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A Family-Friendly 6-Day Itinerary in Dubai

Monday, December 18: Exploring the Old Town

Morning: Start your trip by visiting the historic district of Al Fahidi, also known as the Bastakiya Quarter. Explore the narrow lanes lined with traditional wind-tower houses and visit the Dubai Museum to learn about the city's history. Don't miss the chance to take an abra (traditional boat) ride across Dubai Creek.

Afternoon: Head to the nearby Dubai Spice Souk and Gold Souk. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere and browse through the stalls selling spices, perfumes, jewelry, and more. Enjoy a traditional Emirati lunch at a local restaurant.

Evening: End the day with a visit to the Dubai Fountain, located at the base of the Burj Khalifa. Watch the mesmerizing synchronized water, music, and light show, and take a stroll along the Dubai Mall promenade.

  • Al Fahidi (Bastakiya) Quarter: Free, 2-3 hours
  • Dubai Museum: 10 AED ($2.72), 1-2 hours
  • Dubai Spice Souk: Free, 1-2 hours
  • Dubai Gold Souk: Free, 1-2 hours
  • Dubai Fountain: Free, 30 minutes
Tuesday, December 19: Modern Dubai Highlights

Morning: Start your day at the Palm Jumeirah, an iconic man-made island shaped like a palm tree. Visit Atlantis, The Palm and enjoy its impressive aquarium and water park. Spend some time relaxing at the beach or take a Palm Jumeirah Monorail ride for panoramic views.

Afternoon: Head to the Dubai Marina and take a leisurely walk along the waterfront promenade. Enjoy lunch at one of the many restaurants offering a variety of cuisines. Consider taking a boat tour to see the stunning skyline from the water.

Evening: Visit the Mall of the Emirates and experience the Ski Dubai indoor ski slope, perfect for some family fun in the snow. End the evening with a visit to the nearby Madinat Jumeirah, a traditional Arabian-style resort complex with shops, restaurants, and a beautiful waterway.

  • Palm Jumeirah: Free, 3-4 hours
  • Atlantis, The Palm: Starting from 300 AED ($81.66), 2-3 hours
  • Dubai Marina: Free, 2-3 hours
  • Mall of the Emirates: Free, 2-3 hours
  • Madinat Jumeirah: Free, 2-3 hours
Wednesday, December 20: Family Fun and Adventure

Morning: Head to Dubai Parks and Resorts, a large entertainment complex featuring theme parks. Spend the morning exploring Motiongate Dubai, where you can experience various movie-themed rides and attractions.

Afternoon: Enjoy a thrilling afternoon at Legoland Dubai, a theme park dedicated to LEGO. Kids and adults alike can enjoy the rides, shows, and interactive experiences. Grab some lunch at one of the park's dining options.

Evening: Visit the Dubai Miracle Garden, a vibrant floral paradise with millions of flowers and unique displays. Take a stroll through the beautifully landscaped gardens and marvel at the stunning floral sculptures.

  • Dubai Parks and Resorts: Starting from 245 AED ($66.72), 6-7 hours
  • Motiongate Dubai: Starting from 195 AED ($53.10), 3-4 hours
  • Legoland Dubai: Starting from 195 AED ($53.10), 3-4 hours
  • Dubai Miracle Garden: 55 AED ($14.98), 1-2 hours
Thursday, December 21: Water Adventures

Morning: Start the day with a visit to Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis, The Palm. Enjoy thrilling water slides, a lazy river, and a chance to swim with dolphins at Dolphin Bay. Take a break for a delicious lunch at one of the park's restaurants.

Afternoon: Head to Kite Beach, a popular spot for water sports and beach activities. Try your hand at kiteboarding, paddleboarding, or simply relax on the sandy shores. Don't forget to grab some snacks from the food trucks along the beach.

Evening: Visit the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, located in the Dubai Mall. Marvel at the diverse marine life and walk through the underwater tunnel. End the day with a visit to Dubai Opera and enjoy a family-friendly performance or concert.

  • Aquaventure Waterpark: Starting from 209 AED ($56.92), 4-5 hours
  • Kite Beach: Free, 2-3 hours
  • Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo: Starting from 130 AED ($35.41), 1-2 hours
  • Dubai Opera: Varies depending on the performance
Friday, December 22: Cultural Immersion

Morning: Start the day with a visit to the Jumeirah Mosque, one of the few mosques in Dubai open to non-Muslim visitors. Take a guided tour to learn about Islamic culture and the mosque's stunning architecture.

Afternoon: Explore the Dubai Miracle Art Museum, a unique museum showcasing 3D art installations. Get creative with interactive exhibits and take memorable photos with optical illusions.

Evening: Head to the Global Village, a multicultural festival park that offers shopping, dining, and entertainment from around the world. Experience the vibrant atmosphere, live performances, and indulge in diverse cuisines.

  • Jumeirah Mosque: Free guided tours, 1-2 hours
  • Dubai Miracle Art Museum: 65 AED ($17.69), 2-3 hours
  • Global Village: Entrance fee varies, 2-3 hours
Saturday, December 23: Desert Adventure

Morning: Embark on a desert safari adventure. Enjoy dune bashing in a 4x4 vehicle, ride a camel, and experience sandboarding. Visit a traditional Bedouin camp and enjoy activities like henna painting, falconry, and belly dancing. Feast on a delicious barbecue dinner under the stars.

Afternoon: Continue to explore the desert with optional activities like quad biking or a hot air balloon ride for a bird's-eye view of the landscape.

Evening: Return to the city and relax at your hotel. Consider visiting a rooftop bar to enjoy panoramic views of Dubai's skyline as you bid farewell to this vibrant city.

  • Desert Safari: Starting from 200 AED ($54.45), 6-7 hours
  • Optional activities: Prices vary

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For a unique family-friendly experience, consider visiting the Dubai Miracle Garden. This enchanting attraction features stunning floral displays including life-sized structures and themed gardens. Kids will love exploring the different areas and discovering the intricate flower arrangements.

Another local favorite is the Dubai Butterfly Garden, a peaceful oasis where you can admire various species of butterflies in a serene environment. Take a leisurely walk through the garden and learn about the different stages of a butterfly's life cycle.

Additionally, families can enjoy a day at Dubai Creek Park, a spacious green area with playgrounds, barbecue spots, and picnic areas. Take a family bike ride along the creek or rent a pedal boat to explore the waterways.

Experience the local culture by visiting the Alserkal Avenue, an arts and culture district with galleries, theaters, and creative spaces. Enjoy art exhibitions, workshops, and live performances suitable for all ages.

These hidden gems offer a refreshing break from the bustling city and provide an opportunity to connect with nature and art while creating cherished family memories.

Before planning your trip, make sure to check hotel and flight prices at Kayak.

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