While Dubai has carved out a (well deserved) reputation as a decadent playground for grown-ups, it should never be overlooked as a welcoming family destination - in fact, it's one of the best in the world. Every inch of the place is set up for family fun, from world-famous water parks and kaleidoscopic cultural districts, to all-day entertainment, celebrated restaurants, pristine outdoor spaces, and clean, spacious beaches. No prizes for guessing why it's one of Plum Guide’s favourite places on earth, then - we are experts, so we know a top hotspot when we see one. If you're planning a trip with the whole family any time soon, keep this guide close by for the finest things to do in Dubai with your family.
Enjoy a yacht ride from the Marina
A yacht on the water in front of Dubai Marina, UAE
Left your mega yacht at home? Worry not. You and up to 10 people can hop on a gleaming mini yacht from Dubai Marina for a two-hour sail through Dubai’s most staggering modern sights. Glide through the water past glinting skyscrapers, the eye-catching Lagoon, Jumeirah Beach Residence (where you can dive into the water straight from the boat, if the mood strikes), and Atlantis. All while looking like an off-duty superstar, of course.
Shimmer on the Water, Plum Guide home in Dubai
Embark on a desert safari
An aerial view of a white car in a vast sandy desert, Dubai, UAE
One of our favourite things to do in Dubai with family? Partake in a sun-drenched journey through the golden sands of the desert. The ultimate desert safari takes you to Lahbab Desert for some adrenaline-filled sand-boarding and dune bashing (sandy off-roading, essentially) in the Red Dunes. After that, you’ll be whisked to the sweeping Al Khayma Desert, where you can feast on some local snacks before exploring the desert on a camel caravan ride. Our personal highlight? Watching the sun set over the endless miles of orange sand. Only in Dubai.
Home To Midas, Plum Guide home in Dubai
Visit the Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark
The view from high up at the Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark, Dubai, UAE
This may begin as an idea to keep the little ones happy, but make no mistake - this is just as much a waterpark for adults. This sprawling park (141 acres, to be precise) is located in the manicured surrounds of Atlantis, perhaps Dubai’s most iconic resort. There are over 30 attractions here, from record-breaking water slides to thrilling zip lines. You’ll be able to get up close and personal with sea lions, dolphins, and sharks (not too close, though), and if all the excitement gets too much, you can unwind along 500 metres of private beach sands. If you need us, we’ll be meandering down Dubai’s longest lazy river.
Scarlett's Dress, Plum Guide home in Dubai
Admire the views from the Palm
An aerial view of the famous Palm Jumeirah island, Dubai, UAE
There is only one way to take in the architectural marvels of Dubai, and that is from the top of its tallest buildings. There are plenty of opportunities to view the city from above, but here at Plum Guide we usually point people in the direction of The Palm - a shiny new observation deck on the 52nd floor of The Palm Tower, standing at 240 metres above Palm Jumeirah. You’ll have uninterrupted views across the city, The Arabian Gulf, and beyond. Book tickets ahead of time to bypass the queues, and stay for a sky-high refreshment in the rooftop bar.
Honey Shine, Plum Guide home in Dubai
Try Ski Dubai
The entrance to The Dubai Mall lit up at night, Dubai, UAE
You might not expect to find the world’s largest indoor ski slope inside a mall - but this is Dubai, after all. Located inside the Dubai Mall of the Emirates, there is no less than 6,000 tonnes of snow for the whole family to glide across. Whether you're well-versed on the slopes or a complete beginner, the instructors are there to make a pro skier (or snowboarder) of you yet. There’s a T-bar and chairlift on sight, as well as an interactive penguin zone housing a colony of free-roaming Gentoo and King penguins. Be sure to stick around for the March of the Penguins, which happens daily in the Snow Park and gives you a chance to get up close and personal with (in our humble opinion) the cutest creatures that walk/waddle the planet.
Venture to Bur Dubai Souk Market
A large collection of spices for sale at a market stall in Dubai, UAE
No 'Things to do in Dubai with family’ guide would be complete without a visit to one of the city’s world-famous souks. Head to the Gold Souk to keep the kids occupied at the most sprawling gold bazaar in Arabia. While you may not be in the market (quite literally) for a hunk of gold today, it is a fun place to while away an afternoon - and one of the best places on earth to pick up fine jewellery, silver, and precious stones. For something a little more contemporary, head to the Madinat Jumeirah resort and pay a visit to Souk Madinat. This market has all the appeal of a classic souk, but with a few more galleries, entertainment venues, and boutiques thrown in. A perfect place to spend the afternoon getting lost in the heady tangle of covered streets - and shop for clothes, artisan crafts, perfumes, and many, many spices.
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