Family-Friendly 7-Day Itinerary in Dubai

Saturday, December 16: Exploring Dubai Marina

Start your trip by visiting Dubai Marina, a vibrant waterfront district. In the morning, take a leisurely walk along the marina promenade, admiring the luxurious yachts and stunning skyscrapers. In the afternoon, head to The Walk at Jumeirah Beach Residence, a bustling boulevard filled with shops and restaurants. In the evening, enjoy a relaxing dinner cruise to experience the marina's beauty under the nighttime skyline.

• Dubai Marina Walk: Free, 2-3 hours
• The Walk at Jumeirah Beach Residence: Varies, 2-3 hours
• Dinner Cruise: AED 200-400 per person, 2-3 hours

Restaurants

• For breakfast, head to Eggspectation, a popular cafe known for its extensive breakfast menu. Average cost for a meal is about AED 70 per person.
• For lunch, try The Cheesecake Factory located at The Walk. This restaurant offers a diverse menu including salads, pastas, and of course, delicious cheesecakes. Average cost for a meal is about AED 100 per person.
• For dinner, dine at Pierchic, a stunning restaurant located at the end of a pier in Dubai Marina. Known for its seafood dishes and romantic atmosphere, this restaurant is a perfect choice for a special dinner. Average cost for a meal is about AED 500 per person.

Sunday, December 17: Aquaventure Waterpark and Lost Chambers Aquarium

Spend the day at Atlantis, The Palm, starting with the Aquaventure Waterpark. Enjoy thrilling water slides, relax on the lazy river, and explore the aquariums. After a fun-filled morning, visit the Lost Chambers Aquarium to get up close with marine life. In the evening, unwind at the beach or indulge in a delicious dinner at one of the resort's many restaurants.

• Aquaventure Waterpark: AED 250-350 per person, 4-6 hours
• Lost Chambers Aquarium: AED 125-175 per person, 2-3 hours

Restaurants

• Start your morning with a delicious breakfast buffet at Saffron, located within Atlantis, The Palm. Indulge in a variety of international dishes and enjoy panoramic views of the resort. The average cost for a meal is about $30 per person.
• For lunch, head to Shawafel, a casual restaurant that offers a mix of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine. Enjoy flavorful Shawarma wraps, falafel, and fresh salads. The average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
• For a memorable dinner experience, visit Nobu Dubai, an upscale Japanese restaurant known for its fusion cuisine and elegant ambiance. Try their signature dishes like Black Cod Miso and enjoy views of the Arabian Gulf. The average cost for a meal is about $100 per person.

Monday, December 18: Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa

Start your day at Dubai Mall, one of the world's largest shopping malls. Explore its vast array of shops, including the famous Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo. Afternoon time can be spent at KidZania, an interactive edutainment center for kids. In the evening, head to the iconic Burj Khalifa to marvel at the panoramic city views from the observation deck.

• Dubai Mall: Free entry, duration varies
• Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo: AED 100-150 per person, 2-3 hours
• KidZania: AED 150-200 per child, 2-4 hours
• Burj Khalifa: AED 150-350 per person, 1-2 hours

Tuesday, December 19: Dubai Miracle Garden and Global Village

Start your day by exploring the Dubai Miracle Garden, a stunning flower park with enchanting displays. Spend the afternoon at Global Village, a cultural extravaganza with pavilions representing various countries. Enjoy live performances, shopping for unique souvenirs, and tasting delicious international cuisine. In the evening, catch one of the entertaining shows or fireworks.

• Dubai Miracle Garden: AED 50-100 per person, 2-3 hours
• Global Village: AED 15-25 per person, 3-5 hours

Wednesday, December 20: Dubai Parks and Resorts

Embark on an adventure-filled day at Dubai Parks and Resorts. Start at Motiongate Dubai, a Hollywood-inspired theme park, and enjoy thrilling rides and attractions. Afterward, explore Bollywood Parks Dubai, a celebration of Indian cinema with live shows and interactive experiences. In the evening, head to Riverland Dubai for dining and entertainment options.

• Motiongate Dubai: AED 250-350 per person, 6-8 hours
• Bollywood Parks Dubai: AED 150-250 per person, 4-6 hours
• Riverland Dubai: Free entry, duration varies

Thursday, December 21: Dubai Desert Safari

Experience the thrill of a desert safari adventure. Start with dune bashing in a 4x4 vehicle, followed by camel riding and sandboarding. As the sun sets, enjoy a traditional Arabian dinner with cultural performances under the starlit sky. For a memorable evening, get a henna tattoo and try shisha smoking. Return to the city after an exhilarating day in the desert.

• Desert Safari: AED 200-300 per person, 6-8 hours

Friday, December 22: Dubai Creek and Old Dubai

Explore the historic side of Dubai by visiting Dubai Creek and Old Dubai. Take an abra (traditional boat) ride across the creek and explore the bustling souks, such as the Gold Souk and Spice Souk. Visit the Dubai Museum to learn about the city's heritage. In the evening, dine at a traditional Arabic restaurant and enjoy the captivating ambiance.

• Dubai Creek Abra Ride: AED 1 per person, 1-2 hours
• Dubai Museum: AED 3-5 per person, 1-2 hours
• Exploring Souks: Varies, 2-3 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For a unique family experience, visit the Dubai Miracle Garden, home to the world's largest floral installation. Another hidden gem is the Dubai Butterfly Garden, where you can walk among thousands of butterflies in a beautiful indoor sanctuary. Families will also enjoy the Green Planet, a tropical rainforest bio-dome with a wide variety of plants and animals to discover.

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