Dubai has invested heavily in family tourism. Theme parks, waterparks, aquariums, and kid-friendly hotels create a destination that rivals Orlando for family appeal – with better weather and unique cultural elements. For travel agents, Dubai's family segment offers excellent booking opportunities.
Why Families Choose Dubai
- Guaranteed sunshine: Beach and pool time virtually guaranteed
- Safety: One of the world's safest cities for families
- Cleanliness: Standards exceed most destinations
- Theme parks: Multiple world-class options
- Family-friendly hotels: Purpose-built for families
- Direct flights: Emirates family-friendly reputation
Must-Book Family Attractions
Dubai Parks and Resorts
Three theme parks in one destination:
Motiongate Dubai
Hollywood-themed with Dreamworks, Lionsgate, and Columbia Pictures zones. Shrek, Kung Fu Panda, and Hunger Games attractions. Works for ages 5 and up primarily.
Legoland Dubai
Perfect for ages 2-12. Over 60 rides, Legoland Water Park adjacent. The Miniland Dubai model is impressive. Essential for families with young children.
Legoland Water Park
Build-your-own-raft and Lego-themed water attractions. Complements the main park perfectly.
Agent tip: Multi-park tickets offer value. Two-day passes make sense for families wanting to experience everything.
IMG Worlds of Adventure
World's largest indoor theme park. Marvel, Cartoon Network, and dinosaur zones. Air-conditioned comfort makes this ideal for summer visits.
Atlantis Aquaventure
The region's largest waterpark. Slides, wave pools, and marine animal encounters. The Aquarium experience and shark dive options add depth. Can easily fill a full day.
Wild Wadi Waterpark
Older but well-maintained waterpark near Burj Al Arab. Included with some Jumeirah hotel bookings, creating value.
Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
Inside Dubai Mall. The massive tank visible from the mall is free; paid entry gives underwater tunnel access and more. Convenient addition to shopping day.
Ski Dubai
Indoor ski slope in Mall of Emirates. Snow in the desert appeals to kids from warm climates. Penguin encounters available.
KidZania Dubai
Child-sized city where kids role-play adult jobs. Ages 4-16. Educational entertainment that kids genuinely enjoy. Located in Dubai Mall.
Family-Friendly Hotels
Beach Resorts with Kids Programs
Atlantis The Palm
The ultimate family resort. Aquaventure included, kids club, marine programs, multiple pools, endless activities. Kids love it; parents pay premium but get value through inclusions.
Jumeirah Beach Hotel
Wild Wadi access included. Extensive kids facilities, family rooms available. The wave-shaped icon appeals to children.
JA Beach Hotel
All-inclusive option with family focus. Less crowded beach, good facilities, value pricing compared to Palm properties.
DoubleTree by Hilton JBR
JBR location with beach access, family-friendly pricing, reliable facilities. Good value family option.
City Hotels with Family Appeal
Lapita Hotel
Inside Dubai Parks and Resorts. Polynesian theme, direct park access, family-designed rooms. Ideal for theme park-focused trips.
Rove Hotels
Family rooms available, kid-friendly design, budget-conscious pricing. Rove La Mer offers beach access.
Sample Family Itineraries
7-Night Family Classic
- Day 1: Arrival, beach/pool time
- Day 2: Aquaventure Waterpark (full day)
- Day 3: Dubai Mall – KidZania, aquarium, ice rink
- Day 4: Dubai Parks – Legoland (full day)
- Day 5: Desert safari (family-friendly afternoon)
- Day 6: IMG Worlds or Ski Dubai + beach time
- Day 7: Beach day, evening Burj Khalifa
- Day 8: Departure
5-Night Beach Focus
- Day 1: Arrival, resort exploration
- Day 2: Waterpark day
- Day 3: Desert safari morning, beach afternoon
- Day 4: Dubai Mall experience
- Day 5: Beach/pool day, evening activities
- Day 6: Departure
Practical Family Considerations
Heat Management
Summer temperatures exceed 40°C. Plan:
- Morning outdoor activities (before 11am)
- Midday indoor attractions (malls, indoor parks)
- Late afternoon pool/beach return
- Evening outdoor exploration
Dining with Kids
Dubai is surprisingly kid-friendly for dining:
- Most restaurants accommodate children
- Mall food courts offer variety
- Many hotels have kids' menus
- Room service available for tired-kid evenings
Transportation
With children, private transfers make sense:
- Car seats available on request
- Air-conditioned comfort matters
- Avoiding Metro with strollers/tired kids
Budget Considerations
Dubai family trips can get expensive. Value strategies:
- All-inclusive resort options (JA resorts)
- Multi-day attraction passes
- Summer travel for lower hotel rates
- Apartment hotels for kitchen access
- Picnic lunches at parks
Managing Parent Expectations
Be upfront with family clients:
- Dubai isn't cheap, especially for families
- Theme park quality matches or exceeds Orlando
- Beach time is limited if packing in attractions
- Summer heat genuinely restricts outdoor time
- Some attractions have minimum heights/ages
Dubai delivers for families who understand what they're booking. Set expectations correctly, and satisfaction follows.
