Arrive in Dubai and transfer to your accommodation in Dubai Marina or Jumeirah Beach Residence; settle in and refresh after the flight while the kids explore the hotel pool or kids' play area. If energy allows, take a short walk to The Beach at JBR to stretch legs and grab an affordable, veg-friendly breakfast at Operation Falafel or Circle Cafe, both family-friendly and good value.
Spend a relaxed afternoon at JBR’s sandy shore—build sandcastles, swim, or rent paddle boards for a calm family session; for a budget-friendly veg lunch try Eat & Drink or The Surf Cafe. Alternatively choose a Marina promenade stroll, renting an abra-style boat for a quick cruise along Dubai Marina to enjoy skyline views and photo stops suitable for all ages.
As the sun sets, wander the Marina Walk to soak in the lights and watch yachts glide by, then board a short family-friendly dhow cruise with a simple dinner option if you prefer a scenic meal without splurging. For an affordable vegetarian dinner on land, head to Al Ustad Special Kabab (veg options available) or Govinda's for hearty Indian vegetarian dishes — both deliver good portions and family-friendly prices before heading back for a well-deserved rest.
Start the day with a relaxed family breakfast at Operation Falafel or Circle Cafe on JBR to keep things veg-friendly and budget-conscious, then head to Jumeirah Open Beach for sandcastle-building and a gentle swim while the kids burn off energy. Rent a family paddleboard or a banana boat for a short, supervised ride (operators near the beach offer kid-friendly safety kits) and take plenty of photos of the Burj Al Arab from the shore.
After a light picnic-style lunch (grab wraps and falafel from Eat & Drink or a veggie platter from The Surf Cafe), transfer to La Mer for colorful seaside fun — explore the splash parks, inflatable water obstacle course (Xtreme Wheel or Laguna-themed play zones) and the beachfront skate park that appeals to older kids. Break for ice cream from Bounty Beets or a veg-friendly crepe at The Cheesecake Factory’s La Mer outlet, then browse quirky shops and street art for souvenirs as the family wanders the promenade.
As the sun softens, choose a casual, affordable vegetarian-friendly dinner at The Lime Tree Cafe or Supernova (both at La Mer) for hearty family portions without breaking the budget, or return toward JBR for pizza at 800 Pizza (veg options) if the kids prefer. Finish with a calm sunset stroll along the JBR walk to watch the lights come on, then head back to your Marina/JBR accommodation for an early night — ready for Old Dubai adventures tomorrow.
Begin with a peaceful stroll through the Al Fahidi Historic District (Al Bastakiya), exploring the wind-towered lanes, art galleries and the Coffee Museum — kids will enjoy the narrow alleys and traditional architecture while adults sip mint tea at the Arabian Tea House for a budget-friendly, veg-friendly breakfast. Continue to the nearby Dubai Museum at Al Fahidi Fort for a short, engaging introduction to the city’s history with life-size dioramas that help the whole family picture pre-oil Dubai.
Take a short taxi or walk to Dubai Creek and hop on an abra (traditional wooden ferry) for a 5-10 minute ride across to Deira — the kids will love the breeze and the close-up views of dhows and waterfront life. On the Deira side, wander the Spice Souk and Gold Souk; sample aromas and pick up small souvenirs, then enjoy a flavorful, budget-conscious vegetarian lunch at Ravi Restaurant (Deira branch) or the famous Al Mallah nearby for hearty falafel, hummus and fresh flatbreads.
As evening falls, return by abra to the Al Seef promenade where restored heritage buildings meet modern eateries — let the family browse riverside shops and street performances, then dine affordably at Zaroob or Operation Falafel (both offer generous veg options) while watching the creek lights come alive. Finish the night with a calm riverside walk or a short dhow cruise with tea/soft drinks for a relaxed, scenic end to your Old Dubai day before heading back to Dubai Marina.
