20 Best Things to Do in Dubai with Kids
Full-day adventures, a sunset show, indoor escapes from September heat—mapped by age band and what actually keeps them occupied.
September in Dubai means heat that stops the day cold at midday, so the real family strategy is choosing between the water parks (even the queue feels cool), the vast air-conditioned complexes that swallow an afternoon, and the free-to-cheap open-air things you do at dusk. The trick is stacking by duration and heat tolerance rather than geography. Start with what eats the most daylight—the full-day parks, the waterparks, the indoor cities—and backfill with the watch-and-move attractions that work when everyone's fraying at 4 pm. The rankings run longest to shortest; if you're planning blocks, work backwards from sundown.
Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark
Palm Jumeirah, Atlantis The Palm · Waterpark with 105+ slides, lazy river, private beach · AED 299–350; daily 10 am–6 pm
Across 22 hectares on Palm Jumeirah, with over 100 slides and a private beach. The Leap of Faith is a near-vertical slide through a shark lagoon, and the Odyssey of Terror is the world's tallest waterslide. It includes a 1 km private beach and five themed zones with a dedicated children's splash world. Best for ages 4+; under-2s may struggle with most slides but the splash zone is gentle. Brings its own food court (overpriced); the private beach saves time lining the public sand. Expect to spend eight hours here and still leave rides undone.
Dubai Parks and Resorts (LEGOLAND Dubai, Motiongate, Bollywood Parks)
Jebel Ali, Dubai Parks and Resorts · Three theme parks in one complex · AED 330+; daily 10 am–10 pm
The complex features three major theme parks: LEGOLAND caters to younger kids who can construct and create, with attractions specifically designed for their age group. Motiongate brings Hollywood productions to life, whilst Bollywood Parks introduces an unexpected cultural dimension. You will require at least two days to properly explore this vast complex. LEGOLAND is the ultimate year-round theme park destination for families with children from 2–12. It's mostly open-air, so it's far more comfortable in the cooler months; in summer, ride early and retreat to indoor shows and shaded areas at midday.
IMG Worlds of Adventure
Jebel Ali, Sheikh Zayed Road · Theme park with rides and attractions · AED 255–365; daily 10 am–10 pm
General admission around AED 365 at the gate; online deals often bring it to roughly AED 255–299, and under-3s (or under 105 cm) enter free. The park has both outdoor rides and climate-controlled indoor zones, crucial in September. Best for ages 5+ with a mix of family rides and coasters. Expect 6–8 hours for a thorough visit. The indoor zones (themed to monsters, Marvel) are genuine air-conditioned relief when the sun peaks at 2 pm.
Wild Wadi Waterpark
Umm Suqeim · Waterpark with 30+ rides and lazy river · AED 179–269 (residents lower); Sat 10 am–10 pm, Sun–Fri 10 am–6 pm
With more than 30 rides, a wave simulator and a lazy river, Dubai's original waterpark has a lot going for it; the park's main attraction is the Jumeirah Sceirah, which has two 32-metre-high tandem slides and whizzes you downwards at a speed of 80kph. General admission from Dhs269 (adult over 1.1m), Dhs220 (child under 1.1m); UAE residents' rates from Dhs179 (adult over 1.1m), Dhs169 (child under 1.1m). Best for ages 6+. Smaller and less crowded than Aquaventure, though pricier than it looks. Spend 5–6 hours here.
KidZania Dubai
Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai · Indoor edutainment city with 40+ role-play activities · From $25 USD; daily hours vary
A 7,000 m² scaled replica of a real city packed with over 40 role-playing activities for children aged 2–16, where they'll learn all about jobs, money and the real world. Fully indoor edutainment attraction built as a scaled replica of a real city, the mini city includes buildings such as a bank, university, restaurants, hospital, and supermarket. Entirely air-conditioned—the September lifesaver. Children ages 2 to 16 can role-play more than 80 real-world professions, and kids earn KidZos, KidZania's own currency, for completing activities. Ages 4–14 stay engaged the longest. Allow 4–5 hours.
