Things to do with kids in Dubai

With a reputation for being a millionaire's playground and one of the shopping capitals of the world, Dubai may not seem like an ideal place to take the children on holiday. However family holidaymakers will find that there is, in fact, plenty to keep their little tykes entertained. From water parks and theme parks to playgrounds and parks, Dubai will cater to just about any child. The beaches in Dubai are also fantastic, but visitors should take care what time of year they choose to travel, as the temperatures can be searing and children will wilt in the heat. Dubai has endless parks to choose for a fun day out, all with something different to offer, from picnic tables and mini golf to fishing, amusement rides and rollerblading. It's unlikely that the weather will be too cold to go outdoors, but when it's scorching hot and over 113°F (45°C), parents will do well to stay indoors, where the air conditioning is cranked on full, and perhaps even attempt a spot of shopping. Most shopping malls in Dubai have children's play areas and nurseries and the world's largest shopping mall, the Dubai Mall has an indoor SEGA theme park and children's 'edu-tainment' centre, KidZania.

Wild Wadi photo

Wild Wadi

One of the most advanced water theme parks ever designed, the five-hectare (12-acre) water park at Wild Wadi offers families and thrill seekers hours of fun, relaxation and adrenal…

Wild Wadi

One of the most advanced water theme parks ever designed, the five-hectare (12-acre) water park at Wild Wadi offers families and thrill seekers hours of fun, relaxation and adrenalin-pumping action. Designed like an Arabian wadi (oasis), the park has an Arabian folklore theme and features some of the highest and fastest water rides outside of North America with 24 state of the art, high-adrenaline rides and slides. Rides for thrill seekers include Jumeirah Sceirah, a 108ft (33m) free-fall at 50 miles per hour (80km/hr), Master Blaster slides that are water roller coasters propelled uphill by high-powered jets, the white-knuckle ride at Rushdown Ravine or the high waves at Breakers Bay.

Address Jumeirah Beach Road, between the Jumeirah Beach Hotel and the Burj Al Arab Hotel

Website www.wildwadi.com

Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo photo

Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo

Located in the enormous Dubai Mall, the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo is fast becoming one of the Emirates' most popular attractions. Featuring the largest viewing panel and on…

Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo

Located in the enormous Dubai Mall, the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo is fast becoming one of the Emirates' most popular attractions. Featuring the largest viewing panel and one of the biggest tanks in the world, visitors have the opportunity to experience the incredible underwater domain of thousands of creatures of the deep. Highlights include feeding time for the enormous Sand Tiger Sharks and the majestic Stingrays. The aquarium and zoo is home to over thirty thousand types of sea life and, with the help of its conservation team, looks to bring about positive change through active participation in environmental initiatives.

Address Dubai Mall, Financial Centre Road (Interchange 1), Dubai

Website www.thedubaiaquarium.com

Al Nasr Leisureland photo

Al Nasr Leisureland

Its name stemming from the Arabic word for 'victory', Al Nasr Leisureland lies on a 48-acre site and offers facilities that cater to just about every sport under the sun. An Olympi…

Al Nasr Leisureland

Its name stemming from the Arabic word for 'victory', Al Nasr Leisureland lies on a 48-acre site and offers facilities that cater to just about every sport under the sun. An Olympic-sized ice rink, tennis courts, a bowling alley and a list of swimming pools that includes the largest in the country (it has a wave function), an aqua pool with slides and a baby pool are some of the options on the menu. Children will have a great time trying their hand at everything. There is even an amusement park with bumper cars, rollercoasters, go-karting and much more.

Website www.alnasrll.com

Children's City photo

Children's City

This 82,890-square-foot (7,700 sq-metre) education park is located in Dubai Creek Park and offers a wide range of activities geared towards kids of all ages, making the educational…

Children's City

This 82,890-square-foot (7,700 sq-metre) education park is located in Dubai Creek Park and offers a wide range of activities geared towards kids of all ages, making the educational process fun. Among other things, children can learn all about nature, human body sciences, earth sciences, space exploration, and local and international culture. The park also presents daily educational programs throughout the year, and features a theatre, café, souvenir shop, different galleries and purpose-built halls. Visitors can enjoy wonderful views of the creek as well.

Address Dubai Creek Park

Website childrencity.dm.gov.ae/en/Pages/default.aspx

Wonderland photo

Wonderland

Wonderland Theme and Water Park in Dubai Creek Park is a must for children struggling with the heat in this scorching city. The Caribbean-themed park offers thrilling rides and sli…

Wonderland

Wonderland Theme and Water Park in Dubai Creek Park is a must for children struggling with the heat in this scorching city. The Caribbean-themed park offers thrilling rides and slides such as the Red Baron, the spinning-coaster, the Action Arm, Lazy River and Surf Hill. The attached water park is low-tech, but provides cool entertainment for the whole family. Wonderland is a great way to spend the day with the family and a must for children of all ages.

Address Dubai Creek Park

Creekside Park photo

Creekside Park

With its marvellous green scenery and cool sea breezes, Creekside Park is a great place for families and kids to enjoy while on holiday in Dubai. Boasting botanical gardens, an 18-…

Creekside Park

With its marvellous green scenery and cool sea breezes, Creekside Park is a great place for families and kids to enjoy while on holiday in Dubai. Boasting botanical gardens, an 18-hole mini golf course, an amphitheatre, picnic locations with barbecue equipment and a mini train and children's play areas, this seemingly endless lawn is the perfect place to spend the day. Kids will be beside themselves with the endless amount of activities to enjoy here.