Head to Downtown Dubai after breakfast and arrive early at the Dubai Mall to beat the crowds; let the kids marvel at the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo (walk-through tunnel) for an immersive start, then take the short elevator ride up to 'At The Top' Burj Khalifa (book timed tickets in advance) for panoramic morning views that stretch across the city and desert. Pause at the Burj Park lawns for photos and a light, veg-friendly snack from nearby cafes like The Coffee Club or Jones the Grocer’s grab-and-go options.
After descending, spend the afternoon exploring Dubai Mall’s family-friendly attractions — try KidZania for role-play fun or VR Park for older kids, and browse the Dubai Dino and Souk Al Bahar for souvenirs; for lunch, choose the mall food court or head to Operation Falafel (Souk Al Bahar) or Punjab Grill Express for generous, affordable vegetarian plates. If energy allows, stroll the promenade to the Dubai Fountain and learn the show schedule so the family can catch a daytime fountain performance before returning to rest at your hotel.
As dusk falls, return to the Dubai Fountain area and time your visit for an evening fountain show set to music — then enjoy a budget-conscious, veg-friendly dinner with views at eateries along Souk Al Bahar such as Zaroob or Eataly’s lighter options, where kids can find familiar favourites. Finish the night with a relaxed walk across the bridge-lined promenades to take in the illuminated Burj Khalifa and skyline, then head back to Dubai Marina refreshed and ready for tomorrow’s desert adventure.
Start the day with a relaxed hotel breakfast in Dubai Marina or JBR, then meet your pre-booked family-friendly desert operator (look for companies that offer child-safe seats) for pickup around mid-morning; enjoy a scenic drive out through the dunes and a short stop at a lookout for photos of the rolling desert and wildlife. Kids will be excited by a gentle camel encounter and a chance to try sandboarding on smaller dunes under instructor supervision, while adults soak up the wide desert skies and learn a bit about the conservation area from your guide.
After a light picnic-style lunch provided by the tour or a quick stop at a nearby café before entering the reserve, spend a quieter afternoon exploring a traditional Bedouin-style camp where the family can try henna painting, dress up in Arabic scarves for photos, and watch falconry demonstrations that captivate all ages. There’s also time for a short guided nature walk or a buggy ride option for older kids (confirm age/height limits when booking) to add gentle adventure without overdoing the heat or energy levels.
As the sun dips, settle into the camp for the highlight — a family-friendly barbecue dinner with plentiful vegetarian options (grilled vegetables, mezze, salads, and flatbreads are typically available) while enjoying live, cultural entertainment like Tanoura or soft oud music; kids will love the lantern-lit atmosphere and storytelling. Finish the evening with stargazing on the cool desert sands, a relaxed short dune drive back to the city, and a comfortable drop-off to your Dubai Marina/JBR accommodation — tired but happily full of memories for tomorrow’s theme-park fun.
After a hearty hotel breakfast in Dubai Marina or JBR, take the short taxi or booked transfer to Dubai Parks and Resorts and arrive at opening to beat queues; choose Motiongate for movie-themed rides (Smurfs’ Village for the younger kids and the adrenaline-packed Green Hornet stunt coaster for teens) or LEGOLAND Dubai for hands-on build zones and gentle family rides like the Dragon coaster. Pick up a park map, secure lockers, and start with signature attractions so the group enjoys the best rides while energy is high.
Refuel with a budget-friendly, veg-friendly lunch inside the park—try the LEGOLAND Marketplace for veggie burgers and pizza or Motiongate’s Studio Central eateries for falafel wraps and salads—then split activities so older kids can tackle bigger rides (Colossus or Kung Fu Panda zones at Motiongate) while adults and younger kids enjoy interactive shows, 4D experiences, or the LEGO® City driving school. Don’t miss quieter attractions like LEGOLAND’s water play area if warm, and take regular shade and hydration breaks to keep everyone happy through the afternoon.
