Family & Kids Guide to Dubai
Everything families need to know about living in or visiting Dubai with children — from top kids' attractions and parks to schools, childcare, family-friendly neighborhoods, and summer activities.
Dubai is an outstanding city for families. A massive entertainment infrastructure, world-class schools, safe streets, clean beaches, and year-round sunshine make it one of the best cities in the world to raise children — provided you plan for the brutal summer heat (June–September) and know where to find the best family resources. This guide covers everything you need.
Top Kid-Friendly Attractions
Dubai's purpose-built entertainment venues are world-class. Most are indoors and air-conditioned — essential from May through September. Book online to save queuing time and often get a discount.
KidZania
Dubai Mall
Role-play city where kids earn 'kidzos' by working real jobs — pilot, doctor, firefighter, chef. Hugely popular; book online to avoid queues.
Legoland Dubai
Dubai Parks & Resorts, Jebel Ali
40+ rides and attractions built around LEGO themes. Full day out. Combo tickets available with Motiongate and Bollywood Parks next door.
OliOli
Al Quoz
Award-winning children's play museum with 8 galleries of hands-on creative and sensory experiences. One of Dubai's best indoor attractions for under-10s.
The Green Planet
City Walk
Indoor tropical rainforest ecosystem under a giant biodome. Home to 3,000+ plants and animals including free-flying butterflies and sloths. Utterly unique.
Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
Dubai Mall
One of the world's largest suspended aquariums. Walk through the 48m tunnel, spot sharks and rays, and visit the Underwater Zoo with king crocs and penguins.
Aquaventure Waterpark
Atlantis The Palm
One of the world's top waterparks — 78 slides and attractions, private beach, Splashers kids' zone. Full day required. Book online to save AED 50.
Ski Dubai
Mall of the Emirates
Real indoor snow in the desert. Ski, snowboard, or just play in the snow park. Penguin encounters available. Gear (jacket, boots, gloves) included in price.
IMG Worlds of Adventure
City of Arabia, Al Barsha South
World's largest indoor theme park — Marvel, Cartoon Network, Haunted Hotel, IMG Boulevard zones. 20+ rides. Full day out, bring snacks — food is pricey inside.
Book Attractions Online
Best Parks & Playgrounds
Dubai has dozens of excellent public parks, most free or nearly free. Best visited October–April; summer visits should be before 9am or after sunset.
Safa Park
AED 3Al Wasl Road
Large green lawns, kids' play areas, sports courts, jogging tracks, BBQ areas. One of Dubai's oldest and most-loved parks.
Zabeel Park
AED 5Near DIFC
Tech-themed park with a giant Stargate, mini train, boating lake, tennis courts, and café areas. Very popular with families on weekends.
Creek Park
AED 5Bur Dubai
4.5km along the Creek. Cable car ride, mini golf, amphitheatre, Children's City (AED 15 extra), barbecue pits, dolphin bay.
JBR Splash Pad
FreeThe Walk, JBR
Outdoor water play area on The Walk promenade. Perfect for toddlers and young kids on hot days. Beach right across the road.
Al Barsha Pond Park
FreeAl Barsha 1
Peaceful park around a central pond. Jogging/cycling track, outdoor gym, children's play equipment, table tennis. Very family-friendly.
Dubai Hills Park
FreeDubai Hills Estate
Modern 1.8km park with skate park, splash pad, outdoor gym, kids' climbing frames, cycling paths. New and well-maintained.
Family-Friendly Restaurants
Most Dubai restaurants welcome children, but the following are specifically well-equipped with kids' menus, high chairs, and a tolerant atmosphere for young families.
Chili's
American CasualPlay areas at select locations, high chairs, kids' menu AED 35–55, coloring sheets. Reliable, familiar food.
TGI Friday's
American CasualDedicated kids' menu, balloons, friendly staff trained for families. Regular kids-eat-free promotions.
Rainforest Cafe
Themed RestaurantDubai Mall location. Jungle atmosphere with animatronic animals — young kids are captivated. Pricy but memorable.
The Cheesecake Factory
AmericanLarge portions, excellent kids' menu, generally accommodating for families. Mall of Emirates and Dubai Mall.
Shakespeare and Co.
Café/BistroKid-friendly atmosphere, good variety, breakfast all day. Many locations across Dubai.
McGettigan's
Irish Pub/FamilySeveral brunch locations are child-friendly with face painters and entertainers. Weekend brunch staple.
Kids Eat Free Deals
Baby & Kids Supplies
Everything you need for babies and children is readily available in Dubai, often at comparable or better prices than Europe. International brands are well stocked.
Mumzworld
OnlineLargest mother-and-baby online retailer in the Middle East. Formula, diapers, prams, clothes, toys delivered next day.
Babyshop
In-store & OnlineBudget-friendly kids' clothing and gear across all major malls. Good quality basics at reasonable prices.
Mothercare
In-store & OnlineBritish retailer with full range of baby and toddler products. Reliable quality, mid-range prices.
