7-Day Family Friendly Dubai Itinerary

Tuesday, September 12: Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa

Start your trip by visiting the Dubai Mall, one of the world's largest shopping malls. In the morning, explore the vast array of shops and enjoy a delicious breakfast at one of the many restaurants. In the afternoon, head to the iconic Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. Take an elevator ride to the observation deck for breathtaking views of the city. In the evening, watch the mesmerizing Dubai Fountain show right outside the mall.

• Dubai Mall: Entrance is free, costs vary for shopping and dining. Estimated time spent: 3-4 hours.
• Burj Khalifa: Tickets start at AED 149 ($40) for non-peak hours. Estimated time spent: 2-3 hours.
• Dubai Fountain: Free to watch. Shows start every 30 minutes from 6 pm onwards.

Wednesday, September 13: Dubai Miracle Garden and Global Village

Start your day by visiting the Dubai Miracle Garden, a stunning floral paradise featuring over 50 million flowers. Marvel at the impressive flower displays and take memorable photos. In the afternoon, head to Global Village, a multicultural festival park offering shopping, dining, and entertainment from around the world. Enjoy cultural performances and indulge in delicious international cuisines. In the evening, catch the fireworks show at Global Village for a dazzling experience.

• Dubai Miracle Garden: Tickets cost AED 55 ($15). Estimated time spent: 2-3 hours.
• Global Village: Entrance is free, costs vary for activities and dining. Estimated time spent: 4-5 hours.
• Fireworks Show: Free to watch. Starts at 9 pm on Wednesdays.

Thursday, September 14: Dubai Parks and Resorts

Spend the day at Dubai Parks and Resorts, a sprawling entertainment complex featuring several theme parks. Start with Motiongate Dubai, where you can experience immersive rides and attractions based on popular movies. In the afternoon, head to Legoland Dubai and Legoland Water Park for family-friendly adventures and water fun. Enjoy thrilling rides, interactive experiences, and splash zones. End the day with a visit to Bollywood Parks Dubai, where you can explore the vibrant world of Bollywood through live shows and attractions.

• Dubai Parks and Resorts: Tickets start at AED 245 ($67) for a one-day pass to all parks. Estimated time spent: Full day.

Restaurants

• For a delicious breakfast, head to Eggspectation located near Dubai Parks and Resorts. They offer a wide range of breakfast options including eggs Benedict and fluffy pancakes. Average cost for a meal is about AED 50 per person.
• When it's time for lunch, visit Al Dawaar Revolving Restaurant located at Hyatt Regency Dubai. Enjoy panoramic views of the city while feasting on a buffet of international cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about AED 150 per person.
• End the day with a delightful dinner at The Meat Co. Dubai, located near Dubai Parks and Resorts. This steakhouse offers a variety of premium cuts of meat and a cozy ambiance. Average cost for a meal is about AED 250 per person.

Friday, September 15: Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo

Start your day by exploring the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo located within the Dubai Mall. Immerse yourself in the mesmerizing underwater world as you walk through the tunnel surrounded by marine life. Admire a wide variety of aquatic species and learn about their habitats. In the afternoon, take a relaxing dhow cruise along Dubai Creek and enjoy a traditional Arabian buffet dinner while taking in the scenic views of the city skyline. End the evening with a visit to the Dubai Garden Glow, a unique glow-in-the-dark theme park.

• Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo: Tickets start at AED 120 ($33). Estimated time spent: 2-3 hours.
• Dhow Cruise: Prices vary depending on the package. Estimated time spent: 2-3 hours.
• Dubai Garden Glow: Tickets start at AED 65 ($18). Estimated time spent: 2-3 hours.

Restaurants

• For breakfast, head over to Jones the Grocer located in the Dubai Mall. This gourmet café offers a variety of delicious breakfast options such as avocado toast and eggs benedict. The average cost for a meal is about AED 70 per person.
• For lunch, try out Al Hallab Restaurant in the Dubai Mall. This Lebanese restaurant serves authentic Middle Eastern cuisine, including delicious kebabs and freshly baked bread. The average cost for a meal is about AED 100 per person.
• For dinner, dine at The Meat Co. located in Souk Al Bahar. This upscale steakhouse offers a wide selection of premium cuts of meat grilled to perfection. Enjoy a luxurious dining experience with stunning views of the Burj Khalifa. The average cost for a meal is about AED 350 per person.

Saturday, September 16: Dubai Desert Safari

Embark on an exciting desert safari adventure in the morning. Experience dune bashing in a 4x4 vehicle, try sandboarding, and ride a camel through the desert. Enjoy cultural activities such as henna painting, falconry, and traditional dance performances. Indulge in a delicious barbecue dinner under the starry desert sky. In the evening, relax at your hotel or explore the vibrant nightlife of Dubai.

• Desert Safari: Prices start at AED 200 ($55) per person. Estimated time spent: Half day.

Sunday, September 17: Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Beach

Start your day by visiting Dubai Marina, a bustling waterfront area lined with luxury yachts, restaurants, and shops. Take a walk along the marina promenade and enjoy breathtaking views of the skyscrapers. In the afternoon, head to Jumeirah Beach and relax on the pristine sandy shores. Take a dip in the turquoise waters or indulge in water sports activities such as jet skiing or parasailing. In the evening, explore the vibrant Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) Walk, known for its lively atmosphere and diverse dining options.

• Dubai Marina: Free to visit, costs vary for dining and activities. Estimated time spent: 2-3 hours.
• Jumeirah Beach: Free to visit, costs vary for water sports activities. Estimated time spent: 3-4 hours.
• JBR Walk: Free to visit, costs vary for shopping and dining. Estimated time spent: 2-3 hours.

Monday, September 18: Dubai Museum and Old Dubai

Discover the historical side of Dubai by visiting the Dubai Museum in Al Fahidi Fort. Learn about the city's rich heritage and cultural significance through exhibits that showcase traditional artifacts and historical documents. Take a stroll through the charming streets of Old Dubai, specifically the Al Bastakiya neighborhood, known for its traditional architecture and art galleries. Explore the bustling souks (markets) of Deira, such as the Gold Souk and Spice Souk, where you can shop for unique souvenirs. End the day with a relaxing abra (traditional boat) ride across Dubai Creek.

• Dubai Museum: Tickets cost AED 3 ($0.80). Estimated time spent: 1-2 hours.
• Al Bastakiya: Free to visit, costs vary for art galleries. Estimated time spent: 1-2 hours.
• Deira Souks: Free to visit, costs vary for shopping. Estimated time spent: 2-3 hours.
• Abra Ride: AED 1 ($0.30) per person. Estimated time spent: 20-30 minutes.

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For a unique family-friendly experience, consider visiting the Dubai Butterfly Garden, a tropical paradise filled with colorful butterflies and stunning floral displays. Another hidden gem is the Dubai Miracle Art Museum, where you can interact with optical illusions and 3D artwork. Locals also love spending time at Kite Beach, a popular spot for kiteboarding and beach activities. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the Dubai Dolphinarium, where you can watch dolphin and seal shows that are sure to entertain both kids and adults.

For more information on hotel and flight prices, check out Kayak.com.