasting stunning flower displays. Just immerse yourself in the display of 150 million blooming flowers throughout the space. There is also a Dubai Butterfly Garden nearby. Kids can really explore over 15,000 species of butterflies here and will get immense joy.

Where to go in Dubai at night for free with family?

There are plenty of must-visit attractions in Dubai which are free of cost and take your journey to another level. Here are a few places:

1.Water dance at Dubai fountain

If you want to see the beauty of the dancing jets of the Dubai Fountain, just head to the Dubai Mall.
This place is where you can see the advancement of technology, as you can catch a glimpse of art under the shadow of the tallest tower. This show is completely free and you can see this every half hour from 6 pm, where there will be water shooting up to 140 m in the air. Feel the vibe of Arabian music here..!

2.Trip to Old Dubai

Whenever it comes to modern landmarks and sky-touching buildings, Dubai always comes to mind. But there is also another side of this modernistic city which makes it more incredible. You can head to the historic space of Dubai, which is its old city having a perfect blend of tradition and culture. Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood which is located by the vibrant Dubai Creek, has art galleries and restored historic houses which captivate the attention of every traveler. While there, just admire the wind towers and make sure to explore the Coffee Museum, which still retains the delicious drinks.

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3.The viewing point

Whether you wish to spend a romantic moment or wants to capture snaps or want to explore something unique, then the viewing point at Dubai creek harbour is really a go-to place. The structure is projected 26m over the water and 11.65m above it, from where you can get a magnificent view of Downtown Dubai as well as Dubai Creek. And yes, this is completely free of charge. So, have you added this to your list of things to do in Dubai with family?

4.Explore art at James Arts Centre

Located along the banks of the historic Dubai Creek, this art centre is really a creative iconic landmark and one of the most visited hotspots in this Arabian city. Boasts amazing art galleries showcasing contemporary artworks from every corner of the world. If you wish to explore the works of renowned artists and see the latest edition, then must visit this paradise for art lovers.

5.Dubai Aquarium

Among the top destinations of Dubai, Dubai Mall is always counted not just because of the unique structure and shopping complex but also due to its Dubai Aquarium & underwater zoo. It is one of the largest indoor aquariums of such structure in the world, where you can explore sand tiger sharks and hundreds of other aquatic species.

6.Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary

Located a few metres away from the hustle of the city are the wetlands of the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary. Spanning 6.2 sqkm, the conservation area is known as the ‘Cape of the Creek’ and features a variety of salt flats, intertidal mudflats, mangroves and lagoons that birds use for their nests and individual habitats. Flamingos are the main attractions here, but along with them, you can also spot more than 60 species of bird and around 500 types of flora and fauna. Have you imagined how beautiful it seems?

Which month is best for Kids in Dubai?

After creating your trip itinerary of the things to do in Dubai with family, make sure you choose the best season to visit this city.

November, December & January – From September, Dubai starts cooling down, and temperatures come to 25˚ when November arrives when beaches offer warm weather that is suitable for enjoying watersports and swimming. Although Dubai doesn’t celebrate Christmas like European countries, you can still catch the sight of spaces glowing with lights, glamorous shopping, events, extravagant trees, and entertaining activities.

December and January are cool in Dubai as the temperature ranges around 22˚ in the month of January, which seems a bit chilly to the visitors and perfect for cosy resort pools.

November to January is the best time period to visit Dubai as the weather is perfect for outdoor activities. But visitors must know that due to peak season, everything is a bit expensive, including hotels, flights, etc.

If you are worried about the expense, you can enjoy the free stuff including family events in parks, cycling the Marmoom desert, and exploring the Wildlife reserves.

And last but not least, make sure you enjoy the Dubai shopping festival, which runs throughout January: 1000s of stores, low prices, heavy discounts and whatever a shopping lover wants.

What is the best area to stay in Dubai as a tourist with your kids?

