The Best Kid-Friendly Activities in Dubai

Dubai is a fantastic family holiday destination offering hot weather, superb beaches and a huge array of fun activities to keep the kids happy and the grown-ups sane. The city has plenty to offer for the young ones with aquariums, parks, outdoor activities and more. Read on to discover our picks of some of the top kid-friendly attractions in Dubai and get the most out of your family vacation!

It's no secret that it can get hot in Dubai and you may want to do something other that hit the beach for a cool dip in the water. Why not enjoy a spot of skiing? Ski Dubai is the first indoor ski resort in the Middle East within the Mall of Emirates and offers hours of fun for you and your family when you are in Dubai. Don't be fooled, it is really cold inside, just like if you were in the mountains - the slopes are made of real snow! The children (and adults) can join the Ski School and get trained by professional instructors to help them make their way down the slopes. There are 5 levels of difficulty with equipment including ski gear to hire. We recommend that you reserve your slots in advance as this attraction is a hot spot in the city. So whether you are a skiing enthusiast or just want to throw some snowballs around, the kids will adore this winter wonderland!

Dubai Mall is one of the world's largest shopping malls and is packed with fantastic family entertainment. Located in Downtown Dubai on Doha Street, it is home to some world-class children's activities. To take your kids on an interactive entertainment journey, try out Kidzania. This award-winning center allows your children to dress up, try out their hand at acting and give them a real insight into various adult professions such as radio hosts, photographers, pilots and even comic book artists.

A visit to Dubai Mall should definitely include a trip to the Burj Khalifa. As the tallest building in the world and standing at 830m tall, the spectacular view over the city of Dubai has to be seen to be believed. To get up to the viewing deck on the 124th floor, you first have to experience one of the world's fastest elevators. If your heart isn't already pumping on the ride up, then it definitely will be after you see the 360 degree panoramic view from the top. A great spot to capture some cool family memories, the tower is a wonderful and unique holiday experience for the kids to boast about when they get home.

For animal lovers, a visit to the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo is essential. Located on the ground floor in the center of Dubai Mall, you'll be treated to a unique underwater experience as you walk through the 48m aquarium and come face-to-face with sharks and sting rays. After the aquarium you can check out more aquatic creatures at the impressive Underwater Zoo. The kids will see everything from piranha and otters to crocodiles, with over 40 aquatic displays make sure you allow yourself plenty of time to get the most out of your visit.

Located right in central Dubai, the Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek is extremely convenient to access all these fun attractions. The luxuriously comfortable rooms, and not to mention the stunning view of over the creek will have you and your children fascinated even before heading out. In fact, your kids will love a chance to see the Dubai Creek with a water taxi available from the hotel which is an experience they won't forget. Plus, the magnificent views are enough to book a trip with a water taxi! After a long day of activities, make sure you refuel at any of the 12 on-site restaurants to make sure you and your kids are ready for the next day. If parents want to enjoy a nice evening and check out the Dubai nightlife, there are babysitting services on offer to keep you assured that your children are well cared for.