7-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary in Dubai

Friday, December 1: Exploring Old Dubai

In the morning, visit the Dubai Museum located in Al Fahidi Fort to learn about the city's rich history. Afterward, take an abra (traditional boat) ride across Dubai Creek to the bustling Gold Souk. In the afternoon, visit the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, where you can see a variety of marine creatures. In the evening, head to Dubai Mall and catch the spectacular Dubai Fountain show.

• Dubai Museum: Approximately 10 AED per adult, 2 hours
• Gold Souk: Free to explore, 2 hours
• Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo: Approximately 125 AED per adult, 3 hours
• Dubai Fountain: Free to watch, 1 hour

Saturday, December 2: Adventurous Day in the Desert

Start your day with an exciting dune bashing experience in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. In the afternoon, go camel riding and sandboarding. As the sun sets, enjoy a traditional Bedouin-style dinner and watch a mesmerizing belly dance performance.

• Dune Bashing: Approximately 250 AED per person, 4 hours
• Camel Riding: Approximately 50 AED per person, 2 hours
• Sandboarding: Approximately 100 AED per person, 2 hours
• Desert Dinner and Entertainment: Approximately 250 AED per person, 4 hours

Sunday, December 3: Family Fun at Dubai Parks and Resorts

Spend the whole day at Dubai Parks and Resorts, an entertainment complex featuring theme parks like Bollywood Parks, Motiongate, and Legoland. Enjoy thrilling rides, live shows, and interactive experiences suitable for the whole family.

• Dubai Parks and Resorts: Approximately 295 AED per person, full day

Monday, December 4: Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa

In the morning, explore the Dubai Mall, one of the world's largest shopping malls. Visit KidZania, an interactive children's edutainment center. In the afternoon, ascend the iconic Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, to enjoy breathtaking views of the city. In the evening, visit the Dubai Opera for a family-friendly cultural performance.

• Dubai Mall and KidZania: Free to explore, 2-3 hours
• Burj Khalifa: Approximately 200 AED per adult for At the Top observation deck, 3 hours
• Dubai Opera: Ticket prices vary, 2-3 hours

Tuesday, December 5: Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis, The Palm

Spend the day at Aquaventure Waterpark, located at the iconic Atlantis, The Palm. Enjoy thrilling water slides, lazy rivers, and fun-filled pools. Don't miss swimming with dolphins at Dolphin Bay or exploring the Lost Chambers Aquarium.

• Aquaventure Waterpark: Approximately 335 AED per adult, full day
• Dolphin Bay: Approximately 795 AED per person for swimming program, optional
• Lost Chambers Aquarium: Approximately 149 AED per adult, 2 hours

Wednesday, December 6: Dubai Miracle Garden and Global Village

Start your day by visiting the mesmerizing Dubai Miracle Garden, home to millions of colorful flowers arranged in unique designs. In the afternoon, explore Global Village, a multicultural leisure and shopping destination offering entertainment, live performances, and international cuisine.

• Dubai Miracle Garden: Approximately 55 AED per adult, 2-3 hours
• Global Village: Approximately 15 AED per person admission fee, 4-5 hours

Thursday, December 7: Beach Relaxation and Souk Shopping

Spend your last day in Dubai relaxing at Jumeirah Beach, where you can soak up the sun and enjoy the turquoise waters. In the afternoon, visit Souk Madinat Jumeirah, a traditional Arabian marketplace, for some souvenir shopping and authentic dining experiences.

• Jumeirah Beach: Free to visit, half-day
• Souk Madinat Jumeirah: Free to explore, 2-3 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For a unique off the beaten path experience, consider visiting the Al Qudra Lakes, a series of man-made lakes located in the middle of the desert. It's the perfect spot for a family picnic or to see various bird species. Another local favorite is the Dubai Garden Glow, an enchanting themed park featuring light installations and ice sculptures, perfect for an evening outing with your family.