As the park lights come on, gather the family for a final round of favourite attractions and easy souvenir shopping at the park stores, then exit toward Riverland Dubai for a relaxed, affordable dinner—choose Al Mashowa for simple vegetarian Middle Eastern plates or the casual La Cantina for pizzas and pasta with veg options. Return to your Marina/JBR base with tired but content kids after a day of themed thrills, planning a gentler next day at Atlantis or Global Village depending on everyone’s energy levels.
Kick off the day with breakfast at your Marina/JBR hotel, then head to Atlantis, The Palm early to beat queues and claim a shady spot; start at Aquaventure Waterpark where the kids (10-14) can race down family-friendly slides like Splashers and the lazy river while parents relax or try the more thrilling rides. Be sure to book wristbands and locker access in advance and schedule short rest breaks so everyone stays hydrated between splash sessions.
After a casual, veg-friendly lunch at Wavehouse or Saffron’s casual outlets (both offer good vegetarian plates and kid-friendly portions), explore The Lost Chambers Aquarium for an enchanting walk-through of marine tunnels and interactive touch tanks that fascinate all ages. If energy allows, book a short family-friendly experience such as the Atlantis Ambassador Dolphin Encounter (check age/height rules) or reserve time at the Atlantis kids club for quieter play while adults enjoy a coffee with palm views.
As the sun softens, wander the Atlantis boardwalk and catch the sunset views of the Palm skyline before an affordable, veg-forward dinner at Ronda Locatelli’s lighter menu options or Plaj for casual Mediterranean plates — both are family-friendly and offer children’s portions. Finish with a relaxed stroll along the Palm promenade or a quick photo stop at the iconic Atlantis arch, then return to Dubai Marina/JBR for a restful night after a full day of aquatic fun.
Start the day with a relaxed breakfast at your Marina/JBR hotel, then head to Dubai Miracle Garden in Al Barsha (if open for the season) to wander among colourful floral sculptures and kid-friendly photo spots — the Aviary and floral castles are perfect for family photos and gentle exploration. If the garden is closed, substitute a relaxed morning at City Centre Mirdif’s play areas or the nearby Al Barsha Pond Park for an outdoorsy start that keeps the pace easy after recent busy days.
After a light, veg-friendly lunch at The Farm Dubai (Al Barsha) or the food court at Mall of the Emirates, spend the afternoon preparing for Global Village: pick up essentials, rest at the hotel and transfer in the late afternoon to Global Village’s parking/entry area (seasonal opening times apply). Once inside, explore country pavilions, sample veg-friendly street food like Palestinian musakhan or Indian chaat at the food streets, enjoy cultural shows and kid-focused rides, and browse affordable souvenirs from the Egypt, India and Turkey pavilions — the variety keeps all ages entertained.
As dusk falls, catch one of Global Village’s nightly performances or the family fireworks schedule if available, then settle for a casual, budget-friendly dinner at the pavilion food stalls (try fresh falafel, manakish or veg biryani) while soaking up the lively international atmosphere. After a final walk through the illuminated avenues and perhaps a ride on the funfair carousel for the younger kids, return to Dubai Marina/JBR for a calm night — a comfortable, colorful day that bridges Old Dubai’s heritage and the coming days’ modern attractions.
Start the day at Dubai Mall with an engaging visit to the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo and the nearby KidZania for role-play fun—kids can try mini-jobs while adults relax with coffee at The Coffee Club. After that, cross to The Dubai Mall’s Souk and stop by the Dubai Ice Rink for a reserved mid-morning skate session; rental skates and a short lesson are available for beginners, making it fun and accessible for the whole family.
Transfer to your choice of indoor hubs depending on energy: head to Mall of the Emirates for Ski Dubai’s snow play and a chance to meet penguins (book in advance) or choose City Centre Mirdif for the interactive IMG Adventure Zone and Bounce trampoline park for high-energy fun—both options offer plentiful veg-friendly food courts and cafés for a relaxed lunch. If you prefer a calmer pace, return to Dubai Mall to explore the Dubai Dino and the interactive Children’s City science exhibits, which are educational and ideal for hands-on learning with the 10-14 age range.
