5-Day Family Friendly Itinerary in Dubai

Day 1: Monday, October 16, 2023 - Exploring the City

In the morning, start your trip by visiting the iconic Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. Take in breathtaking views of Dubai from the observation deck on the 148th floor. Afterward, head to Dubai Mall, adjacent to Burj Khalifa, where you can enjoy shopping, dining, and indoor entertainment. In the afternoon, visit Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, located inside the mall, to admire a diverse range of marine life. Spend your evening at The Dubai Fountain, a captivating water and light show that takes place at the base of Burj Khalifa.

• Burj Khalifa: Estimated cost - AED 149 ($41) per person, Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Dubai Mall: Free admission, Time spent - 2-4 hours
• Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo: Estimated cost - AED 150 ($41) per person, Time spent - 1-2 hours
• The Dubai Fountain: Free admission, Time spent - 30 minutes

Day 2: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 - Desert Safari Adventure

Embark on an exciting desert safari adventure in the morning. Enjoy dune bashing in a 4x4 vehicle, try sandboarding, and camel riding in the vast sand dunes. Immerse yourself in Bedouin culture at a desert camp, where you can experience traditional activities like henna painting, falconry, and belly dancing. Indulge in a delicious barbecue dinner under the starry sky. Finish the day with a mesmerizing sunset over the desert.

• Desert Safari: Estimated cost - AED 200-300 ($55-$82) per person, Time spent - 6-7 hours

Day 3: Wednesday, October 18, 2023 - Family Fun at Atlantis, The Palm

Spend the day at Atlantis, The Palm, a stunning resort located on the Palm Jumeirah. Start your morning by exploring Aquaventure Waterpark, home to thrilling slides, lazy rivers, and a unique underwater aquarium. Afterward, head to The Lost Chambers Aquarium to discover marine life from different parts of the world. Enjoy lunch at one of the resort's many restaurants. In the afternoon, unwind at the beautiful beach or indulge in some shopping at The Avenues within the resort.

• Aquaventure Waterpark: Estimated cost - AED 259 ($71) per adult, AED 225 ($62) per child, Time spent - 4-5 hours
• The Lost Chambers Aquarium: Estimated cost - AED 169 ($46) per adult, AED 129 ($35) per child, Time spent - 1-2 hours

Day 4: Thursday, October 19, 2023 - Cultural Exploration

Start your morning by visiting the Dubai Museum, located in the historical Al Fahidi Fort. Learn about Dubai's rich heritage and explore the exhibits showcasing traditional Emirati life. Afterward, take an abra (traditional boat) ride across Dubai Creek to the bustling neighborhood of Deira. Explore the vibrant souks (markets) like the Gold Souk and Spice Souk, where you can find unique treasures and aromatic spices. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Arabian dinner aboard a dhow cruise, sailing along Dubai Creek.

• Dubai Museum: Estimated cost - AED 3 ($0.82) per person, Time spent - 1-2 hours
• Abra Ride: Estimated cost - AED 1 ($0.27) per person, Time spent - 10-15 minutes
• Deira Souks: Free admission, Time spent - 2-3 hours
• Dhow Cruise: Estimated cost - AED 150-200 ($41-$55) per person, Time spent - 2-3 hours

Day 5: Friday, October 20, 2023 - Relaxation and Entertainment

Spend your last day in Dubai indulging in leisure and entertainment. Start your morning at Jumeirah Beach, where you can relax on the golden sands and take a dip in the turquoise waters of the Arabian Gulf. Afterward, visit The Green Planet, an indoor rainforest located in City Walk, where you can interact with a variety of exotic flora and fauna. In the evening, enjoy a live performance at Dubai Opera, a world-class venue hosting a wide range of shows including musicals, concerts, and ballet.

• Jumeirah Beach: Free admission, Time spent - 2-3 hours
• The Green Planet: Estimated cost - AED 99 ($27) per adult, AED 74 ($20) per child, Time spent - 1-2 hours
• Dubai Opera: Estimated cost - Varies depending on the show, Time spent - 2-3 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For a unique family-friendly experience, consider visiting Dubai Miracle Garden, a vast floral paradise with stunning displays of vibrant flowers in various shapes and sizes. Another hidden gem is the Dubai Butterfly Garden, where you can admire thousands of colorful butterflies in a tropical setting. Families with young children might enjoy a visit to Mattel Play! Town, an indoor theme park featuring popular characters like Barney, Bob the Builder, and Angelina Ballerina.

Check here for the best hotel and flight prices for your Dubai trip.