Ski Dubai
Mall of the Emirates, Al Barwa · Indoor ski slopes and snow park · From AED 150 (Snow Park varies); daily hours vary
Ski Dubai, inside the Mall of the Emirates, keeps its slopes at around -4°C; the Snow Park section is aimed squarely at families — tobogganing, snowball throwing, a gentle sled run and penguin encounters, with warm jackets and boots included; younger children stay in the Snow Park, while older kids and teens can add ski and snowboard access; best for all ages; the Snow Park suits kids from about 3 up. Completely air-conditioned and surreal in September heat. The Snow Park (no skiing required) is 1–2 hours; full mountain access adds another 2+ hours. Best for ages 3–12.
Museum of the Future
Downtown Dubai · Interactive museum with tech and sustainability exhibits · From AED 169; hours vary
Museum of the Future has five main exhibition floors (floors 1–5) and Level 1 is a floor dedicated to children called 'Future Heroes'—a dedicated interactive space for children that encourages development of future-proof skills with three main experiences: Imagine, Design and Build. Featuring cutting-edge technology, AI-driven exhibits, and futuristic experiences, it allows kids and adults to explore space, robotics, sustainability, and human potential. Indoors, air-conditioned, and genuinely absorbing for ages 6–16. Allow 2–3 hours.
Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai · Walk-through aquarium with 33,000 marine animals · AED 135–150; daily hours vary
Compact (allow 1.5–2 hours), fully air-conditioned and endlessly engaging for younger children, with keeper talks and animal encounters throughout the day; its indoor setting makes it a reliable summer and rainy-day pick; best for curious under-10s; a good 2-hour outing; adult admission around AED 140; children a little less, with online rates from roughly AED 100. The walk-through underwater tunnel is the highlight for kids aged 3–8. Don't miss it in September—pure air-conditioned relief. 1.5–2 hours total.
The Green Planet
Al Barwa, Dubai · Indoor rainforest biodome with 3,000+ species · AED 135 (child 2–10); daily hours vary
The Green Planet is a fully immersive indoor rainforest that introduces children to biodiversity and ecosystems; families can explore tropical plants, exotic animals, and interactive exhibits that explain how rainforests function. The Green Planet, Dubai's first bio-dome showcasing magnificent fauna and flora, offers a day pass for children aged 2 to 10 for 135 AED. Completely indoors and air-conditioned—perfect for September. Ages 3–10 are most engaged. Allow 2 hours.
Burj Khalifa at The Top
Downtown Dubai, Dubai Mall · Observation deck at 452m with city views · AED 173–250 (non-prime/prime hours); daily 9 am–midnight
The main visitor experience is At The Top (Floors 124–125): non-prime tickets cost AED 173 for adults and AED 140 for children; prime hours (4–7 pm) cost AED 250 and AED 158. Children under 3 years enter free. From the observation decks, you can watch the fountain shows (from 6 pm every 30 minutes) far below — a spectacular vantage point. Ages 4+ understand the scale; younger kids may not find an observation deck thrilling. Go at non-prime hours for better value. Allow 1.5–2 hours total (include wait time).
Dubai Fountain (free viewing)
Burj Khalifa Lake, Downtown Dubai · Musical fountain show · Free (viewing area); daily 6–11:30 pm (shows every 15–30 minutes)
Choreographed to music, the Dubai Fountain shoots water as high as 500 feet; designed by creators of the Fountains of Bellagio in Vegas, Dubai Fountain Performances occur daily on the 30-acre Burj Khalifa Lake. Catch an exclusive view of the spectacular Dubai Fountain Show in Burj Khalifa from the Dubai Fountain Boardwalk, a new floating platform that allows guests to watch the show from just 9-meters away; daily 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Free viewing from the promenade; boardwalk access is paid. Although no booking is necessary, arriving 15–20 minutes early ensures optimal viewing; best enjoyed after sunset, the show is perfect for families and tourists of all ages. All ages. 15–30 minutes.
Dubai Safari Park
Arabian Ranches, Al Barwa · Open-range wildlife safari drives · AED 50–100+; daily 9 am–5 pm
Open-range drives through habitats with lions, giraffes, zebras, and antelopes; kids can see animals from moving vehicles. Part of the site is a walk-through safari area with smaller animals. Best for ages 4+. Allow 3–4 hours. The drive route works well in early morning or late afternoon to avoid peak September heat; midday can be uncomfortable in a vehicle. Shade is limited except in the vehicles themselves.
