A Week in Dubai: Family-Friendly Itinerary

Friday, November 24: Arrival and Dubai Marina

Start your trip by arriving in Dubai and checking into a hotel near Dubai Marina. In the morning, take a stroll along the Marina Walk, enjoying the stunning views of the yachts and skyscrapers. In the afternoon, visit the Dubai Marina Mall for some shopping and grab lunch at one of the waterfront restaurants. In the evening, take a relaxing boat ride along the marina to see the city skyline illuminated.

• Dubai Marina Walk: Free, 2-3 hours
• Dubai Marina Mall: Cost varies, 2-3 hours
• Dubai Marina Boat Ride: Cost varies, 1-2 hours

Restaurants

• For breakfast, head to Eggspectation located in Dubai Marina Mall. They offer a variety of breakfast dishes such as omelettes, pancakes, and breakfast sandwiches. The average cost for a meal here is about AED 60 per person.
• Grab lunch at The Cheesecake Factory in Dubai Marina Mall, known for its extensive menu and delicious cheesecakes. They offer a range of salads, sandwiches, pastas, and more. The average cost for a meal here is about AED 100 per person.
• For dinner, dine at Pier 7 located in Dubai Marina. This unique dining concept offers seven different restaurants on each floor, with stunning views of the marina. You can choose from various cuisines such as Mediterranean, Asian, and seafood. The average cost for a meal here is about AED 150 per person.

Saturday, November 25: Dubai Parks and Resorts

Embark on a fun-filled day at Dubai Parks and Resorts, a large entertainment complex. Start your morning at Motiongate Dubai, a Hollywood-inspired theme park. Afternoon can be spent at Legoland Dubai, a paradise for LEGO enthusiasts. In the evening, head to Riverland Dubai for dining and live entertainment.

• Motiongate Dubai: AED 245 (approx. $67) per person, 6-8 hours
• Legoland Dubai: AED 245 (approx. $67) per person, 4-6 hours
• Riverland Dubai: Free entry, cost varies for dining and shows, 2-4 hours

Sunday, November 26: Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa

Explore the world's largest mall, Dubai Mall, in the morning. Visit the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, where you can marvel at marine life. Afternoon can be spent ice skating at the Dubai Ice Rink or visiting KidZania, an interactive children's city. In the evening, head to the iconic Burj Khalifa and take in the breathtaking views from the observation deck.

• Dubai Mall: Free entry, cost varies for attractions and shopping, 4-6 hours
• Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo: AED 120 (approx. $33) per person, 2-3 hours
• Dubai Ice Rink: AED 65-85 (approx. $18-23) per person, 2-3 hours
• KidZania: AED 105-185 (approx. $29-51) per child, 3-4 hours
• Burj Khalifa: AED 149-378 (approx. $41-103) per person, 2-3 hours

Monday, November 27: Dubai Miracle Garden and Global Village

Immerse yourself in the vibrant colors of Dubai Miracle Garden in the morning, home to millions of flowers and unique displays. Afternoon can be spent exploring Global Village, a cultural extravaganza with pavilions from different countries offering food, entertainment, and shopping. The evening is perfect for enjoying live performances and thrilling rides at Global Village.

• Dubai Miracle Garden: AED 55 (approx. $15) per person, 2-3 hours
• Global Village: AED 15 (approx. $4) per person, 4-6 hours

Tuesday, November 28: Aquaventure Waterpark and The Lost Chambers Aquarium

Spend the day at Atlantis, The Palm, starting with the thrilling Aquaventure Waterpark in the morning. Enjoy water slides, a lazy river, and a private beach. In the afternoon, visit The Lost Chambers Aquarium to explore marine life. End the day with a delicious dinner at one of the resort's restaurants.

• Aquaventure Waterpark: AED 289-359 (approx. $79-98) per person, 6-8 hours
• The Lost Chambers Aquarium: AED 70 (approx. $19) per person, 2-3 hours

Wednesday, November 29: Dubai Desert Safari

Experience the beauty of the desert with a thrilling desert safari. In the morning, embark on a dune bashing adventure in a 4x4 vehicle. Enjoy camel riding, sandboarding, and a traditional Arabic buffet lunch at a desert camp. End the day with mesmerizing belly dance performances.

• Desert Safari: AED 150-300 (approx. $41-82) per person, 6-8 hours

Thursday, November 30: Dubai Creek and Old Dubai

Dive into the historical side of Dubai by visiting Dubai Creek in the morning. Take an abra (traditional boat) ride to explore the bustling souks (markets) of Deira. Afternoon can be spent at the Dubai Museum, housed in the Al Fahidi Fort. In the evening, enjoy traditional Emirati cuisine at a restaurant overlooking the creek.

• Dubai Creek: Free, 2-3 hours
• Abra Ride: AED 1-2 (approx. $0.30-0.50) per person, 1-2 hours
• Dubai Museum: AED 3 (approx. $0.80) per person, 1-2 hours
• Traditional Emirati Dinner: Cost varies, 2-3 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For a family-friendly outing, head to Dubai Butterfly Garden, a beautiful sanctuary with thousands of butterflies. Another hidden gem is the Dubai Miracle Art Museum, where you can interact with 3D artwork. Locals also love visiting Al Mamzar Beach Park, offering pristine beaches, playgrounds, and picnic areas for a relaxing day out with the family.

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