Dubai is full of totally unusual activities for the whole family. Here are the best outings to do with children, young and old.
Dubai is the city of excess: everything is gigantic and we take full view. From Burj Khalifa, the highest tower in the world with its 828 meters, to the largest water park in the world (Aquaventure waterpark) via the Dubai Mall (the largest shopping center in the world) or the largest artificial ski trail … The futuristic city of the United Arab Emirates wins all prices. But it is not a “bling bling” destination as you might think. If it has managed to preserve typical, cultural and charm districts like the old town of Dubai through its many souks and its crossing in Abra, the destination is above all a privileged place for families in search of more than original entertainment. We were able to test certain activities with family and here are the ones that we recommend.
1 – The Oli Oli Museum, the paradise of toddlers
At first glance, this museum greatly resembles the city of science and industry in Paris. Each room has a universe dedicated to experiences: flying balloons, scarves suckled in pipes, cars to clean and water games, giant and bright balls, drawings that are instantly displayed on a wall, a room to create your slime … A perfect outing to stay in the fridge while having fun for hours. Children never get bored! 2 hour experience: 43 euros (2-16 years), 21.45 euros (12-23 months). Site: Olioli.ae
2 – Aquaventure Waterpark, at the Atlantis Hotel: the largest water park in the world
When it is very hot, as is the case in Dubai in May, nothing like a water park to cool off. And it broke all records, with its 105 slides and attractions spread over 22.5 hectares. One of them marks the spirits: it passes through a tunnel filled with sharks! Aquaventure Waterpark also offers unique experiences: you can kayak with dolphins or scuba diving to admire the wonders of nature. Lovers of thrills will find their happiness there, as are the little ones, which can slide on slides adapted to their age in the splashers kids zones. An exceptional and memorable moment not to be missed! Site : www.aquaventureworld.com. Price: 86 euros per adult, 74 euros per child. Other aquatic parks are to be discovered in Dubai such as the Wild Wadi Waterpark or the Jungle Bay Waterpark.
3 – LEGOLAND: Creativity comes to life
When you arrive in Legoland, the roles are reversed: you have the impression of becoming the small figurines that wander in the castles under construction. This life -size lego gaming park amazes young and old. It is possible to stay there, in themed rooms (room of pirates, knights or princesses) with a decor that really makes children dream. The hotel is home to an air -conditioned playground, but the park was rather empty during the day due to hot weather. The advantage: no tail in attractions and for good reason: everyone prefers to cool off in the water park filled with giant Lego and slides. At the end of the day, we recommend that you go to the Outlet Village, which is a 10 -minute walk from the park, to make a shopping session and above all, good deals! Site: www.legoland.com
4 – One night in the Dubai desert
This is the essential destination of Dubai to leave with memories full of head! Immersed in the immensity of the dunes, many activities are offered: quad in the desert, ride in camel, archery, sledge in the sand, safari. And why not camp under the stars, staying in exceptional accommodation, as in Sonara Camp that we tested. You will taste a tasty dinner there while contemplating shows (oriental dancers, fire eating, acrobat …), then have a breakfast early in the morning (at 7 a.m.), before the sun is too much … other similar experiences are offered in Arabian Adventures or Platinum Heritage. If you want to try this experience, don’t forget to bring sneakers! Site: www.nara.ae
5 – Garden Miracle, the largest floral park in the world
This exceptional floral park also has a record in Dubai. With its 72,000 m², the Garden miracle is the largest natural floral garden in the world. Visitors will be amazed by the structures transformed into colorful and flowery exhibitions. Châteaux in rose petals, bushies at the head of majestic horses, a flowery peacock, without forgetting the incredible zone dedicated to the Smurfs …
Do not miss the life -size reproduction of an Airbus A380 of Emirates Airline composed of more than 500,000 flowers and living plants. Impressive ! In total, the Miracle Garden shines more than 150 million flowers to the delight of tourists. Catering points, shops and games are also offered all around the route to have fun and cool off. Entrance price: 24 euros per adult (100 AED) and 20 euros per child from 3 to 12 years old (85 AED).
Finally, know that the heat is at its height in May (around 40 degrees) and up to 50 degrees in July and August. But everything is done to enjoy unforgettable experiences thanks to air -conditioned spaces and shaded areas. All the same plan your outdoor visits early in the morning or at the end of the afternoon, especially if you travel with children. Many other very original activities are also offered: do not miss the IMG World of Adventures: an indoor amusement park dedicated to comic characters like Avengers and Marvel, Kidzania to put itself in the shoes of a firefighter and extinguish a fire, the museum of the future, The Green Planet, a unique tropical forest, or the Global Village.
