We have just got back from Dubai and we are still buzzing! It was an amazing experience but to be honest we packed so much into this trip that I doubt we will go again. And frankly it is not a cheap place to visit, especially if you want to do all the attractions. There is so much to do in Dubai that we didn’t manage them all! But here is our list of 6 things to do in Dubai which we recommend you try to experience! (Some of these I will be writing more about later on in the blog).
Burj Khalifa
The Burj Khalifa is currently the tallest artificial structure in the entire world and stands at an amazing 829.8m tall. You are able to go to the 124/125 floors or the 148 floor for some spectacular views. Going to the 148th floor is much more expensive than the 125th but the views are likely to be better. We went to the 124/125 floors but the views were still amazing.
I would recommend that you book in advance as the attraction does tend to get booked up quickly (especially during sunset), and the prices are much cheaper online. However the risk with this is if the weather ends up being bad that day then you may not get much of a view.
Dhow Cruise
Another attraction the tour guide at the hotel suggested was a dhow cruise.You can have a cruise at the marina or Dubai Creek. As we were staying by the marina we experienced the cruise on the marina.
The cruise is in the evening and lasts for just over 2 hours and you get dinner and entertainment in the form of a traditional dance called the tanura dance. A lovely way to relax and see the marina sights while on a gentle cruise.
Desert Safari
The desert safari was an attraction I was uncertain about due to Bee being only 3 as it included Dune Bashing. As much as I wanted to experience that I was uncertain that she would enjoy it and it wouldn’t have been fair to ask the driver to drive slower than usual because there are always others in the group.
However we were able to skip the dune bashing but still go to the desert and experience the camp where there was food, camel riding, henna painting and entertainment which included the tanura dance, fire show and belly dancing.
Swimming with Dolphins at Atlantis
This is quite an expensive experience, especially if the whole family does it but one I would highly recommend if you are fans of dolphins.The price also includes entry to Atlantis’s popular waterpark, Aquaventure so you can spend the whole day there. If you book direct through Atlantis you get a slight discount if booking 14 days in advance.
You can book a dolphin encounter where you first get a talk about dolphins and then get about 30 minutes in the water with a dolphin in groups of 10. You can also book a swimming experience if you can swim or even scuba dive. Alternatively you can just do a photo experience if you do not want to get in the water. Lockers and towels are included in the price (only for the duration of the dolphin encounter and not for Aquaventure), and you are also given water and soft drinks after the experience.
And then if you have time you can also visit the aquarium: Lost Chambers at Atlantis. (Extra cost)
Dubai Mall, Fountains and Aquarium
For the shopping lovers Dubai Mall is a must. You can literally spend all day there, the mall is just huge and includes an ice rink and an aquarium And in the evening you can relax and watch the fountain show which is every half an hour from 6pm. The food court within the mall has a variety of food to satisfy all tastebuds. The Aquarium is huge and if you don’t want to pay to go in you can see all the fish from the outside. We paid to go in and opted for the option of research adventurer (which meant we went behind the scenes) and also opted to feed the fish.
Dubai Creek Park
If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle and expensive attractions then Dubai Creek Park is a must. Entry is 5 dirhams per person and then you have access to the whole park. However you then pay for any attraction you want to partake in. Cable cars, camel rides, pony rides, horse and carriage, small train…there is so much to do. There is also a Children’s City which costs 40 dirhams for a family of four which includes soft play for the toddlers. The Children’s City was quiet on the day we went in that the planetarium was closed and no events happening, but there were some exhibitions that were available to see. And Bee spent all her time in the soft play area.
Dubai Creek Park is also home to Dubai Dolphinarium where you can see a dolphin show and also a bird show (these cost extra).
And on a final note, if you do get a chance to then book a tour to Abu Dhabi to see the grand mosque and other attractions!
If you are looking for free things to do with Children then do pop over to Five Adventures and read her post about Free Activities to Enjoy in Dubai with Children.
Wow! Such amazing things to do – that view from the sky scraper is incredible, and love the idea of the desert safari and swimming with dolphins!
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I have always wanted to visit Dubai, as I’ve heard only good things about it, and your post is no different! It looks like an amazing place and wonderful to visit with kids, and you did indeed do so much! Looks like you had a fab time 🙂
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DUbai is somewhere that I would love to go – it looks amazing x
The more I see of that mall, the more amazing it looks! Glad you had such an amazing experience.
Wow it looks totally amazing, I’d love to go. Love the dolphin photo x
Dubai has never been on my list to visit, but wow what an amazing holiday you seem to have had and who knew there was so much to do x
Oh wow, it looks like you had an amazing time. I never realised there was so much to do
Dubai is on my bucket list that’s for sure and swimming with dolphins, I can’t even wait 🙂
Ahh love it here. I’ve never been to the dolphin show though. Think we’ll have to go back for that!
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I so want to visit Dubai, one day we will get there!
Wow, so many amazing experiences. I have heard Dubai is beautiful too, glad to hear that there is so much to entertain the kiddies.
The Dunes look fabulous, I want to go camel riding in the Dunes one day Thank you.
I need to admit, I had no clue you can do so much in Dubai, I knew of the tall, impressive buildings and of the luxury hotels but not much else!xx
Oh wow! I have wanted to swim with dolphins for so long! I am so glad you had a lovely time x
I must admit this is one place i would adore to visit!
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Sadly I don’t think I’d get my husband or child up Burj Khalifa, but I would love to see the view.
The Burj Khalifa looks absolutely amazing, that is one thing I would definitely want to spend time seeing and exploring.
My 12 year-old often says that he wants to go to Dubai. It looks like there are loads of great things to do there for families.
We went on our honeymoon and loved it – it would be brilliant to go back with the children (think we’ll wait till they’re slightly older like yours though and would really appreciate it) x
Wow, wow, wow! I would love to go to Dubai with my children – these things alone look incredible. Kaz x
Oh wow wow wow!!! What an incredible trip you all had. Really good to hear what’s there for kids too as we’ve never been. It’s definitely on this list though 🙂
I am in Dubai and I can vouch as to how expensive it is here! 🙁 But thankfully, there are enough free parks and beaches where you can enjoy a whole day and have a nice barbeque…
Im glad you had fun with your family. These are the places most tourists come and visit. And as is common with the residents of a country, I havnt been to some of the places you have mentioned 🙂 . Do let me know when you are in town again and we could meet, Insha Allah.
In sha Allah! Although I don’t see us visiting again for a while!
This was really enjoyable to read. Having read this there seem to be some wonderful places to visit.Had a quick look at your blog and love it already. Have subscribed. Looks like you’ve spent time in many of the places listed in this post.
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Hi Fozia, thank you for sharing your amazing experience in Dubai with your family. Your list of 6 things to do in Dubai with children is so helpful and informative. I especially love your recommendations on the Burj Khalifa, Dhow Cruise, and the Dubai Mall, Fountains, and Aquarium. It’s great to know that you also found Dubai Creek Park to be a more affordable and less hectic option for families. Your tips on booking in advance and getting a discount through Atlantis are very valuable. I will definitely keep your blog in mind when planning my next trip to Dubai with my kids. Thank you for sharing!
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