Your Perfect Dubai Itinerary with Kids
Dubai is secretly one of the world's best family destinations. It's safe, clean, and packed with world-class attractions designed for all ages. This Dubai family itinerary is your key to an unforgettable trip.
This 5-day plan perfectly balances thrilling theme parks and water parks with educational aquarium visits and relaxing beach time. Our AI planner has crafted this Dubai family itinerary to minimize travel time and maximize fun, ensuring a stress-free holiday for parents.
Your 5-Day Dubai Family Itinerary
A day-by-day plan to the best family-friendly Dubai attractions, perfect for a 5-day Dubai with kids trip.
Day 1: Arrival & Aquatic Wonders (Downtown)
Start your Dubai family itinerary with two of the most popular (and easiest) attractions in Downtown Dubai.
Dubai Mall Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
Walk Beneath the Sharks
Located inside the Dubai Mall, this massive aquarium is a perfect first stop. The giant viewing panel is free, but the walk-through tunnel is worth the ticket.
Why You Should Visit:
Kids are mesmerized by the 30,000+ aquatic animals, including sharks and rays. It's an easy, air-conditioned win for your first day.
10:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Metro/Taxi
2-3 hours
How to Reach:
Inside the Dubai Mall. Take the Red Line Metro to 'Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall' station.
Insider Travel Tip:
Book tickets online to skip the long queues, especially on weekends. This is a top tip for any Dubai family itinerary.
Dubai Fountain Show
A Dazzling Free Show
The perfect, free end to your first day. The spectacular nightly fountain show is set on the lake outside the Dubai Mall.
Why You Should Visit:
It's a huge hit with all ages. The water shoots over 150m high, synchronized to music and lights. It's a 'wow' moment for the entire family.
Shows 6 PM - 11 PM
Walk
30 minutes
How to Reach:
Right outside the Dubai Mall, at the base of the Burj Khalifa.
Insider Travel Tip:
The 6 PM show is the most crowded. Watch one, then walk to the Souk Al Bahar bridge for a different view of the next show 30 minutes later.
Day 1 Dining: Kid-Friendly & Easy
The Dubai Mall is full of family-friendly options.
Rainforest Cafe, Dubai Mall
A classic family-themed restaurant with animatronic animals. Kids love it.
The Cheesecake Factory
A family-favorite with a huge menu, massive portions, and, of course, cheesecake.
Day 2: Water Park & The Palm
Today, your Dubai family itinerary is all about world-class water slides and the iconic Palm Jumeirah.
Aquaventure Waterpark
World's Largest Waterpark
Located at Atlantis, The Palm, this is arguably the best water park in the world. A must-do for any Dubai family itinerary.
Why You Should Visit:
From the terrifying 'Leap of Faith' slide (through a shark tank) to the lazy rivers and the dedicated 'Splashers' kids' area, there is truly something for every single age group.
9:45 AM - 6:30 PM
Monorail/Taxi
Full Day
How to Reach:
Take a taxi directly, or take the Palm Monorail to the 'Atlantis Aquaventure' station for a fun ride.
Insider Travel Tip:
Go on a weekday (Mon-Thu) to avoid the worst crowds. Arrive 30 minutes before opening to get a good spot and do the most popular rides first.
The Lost Chambers Aquarium
Explore the Myth of Atlantis
Also at Atlantis, this beautifully themed aquarium is based on the 'lost city'.
Why You Should Visit:
It's a calmer, more atmospheric experience than the Dubai Mall aquarium. It's a perfect way to wind down after the water park.
10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Walk
1-2 hours
How to Reach:
It's in the same resort as Aquaventure. You can often get combo tickets.
Insider Travel Tip:
Look for the daily 'Fish Feed' times, which are a big hit with younger kids. This is an easy add-on to your Dubai with kids itinerary.
Day 2 Dining: Casual Bites at Atlantis
Stay at the resort for an easy, post-swim meal.
Wavehouse, Atlantis
A fun, family entertainment center with a restaurant, bowling alley, and arcade. Serves great burgers and pizzas.
Gordon Ramsay's Bread Street Kitchen
A surprisingly family-friendly high-end restaurant with a great kids' menu.
Day 3: Theme Park Thrills
Get ready for a full day of rides and attractions. This part of the Dubai family itinerary is all about adrenaline.
Dubai Parks and Resorts
Legoland, Motiongate & More!
