A 5-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary in Dubai

Friday January 5: Exploring Dubai's Iconic Landmarks

Start your trip with a visit to the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. In the morning, take a trip to the observation deck on the 124th floor to enjoy panoramic views of Dubai. Afterward, head to Dubai Mall for a variety of activities such as shopping, ice skating, and visiting the Dubai Aquarium. In the afternoon, take a stroll along Jumeirah Beach and enjoy the warm Gulf waters. In the evening, experience the vibrant atmosphere of the Souk Al Bahar, a traditional Arabian market adjacent to the Dubai Fountain.

• Burj Khalifa Observation Deck: estimated cost AED 149, estimated time spent 2-3 hours
• Dubai Mall: no admission cost, estimated time spent 4-5 hours
• Jumeirah Beach: no admission cost, estimated time spent 2-3 hours
• Souk Al Bahar: no admission cost, estimated time spent 1-2 hours

Saturday January 6: Fun-filled Day at Theme Parks

Spend your second day exploring the theme parks of Dubai. Start your morning at IMG Worlds of Adventure, the world's largest indoor theme park. Enjoy thrilling rides, meet your favorite characters, and indulge in various dining options. In the afternoon, make your way to Dubai Parks and Resorts, where you can choose between Motiongate Dubai, Bollywood Parks Dubai, Legoland Dubai, or Legoland Water Park. These parks offer a combination of entertainment, adventure, and family-friendly attractions. In the evening, explore the vibrant dining and entertainment options at The Walk at Jumeirah Beach Residence.

• IMG Worlds of Adventure: estimated cost AED 250, estimated time spent 4-5 hours
• Dubai Parks and Resorts: estimated cost AED 295 (day pass to one park), estimated time spent 4-5 hours
• The Walk at Jumeirah Beach Residence: no admission cost, estimated time spent 2-3 hours

Sunday January 7: Discovering Dubai's Cultural Heritage

Immerse yourself in Dubai's rich cultural heritage on the third day. Begin your morning by visiting the historic Al Fahidi Historic District, commonly known as Bastakiya. Explore the narrow lanes, traditional wind-tower houses, and art galleries. Next, take an abra ride across Dubai Creek and explore the bustling Gold and Spice Souks. In the afternoon, visit the Dubai Museum housed in Al Fahidi Fort to learn about Dubai's history and traditions. As the evening approaches, head to Al Seef, a waterfront promenade offering a mix of boutiques, restaurants, and cultural experiences.

• Al Fahidi Historic District (Bastakiya): no admission cost, estimated time spent 2-3 hours
• Abra Ride and Dubai Creek: estimated cost AED 1 (abra ride), estimated time spent 1-2 hours
• Dubai Gold and Spice Souks: no admission cost, estimated time spent 1-2 hours
• Dubai Museum: estimated cost AED 3, estimated time spent 1-2 hours
• Al Seef: no admission cost, estimated time spent 2-3 hours

Monday January 8: Desert Adventures and Wildlife Encounters

Embark on a thrilling day experiencing Dubai's desert and wildlife. In the morning, go on a desert safari to witness the breathtaking sand dunes. Enjoy activities like dune bashing, camel riding, sandboarding, and traditional performances. In the afternoon, head to Dubai Miracle Garden, a beautiful floral oasis with unique designs and installations. Explore the vibrant displays and stroll through the themed gardens. In the evening, visit the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve to witness the mesmerizing sunset and encounter local wildlife on a guided safari.

• Desert Safari: estimated cost AED 250-400 (depends on the package), estimated time spent 4-6 hours
• Dubai Miracle Garden: estimated cost AED 55, estimated time spent 2-3 hours
• Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve: estimated cost AED 200-300, estimated time spent 2-3 hours

Tuesday January 9: Enjoying Family-Friendly Entertainment

Spend your last day in Dubai enjoying family-friendly entertainment options. Start your morning at Ski Dubai, the first indoor ski resort in the Middle East. Have fun skiing, snowboarding, or simply tobogganing in the snow park. In the afternoon, visit The Green Planet, an indoor tropical rainforest home to a variety of plant and animal species. Explore the various levels and witness biodiversity up close. In the evening, watch a spectacular show at Dubai Opera, a world-class venue showcasing opera, ballet, music concerts, and more.

• Ski Dubai: estimated cost AED 250 (Snow Park ticket), estimated time spent 2-4 hours
• The Green Planet: estimated cost AED 100-150, estimated time spent 2-3 hours
• Dubai Opera: ticket prices vary depending on the show, estimated time spent 2-3 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

If you have extra time, consider visiting the Dubai Butterfly Garden, a tranquil space with thousands of colorful butterflies flying freely. Another hidden gem is the Dubai Garden Glow, an illuminated park showcasing themed installations made out of recycled materials. For water lovers, the Laguna Waterpark offers thrilling slides, lazy rivers, and a dedicated children's zone. Lastly, head to City Walk, a vibrant outdoor retail complex featuring boutique stores, restaurants, and street art.

For hotel and flight prices, you can check out various options on Kayak.