Family-Friendly 7-Day Dubai Itinerary (Dec 9–15, 2025) with Hotel Recommendations — Festival City Start

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Day 1: Conference & Relax

Dubai Festival City, UAE on December 9, 2025

8:00am

Conference (Day 2)

Conference runs from 8:00am to 6:00pm — attend sessions; useful to keep snacks and nappies handy for the infants between sessions.
AED0, 10h0m

6:30pm

Return to Dubai Festival City Mall

Easy stroll in the Festival City Mall for shops, a children’s play area and an early dinner; it’s very convenient after conference hours and stroller-friendly.
AED0, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner — Paul Café or The Cheesecake Factory (Festival City)

Family-friendly restaurants inside the mall with high chairs and varied menus; good choice for picky eaters and babies, open until late (usually 10pm-11pm).
AED150, 1h0m

8:00pm

IMAGINE Light & Water Show at Festival Bay

Spectacular family-friendly multimedia fountain show near the mall; timing often at 8:00pm and 9:00pm — stroller-friendly viewing areas make it easy with young children.
AED0, 30m

9:00pm

Hotel for the night — InterContinental Dubai Festival City (recommended)

You already have a Festival City hotel for the conference; InterContinental is directly connected to the mall and is extremely family-friendly with cribs and babysitting on request.
AED650, 12h0m

Day 2: Old Dubai & Global Village

Deira / Al Fahidi / Global Village, UAE on December 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast — Café Bateel (Festival City) or hotel breakfast buffet

Start with a hearty buffet or light pastries and fruit; choose an early breakfast to suit the kids’ routine and be out before midday heat.
AED120, 1h0m

9:30am

Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood (Al Bastakiya)

Walkable, cultural area with narrow lanes and museums; stroller is possible on main routes — great for a calm morning exploring Dubai’s heritage.
AED0, 1h30m

11:00am

Dubai Creek Abra Ride & Gold/Souk quick visit

A 10–15 minute traditional boat (abra) ride across Dubai Creek is fun for kids and gives a short market experience in Deira; souks are vibrant but can be busy, so keep visits short.
AED20, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch — Local family-friendly restaurant in Deira (e.g., Al Ustad Special Kabab)

Simple, hearty Persian/Arabic meals with quick service and local flavour; toddler-friendly and easy to manage with a baby.
AED120, 1h0m

2:30pm

Afternoon rest at hotel / nap time

Return to hotel for a baby and toddler nap — essential to keep the rest of the day manageable.
AED0, 2h0m

5:00pm

Global Village (seasonal: open Nov–Apr)

Large multicultural fair with pavilions, light shows and kid rides; opens around 4:00pm and is ideal in the early evening, but it can be busy so use a baby carrier or stroller and plan a short visit.
AED60, 3h0m

8:30pm

Dinner inside Global Village or back near hotel

Sample small international stalls at Global Village for quick bites or head back to the hotel for an easier sit-down dinner for the little ones.
AED120, 1h0m

10:00pm

Hotel for the night — Rove Downtown or Address Dubai Mall (recommended)

Rove Downtown is budget-friendly and family-friendly with connecting rooms; Address Dubai Mall places you right next to Dubai Mall for the next day’s programme (both offer cots on request).
AED500, 12h0m

Day 3: Downtown Dubai

Downtown Dubai, UAE on December 11, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast — The cafe at your Downtown hotel or The Dubai Mall food court

Choose a hotel buffet or a relaxed cafe with kid options; early start helps avoid crowds at attractions.
AED130, 1h0m

9:30am

Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo (inside Dubai Mall)

Large tank with walk-through tunnel; great for a 4-year-old’s wonder and accessible for strollers. Open typically 10:00am–10:00pm; mornings are quieter.
AED260, 1h30m

11:30am

Burj Khalifa — 'At The Top' (book morning slot)

