20+ Fun Things to do in Dubai with Toddlers

Ever questioned whether you should visit Dubai with a toddler? We will state it outright, Dubai is a complete toddler’s paradise! There is so much to see and do, and any regular Dubai itinerary can easily be adapted to keep the littlest members of your family happy.

Whether you’re a UAE resident looking for things to do on the weekend, or a first-time UAE visitor, we’ve got you covered in this Dubai toddler guide!  We’re going to take you through:

If you’ve got children in different age groups, head over to our complete guide to Dubai with kids, or we also have a complete guide to Dubai with a Baby and the very best of Dubai with Teens & Tweens.

20+ Things to do in Dubai with a Toddler

There is an overwhelming choice of family-friendly activities in Dubai; you will find it is a very family-centric city. But which activities and attractions in Dubai are best for the under-3 age group?

The best part of visiting Dubai with toddlers is that entrance can be free to many attractions; The bad news is they may be too short for some of the attractions you’d think they love! So let’s take a look, we’ve broken it down by:

• Dubai amusement parks & water parks for toddlers
• Indoor activities in Dubai for toddlers
• Outdoor activities in Dubai for toddlers

Dubai Amusement Parks & Water Parks for Toddlers

Dubai’s range of theme parks and water parks is fabulous, but not all suit toddlers, mostly due to height restrictions. Here we help you pick out the best in Dubai for toddlers.

Dubai Parks & Resorts

This is actually several family attractions in one, including:

• Legoland Dubai
• Legoland Dubai Water Park
• Motiongate Dubai
• Bollywood Parks Dubai
• Riverland entertainment

You can see a complete guide to Dubai Parks & Resorts here.

Under 3’s get FREE entry to all the theme parks. Whilst Legoland might sound instantly appealing to the younger crowd, be aware that many of the rides here have a height limit of 1.05cm. There are a few more at Motiongate that allow children from 1m.

The Duplo Splash Park & Build-a-Raft lazy river are favourites with the littlest ones at Legoland Dubai Water park – but be warned, there’s limited seating in the toddler area, and it fills fast – go early in the day.

Check out Dubai Parks & Resorts ticket offers here

Staying nearby? As well as Lapita Resort, a new Rove at the Park Hotel has opened nearby, giving a superb additional budget choice for Dubai Parks & Resorts.

Splashers – Aquaventure

Arguably one of the most famous water parks in the world within the giant Atlantis complex on Palm Jumeirah, but if shark-filled lagoons and The Leap of Faith don’t sound all that family-friendly, fear not!

Introducing you to Splashers, exclusively for little ones under 1.2m. It features 14 slides and attractions, many replicas from the larger park making this one of, the better water park choices for those with little kids – entrance for adults gets you into both parts of the park, under 3’s are free.

Your little ones will also LOVE exploring the Lost Chambers aquarium, which can be visited on a combined ticket with Aquaventure.

Note full price tickets apply to all children over 1.2m, discounted tickets under 1.2m

Check out Aquaventure & the Lost Chamber discount tickets here

Top Tip: Staying at Atlantis? You can get your Aquaventure entry FREE!

Splash Pad – The Beach JBR

Situated in between The Walk and The Beach, this is the perfect outdoor playground for the younger set. It has both wet and dry playground sections and is temperature controlled for year-round enjoyment.

Priced at 65AED per hour or 99AED for a full 24-hours (perfect if you’re staying at a nearby JBR or Marina hotel and want to pop in and out).

Learn more about the Splash pad here

Splash ‘n’ Party Dubai

Tucked away in the suburban area of Al Safa, Splash ‘n’ Party is perfect for toddlers and younger kids who may feel overwhelmed in the larger parks.

It includes a large splash pad area, manageable slides and attentive staff – you may even be able to grab yourself a cuppa while the kids play in this safe and enclosed backyard paradise!

Children are 100AED (one accompanying adult free, extra adult 50AED) for all-day access

Splash ‘n’ Party Kite Beach & JBR

You can now also find an inflatable water park operating in two beachfront destinations – Kite Beach and JBR– ideal for your slightly older crowd but worth a mention here too!

50AED for all-day access, under 3’s an adult goes free.

Learn more about Splash ‘N’ Party here

Wild Wadi Water Park

Another of the mega water theme parks found in Jumeirah, there are rides and attractions suitable to the toddler crowd – albeit given the parks overall size and thrill rides, it can be a bit overwhelming for the small ones.

Under 2s are free and under 1.1m you pay a discounted rate.

Check out discounted Wild Wadi discounted tickets here

Laguna Water Park – La Mer

A great addition to the La Mer waterfront development, Laguna is a more compact water park than Aquaventure and Wild Wadi but does include AquaPlay and a Splash Park for the younger kids. Otherwise, a lot of ride restrictions do apply here for under 1.2m.

