Dubai Family Friendly 7-Day Itinerary

Monday, October 2: Arrival and Explore Bur Dubai

In the morning, start your Dubai adventure by exploring the historic district of Bur Dubai. Visit the Dubai Museum, housed in the Al Fahidi Fort, to learn about the city's rich heritage. Enjoy a traditional Emirati lunch at the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding. In the afternoon, take a stroll along the Dubai Creek and explore the vibrant souks. In the evening, catch a traditional Dhow cruise and enjoy dinner onboard while admiring the city's skyline.

• Dubai Museum: AED 3 ($0.82), 2 hours
• Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding: AED 80 ($22), 1.5 hours
• Dhow Cruise: AED 150 ($41), 2 hours

Restaurants

• For breakfast, head to Arabian Tea House in Bur Dubai, a charming cafe known for its traditional Emirati breakfast dishes such as balaleet and chebab. Average cost for a meal is about AED 50 per person.
• For lunch, try Local Bites Cafe in Bur Dubai, a popular spot for Emirati cuisine with delicious options like machbous and harees. Average cost for a meal is about AED 70 per person.
• For dinner, dine at Arabian Courtyard Hotel & Spa's Bastakiya Nights restaurant, located in the heart of Bur Dubai. Enjoy a buffet of Arabian delicacies including kebabs and mezze. Average cost for a meal is about AED 150 per person.

Tuesday, October 3: Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain

Start your day by visiting the iconic Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. Take the elevator to the observation deck on the 148th floor for breathtaking views of Dubai. Have lunch at one of the restaurants in the Dubai Mall. In the afternoon, enjoy the mesmerizing Dubai Fountain show, located outside the mall. In the evening, explore the vibrant Downtown Dubai area and indulge in some shopping.

• Burj Khalifa: AED 185 ($50), 2-3 hours
• Dubai Mall: Free entry, time spent as per preference
• Dubai Fountain: Free entry, 30-minute shows every evening

Wednesday, October 4: Palm Jumeirah and Aquaventure Waterpark

Spend the morning exploring the man-made Palm Jumeirah island. Visit the Palm Jumeirah Boardwalk for stunning views of the Dubai skyline. Enjoy a family-friendly lunch at one of the restaurants on the island. In the afternoon, head to the Aquaventure Waterpark, located at Atlantis, The Palm. Experience thrilling water slides and relax on the lazy river. End the day with dinner at one of the restaurants in the Atlantis complex.

• Palm Jumeirah Boardwalk: Free entry, time spent as per preference
• Aquaventure Waterpark: AED 320 ($87), 4-6 hours
• Dinner at Atlantis: Cost varies, time spent as per preference

Thursday, October 5: Dubai Marina and JBR Walk

Start your day by exploring the picturesque Dubai Marina. Take a relaxing walk along the Marina Promenade and enjoy breakfast at one of the waterfront cafes. In the afternoon, visit the Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) Walk, a bustling pedestrian area with shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. Spend the evening at the beach, enjoying the warm waters of the Arabian Gulf and watching the sunset.

• Dubai Marina: Free entry, time spent as per preference
• JBR Walk: Free entry, time spent as per preference
• Beach visit: Free entry, time spent as per preference

Friday, October 6: Desert Safari and BBQ Dinner

Embark on an exhilarating desert safari adventure in the morning. Enjoy dune bashing, camel riding, sandboarding, and traditional activities such as henna painting and falconry. Witness a stunning desert sunset before heading to a Bedouin-style camp for a traditional BBQ dinner and live entertainment. Marvel at belly dancing performances and indulge in Arabic coffee and dates.

• Desert Safari: AED 200-300 ($55-$82), 6 hours
• BBQ Dinner: Included in the safari package, 2-3 hours

Saturday, October 7: Dubai Parks and Resorts

Spend the day at Dubai Parks and Resorts, a massive entertainment complex. Start with a visit to Motiongate Dubai, where you can experience themed attractions based on popular movies. After lunch, head to Legoland Dubai and Legoland Water Park, perfect for family fun and adventure. Enjoy thrilling rides and water slides suitable for all ages. End the day with dinner at one of the park's restaurants.

• Motiongate Dubai: AED 275 ($75), 4-6 hours
• Legoland Dubai: AED 245 ($67), 4-6 hours
• Legoland Water Park: AED 245 ($67), 3-5 hours
• Dinner at the park: Cost varies, time spent as per preference

Sunday, October 8: Dubai Mall and Souk Al Bahar

On your last day, explore the Dubai Mall further. Visit the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo to witness a fascinating array of marine life. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the mall's many restaurants. In the afternoon, stroll over to Souk Al Bahar, a traditional Arabian marketplace, for some unique shopping experiences. End your trip with dinner at a restaurant overlooking the Dubai Fountain.

• Dubai Aquarium: AED 150 ($41), 2-3 hours
• Lunch at Dubai Mall: Cost varies, time spent as per preference
• Souk Al Bahar: Free entry, time spent as per preference
• Dinner with Dubai Fountain view: Cost varies, time spent as per preference

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For a family-friendly off the beaten path experience, consider visiting the Dubai Miracle Garden. This enchanting floral paradise showcases over 50 million blooming flowers in various creative arrangements. Another local favorite is the Dubai Butterfly Garden, where you can admire colorful butterflies in a tropical rainforest setting. These attractions offer a unique and memorable experience for the whole family.

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