3-Day Family Friendly Itinerary in Dubai (July 2023)

1. Day 1: Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa
   20 minutes (10.6 miles) from Dubai International Airport

   Start your first day in Dubai by visiting the world-famous Dubai Mall, one of the largest malls in the world. Enjoy a morning of shopping and exploring the mall's vast array of stores, including high-end fashion brands and unique local boutiques. In the afternoon, make your way to the iconic Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. Take an elevator ride to the observation deck on the 148th floor for breathtaking panoramic views of Dubai's skyline. In the evening, consider watching the mesmerizing Dubai Fountain show, a synchronized water and light performance.

   • Dubai Mall: Free admission, 3-4 hours
   • Burj Khalifa: AED 149 (adult), AED 114 (child), 2-3 hours
   • Dubai Fountain: Free admission, 15 minutes
2. Day 2: Aquaventure Waterpark and Dubai Miracle Garden
   25 minutes (14 miles) from Dubai Mall

   For a fun-filled family day, head to the Aquaventure Waterpark located on the Palm Jumeirah. Dive into thrilling water slides, take a lazy river ride, and relax on the pristine private beach. In the afternoon, visit the Dubai Miracle Garden, a botanical wonderland with over 50 million flowers and stunning displays. Marvel at the incredible floral sculptures and themed gardens, perfect for capturing memorable family photos. End your day with a delicious dinner at one of the on-site restaurants.

   • Aquaventure Waterpark: AED 310 (adult), AED 260 (child), 6-8 hours
   • Dubai Miracle Garden: AED 55 (adult), AED 40 (child), 2-3 hours
   • Dinner at on-site restaurant: AED 150-200 per person, 1 hour
3. Day 3: Dubai Marina and Desert Safari
   25 minutes (12.4 miles) from Dubai Miracle Garden

   In the morning, explore the vibrant Dubai Marina, a bustling waterfront area filled with luxurious yachts, trendy cafes, and stylish boutiques. Take a relaxing stroll along the marina promenade and enjoy the stunning views. Afterward, embark on an unforgettable desert safari adventure. Experience thrilling dune bashing, ride a camel, try sandboarding, and witness a captivating desert sunset. Enjoy a traditional Arabian barbecue dinner with live entertainment under the starry desert sky.

   • Dubai Marina: Free admission, 2-3 hours
   • Desert Safari: AED 290-350 (adult), AED 240-290 (child), 6-8 hours
   • Arabian barbecue dinner: Included in the desert safari cost, 1-2 hours

Recommendations

If you have extra time in Dubai, consider visiting the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo located within the Dubai Mall. Another great option is exploring the historical neighborhood of Al Fahidi, also known as Bastakiya, to experience Dubai's rich heritage and architecture.

For day trips, you can venture out to Abu Dhabi and visit the magnificent Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque or explore the cultural sites on Saadiyat Island, including the Louvre Abu Dhabi and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi (opening in 2023).

To make the most of your money and have a lot of fun, consider purchasing a Dubai City Pass, which grants you access to multiple attractions at discounted rates. Additionally, booking activities and attractions in advance can help you secure better deals and skip the queues.

For hotel and flight bookings, you can check the prices here.