December 19, 2024
Museum of the Future, Dubai

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Top Family Friendly Things to Do in Dubai

Dubai is well-known for its stunning skyscrapers, hotels, shopping malls, and attractions. Apart from this, there are several outdoor and indoor theme parks to visit and adventure activities to try in Dubai. However, if you have a limited budget, and if you question, “What are the greatest locations to visit for free in Dubai?” You have come to the right place!

With all the premium experiences and attractions, Dubai provides many free activities. Let us look at all the free things to do in Dubai, from historical neighborhoods to natural retreats.

Explore Family Friendly Theme Parks in Dubai

You must have heard about Disneyland which is one of the most popular amusement parks in Dubai. But, Dubai has some unique theme parks of its own.

IMG Worlds of Adventure

Shopping at IMG Worlds of Adventure

This gigantic indoor park is one of the best theme parks in Dubai. IMG world has thrilling rides and attractions themed around Marvel superheroes and Cartoon network characters.

Since IMG Worlds of Adventure is completely air-conditioned, the park provides the perfect escape from the heat, making it a popular indoor theme park. Both kids and adults can meet their favourite characters and enjoy IMG rides suitable for all ages.

Ticket Prices: From Dhs365 (general admission), free (kids under 1.05m in height)

Timings: Open Sun-Thu noon-10pm, Fri-Sat noon-11pm

Location: Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, Dubai

LEGOLAND

Legoland Theme Park Dubai

This park is popular among adults and kids. It is a paradise for LEGO lovers and features over 40 rides, shows, and attractions.

Kids can build, play, and let their imagination run wild in 6 themed lands filled with LEGO models. From driving LEGO cars to building and racing LEGO boats, trust me there is no end to the creative fun at this place.

Ticket prices: From Dhs295 (online booking), Dhs330 (on the door), free (kids under three)

Timings: Open daily 10am-6pm (weekdays), 10am-7pm (weekends)

Location: Dubai Parks And Resorts, Jebel Ali, Dubai

Motiongate

Capitol Bullet Train Rollercoaster at MOTIONGATE Dubai

This park is popular among adults and kids. It is a paradise for LEGO lovers and features over 40 rides, shows, and attractions.

Kids can build, play, and let their imagination run wild in 6 themed lands filled with LEGO models. From driving LEGO cars to building and racing LEGO boats, trust me there is no end to the creative fun at this place.

Ticket prices: From Dhs295 (online booking), Dhs330 (on the door), free (kids under three)

Timings: Open daily 10am-6pm (weekdays), 10am-7pm (weekends)

Location: Dubai Parks And Resorts, Jebel Ali, Dubai

Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi

Step into the world of your favorite Warner Bros. characters at this immersive indoor theme parks in Abu Dhabi. From Gotham City to Bedrock, each themed land offers unique experiences and rides.

It’s a great option for family-friendly days out in the UAE, especially during hot summer months.

Ticket Prices: From Dhs345

Timings: Open weekdays 11am-7pm, Sat 10am-8pm, Sun 10am-7pm

Location: Yas Island, Abu Dhabi

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi

Home to the world’s fastest rollercoaster, this huge theme park is a big hit with fans of fast cars or thrill-seekers in general.

The major attraction is Formula Rossa, which reaches speeds of 240 km an hour. There are also gentler rides and displays showcasing Ferrari cars, making it suitable for all ages.

Ticket Prices: Dhs345 (park entry)

Timings: Open Mon-Fri 11am-8pm, Sat-Sun 10am-8pm

Location: Yas Island, Abu Dhabi

VR Park

VR park gaming experience at play DXB dubai

VR Park is home to a host of virtual reality games for kids of all ages. Among the 18 separate attractions, you’ll be taken to distant planets and visit both the far-flung future and a fully virtualised Dubai.

It’s a unique and immersive experience that’s sure to captivate the whole family.

Ticket Prices: Free entry, pay per attraction

Timings: Open Sun-Thurs 10am – 11pm, Fri-Sat 10am-midnight

Location: The Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai

Best Family Friendly Water Parks in Dubai

Aquaventure Waterpark

Aquaventure Water Park in Dubai

Home to some of the most thrilling water slides in the world, Aquaventure offers aquatic fun for all ages. Don’t miss the Leap of Faith, a 27.5-meter plunge through a shark-filled lagoon.

With a dedicated children’s play area, it’s one of the best water parks in Dubai for families.

Ticket prices: Prices vary

Timings: Open daily 9.45am-6.30pm

Location: Atlantis The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai

LEGOLAND Water Park Dubai

Legoland Waterpark at Parks and Resorts

This LEGO-themed water park is perfect for families with younger children. Build your own LEGO raft and float down the lazy river, or enjoy the many slides and splash areas.