Look out for Mamas on Mondays, a special package for mums and their little ones 9am to 1pm Monday, under 2’s are free.

Find discounted tickets to Laguna Waterpark here

Don’t forget to also check out day trip options to Abu Dhabi.  Yas Island has some amazing family-friendly theme parks, including Yas Waterworld that would also be great for toddlers. Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi is also one of our favourites, but with height restrictions, we’d suggest best suited when kids are over 110cm.

Indoor Activities in Dubai for toddlers

Make no mistake, there are at least six months of the year where, realistically, anything beyond a shady spot at the pool is too much for a toddler during the day. You’re going to need to plan that your days in Dubai will be filled with indoor activities from about later April to late October.

The city is so well designed for this though, so fear not! A summer holiday with toddlers in Dubai is definitely still achievable. Our favourites for toddlers include:

Oli Oli Childrens’ Museum

An indoor, interactive childrens’ play museum situated in Al Quoz. This has hands down jumped to being my kids’ favourite indoor play space in Dubai. So much more than your average soft play!

The museum is packed with eight interactive galleries. Toddlers especially will love Future Park with the illuminated balls and seeing their art come to life. The specially-designed Toddler Gallery is also brilliant for those fine motor skills and sensory play.

An onsite café La Petit Tree House makes it a nice place for parenting meet-ups too.

Children under 11 months free; 12-23 months AED63/2hrs, over 23 months 126AED/2hrs. Accompanying adult 42AED.

Learn more about OliOli here

The Green Planet

Tell me a toddler that doesn’t like animals! OK, the creepy crawlies section might not appeal to all in this rainforest inspired bio-dome but there are plenty of birds and cute and cuddly creatures too. The Biodome takes kids on a journey from the rainforest canopy down to the forest floor. Fun and informative, colourful and interactive, a total toddler winner!

Kids aged under 3 free. Animal encounter tickets are extra

You can buy discounted Green Planet Tickets here before you go!

Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo

Another animal favourite in Dubai! Toddlers might be perfectly happy just staring in awe at the world’s largest suspended tank aquarium, basement level Dubai Mall, or pop on inside for some more hand-on experiences, walk through the aquarium tunnel and take a glass-bottom boat.

Under 3’s go free to the Dubai Aquarium! Go early in the day, and have your tickets ready in advance to skip the line. This is one that can get super busy later in the day and cost much more at the door.

You can read more about what to expect inside the aquarium here – and pick up your discounted tickets for the adults in your group here.

The Dubai Frame

A little touristy but if Burj Khalifa feels out of price range this is totally your next best option (and I’d argue a little more fun without the insane crowds and queuing for the little kids). The Dubai Frame is literally a giant frame that captures “Old Dubai” to one side, and the modern skyscrapers of Downtown Dubai to the other.

A glass-sided lift takes you up the 48 floors then you walk across the frame for spectacular city views to either side. There’s a glass-bottom floor if you dare! Beneath the frame, you will also find impressively choreographed fountains in Zabeel Park.

Infants under 3 years old free, discounted tickets 20AED for 3 to 12 years old.

Learn more about the Dubai Frame here, or pick up your discounted tickets in advance

Museum of Illusions & Al Seef

The new Al Seef waterfront area of Dubai, wedged between the historic neighbourhood of Al Fahidi and the Dubai Creek has quickly become a new favourite of ours, for strolling and enjoying the ambience of this recreated waterside township. Added to the fun is the quirky little Museum of Illusions, packed with optical eye tricks!

Under 5’s are free. Much cheaper to get tickets in advance

Grab discounted tickets to the Museum of Illusions here

Other kid-friendly indoor attractions in Dubai (less toddler-friendly)

For the toddler age group, I would be less inclined to pick indoor favourites such as:

• Kidzania
• IMG Worlds of Adventure
• Ski Dubai
• Dubai Ice Rink
• Bounce
• Adventure Zone by Adventure HQ

Don’t get us wrong, these are great indoor attractions in Dubai. If you have older siblings to entertain, by all means, you can work these places into your plans with toddlers, they’re just not the best for the younger crowd due to height restrictions and competing with a lot of bigger kids and adults.

See all of Dubai’s best indoor options for kids here.

Outdoor activities in Dubai for toddlers

As well as road trip ideas around the UAE you can take with the kids in winter, our favourite places to head outdoors in Dubai with toddlers include:

XPark Jr Splash Area

An outdoor adventure park for the junior crowd, you’ll find this little gem just off Kite Beach. More than just a water park, so we’ve included it here, you can splash and play in the streams.

The Park House Cafe is ideal for grabbing a bite. One adult is permitted per child 45 AED for 2 hours. Open daily 8:00 am to 6:00 pm

Learn more about XPark Jr Splash Area here

Dubai Miracle Garden

The largest flower garden in the world – sign me up! This beautiful urban paradise can be found just of the E311 in Dubailand during the cooler winter months. Hidden inside is a maze of magical pathways that toddlers will absolutely love, as well as swings and quirky touches such as giant topiary teddies and their centrepiece floral A380 aeroplane!

