Dubai Theme Parks and Water Parks: A Guide for Families with Kids
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Dubai and Abu Dhabi together have one of the greatest concentrations of theme parks and water parks in the world, many of them indoors and air-conditioned, which means they work even in the summer heat. For Indian families, they are often the highlight of a Dubai with kids holiday.
This guide covers the best theme parks and water parks, who each one suits, how to get there and tips for saving time and money.
IMG Worlds of Adventure
IMG Worlds of Adventure is one of the largest indoor theme parks in the world, so the weather never matters. It has four zones: Marvel, with Avengers and Spider-Man rides; Cartoon Network, for younger children; the Lost Valley, with life-size dinosaurs and thrill rides; and IMG Boulevard. It is about 25 to 35 minutes from Downtown by road.
Dubai Parks and Resorts
On the road towards Abu Dhabi, Dubai Parks and Resorts brings several parks together:
- Motiongate Dubai: rides and shows based on Hollywood films, including DreamWorks and other studios.
- Legoland Dubai: rides, Lego models and a Miniland of famous landmarks, best for children aged about 2 to 12.
- Legoland Water Park: slides and pools designed for younger children.
- Riverland: a free dining and entertainment area connecting the parks.
Multi-park tickets give the best value if you plan to visit more than one park.
Water parks in Dubai
- Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis The Palm: huge slides, a lazy river and a private beach. See our Palm Jumeirah guide.
- Wild Wadi Waterpark: next to the Burj Al Arab, with slides, a wave pool and a family atmosphere.
- Laguna Waterpark at La Mer beach: smaller and good for families with young children.
Water parks are best in the cooler months or in the late afternoon in summer.
Abu Dhabi's Yas Island
About 1 hour from Dubai, Yas Island in Abu Dhabi is a theme park destination of its own:
- Ferrari World Abu Dhabi: an indoor park under a giant red roof, home to Formula Rossa, one of the world's fastest roller coasters, and gentler rides for families.
- Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi: an indoor park themed on DC superheroes and Looney Tunes.
- Yas Waterworld: a large water park with slides for all ages.
- SeaWorld Abu Dhabi: a marine life park with indoor realms and animal encounters.
Yas Island fits well with an Abu Dhabi day trip or a night in Abu Dhabi. See our Abu Dhabi day trip guide.
Other family favourites
- Ski Dubai: real snow, sledging and penguin encounters at Mall of the Emirates.
- Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo in Dubai Mall.
- KidZania: a mini city where children role-play jobs.
- Dubai Safari Park and Dubai Garden Glow in the cooler months.
- Desert safari: camel rides and sandboarding for older children.
Tips for theme parks with kids
- Buy tickets online for discounts, and look for combo or multi-park tickets.
- Go on weekdays; weekends and UAE holidays are busiest.
- Check height limits for big rides before you go.
- Plan one park per day, and choose indoor parks in summer.
- Stay central or near the metro to keep travel times short; Dubai Parks and Yas Island need a car or transfer.
- Food: parks have restaurants with vegetarian options; outside food rules vary.
Sample theme park plans
Families with young children (under 8): Legoland Dubai and Legoland Water Park, the Dubai Aquarium, KidZania and a gentle desert safari.
Families with older children and teens: IMG Worlds, Aquaventure, Ferrari World and Warner Bros World, plus Ski Dubai and the desert safari with sandboarding.
Thrill-seekers: Formula Rossa at Ferrari World, the big slides at Aquaventure, Sky Views' glass slide and a tandem skydive (adults only).
Getting to the parks
IMG Worlds is in the city's outskirts, Dubai Parks and Resorts is about 40 minutes from Downtown towards Abu Dhabi, and Yas Island is about an hour away. A private transfer is the easiest option for families; some parks also run shuttle buses from main hotels and malls.
Planning a family trip to Dubai
Our Dubai Delight package includes two free days that are perfect for theme parks, and we can add tickets and private transfers for IMG Worlds, Dubai Parks and Resorts, Aquaventure or Yas Island. We can also design a dedicated family package around your children's ages. See all Dubai tour packages and our guide to where to stay in Dubai.
Dubai tour packages
Frequently asked questions
Which is the best theme park in Dubai for kids?
IMG Worlds of Adventure for all ages, Legoland for children under 12, and Aquaventure or Wild Wadi for water fun.
Is Ferrari World in Dubai?
No, Ferrari World is on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, about an hour from Dubai.
Are Dubai theme parks open in summer?
Yes. Many are indoor, such as IMG Worlds, Ferrari World and Warner Bros World, so they work well in summer.
Can we visit two theme parks in one day?
It is possible at Dubai Parks and Resorts with a multi-park ticket, but one park per day is more relaxed.
Is Dubai good for a holiday with kids?
Yes, it is one of the best family destinations, with theme parks, water parks, safe streets and family-friendly hotels.
Can you add theme park tickets to my package?
Yes, we can add tickets and transfers for any of the major parks.
Plan your Dubai trip
Planning Dubai with children? Tell us their ages and we will suggest the best parks and package.
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