It’s a unique blend of LEGO fun and water park thrills, making it one of the most popular things to do in Dubai with kids.

Ticket prices: From Dhs295 (online booking), Dhs330 (on the door), Free (kids under three)

Timings: Mon-Thurs10am-6pm, Fri-Sun 10am-6pm

Location: Dubai Parks and Resorts, Jebel Ali, Dubai

Wild Wadi Waterpark

Wild Wadi Waterpark Dubai

Set against the stunning backdrop of Burj Al Arab, Wild Wadi offers 30 rides and attractions for all ages. The Jumeirah Sceirah, a 120-meter tandem slide, is a must-try for thrill-seekers.

With its variety of rides and beautiful setting, it’s a great option for family-friendly days out in the UAE.

Ticket Prices: General admission from Dhs295 (adult over 1.1m), Dhs245 (child under 1.1m). UAE residents’ rates from Dhs215 (adult over 1.1m), Dhs195 (child under 1.1m)

Timings: Open Mon-Sun,10am-6pm

Location: Jumeirah St – opp. Burj Al Arab – Umm Suqeim – Umm Suqeim 3 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates

Yas Waterworld, Dubai

With over 40 rides, slides, and attractions, Yas Waterworld offers aquatic adventures for everyone. Try the world’s largest surfable sheet wave or brave the Bandit Bomber, the longest suspended roller coaster in a waterpark.

It’s one of the most exciting water parks in the UAE, perfect for a family day out.

Ticket Prices: From Dhs295 (adults), Dhs225 (junior), free (children under the age of three)

Timings: Open Sat-Thurs 10am-7pm, Fri 1pm-10pm (ladies day)

Location: Yas Island, Abu Dhabi

Best Kid Friendly Animal Experiences in Dubai

Dubai Safari Park

Dubai Safari Park Village

This wildlife park is home to over 2,500 animals from around the world. Take a guided tour through different climate-controlled environments and learn about various species and conservation efforts.

It’s an educational and exciting experience, making Dubai Safari Park one of the best places for Family fun in Dubai who love animals.

Ticket Prices AED 45 to AED 1,000

Timings 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Location Dubai Safari Park, Al Warqa 5 – Dubai

Green Planet

Green planet zoo at Dubai

This indoor rainforest offers a unique opportunity to explore a tropical ecosystem in the heart of the desert. Encounter exotic birds, reptiles, and even sloths as you journey through different levels of the rainforest.

It’s an immersive and educational experience that’s perfect for family-friendly days out in the UAE.

Ticket Prices: From Dhs155

Timings: Daily 10am-6pm

Location: City Walk, Al Wasl, Dubai

Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo

Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo

Located in The Dubai Mall, this massive aquarium is home to thousands of aquatic animals. Walk through the underwater tunnel for an immersive experience, or take a glass-bottom boat tour.

The attached Underwater Zoo features additional exhibits and interactive experiences.

Ticket Prices: Prices start at Dhs199

Timings: Open Mon-Fri 10am-11pm, Sat-Sun 10am – midnight

Location: The Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai

Turtle Rehabilitation Sanctuary

Learn about sea turtle conservation at this sanctuary. Visitors can see rescued turtles up close and learn about the rehabilitation process before they’re released back into the wild.

It’s a great way to teach kids about marine life and conservation.

Ticket Prices: Free

Timings: Daily, 11am

Location: 45PP+HFX – Umm Suqeim – Umm Suqeim 3 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates

Dubai Butterfly Garden

Step into a magical world of butterflies at this enchanting garden. With over 15,000 butterflies of various species, it’s a colorful and educational experience for all ages.

Kids can learn about the butterfly life cycle and even see butterflies emerging from their cocoons.

Ticket Prices From Dhs55

Timings Open daily 9am-6pm

Location Al Barsha South 3, Dubailand Area, Dubai

Dubai's Best Kids Attractions Loved by Families

KidZania

Kidzania Theme Park in Dubai

Dubai has specially crafted a mini-city where your children can role-play various adult jobs, from being a pilot to a chef. KidZania provides an educational and fun experience that teaches little children about different professions and money management.

With over 40 role-playing activities, it is one of the most popular things to do in Dubai with kids.

Ticket Prices: From Dhs80

Timings: Mon-Thurs 10am-10pm, Fri-Sun 10am-11pm

Location: Dubai Mall, Dubai

Dubai Miracle Garden

Miracle Garden Dubai

This is a beautiful floral wonderland that is home to over 150 million flowers arranged in stunning displays and structures. The Miracle Floral Garden in Dubai is surely a feast for the eyes and a perfect spot for family photos.

The place also has a small butterfly garden, making it a great spot for nature-loving families.