Iconic panoramic view; prebook a mid-morning slot to avoid long queues and to fit around nap times. Family-friendly but higher platforms may be best for older kids.
AED450, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch — Social House or The Cheesecake Factory (Dubai Mall)

Both have varied menus and kids’ options with easy stroller access; ideal for a relaxed midday meal.
AED180, 1h0m

2:30pm

Nap / Pool time at hotel

Return to hotel for downtime; many hotels in Downtown have indoor/outdoor pools and family facilities to recharge little ones.
AED0, 2h0m

5:30pm

Dubai Fountain & Souk Al Bahar stroll

Fountain shows start in the evening (from ~6:00pm every 30 minutes). Souk Al Bahar has kid-friendly cafes and a good vantage point for the show.
AED0, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner — Armani/Prime or family option in Souk Al Bahar

For a special evening, restaurants by the fountain offer views; otherwise, choose a child-friendly restaurant in the mall area for convenience.
AED300, 1h0m

9:00pm

Hotel for the night — Address Dubai Mall or Rove Downtown (recommended)

Staying next to Dubai Mall saves travel time and keeps nap/routine smooth; both hotels offer family rooms and cots on request.
AED700, 12h0m

Day 4: Theme Park Day

Dubai Parks & Resorts / Jebel Ali, UAE on December 12, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast — Early hotel buffet

A filling breakfast for the family before a full theme-park day; ensure you pack sun protection and stroller essentials.
AED130, 1h0m

9:30am

Travel to Dubai Parks & Resorts (Legoland / Motiongate)

Travel time ~35–45 minutes from Downtown depending on traffic; Legoland is excellent for a 4-year-old with designated toddler rides and play areas; infant facilities and baby care rooms are available.
AED0, 1h0m

10:30am

Legoland Dubai (or choose Motiongate if you prefer movie-themed rides)

Legoland is geared to young children (2–12) with safe rides and interactive zones; check opening hours (typically 10:00am–6:00pm).
AED900, 6h0m

1:00pm

Lunch — Inside Legoland (family kiosks and restaurants)

Quick family-friendly options; bring familiar snacks for the infant and toddler nap schedule.
AED180, 45m

4:00pm

Return to hotel for rest

After a big day, head back early to rest and freshen up before evening plans.
AED0, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner — Hotel or nearby restaurant (e.g., Ibn AlBahr for relaxed dining)

Choose an easy family meal to wind down; most hotels near Dubai Parks offer relaxed dining for kids.
AED200, 1h0m

9:00pm

Hotel for the night — Atlantis The Palm (or nearby Dubai Marina option)

If you plan the next day at the Palm, overnight at Atlantis or a family hotel on Palm is convenient; else return to Downtown/Marina hotels. Atlantis has excellent kids facilities and baby-friendly amenities.
AED900, 12h0m

Day 5: Palm Jumeirah Leisure

Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, UAE on December 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast — Hotel buffet at Atlantis or nearby

Family-friendly buffet with children’s sections; gives you energy for a relaxed island day.
AED180, 1h0m

10:00am

Aquaventure Waterpark or Lost Chambers Aquarium (Atlantis)

Aquaventure has toddler-friendly splash zones and shallow pools but can be busy; Lost Chambers is calmer and great for the infant and younger child to view marine life. Aquaventure typically opens 10:00am–6:00pm.
AED500, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch — The Shore at Atlantis or Saffron (family-friendly options)

Many restaurants on Palm are family-oriented with kids’ menus and highchairs, perfect for a relaxing midday meal.
AED200, 1h0m

2:30pm

Palm Monorail short ride + The Pointe stroll

Take the monorail for a fun short ride (good for the toddler) and relax at The Pointe with sea views and stroller-friendly promenades.
AED60, 1h30m

4:30pm

Return to hotel — pool or nap time

A quiet afternoon back at the hotel keeps routines intact for the children.
AED0, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner — Social by Heinz Beck (family tables) or casual dining at The Pointe

