A Family-Friendly 7-Day Itinerary in Dubai

Friday, December 8: Arrival in Dubai

Welcome to Dubai! After checking in at your hotel, spend the morning exploring the Dubai Mall. With over 1,200 stores, it's a shopper's paradise. In the afternoon, visit the Dubai Aquarium to see a variety of marine life up close. In the evening, head to the Dubai Fountain to witness a mesmerizing water and light show.

• Dubai Mall: Prices vary based on shopping preferences, Time spent: 3-4 hours
• Dubai Aquarium: Adult ticket price: AED 160 ($44), Child ticket price: AED 130 ($35), Time spent: 2-3 hours
• Dubai Fountain: Free admission, shows every 30 minutes from 6 pm to 11 pm, Time spent: 30 minutes

Saturday, December 9: Explore Old Dubai

Start your day in the historic district of Al Fahidi. Visit the Dubai Museum to learn about the city's rich heritage. In the afternoon, take an abra (traditional boat) across Dubai Creek to explore the bustling souks of Deira. End the day with a visit to the Dubai Frame, an iconic architectural landmark offering panoramic views of the city.

• Dubai Museum: Adult ticket price: AED 3 ($0.82), Child ticket price: AED 1 ($0.27), Time spent: 1-2 hours
• Deira Souks: Prices vary based on shopping preferences, Time spent: 2-3 hours
• Dubai Frame: Adult ticket price: AED 50 ($14), Child ticket price: AED 20 ($5.45), Time spent: 1-2 hours

Sunday, December 10: Family Fun at Dubai Parks and Resorts

Spend the day at Dubai Parks and Resorts, an entertainment complex featuring four theme parks. Start with Motiongate Dubai, where you can experience movie-themed rides and attractions. In the afternoon, head to Bollywood Parks Dubai for a cultural extravaganza. End the day with some adrenaline-pumping rides at Legoland Dubai.

• Motiongate Dubai: One-day ticket price: AED 245 ($67), Time spent: Full day
• Bollywood Parks Dubai: One-day ticket price: AED 175 ($48), Time spent: Full day
• Legoland Dubai: One-day ticket price: AED 245 ($67), Time spent: Full day

Monday, December 11: Desert Safari Adventure

Embark on an exhilarating desert safari adventure. Start with dune bashing in an off-road vehicle, followed by a camel ride and sandboarding. Enjoy a traditional Arabian BBQ dinner while being entertained by belly dancers and fire performers.

• Desert Safari: Prices vary depending on the package chosen, Time spent: 6-7 hours (usually starts in the afternoon and ends in the evening)

Tuesday, December 12: Aquaventure Waterpark and Atlantis The Palm

Indulge in a day of water-filled excitement at Aquaventure Waterpark. Enjoy thrilling water slides, lazy rivers, and a private beach. Afterward, visit the iconic Atlantis The Palm hotel and explore its impressive aquarium, The Lost Chambers.

• Aquaventure Waterpark: Adult ticket price: AED 320 ($87), Child ticket price: AED 260 ($71), Time spent: Full day
• The Lost Chambers: Adult ticket price: AED 100 ($27), Child ticket price: AED 70 ($19), Time spent: 2-3 hours

Wednesday, December 13: City Tour and Dubai Miracle Garden

Take a city tour to discover Dubai's architectural marvels, including the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building. Explore the Dubai Marina and enjoy a leisurely walk along its promenade. In the afternoon, visit the Dubai Miracle Garden, a vast floral paradise featuring stunning flower displays.

• Burj Khalifa: Observation deck ticket price starts from AED 169 ($46), Time spent: 1-2 hours
• Dubai Marina: Free to explore, Time spent: 1-2 hours
• Dubai Miracle Garden: Adult ticket price: AED 55 ($15), Child ticket price: AED 40 ($11), Time spent: 2-3 hours

Thursday, December 14: Dubai Marina Cruise and Souk Madinat Jumeirah

Experience a dinner cruise along the Dubai Marina, enjoying breathtaking views of the city's skyline. Afterward, head to Souk Madinat Jumeirah, a traditional Arabian market, for some shopping and dining.

• Dubai Marina Cruise: Prices vary depending on the cruise package chosen, Time spent: 2-3 hours
• Souk Madinat Jumeirah: Prices vary based on shopping and dining preferences, Time spent: 2-3 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For a unique family-friendly experience, consider visiting Dubai Butterfly Garden, where you can wander through a tropical rainforest filled with beautiful butterflies. Another hidden gem is Dubai's Green Planet, an indoor tropical forest where you can encounter various species of animals and plants.

For the adventurous, a visit to Aventura Parks is highly recommended. This outdoor adventure park offers thrilling zip lines, tree climbing, and obstacle courses suitable for all ages.

For hotel and flight prices, you can check here.