Dubai Dolphinarium
Creek Park, Riyadh Street · Live dolphin and sea lion shows · AED 41–52; daily 10 am–7:30 pm (closed Sundays)
At the Dubai Dolphinarium, children can experience live dolphins and seals dance and perform tricks alongside your children; watch the exotic birds talk and interact with the audience at the Creek Park bird show; located on Riyadh Street, inside the Creek Park Gate 1; price 41-52 AED; timings 10:00 am to 7:30 pm. Indoors with air-conditioning during the show. Excellent for ages 2–8; toddlers often captivated by the animals. Shows run 30 minutes. Swimming experiences available as add-ons. Good for a 1–2 hour stop.
Dubai Miracle Garden
Jebel Ali, Al Barwa · Flower garden with 72,000+ blooms · AED 80 (age 3–12), free under 3; seasonal (Nov–Apr typically, closed in summer)
As the world's largest natural flower garden, showcasing breathtaking floral displays and structures, this destination is perfect for kids to explore and marvel at nature's beauty across 72,000 sq. ft; for children aged 3 to 12, the entry fee is 80 AED and free for children under 3. Entirely outdoors with limited shade; avoid midday in September (garden is typically closed May–Oct due to heat). When open (cooler months), allow 2 hours for a full walk.
Madame Tussauds Dubai
Bluewaters Island, Ain Dubai · Wax museum with celebrity figures · AED 99+ (pricing varies); daily hours vary
Madame Tussauds, on Bluewaters Island beside Ain Dubai, is the region's first branch of the famous wax museum, with lifelike figures of film stars, athletes, musicians and regional icons across themed zones; on age: it's open to all ages and under-3s enter free, but the appeal really lands with children old enough to recognise the celebrities — roughly age 7 and up — while very young kids may breeze through quickly. Fully air-conditioned. Good for ages 6–14. Allow 1–1.5 hours.
OliOli
Bluewaters Island · Interactive children's museum with hands-on exhibits · Admission varies; hours vary
Learning through play at OliOli, the interactive children's museum. Indoors and air-conditioned with play-based learning stations covering art, science, water, and creativity. Best for ages 2–9. Allow 2–3 hours. Works as a rainy-day or heat-escape option.
Children's City Dubai
Creek Park, Riyadh Street · Interactive learning centre with Nature, Space, Human Body zones · AED 10; hours vary
This innovative educational community in the UAE is specifically designed for children aged 2 to 15; it offers a range of interactive experiences where kids can explore, play, discover, and learn about the world through Nature Center, Space Exploration, Human Body, Computer & Communication, Planetarium, International Culture, and a dedicated toddler area; admission price is 10 AED for children. Exceptional value and entirely indoors. Best for ages 3–10. Planetarium and hands-on exhibits keep kids engaged. Allow 2–3 hours.
Kite Beach
Umm Suqeim · Public beach with white sand, water play, lifeguards · Free; dawn to dusk
Kite Beach features open stretches of soft white sand, vibrant sights and sounds, fitness areas, a beach library, and kids activities, so all you have to do is sit back and relax. Free access but September is dangerously hot—go at dawn (before 8 am) or late afternoon (after 5 pm). Lifeguards on duty. Bring water and high-SPF sunscreen; rash vests are wise. In peak summer, aim to arrive at opening, claim shade early, and remember that even in the water the sun is punishing — hats, rash vests and frequent sun cream are non-negotiable for kids. All ages. 1–2 hours.
JBR Beach
Jumeirah Beach Residence · Public beach with cafés, water sports, playgrounds · Free; dawn to dusk
Lively family beach with shallow water, lifeguards, and small playgrounds. More crowded than Kite Beach but closer to central Dubai. JBR Beach features relaxed beach vibes with water play areas and family cafés. Free but bring your own shade (umbrellas rent on-site). Same heat caution applies in September—early or late only. All ages. 1–2 hours.
Global Village
Al Barwa, Al Khawaneej Road · Seasonal outdoor entertainment park with pavilions from 100+ countries · AED 25+ (parking extra); seasonal (Nov–Apr typically; closed May–Oct due to heat)
Outdoor cultural marketplace with pavilions representing countries from around the world, live shows, restaurants, and shopping. Typically closed May–Oct due to extreme heat; operates Nov–Apr. When open, good for ages 4+. Allow 3–4 hours. Not suitable for September visits due to outdoor heat exposure.
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