For the Kids: The Haute 5 Family-Friendly Venues in Dubai

With Dubai Summer Surprises now in full swing, there are a ton of fun and exciting venues around town for families. We nevertheless shouldn’t forget the many other great places to spend an afternoon or a weekend. From waterparks to zoos, the following are list of some of the most worthwhile places to spend time with little ones.

Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark

Dubai’s largest hotel, The Atlantis, is packed with fun family activities. Perhaps the best of all is the aquaventure waterpark, a place which children and adults equally enjoy for its great aquatic rides. While there, also visit Dolphin Bay where guests can actually swim with the dolphins.

www.atlantisthepalm.com 04 426 1000

Wild Wadi Waterpark

Wild Wadi Waterpark is the place to hit to get cool and have fun during the summer. Situated between the Burj Al Arab and the Jumeirah Beach Hotel, the park is comprised of 12 acres with a great variety of 30 exciting water rides for children and adults.  Entrance fee for adults is 190 dirhams and 160 dirhams for children.

www.wildwadidubai.com 04 3484444

Al Ain Zoo

If you and kids love animals, then the Al Ain Wildlife Park and Resort is the perfect place to go. Located in the foothills of Jebel Hafeet Mountains in Al Ain, the reserve covers over 400 hectares and is home to a variety of Arabian animals including antelope, oryx, gazelles, and lechwe. The zoo also features leopards, jaguars, pumas and other big cats as well as various reptiles and a small aquarium. Make this a day trip and have lunch or dinner at one of the resorts lovely restaurants. The resort is open from 4pm to 12am Saturdays through Thursday and 10am-12am on Fridays.

Al Ain Wildlife Park & Resort www.awpr.ae

Dubai Aquarium

How could you resist a trip to the Dubai Aquarium? There’s nothing in the world quite like it. The 10-million liter aquarium located on the ground floor of the Dubai Mall is the largest suspended aquarium in the world.  It is home to over 33,000 aquatic creatures from around140 species. Over 400 sharks are to be found as well as the largest collection of Sand Tiger Sharks in the world. Children love it, adults are amazed; this is a trip to be taken numerous times with a lovely break at one of Dubai Mall’s fancy restaurants.

The Dubai Mall, www.thedubaiaquarium.com 04 362 7500

Desert Safari with Arabian Adventures

You can’t experience the UAE without going on a desert safari. This is a perfect weekend day activity for the whole family. You’ll sandboard through the sand dunes, see beautiful camels, watch belly dancers, and eat a lovely traditional Emirati meal. In short, you’ll experience what life once might have been like in Arabia. Highly recommended for older kids or young adults, its a lot of fun and you really get to play in the sand.

www.arabian-adventures.com 04 303 4888