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Last summer (2023), we flew to Israel and Dubai for close to 2 weeks with our almost 4 year old. You can read all about how we booked our flights and hotels for close to free.
Here are 8 kid friendly Dubai attractions we visited in Dubai.
1 - Lost Chambers Aquarium
The Lost Chambers Aquarium is a cute little aquarium located inside the Atlantis the Palm hotel and included free with any stay. I'd give it a 5/10. It was nice. It was cute. But I wouldn't pay money to go in there. We entered free since we were staying at the hotel.
2 - Aya Universe
Aya Universe is a multi sensory experience with lights and illusions. We paid around 125 AED per person and our little one was free. An AED is equal to approximately .25 cents. We didn't have high expectations for it but were pleasantly surprised! Upon entry, you get a passport book with a sticker for each experience room. There are around 10 experiences. As you make your way through each one, you experience the room with different senses, lights and illusions. It is fascinating to experience and hard to describe in words. Definitely recommend visiting! 10/10 experience. This was way beyond our expectations.
3 - Museum of the Future
We tried getting in to the Museum of the Future, however they were sold out of regular tickets. Special entry tickets were over $400 each so it was a no no for us. However, just seeing the lobby was interesting enough. There was a robot walking around interacting with visitors, a foil airplane flying overhead, incredible architecture and a feeling of grandness. We later read online that it is not worth visiting so that made us feel better about not being able to get in...3/10 since we did enjoy the lobby.
4 - Dubai Fountain
Located in downtown Dubai, the Dubai Fountain puts on a gorgeous water show every half hour for 2 minutes between 6PM and 11PM. We viewed it from the terrace outside the Armani Kaf restaurant (Kosher!), located inside the Armani Hotel. Highly recommend seeing it! 10/10.
5 - Aquaventure Waterpark
We designated an entire day for the Aquaventure water park so we wouldn't feel rushed. And it was the best decision! The park is located on the property of the Atlantis the Palm, and all guests get free daily access, which means you can access it straight from the hotel lobby. They had a huge kiddie section that our almost 4 year old loved! We spent HOURS going up and down the little slides on Splashers Lagoon and Splashers Cove, splashing around and having a grand time! My husband went on some of the crazier rides, including one that finishes off inside an aquarium so you're kind of floating through a bunch of fish. It was incredible! Make sure you have a waterproof phone necklace any time you do a water activity. 10/10 it is an incredibly well designed waterpark!
6 - Dubai Balloon
The Dubai Balloon is a cool experience. It's a 10 minute hot air balloon ride with incredible views. We paid 350 AED for a regular pass, which is about $95. This too is on hotel grounds at the Atlantis the Palm and a golf cart drove us there and back. Our little one still talks about it to this day! There was only one other family of 3 on our ride so it was semi private. The views of Old Dubai and the Palm Islands were outstanding! Simply cannot be described or properly captured on camera. 10/10.
7 - Dubai Frame
An incredible piece of architecture to see in person, the Dubai Frame is, as it name suggests, a frame. We paid 120 AED for all three of us, which is around $33. Upon entering the frame you take an elevator all the way up the almost 500 foot tall side of the frame. On the way up, you can see elements of Old Dubai and the spice markets. Once you reach the top, you step out onto the top part of the frame, which has a strip of glass squares in the middle that become transparent as you step on it. Through the transparent glass you can see straight down to the bottom of the frame! Definitely not for the faint of heart. After crossing over the top of the frame, you then make your way down another elevator on the other side of the frame and see visions for the future of Dubai. A full circle moment. 8/10. It's cool and cheap and a good indoor activity during the summer heat.
8 - Kidzania Dubai
One of the most popularly known attractions is Kidzania Dubai. We had heard so much about it and we were excited to see what it was all about. We paid 270 AED (110 for 3 year old and 80 per adult), which is equal to about $75. It was a very unique experience. The "jobs" and "activities" available are very life like and can definitely be handled by an independent youngster. We did have to guide our almost 4 year old through the experience and coax her into everything but we still had a great time! She still talks about how she was a window washer and a mailman and a fire fighter, putting out a "fire" with a real fire hose! Highly recommend for older children, possibly ages 5 and up.
That's a wrap on everything we did in Dubai. You can read more about how we booked our flights and hotels using points on our blog.
Till next time,
Chavy