Get in early with the kids before the crowds to enjoy this one – open from 9am, by lunchtime on weekends it’s packed and gets harder to navigate with a stroller. There’s also the adjacent butterfly garden at an additional charge.

Kids under 3 are free, 3-12 years 40AED and adults 55AED. Open late October to April annually.

Learn more about Dubai Miracle Garden with kids here

Dubai Garden Glow & Dinosaur Park

Open from 4pm in the afternoon daily over winter, this is a kid’s magical wonderland! It’s actually 4 amusements in one where your kids can enjoy a real-to-life dino experience (careful if they do scare easy!) before the sun goes down and the park comes to life with beautiful glowing light installations.

It can get busy, especially at weekends so come early and get the best parking near gate 6/7, stroller friendly.

General admin tickets for 4+ are 65 AED, kids are free under 4. Online you can buy tickets to the Dinosaur Park and Garden Glow. If you want to add the ice sculpture park, buy these tickets at the gate.

Learn more about Dubai Garden Glow here

Dubai Global Village

Feel like taking a trip around the world in one evening? Then welcome to the eclectic and amazing Dubai Global Village – a seasonal extravaganza held on the outskirts of Dubai showcasing food, entertainment and traditions from over 70 countries.

(I will be honest I was reluctant to include this one for toddlers. We had a nightmarish trip here on a busy Friday night trying to navigate two strollers through the crowds – it was tough – but each to their own so many families we ask bill it in their favourite Dubai attractions with kids so we couldn’t leave it out!)

Free for your under 3’s, general entry only 15 AED, extra for rides or pick up a Wonder Pass to include extra new attractions

Learn more about Dubai Global Village

Flamingoes at Ras al Khor

A visit to Ras al Khor wildlife sanctuary on the outskirts of Dubai is an absolute winner with your toddlers. This beautiful wetland is super close to the city with the Dubai skyline as its backdrop. There are airconditioned viewing platforms and a Lagoon Hide to explore over 170 species that call this wetland home.

The wetlands are free to visit during daylight hours

Learn more about Ras al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary here

More outdoors Dubai for Toddlers

If you’re new to Dubai and simply looking for a nice outdoor space for a stroll and play (FREE!), why not try:

You can find a detailed guide to Dubai’s best parks and outdoor spaces here

Outdoor ideas in Dubai we’ve deliberately left off our toddler list

Again, there are plenty more amazing ideas we’ve left off, not that there impossible, just not the best with the younger age group. Here’s why:

• Desert Safari – half the thrill of the desert safari is the 4WD dune bashing ride there. These are not appropriate for your under 6’s. Why not try a day trip out to Al Qudra and the Loves Lakes instead?
• The Dubai Fountains – oh, they are good! But evening weekends at Dubai Mall? Only if you’re brave! Those crowds with a stroller? Forget it. Why not try the fountains at lunchtime instead, 1pm and 1.30pm when it’s less crowded, or there are less crowded opportunities to see giant fountains at the Pointe, Palm Jumeirah and IMAGINE, Dubai Festival City.
• Aventura in Mushrif Park – a super outdoor ropes course, tree surfing and climbing adventure, but minimum height is 1.15cm and 6 years of age. They do have nature activities for the little ones while big siblings are amused, but honestly – hold this one until they’re big enough for the real thing!

Practicalities of Visiting Dubai with a Toddler

If you are new to Dubai and the United Arab Emirates, here’s a run-through of a few of the practical things you should know.

Best time to visit Dubai with kids

Dubai is a large desert city sitting on the Arabian Gulf. Summers are extremely hot, whilst winters are mild and pleasant. Undoubtedly, the cooler months from November through to March are best for families.

That said, it’s not impossible to visit Dubai and the UAE in the hotter months and the summer, you just need to be prepared for what to expect.

We have a detailed guide to the best times to visit the UAE here, as well as this comprehensive guide on what to expect in Dubai in the summer and how you can beat the heat.

What you may love about transiting through Dubai with a jet-lagged toddler is it’s a stay-up late city! It’s not unusual at all to see families still out until late in the evening, any time of year.