Ticket Prices: Dh 30 to Dh 40.

Timings: Monday to Friday 9AM – 9PM and Saturday and Sunday 9AM – 11PM.

Location: Al Barsha South 3, Dubailand Area, Dubai

OliOli

Oli Oli Kids Play Museum in Dubai

image credit: olioli.ae

This interactive play museum encourages children to learn through play. With eight galleries featuring over 40 exhibits, it’s a place where creativity and curiosity are nurtured.

From art and science to technology and nature, OliOli offers a wide range of hands-on experiences for kids.

Ticket Prices: Dhs139 (standard visit, 1 child aged two-16 and 1 adult), Dhs69 (standard visit, 1 toddler aged 12 months – 23 months and 1 adult)

Timings: Open Mon 11am-6pm, Tues-Thurs 9am-6pm, Fri 9am-7pm, Sat 9am-8pm, Sun 9am-7pm

Location: Al Quoz 1, Dubai

Museum of the Future

Museum of the Future Dubai

One of the new attractions in Dubai, this futuristic museum offers immersive experiences that blend technology, science, and art. It’s a glimpse into what the future might hold and sparks imagination in visitors of all ages.

Interactive exhibits make Museum of the Future an engaging experience for the whole family.

Ticket Prices: 149dh for adults

Timings: Monday–Sunday, 10 AM–9:30 PM, and tickets are available daily from 10 AM–7:30 PM

Location: Sheikh Zayed Rd – Trade Centre – Trade Centre 2 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates

Cheeky Monkeys

A world of color and fun awaits little explorers at the Cheeky Monkeys soft play centers. Innovative neon-lit slides, mini zip lines, brilliant dressing-up areas, and enormous ball pits provide endless entertainment that energetic tots love.

It’s a great indoor option for family-friendly days out in the UAE.

Ticket Prices: Dhs63 (first hour), Dhs35 (subsequent hours)

Timings: Times vary

Location: Various locations including J3 Mall and Arabian Ranches 2 in Dubai and Al Forsan Village, Abu Dhabi

The Arcade by Hubzero

This fully immersive, virtual reality gaming park offers more than 50 cool video games including artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and motion capture options. It’s a great place for older kids and teens who love gaming and technology.

Ticket Prices: Free entry

Timings: Open daily 10am-11.30pm

Location: Al Khawaneej Walk, Dubai

Free Exploration of Dubai Culture

Dubai is a popular tourist destination due partly to its rich culture. It is an intriguing blend of the ancient and the new. The vestiges of a bygone period can also be seen among the tall towers. If you know where to search, you can learn about Dubai’s culture for free.

1. Explore Al Seef’s Streets

Al Seef Dubai, a wonderful blend of old and new Dubai, is one of the most excellent accessible locations to visit in Dubai. It is located near the Dubai Creek neighborhood, which has been restored. Views of the creek’s waters are available from this popular location. Furthermore, Al Seef is well-known for having several festivals that showcase some of the best free activities in Dubai, so keep an eye out for those if you intend to visit. You will also find here many accommodations, dining venues, and retail outlets, making it one of the best shopping spots in Dubai. Visiting Al Seef is one of the top things to do in Dubai in January when the weather is pleasant for outdoor explorations of this heritage district.

Do you want to learn more about this city landmark?

Al Seef is easily accessible by automobile or public transit. There is parking accessible for individuals who are driving their vehicles. For those taking public transportation, the nearest metro station to Al Seef is Burjuman, a 10-minute walk away.

  • Address: Al Seef District, Dubai Creek
  • Al Seif Timing: 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. (Sat-Wed); 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m. (Fri-S (Thu-Fri)
  • Phone: +971-800-637227

2. Al Karama Has Some Street Art

Street Art, Dubai
Image Credit: https://whatson.ae

Take a walk around the busy streets of Karama, one of Dubai’s top spots for street art, and look for larger-than-life murals on 18b Street. Twenty-four magnificent pieces of art are placed across the street as part of an ambitious project to revitalize Karama’s older buildings. Art enthusiasts will undoubtedly like this free activity in Dubai. So go to the bustling center of Old Dubai and enjoy street art, which ranges from 3D art to graffiti and abstract works.

3. Tour The Grand Mosque of Bur Dubai

Bur Dubai

If you do not want to go to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, you can go to the Bur Dubai Grand Mosque instead. The Grand Mosque is a stunning structure in one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods.

From Sunday to Thursday, visitors can take free tours from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The guides work for the Islamic Information Center and know everything there is to know about the mosque. This is one of the free indoor things to do in Dubai during the summer season when the heat outdoor becomes unbearable.

