Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version
Viewed by 69 travelers

7-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary in Dubai

Thursday, September 21: Arrival in Dubai

Welcome to Dubai! Start your family-friendly adventure by checking into your hotel and settling in. Spend the morning exploring the Mall of the Emirates, a massive shopping center that also houses Ski Dubai, an indoor ski resort. In the afternoon, head to Dubai Miracle Garden, a stunning floral paradise with various themed gardens. In the evening, visit the Dubai Fountain, the world's largest choreographed fountain system, for a mesmerizing water and light show.

  • Mall of the Emirates: Admission is free, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
  • Dubai Miracle Garden: Admission fee is approximately $11 per person, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
  • Dubai Fountain: Free to watch, estimated time spent: 30 minutes
Restaurants
  • For breakfast, try Shakespeare and Co. located in the Mall of the Emirates. This charming cafe offers a variety of options including freshly baked pastries, omelettes, and pancakes. Average cost for a meal is about 60 AED per person.
  • For lunch, head to Switch by Tim Hortons in Dubai Miracle Garden. This casual restaurant offers a diverse menu featuring sandwiches, wraps, and salads. Average cost for a meal is about 40 AED per person.
  • For dinner, indulge in a fine dining experience at Atmosphere in the Burj Khalifa. Located on the 122nd floor, this restaurant offers breathtaking views of Dubai while serving up a range of international cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about 500 AED per person.
Friday, September 22: Exploring Old Dubai

Immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of Dubai. Start your day with a visit to the historic neighborhood of Al Fahidi, also known as Bastakiya. Explore the narrow alleyways, traditional wind-tower houses, and art galleries. In the afternoon, take an abra (traditional boat) ride across Dubai Creek to the bustling Spice and Gold Souks. Wrap up the evening with a delicious meal at Arabian Tea House, a charming restaurant serving authentic Emirati cuisine.

  • Al Fahidi (Bastakiya): Free to explore, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
  • Abra ride: Approximately $1 per person, estimated time spent: 30 minutes
  • Spice and Gold Souks: Free to explore, estimated time spent: 1-2 hours
  • Arabian Tea House: Meal prices vary, estimated time spent: 1-2 hours
Saturday, September 23: Family Fun at Dubai Parks and Resorts

Spend the day at Dubai Parks and Resorts, a large entertainment complex. Start with a visit to Motiongate Dubai, a Hollywood-inspired theme park featuring rides and attractions based on popular movies. Enjoy lunch at Riverland Dubai, a picturesque dining and retail destination within the complex. In the afternoon, head to Bollywood Parks Dubai, where you can experience the vibrant world of Indian cinema. Wrap up the day with a visit to LEGOLAND Dubai, filled with interactive rides and building experiences.

  • Motiongate Dubai: Admission ticket starts at $60 per person, estimated time spent: full day
  • Riverland Dubai: Free to enter, meal prices vary, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
  • Bollywood Parks Dubai: Admission ticket starts at $35 per person, estimated time spent: half day
  • LEGOLAND Dubai: Admission ticket starts at $50 per person, estimated time spent: half day
Sunday, September 24: Thrills and Adventure at Aquaventure Waterpark

Get ready for a day of water-filled fun at Aquaventure Waterpark, located on Palm Jumeirah. Enjoy a variety of thrilling water slides, lazy rivers, and a private beach. Have lunch at one of the park's many dining options. In the afternoon, visit The Lost Chambers Aquarium, where you can marvel at marine life in stunning underwater tunnels. End the day by relaxing on the beach or enjoying water activities like paddleboarding or kayaking.

  • Aquaventure Waterpark: Admission ticket starts at $70 per person, estimated time spent: full day
  • The Lost Chambers Aquarium: Admission ticket starts at $30 per person, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
Monday, September 25: Dubai Marina and Sky-High Views

Start your day at Dubai Marina, a vibrant waterfront district. Take a relaxing stroll along the marina promenade and enjoy breakfast at one of the many waterfront cafes. In the afternoon, head to Skydive Dubai, where you can experience indoor skydiving in a safe and controlled environment. Enjoy panoramic views of Dubai from the observation deck of the iconic Burj Khalifa in the evening. End the day with a delicious dinner at one of the many restaurants in Dubai Marina.

  • Dubai Marina: Free to explore, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
  • Skydive Dubai: Indoor skydiving experience starts at $60 per person, estimated time spent: 1-2 hours
  • Burj Khalifa: Observation deck ticket starts at $40 per person, estimated time spent: 1-2 hours
Tuesday, September 26: Desert Safari Adventure

Embark on a thrilling desert safari adventure. Start the morning with a visit to Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, where you can learn about the desert's unique ecosystem and enjoy activities like camel riding. In the afternoon, experience an adrenaline-pumping dune bashing session, followed by sandboarding and quad biking. Enjoy a traditional Arabian dinner with live entertainment at a desert camp, complete with belly dancing and a falconry show.

  • Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve: Guided tour prices vary, estimated time spent: half day
  • Desert Safari: Prices start at $50 per person, estimated time spent: evening
Wednesday, September 27: Dubai Mall and Underwater Adventures

Explore the world's largest shopping mall, Dubai Mall, in the morning. Discover over 1,300 stores, including the famous Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, where you can walk through a mesmerizing tunnel surrounded by marine life. In the afternoon, visit KidZania Dubai, an interactive edutainment center where kids can role-play various professions. End your Dubai adventure with a delightful dinner at one of the mall's many restaurants.

  • Dubai Mall: Free to explore, estimated time spent: half day
  • Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo: Admission ticket starts at $35 per person, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
  • KidZania Dubai: Admission ticket starts at $40 per child, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

While exploring Dubai, make sure to visit the Dubai Miracle Garden, a hidden gem filled with awe-inspiring floral displays. Another local favorite is the Dubai Garden Glow, an illuminated theme park featuring sparkling installations and unique exhibits. These attractions are perfect for families and offer a magical experience away from the typical tourist spots.

For a taste of authentic Emirati cuisine, head to Local Bites Café, a cozy restaurant serving traditional dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Don't miss the opportunity to try camel milk ice cream, a unique treat loved by locals and visitors alike.

If you're looking for outdoor adventures, consider visiting Hatta Dam, located just outside of Dubai. Enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding, or simply relax amidst the picturesque surroundings. It's a great way to escape the city and connect with nature.

Plan your trip and find the best hotel and flight prices in Dubai on Kayak.com.

0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version