Dealing with sun safety in Dubai

Reminding you, it’s a HOT country! Even the winter can be as warm as many families are used to mid-summer. Being sun smart with your toddler is essential. Things to bear in mind to cope with the heat in Dubai:

• Drink lots of water. Water is drinkable in Dubai but may not be to everyone’s taste so bring your own refillable water bottles (with a filter if possible).
• Wear appropriate sun protection outside – sunscreen, sunglasses and hats.
• Keep skin as covered as possible, ideally a rashy or sun shirt if at the beach or water park – you can see more clothing advice for the UAE here.
• Beware hot surfaces. For a lot of the year, the ground and play equipment might be too hot to touch during the day. Make sure you test any surface before letting your toddler touch it.
• Beach/pool shoes can be a good idea for little feet to avoid hot surfaces.
• Do expect the seawater in the peak of summer to be too unpleasantly hot to swim in (and cold in the winter!) Most hotels temperature control their pools for the peak of summer and winter.
• Everything inside is air-conditioned! You may still want a cardigan or warmer layer if you’re planning to spend any time inside.

Traffic Safety in Dubai & Car Seats

Dubai is a big, busy, bustling city! There is a relatively good Metro system to get between major Dubai attractions, but there will invariably be moments when you might need to take a taxi, tour or hire a car in a private vehicle.

We would NEVER recommend travelling in Dubai without some sort of restraint for your child – traffic moves, fast, often erratic and poor road manners can be observed – albeit this is improving.

It is law in the UAE for all children under the age of 4 to use a car seat.  That said, enforcement of the law seems to be scant sadly. There are a few ways you can tackle the issue of keeping toddlers safe in car seats in Dubai:

• BYO car seat or driving restraint (recommended)
• If you are renting a car, add a car seat to your hire car order
• Use a car seat hire company such as Skytots or the Stroller Spa (they do rental strollers & car seats)
• Use family-centric hire car services such as Careem Kids or Hala Juniors public taxis (also bookable on the Careem App) to order a taxi with a front or rear-facing car seat installed.  

Should I take a stroller to Dubai?

Dubai is stroller-friendly for the most part.  If you are transitting between taxis to shopping malls and resorts, you will find smooth surfaces and plenty of space. You’ll probably prefer a stroller to a carrier for your toddlers in the heat.

If you are out and about in some of Dubai’s older parts, you may find inconsistencies in the footpaths and rough surfaces. On the whole, the city is well-equipped for strollers.

Using the Metro in Dubai with Toddlers

As we mentioned, there is a reasonably good Metro system for tourists. It doesn’t cover the whole city but does cover many of the most popular family attractions, so you may want to integrate using the Metro into your travel plans.

Children under 5 years old do not need the metro “Nol” card. Our biggest word of advice would be not to attempt taking the Metro with toddlers and small children during peak commuter times or large events; it can be very busy and overwhelming.  If you are taking a stroller, make sure it’s collapsible.

Toddler and infant care in Dubai

If you are still at the nappy/diaper changing stage, you may be pleasantly surprised by the changing facilities in large malls. Although frequently, the change facilities will only be found in female bathrooms.  

Large supermarkets are well-stocked with international brands of diapers and infant snacks and food, though if your toddler likes any foods in particular or has any intolerances, you are best bringing your own supplies.

Breastfeeding in public is allowed in Dubai, although it may not appear the most welcoming at first. We have a detailed guide to breastfeeding in Dubai here if you’re still at that stage.

If you are venturing outside of Dubai or any of the UAE’s major city centres, do not expect to find anything special for families by way of changing tables, parenting rooms etc.

Where should I stay in Dubai with a toddler?

There are soooo many accommodation options in Dubai suitable for families! 

With just one toddler, you will find most double rooms large enough to add an infant cot or convertible sofa bed for your toddler. 

If you have more than one child, you will need to look at suites or possibly adjoining rooms. Some of the best areas to stay in if you are here for the beach weather are JBR or on the Palm Jumeirah.  For a short city sightseeing stop, place yourself centrally around Downtown Dubai.

Some of our toddler favourite hotels with great kiddy pools and other awesome family facilities and restaurants include:

The list of family-friendly hotels in Dubai is honestly endless, though. It is more about picking the best location in Dubai to meet your needs – be that close to the beach and tourist amenities such as Dubai Marina, or staying close to Downtown Dubai and Dubai Mall.

(NB, most hotels with kids clubs will only take children independently over 4 years old.  You would be able to use the kids club facilities, but an adult would need to remain with a toddler). 

Emergency information in Dubai

If the worst is to happen and your toddler gets sick on holiday in Dubai, there are plenty of hospitals and medical clinics you can turn to for help.

Speciality 24-hour children’s hospitals in Dubai

The following hospitals have specialist paediatric A&E facilities.

• Al Jalila Children’s Speciality Hospital
• Medcare Women & Children’s Hospital
• Zulekha Hospital (Sharjah – closer to Deira/Old Dubai)

There are plenty more options open during normal business hours. You will also find pharmacies everywhere, malls, and even within some hotels so first aid supplies are easy to come by.

The Emergency services numbers for Dubai are:

• Police 999
• Ambulance 998
• Fire 997
• Civil Defence 996
• Coast guard 911

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This post was originally published on Family Travel in the Middle East and has been reproduced here with the owner’s permission.