As evening falls, regroup at Dubai Mall or your chosen mall for an affordable, veg-friendly dinner—try Operation Falafel (Dubai Mall) or Zaroob (Mall of the Emirates) for family-pleasing plates—and catch a family-friendly movie at the VOX Cinemas or Reel Cinemas to wind down. Finish with a gentle stroll around The Dubai Fountain (if at Dubai Mall) to watch the illuminated water show and reflect on the week’s highlights before returning to Marina/JBR for your penultimate night in the city.
Start the day in Deira with a relaxed stroll through the Textile Souk and Naif market where the kids can haggle for small curios and you can pick up affordable souvenirs and pashminas; stop for a late-morning, veg-friendly snack at Al Ustad Special Kabab (Deira branch) or the lively Al Mallah for falafel, hummus and fresh bread. Afterwards, board a short abra across Dubai Creek to the Al Seef promenade to enjoy the restored heritage streets, small galleries and photo spots that link Old Dubai to the modern skyline.
Head to Creek Park after lunch for a family-friendly afternoon: ride the mini-golf or cable car for panoramic creek-and-city views, let the kids run in the large playgrounds and rent bicycles for a gentle loop along the riverside paths, and visit the Children’s City science center if you want another hands-on stop before the evening. For a casual mid-afternoon refreshment, grab fresh juices and light vegetarian snacks from the park kiosks or nearby cafés on Al Khaleej Road.
As the sun sets, transfer to City Centre (choose Mirdif or Mall of the Emirates depending on your earlier choices) for a relaxed farewell dinner — opt for budget-friendly, veg-focused options like Govinda’s (Mall of the Emirates), Zaroob or Operation Falafel for generous family portions with familiar flavours. Finish the night with a last stroll through the mall promenade or a short visit to the Dubai Fountain (if at Downtown on route) for a final photo beneath the lit skyline before returning to your Marina/JBR base to pack and rest for departure.
| Place / Activity | Cost |
|---|---|
| Dubai Marina / Jumeirah Beach Residence (arrival transfer) | AED 80-150 per taxi one-way; private transfer AED 220-350 |
| The Beach at JBR (walk, breakfast) | Free to access; breakfast AED 25-45 per person |
| Paddle boards / beach rentals (JBR) | AED 60-120 per board / session (per adult); family rental packages from AED 180 |
| Marina promenade stroll / abra-style boat (Marina) | Stroll free; small private abra/cruise AED 80-200 for a short ride (family rate possible) |
| Dhow cruise with dinner (Marina) | AED 95-180 per adult; AED 60-120 per child (family-friendly budget dhow ~AED 700-1,200 total) |
| Operation Falafel / Circle Cafe (JBR) | AED 20-40 per person |
| Jumeirah Open Beach (Burj view, water activities) | Free entry; activities (banana boat, paddleboard) AED 60-200 per ride |
| La Mer (splash parks, obstacle course, skate park) | Public beach access free; inflatable/water park ticket AED 40-120 per child/adult per session |
| La Mer snacks / ice cream | AED 10-30 per person |
| Al Fahidi Historic District (Al Bastakiya) & Arabian Tea House | Free to explore; tea/breakfast AED 25-50 per person |
| Dubai Museum (Al Fahidi Fort) | AED 3 per adult? (Note: Dubai Museum admission historically AED 3-5 for visitors); children free or small fee |
| Abra ride across Dubai Creek | AED 1 per person (water taxi/abra) or AED 2-20 for tourist abra (~family AED 8-20) |
| Spice Souk / Gold Souk (Deira) | Free to browse; purchases vary (souvenirs AED 10-200+) |
| Ravi Restaurant / Al Mallah (Deira) - vegetarian lunch | AED 20-40 per person |