4. Alserkal Avenue Provides Free Road Trip

If the streets of Al Karama are not enough, visit AlSerkal Avenue. The Al Quoz gallery district organizes free driving trips throughout the United Arab Emirates, including Dubai. And now is your chance to enjoy the fun without spending any money! The road tours transport guests to the country’s most recent art exhibitions, performances, screenings, art institutions, and cultural projects.

  • Al Quoz Location
  • Phone: +971-4-3333464

5. Go to the Camel Race Festival

The Camel Racing Festival in Dubai is the ideal place to view these magnificent “ships of the desert” compete. Being free to witness is the best part. The event, which honors a sport as profoundly established in the region as the city itself, is one of the best free activities for anyone interested in learning about the country’s culture.

What is the best method to get a taste of camel racing in Dubai? Plan your visit to coincide with the Al Marmoom Heritage Village Festival. Every year, thousands of people attend the yearly competition. It is one of the most enjoyable things to do in Al Marmoom. You can also visit the wildlife reserve and participate in other activities.

6. Go to a Beach Library

beach in Dubai

Visit one of the city’s free beach libraries to catch up on your reading without missing out on the beach. These libraries may be found on numerous public beaches in Dubai, including Al Mamzar Corniche and Umm Suqeim 1.

7. BBQ at Al Qudra Lake

Al Qudra Lake, one of Dubai’s most popular BBQ spots, provides guests with some of the best free things to do in the city. During the Eid holidays and extended breaks, this is also one of the most popular free things to do in Dubai! If barbecuing and camping are not your thing, there is plenty more to see and do at Al Qudra.

  • Al Qudra, Saudi Arabia
  • Al Qudra Lake is open 24 hours a day.

8. AT Al Qudra, Go Camping

Al Qudra Lake is also one of the top camping locations in the UAE. There are no fees to the park, and you will not be charged to pitch a tent.

If you plan on staying overnight, prepare everything you need for a bonfire because it might become cold. Overall, an Al Qudra camping trip should be added to your list of “top free family activities in Dubai.”

9. Tracks For  Free Cycling

Al Qudra is also a popular destination for both professional and recreational bikers. For one thing, you get to pedal while admiring the stunning vistas of Al Qudra Lake. Second, it is free if you bring your bike. Bike rentals are available near the track at the Trek Dubai store.

You can choose between an 18km and a 50km trail that leads up to the Bab Al Shams Resort. The Al Qudra Riding Path, one of the best cycling paths in Dubai, is an activity you can add to your growing list of “free things to do in Dubai.” It is also one of the many activities available at Al Qudra Lake.

Aside from Al Qudra Lake, other accessible cycling facilities, such as the Nad Al Sheba Cycle Parkis another great option. Other facilities, like the Dubai Autodrome, provide free admission to their tracks on specific days of the week.

While outdoor cycling is an option, visiting indoor theme parks and malls are among the top activities in Dubai during Summer to escape the heat.

  • Nad Al Sheba Cycle Park is located on Muscat Street in Dubai.
  • MotorCity, Dubailand, is the location of the Dubai Autodrome.

Dubai’s Free Historical Attractions

BASTAKIYA Dubai

Before becoming famous as a luxury tourist resort and skyscraper haven, Dubai was a small fishing hamlet. By roaming the streets and visiting some free museums, you may sense what the city’s architecture looked like when its economy was based on pearl diving and fishing.

10. DISCOVER BASTAKIYA

Bastakiya Dubai

Do you want to know more about Dubai’s history? Visitors may freely explore UAE tradition and culture in the historic neighborhood of Bastikiya! Al Bastakiya, called the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, provides a taste of the city’s old architecture, similar to traditional desert dwellings in the UAE.

Bastakiya ranks among the top attractions in Dubai for those interested in exploring the city’s humble roots and traditional architecture.

Do you want to live in this neighborhood?

  • Address: Al Fahidi Historical District
  • Bastakiya Hours: Open 24 hours

Bonus:

11. Bind Your Love to the Yard’s Love Lock Bridge

Are you looking for a low-cost dating night? Bring a lock and key to the Love Lock Bridge at the Yard. You can attach a lock personalized with your loved one’s initials to the bridge and throw the key off. There is no need to travel to Paris to have this experience!

The Love Lock Bridge at the Yard is undoubtedly one of the most enjoyable free things to do in Dubai with your loved one. The Yard is one of the most popular free sites to visit in Dubai, but if the Love Lock Bridge is not what you are looking for, there are many other activities to check out at The Yard.

  • Location: D89 in Al Khawaneej
  • Al Seef is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
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nishita

Nishita Khanwani is an avid blogger, who writes engaging blogs on subjects of travel, food, adventures and cultural experiences. She travels to various cultural hotspots in the world, such as India,Egypt,Turkey enjoying their richness of history and culture.

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