Choose easy, relaxed dining with views of Atlantis fountain shows in the evening for a gentle end to the day.
AED350, 1h0m

9:30pm

Hotel for the night — Atlantis The Palm or Anantara The Palm (recommended)

Both hotels are very family-friendly with baby amenities, babysitting on request and excellent pools/play areas for the toddler.
AED1200, 12h0m

Day 6: Marina & JBR

Dubai Marina / JBR, UAE on December 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast — Hotel or The Scene by Simon Rimmer (Marina)

A relaxed breakfast in Marina with kid-friendly menu and easy stroller access; promenade breakfasts are pleasant for children.
AED140, 1h0m

10:00am

Marina Walk & RTA Marina Ferry short ride

Gentle walk along Marina with views of yachts; a short ferry or dhow trip gives the kids a fun boat experience without the long commitment.
AED80, 1h30m

11:30am

Play at The Beach at JBR / Splash Pad

Sandy play areas and small splash zones are ideal for a 4-year-old; shaded seating and many cafes nearby make it easy with an infant.
AED0, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch — The Wharf or Pier 7 (family-friendly restaurants)

Pier 7 has multiple options with views over the Marina; pick a relaxed spot for the kids with high chairs and quick service.
AED220, 1h0m

3:00pm

Afternoon hotel rest — pool time

Return to hotel for naps and pool time; many Marina hotels have kid pools and shallow sections for toddler play.
AED0, 2h0m

5:30pm

Optional family-friendly marina glass-bottom boat / short sunset cruise

Short cruises (60–90 mins) show the Palm and Marina skyline and are calmer options for families; choose an early cruise to suit children’s routines.
AED300, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner — Seafood or family diner at JBR

Many beachfront restaurants offer children’s menus and easy access to the promenade after dinner for a short stroll.
AED250, 1h0m

10:00pm

Hotel for the night — Address Dubai Marina / InterContinental Dubai Marina / Hilton JBR (recommended)

Choose based on budget and desired proximity to the beach; all are family-friendly and offer baby cots on request. Staying here keeps you near leisure options and a relatively short drive to the airport on departure day.
AED800, 12h0m

Day 7: Relax & Depart

Dubai, UAE on December 15, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast — hotel buffet

Leisurely breakfast and pack; request a late checkout or hotel luggage hold if your flight is at 9:30pm and you plan activities during the day.
AED120, 1h0m

9:30am

Dubai Miracle Garden (seasonal: Nov–Apr) or last-minute mall visit

Miracle Garden is a colourful family outing and stroller-friendly; open around 9:00am–9:00pm. If you prefer indoor, Dubai Mall offers shopping and play spaces close to family facilities.
AED210, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch — local cafe or hotel

Keep lunch simple and close to where you spend the afternoon (hotel or mall) to keep the children comfortable.
AED150, 1h0m

1:30pm

Hotel pool / nap time / pack

Return to hotel for last rest and to finalise packing. Use hotel childcare services if you need short windows for errands.
AED0, 3h0m

5:00pm

Early dinner / light meal — hotel or airport restaurant

Early dinner keeps children fed before transfer; if you prefer minimal travel stress, head to the airport by 6:30pm to complete formalities comfortably for a 9:30pm flight.
AED200, 1h0m

6:30pm

Transfer to Dubai International Airport (DXB)

Allow 1–1.5 hours from Marina/Palm areas; taxis or hotel transfers are reliable. Check-in and security early when travelling with small children.
AED120, 1h30m

9:30pm

Flight departure — end of itinerary

Depart Dubai. If you prefer, you can book a short-stay airport hotel (Dubai International Hotel) earlier in the day for easier airport access.
AED0, 0h0m

Overnight

Hotel recommendation for departure convenience — Premier Inn Dubai International Airport or Dubai International Hotel (T3)

If you need to stay near airport on the last night or want a guaranteed late checkout, these hotels offer family rooms, day-use options and quick terminal access.
AED350, 12h0m
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