FirstCry
Online & StoresIndian-origin children's brand with extensive UAE presence. Competitive prices on clothing, toys, and nursery.
Toys R Us
In-storeMajor toy retailer in several malls. Good for birthdays and gifts. Check their sale section — huge discounts regularly.
Childcare Options
Dubai offers a wide range of childcare from full-time live-in nannies to drop-in nurseries and on-demand babysitting apps. Quality varies — always check credentials.
Live-In Nannies
Very common in Dubai. Most live-in nannies come from the Philippines, Sri Lanka, or India through licensed recruitment agencies. Employers must provide a room, meals, and typically cover visa/insurance costs.
- • Salary: AED 2,500–5,000/month
- • Visa sponsorship by employer required
- • Health insurance mandatory
- • Annual flight home often included
- • Agencies: Blue Apple, Select Nannies, Dream Maid
On-Demand Babysitting
App-based babysitting services are popular for occasional needs without the commitment of a full-time nanny. Sitters are vetted and rated by users.
- • MyHelper — most popular, extensive vetting
- • Helpr — fast bookings, rated sitters
- • Babysitters.ae — local platform
- • Typical cost: AED 30–60/hr
Nurseries
Regulated by KHDA (Knowledge and Human Development Authority). Most nurseries accept children from 45 days old. Quality varies significantly.
- • Cost: AED 1,500–4,000/month
- • KHDA inspection ratings available online
- • British, American, Montessori options
- • Popular: Blossom Nursery, Raffles Nursery, Jumeirah International Nursery
After-School Care
Many schools offer after-school clubs and supervision. Private after-school care centres are also available in most residential communities.
- • School after-school programmes: AED 500–1,200/month
- • Private after-school centres: AED 800–2,000/month
- • Activities centres (sports, arts, tutoring)
Check KHDA Ratings Before Choosing a Nursery
Best Family Neighborhoods
Not all of Dubai is equal for families. Villa communities with gardens, community pools, and nearby schools are far better suited to family life than high-rise apartment towers.
| Neighborhood | Type | Schools Nearby | Parks | Vibe | Est. Annual Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arabian Ranches | Villas | Yes (Jumeirah English Speaking School) | Community parks + golf course | Quiet, suburban, very family-oriented | AED 180–280K/yr |
| Dubai Hills Estate | Villas & Apts | Yes (multiple) | Dubai Hills Park, golf course | New, modern, walkable | AED 150–350K/yr |
| Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC) | Apts & Villas | Several nearby | Multiple community parks | Affordable, growing community | AED 70–150K/yr |
| Mirdif | Villas | Yes (City School, Uptown) | Mushrif Park nearby | Traditional family suburb, quiet | AED 100–200K/yr |
| Springs & Meadows | Townhouses | Yes (multiple in area) | Lakes, pools, community parks | Established, leafy, community feel | AED 130–250K/yr |
Summer Activities for Kids
Dubai summers (June–September) are extreme — 40°C+ temperatures and high humidity. But there's no shortage of indoor activities to keep kids entertained during school holidays.
Fabyland
Indoor PlayMultiple malls
Classic indoor play with rides, trampolines, arcade games. Kids go for the rides, parents appreciate the AC.
Fun City
Indoor PlayMultiple malls
Large indoor play areas with rides, soft play zones, party rooms. Good for ages 2–12.
Bounce
Trampoline ParkAl Quoz + Al Barsha
Massive indoor trampoline park. Dodgeball courts, slam dunk zones, foam pits. Kids love it.
Cheeky Monkeys
Soft PlayMultiple locations
Soft play franchise popular for toddlers and under-5s. Party packages available.
Dubai Ice Rink
Ice SkatingDubai Mall
Olympic-size ice rink. Learn-to-skate lessons for beginners. Skate hire included in ticket price (AED 80-100).
The Pointe & La Mer Splash Areas
Outdoor Splash PadsPalm & La Mer
Free outdoor water play near the beach. Best in morning before it gets too hot (even in summer before 10am).
Summer Camp Programmes
Birthday Parties in Dubai
Dubai takes birthday parties seriously. Options range from simple home parties to full-blown themed extravaganzas. Here's what to expect and budget for.
Popular Venues
- • Fun City / Fabyland — party rooms, ride tokens, food packages
- • Bounce / Urban Jump — kids trampoline parties, 1–2hr sessions
- • Cheeky Monkeys — soft play venue, full party management
- • OliOli — themed birthday experiences, buy out hours
- • Hotel kids' clubs — pool parties at many beach hotels
- • Home / Community pool — DIY with hired entertainer
Budget Guide
- • Venue party packages: AED 100–300 per child
- • Professional entertainers (clowns, magicians): AED 500–2,000
- • Face painters: AED 400–800 for 2 hours
- • Character costumes (princesses, superheroes): AED 600–1,500
- • Customised cake: AED 200–800 depending on size
- • Balloon decorators: AED 300–1,000
- • Photo booth: AED 800–1,500 for 2–3 hours
Use Instagram & WhatsApp to Find Party Suppliers