A massive theme park complex featuring multiple parks. For most families, the choice is between Legoland and Motiongate.
Why You Should Visit:
Legoland (and its water park) is perfect for kids aged 2-12. Motiongate (the 'Hollywood in the Desert' park) is better for older kids and teens, with rides from Shrek, Madagascar, and The Hunger Games.
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Taxi/Car
Full Day
How to Reach:
Located on Sheikh Zayed Road, about 30 minutes from the Marina. A taxi is the easiest way.
Insider Travel Tip:
Don't try to do all the parks. Pick one and stick to it for the day. This is a very full day in your Dubai family itinerary, so pace yourselves!
Day 3 Dining: Themed Eats
Eat inside the park for convenience, or at Riverland on your way out.
Riverland Dubai
A themed 'river' district that connects the parks. It has dozens of casual dining options like TGI Fridays, The Irish Village, and more.
In-Park Dining
All the parks have numerous quick-service restaurants. The 'Smurfs Village Cafe' in Motiongate is a kid-favorite.
Day 4: Culture, History & Desert Fun
A mix of old-world charm and desert adventure, tailored for families.
Old Dubai Abra Ride
The Best 1 AED (25c) Ride
Revisit Old Dubai, but this time, the focus is the ride. Kids *love* taking the 1 AED abra (wooden boat) across the Dubai Creek.
Why You Should Visit:
It's a simple, authentic, and fun experience. The 5-minute boat ride is a joy, and you can feed the seagulls. A must-do for a Dubai family itinerary.
All day
Metro/Taxi
1-2 hours (with Souks)
How to Reach:
Take the Green Line Metro to Al Fahidi, walk to the creek, and hop on an abra.
Insider Travel Tip:
Combine this with a quick walk through the Spice Souk. Let the kids smell the different spices and see the huge piles of frankincense.
Family-Friendly Desert Safari
Gentle Dunes & Camel Rides
Choose a 'soft' desert safari. These tours skip the intense 'dune bashing' and focus on a gentler desert drive, camel rides, and the evening camp.
Why You Should Visit:
You get the full desert experience (BBQ, entertainment, stars) without the intense rollercoaster ride, which can be scary (or unsafe) for very young children.
3:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Hotel Pickup
6 hours
How to Reach:
Tours include hotel pickup. When booking, specifically ask for the 'family-friendly' or 'no dune bashing' option.
Insider Travel Tip:
The camel ride is a huge highlight for kids. It's usually short, so have your camera ready! Our AI can find and book the best-rated family safari operators.
Day 4 Dining: Kid-Friendly BBQ
Dinner is included in your safari, and it's very kid-friendly.
Desert Camp BBQ
The included buffet always has non-spicy options like grilled chicken, pasta, rice, and French fries.
Day 5: Beach, Flowers & Departure
A final day of relaxed fun to end your Dubai with kids itinerary.
Kite Beach
Kites, Sand, and Playgrounds
One of Dubai's best public beaches. It's clean, has calm water, and is packed with family-friendly activities, playgrounds, and cafes.
Why You Should Visit:
It's the perfect, easy-going morning. Kids can play in the sand and the (paid) adventure playground, while parents grab a coffee. Great views of the Burj Al Arab.
All day
Taxi
2-3 hours
How to Reach:
A short taxi ride from most of the city.
Insider Travel Tip:
This is a local's favorite. Grab a burger from the famous 'Salt' food truck, located right on the beach.
Dubai Miracle Garden
A Floral Fantasyland (Seasonal)
A mind-blowing garden in the middle of the desert with giant structures covered in millions of flowers. *Note: Only open from October to April.*
Why You Should Visit:
Kids are captivated by the giant floral teddy bears, the life-size Emirates A380 plane, and the 'Smurfs Village'. It's incredibly colourful and magical.
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Taxi
2-3 hours
How to Reach:
It's a bit further out, so a taxi is required. Check if it's open before you go, as it closes for the summer.
Insider Travel Tip:
If this is on your Dubai family itinerary, go in the late afternoon. It's too hot in the middle of the day, as there is little shade.
Day 5 Dining: Relaxed Beachside Lunch
Grab one last casual meal before heading to the airport.
Salt, Kite Beach
A viral-sensation food truck (now a permanent spot) serving some of the best burgers and soft-serve ice cream in Dubai.
Park House
A lovely, family-friendly cafe at Kite Beach serving healthy breakfasts, sandwiches, and salads.