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Family-Friendly 5-Day Dubai Itinerary in December — Dubai Mall, Palm, Parks & Old Dubai

Viewed by 192 travelers

Day 1: Downtown Discoveries

Dubai, United Arab Emirates on December 10, 2025

8:00am

Hotel Breakfast

Start gently with a family breakfast at your hotel to recover from travel — plenty of kid-friendly options and time to plan the day.
AED0, 1h0m

10:00am

Dubai Mall & Dubai Aquarium

Explore Dubai Mall (open ~10:00–00:00) and visit the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo (usually 10:00–22:00) which fascinates kids with its tunnel and touch tanks.
AED135, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Social House (Dubai Mall)

Family-friendly menu with international choices and views of the fountain — convenient for varied tastes and kids.
AED120, 1h0m

3:30pm

Burj Khalifa — At The Top (Levels 124/125)

Pre-book afternoon timeslot to avoid peak crowds; panoramic city views are spectacular in late afternoon light. (At The Top typically open ~08:30–23:00.)
AED210, 1h0m

5:30pm

Rest & Hotel Freshen-up

Return to the hotel to rest after a busy day and prepare for the evening fountain experience.
AED0, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dubai Fountain Show

Free shows run roughly every 30 minutes from 18:00–23:00; kids love the music/light spectacle right outside Dubai Mall.
AED0, 0h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at The Cheesecake Factory (Dubai Mall)

Large, family-friendly portions and familiar dishes — reliable option for picky eaters, open evenings inside the mall.
AED120, 1h15m

Day 2: Palm & Waterpark

Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, United Arab Emirates on December 11, 2025

8:00am

Hotel Breakfast

Hearty breakfast before a full day at the Palm — good to pack swimwear and sun protection for the kids.
AED0, 0h45m

10:00am

Aquaventure Waterpark (Atlantis The Palm)

Aquaventure (typically 10:00–18:00) is ideal for families with slides, a lazy river and a dedicated kids’ area; book tickets in advance to skip lines.
AED300, 6h0m

4:00pm

The Lost Chambers Aquarium (Atlantis)

Quick visit to see marine life and tunnels if the kids still have energy — usually open until early evening with combined tickets available.
AED140, 1h0m

5:30pm

The Pointe — Sunset & Playground

Stroll The Pointe promenade for fountain views, playgrounds and relaxed seaside atmosphere; good spot for family photos at sunset.
AED0, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Wavehouse or Family-Friendly Eatery (The Pointe)

Casual dining with kid-friendly menus and entertainment areas — Wavehouse also has arcade and bowling options for older kids.
AED180, 1h15m

Day 3: Snow & Sand

Mall of the Emirates & Desert Area, Dubai, United Arab Emirates on December 12, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Mall of the Emirates

Choose a café inside the mall near Ski Dubai for convenience; gives quick access to morning activities.
AED60, 0h45m

10:00am

Ski Dubai (Mall of the Emirates)

Indoor snow park with skiing, sledging and a snow play area — great contrast to desert climate and excellent for children; (Ski Dubai typically 10:00–23:00).
AED170, 2h30m

1:00pm

Lunch in Mall of the Emirates

Many family-friendly options (international and Middle Eastern) — refuel before an afternoon rest and evening safari.
AED120, 1h0m

3:00pm

Hotel Rest / Change for Desert Safari

Return to the hotel to relax and change into comfortable clothing for the desert evening.
AED0, 1h0m

4:00pm

Desert Safari (Family-Friendly Evening Tour)

Pickup mid-afternoon for dune bashing, camel rides, henna, and a BBQ dinner with live shows — family packages run roughly 15:30–21:00; check operator age limits and comfort for younger children.
AED180, 5h0m

Day 4: Theme Parks & Global Village

Dubai Parks & Resorts / Global Village, Dubai, United Arab Emirates on December 13, 2025

8:30am

Hotel Breakfast

Fill up before a busy day at Dubai Parks & Resorts — bring comfortable shoes and a small backpack with snacks and water.
AED0, 0h45m

11:00am

Dubai Parks & Resorts — Legoland or Motiongate

Choose Legoland for younger children or Motiongate for film-themed rides; parks generally open around 11:00 and operate into the evening — plan attractions by height limits and use parent swap where offered.
AED275, 7h0m

6:30pm

Return & Freshen-up

Short break at the hotel before heading to Global Village to experience international pavilions and evening shows.
AED0, 1h0m

8:00pm

Global Village

Seasonal cultural theme park (usually open Oct–Apr, roughly 16:00–00:00) with international foods, shows and rides — a lively, family-friendly evening attraction.
AED20, 2h30m

10:30pm

Dinner at Global Village Food Pavilions

Try small plates from different countries; good for adventurous eaters and sampling flavours without formal seating.
AED80, 0h45m

Day 5: Old Dubai & Farewell

Al Fahidi, Dubai Creek & JBR/Marina, Dubai, United Arab Emirates on December 14, 2025

8:30am

Hotel Breakfast

Easy morning breakfast and pack for departure later — leave luggage at reception if you have a late flight.
AED0, 0h45m

9:30am

Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood & Dubai Museum

Wander the restored lanes and visit Dubai Museum (generally open from early morning to evening) to show kids Dubai’s heritage and development.
AED3, 1h30m

11:00am

Abra Ride on Dubai Creek & Gold/Spice Souks

Short wooden-boat abra crossing (very affordable) and a stroll through the souks for sights and safe bargaining — a sensory experience for children.
AED1, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Al Seef or Creekside Café

Enjoy traditional Emirati or international dishes by the creek in a relaxed setting suitable for families.
AED120, 1h0m

3:00pm

Dubai Frame

Visit the Dubai Frame (open ~09:00–21:00) for views that show ‘old’ and ‘new’ Dubai from the sky bridge; interactive exhibits explain the city’s growth.
AED50, 1h0m

4:30pm

La Mer Beach or JBR Family Time

Finish with beach playtime, the splash parks and coastal cafés — an easy place to relax before your evening transfer or flight.
AED0, 1h30m

7:00pm

Marina Dhow Dinner Cruise (Optional)

If flight timing allows, enjoy a family-friendly dhow cruise around Dubai Marina with dinner and city lights; cruises usually run 19:00–21:00 and are a calm end to the trip.
AED160, 2h0m
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