As there are plenty of things to do in Dubai with family, your weekend will definitely be joyful. To make the best of your trip and enjoy the top Dubai attractions, it is crucial to stay in the right place and choose a good area. Deciding where to stay in this Arabian city can be an overwhelming task. Here is a list of the best areas to stay during your Dubai journey:

1.Downtown Dubai

In this area, traditional architecture meets modernistic landmarks, which makes it an amazing metropolis. Once a small fishing village, this place now has stunning landmarks and places to see, including the world-famous Burj Khalifa. Some of the other attractions of the area are – the Dubai fountain, Dubai opera, Dubai mall complex, Observation deck, etc. There are also plenty of party spots that visitors can enjoy. So, this area is undoubtedly one of the best to stay in Dubai. Some of the renowned hotels of the area are – Revier Hotel, Holiday Inn Express Dubai safari park IHG Hotel, Kempinski the Boulevard, etc.

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2.Bur Dubai

Often referred to as the “Old City”, this district feels like travel to ancient times, as it is full of shady palms lined homes and wooden abras. Although this area is transforming itself into a modern one, it still retains the charm of cultural sites. The greatest advantage of staying in this area is it is less hectic than Dubai downtown. Whether you are a history buff or adventurer, this area is really good to stay in during your journey. Some of the hotels in the area are – Grayton Hotel, Rove Healthcare City, DoubleTree by Hilton Dubai M Square Hotel, etc.
Palm Jumeirah

This area is something that comes to mind when people think of Dubai. Shaped like a palm tree floating on water, this development undertaking is considered one of the most daring ones. This island is renowned for its luxury and glamour. Having incredible luxury resorts and expensive hotels, you can fully immerse yourself in the beauty of the blue and sunny skies of Dubai, watching those jet skiers and yachters. Not just the luxury resorts, this place has plenty of attractions to see, like Aquaventure Water Park, Dolphin bay, etc. Some of the best hotels in the area are – Five Palm Jumeirah Dubai, Atlantis, The Palm, Aloft Palm Jumeirah, etc.

*** There are other areas too where travellers choose to stay during their UAE trip, including Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Beach Residence, Al Barsha, etc.

Where to avoid staying in Dubai –

Apart from places to stay, there are some areas which are less recommended to the tourist and should be avoided. These are:

Deira: This area is not that attractive and appealing as compared to other areas, so staying there will not give the optimum joy and can waste your time too.

Sonapur: Little known by the travellers and really far from Dubai’s top attractions. This is considered as “Ghetto” of Dubai and is home to low-paid international workers.

Dubailand: This area is mostly under construction, so travellers are less fond of staying here. Also, you may not find the best hotels to stay in this area, which can impact your trip too.

Some good tips to visit in Dubai with your kids

1.Normal late nights

Seeing & exploring Dubai’s attractions can be quiet in the daytime because of the extreme heat. So, everything feels alive after the sunset. After sunset it is quite common to see families with children going for outings and enjoying. Even the metros and malls are open until midnight or even 1 am on Thursdays and Fridays.

2.Dubai is safe

When it comes to Metropolitan cities, safety is always considered. But Dubai is quite safe compared to other global cities. In fact, the UAE is the second safest country in the world, so travellers can feel relaxed here. You can take the taxis even at night and also walk around the streets without any fear. But make sure you know a few rules being in Dubai. Kissing or holding hands is strictly a NO, as PDAs are considered offensive in Arabian nations.

3.Friday is holiday

UAE is a Muslim country, so you must be aware of the fact that the weekend is on Friday and Saturday. This is to let the Muslims do their congregational prayers. Dubai Metro also remains closed between 1 am and 10 am on Friday, as well as schools & many private enterprises.

3.Dress modestly

Being in Dubai, you need to dress modestly. For women, bikinis or short skirts are allowed on the beach only, and men are also required to wear shirts in the streets. Wearing bare shoulder dress can leave you in problems too sometimes at mall entries. So, make sure while packing your stuff that you carry decent clothes and avoid carrying transparent or revealing clothes.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, if you are stuck between plenty of things to do in Dubai with family, then this reading tries to relieve you. Whether it’s about visiting parks or relaxing at the beach, there is a different nightlife in this Arabian space.

Dubai is extremely touristic and superficial. So, have you prepared your travel itinerary and are ready to see the fantastic places where everything seems spectacular? Go ahead!

Frequently Asked Questions