| Al Seef promenade / dhow cruise (evening) | Free to stroll; short dhow cruise AED 50-120 per person |
| Dubai Mall - Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo | AED 120-160 per adult; AED 90-120 per child (family packages often available) |
| Burj Khalifa 'At The Top' (timed tickets) | AED 169-379 per person depending on level and time; expect AED 169-249 evening/standard; family of 4 adults + 3 kids could be AED 1,200-1,800 |
| Burj Park lawns / snack | Free entry; snacks AED 20-40 per person |
| KidZania (Dubai Mall) | AED 100-150 per child; AED 50-100 per adult observer |
| VR Park / Dubai Dino / Fountain show | VR Park AED 60-120 per person per attraction; Fountain show free to watch |
| Desert safari (family-friendly, with BBQ dinner) | AED 180-450 per adult; AED 120-300 per child depending on shared / private, inclusions (family total AED 1,200-2,800) |
| Camel encounter, sandboarding, henna, falconry (included in many safaris) | Usually included; separate experiences AED 40-150 each if booked individually |
| Dubai Parks and Resorts - Motiongate or LEGOLAND | AED 235-295 per adult; AED 200-240 per child (family tickets/packages AED 1,400-2,000) |
| Lunch inside parks (veg options) | AED 30-70 per person |
| Riverland Dubai dinner (casual) | AED 30-80 per person |
| Aquaventure Waterpark (Atlantis) & The Lost Chambers Aquarium | Aquaventure AED 320-350 per adult; AED 260-300 per child (combo/seasonal rates vary). Lost Chambers AED 120-150 per person. Combined family cost AED 2,200-3,000 |
| Lunch at Atlantis outlets (veg-friendly) | AED 40-120 per person |
| Dubai Miracle Garden (seasonal) | AED 60-100 per person (seasonal ticket prices vary) |
| Global Village (seasonal) - entry and food stalls | Entry AED 20-40 per person; rides and food additional AED 20-80 per person; family total AED 300-700 |
| City Centre Mirdif / Mall of the Emirates - Ski Dubai / IMG Worlds / Bounce | Ski Dubai snow park AED 150-250 per person; penguin encounter AED 350+ per person; IMG/Arena/Jump parks AED 70-160 per person |
| Dubai Ice Rink (Dubai Mall) | AED 50-80 per person (including skate rental) |
| Children’s City (Creek Park) | AED 10-25 per child; adults small fee or free |
| Creek Park (playgrounds, cable car, mini-golf, bike rental) | Park entry AED 5-10 per person; cable car AED 35-60; bike rental AED 20-60 per hour; mini-golf AED 30-60 |
| Textile Souk / Naif Market (Deira shopping) | Free to browse; purchases AED 10-200+ |
| Abra across Dubai Creek (Deira/Al Seef) | AED 1-3 per person for public abra |
| Farewell dinner at Govinda’s / Zaroob / Operation Falafel | AED 25-60 per person |
| Taxi/Transfers during trip (in-city) | AED 12-60 per ride depending on distance; budget AED 250-450 total family per week for regular usage |
| Hotel (Dubai Marina / JBR) - 10 nights estimate | Mid-range family rooms or two connecting rooms AED 500-1,100 per night total; 9-10 nights AED 4,500-11,000 (peak season December rates higher) |
| Meals (daily average, veg-friendly on budget) | AED 30-70 per person per meal on average for casual restaurants; family daily AED 360-840; for 10 days AED 3,600-8,400 |
| Estimated Total (per person) | AED 26,000-48,000 (approximate range for 10 days for 4 adults + 3 children aged 10-14). Breakdown notes: Accommodation AED 4,500-11,000; attractions & excursions AED 6,000-12,000; food AED 3,600-8,400; local transport & taxis AED 1,500-3,000; domestic extras, souvenirs & contingencies AED 1,500-3,000; special experiences (desert safari, Aquaventure, Burj Khalifa, parks) AED 8,000-12,000. Prices reflect December 20-30 high season and are estimates — book early for better rates. |