Things to Do in Dubai with Family | 10 Best Activities for 2026
Dubai is stunning. But for families? It’s a completely different world.
It isn’t just about the skyscrapers piercing the clouds or the luxury cars lining the boulevards. It’s about the moments between the spectacle. The shared laughter on a dune buggy, the awe in your child’s eyes at the aquarium, and that perfect breeze hitting your face on the Persian Gulf.
If you are planning a trip for 2026, you might be overwhelmed by the choices. You want adventure, but you also need relaxation. You want luxury, but it has to be kid-friendly.
Here is the thing: You don’t need to overcomplicate it. We have curated the ultimate list of things to do in Dubai with family, blending futuristic thrills with the timeless beauty of the Arabian coast.
1. Yacht Cruise from Dubai Marina
Let’s face it. You can’t visit a city built on the water without actually getting on the water. While the malls are impressive, the real magic happens when you push off from the dock. A yacht rental Dubai experience offers a perspective of the city you simply can’t get from the street.
Imagine this: The warm Arabian sun hits the deck while a cool breeze rolls in from the Marina. You are cruising past the Twisted Tower, sipping a cold drink while your kids spot Ain Dubai from the bow. It’s private. It’s safe. And it’s incredibly peaceful compared to the buzz of the city center. Many families choose private yacht Dubai tours because they offer total control over the environment. You decide the music, the route, and the food, making it the ultimate stress-free family escape.
2. Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis
Is Aquaventure suitable for small children? Yes, the park features a dedicated “Splashers” area specifically designed for children under 1.2 meters, ensuring safe fun for the little ones.
Located on the crescent of the Palm Jumeirah, Aquaventure is a beast of a waterpark. For 2026, they have expanded their family zones, adding more shaded areas and interactive pools. While the teenagers tackle the “Leap of Faith”—a near-vertical drop through a shark-filled lagoon—you can drift along the lazy river. This isn’t just a pool day; it’s an adrenaline rush. To make the most of it, arrive right at 10:00 AM to grab sunbeds near the family zones. The ground gets incredibly hot by midday, so bringing water shoes for the kids is a non-negotiable pro tip. If your budget allows, the AquaXpress pass cuts waiting times significantly, keeping the energy high all day.
3. Burj Khalifa Observation Deck
Standing 828 meters high, the Burj Khalifa remains the undisputed king of the Dubai skyline. Taking the high-speed elevator to the 124th and 125th floors is an experience in itself. The doors open, and suddenly, the massive city looks like a miniature circuit board. For kids, the interactive telescopes that show the city’s history (Past vs. Present) are a huge hit, turning a view into a history lesson.
The best part? The outdoor terrace. It’s high, windy, and offers the perfect backdrop for that family photo that will end up on your holiday card. It is best to book tickets online in advance to skip the long queues at the mall entrance. Visiting during sunset offers a dual experience: seeing the city by day and then watching it transform into a sea of twinkling lights as night falls.
4. Dubai Miracle Garden
If you need a break from the steel and glass, head here. The Dubai Miracle Garden is exactly what it sounds like—a floral wonderland in the middle of a desert. We aren’t talking about a few flower beds. We are talking about 150 million flowers arranged into arches, castles, and even a life-sized Emirates A380 plane. It’s a sensory explosion of color and scent that feels almost surreal.
When is the best time to visit Miracle Garden? The garden is open from October to April, with the best weather occurring between December and February when daytime temperatures are mildest. For 2026, the garden has introduced new “floral tunnels” and a designated play zone. It is a fantastic spot for toddlers to run around safely while parents enjoy a coffee in the shade. Just remember to charge your camera; every corner is photo-ready.
5. IMG Worlds of Adventure
Sometimes, you just need to beat the heat. IMG Worlds of Adventure is the world’s largest indoor theme park. It is fully air-conditioned, making it a lifesaver during the hotter months when outdoor activities are impossible. The park is split into immersive zones, including Marvel and Cartoon Network, bringing beloved characters to life.
Your kids can battle alongside the Avengers or chase ghosts in the Haunted Hotel (maybe save that one for the older teens). The rides here are top-tier, rivalling anything you’d find in Orlando or Paris, but without the humidity. Beyond the rides, the dining options are themed and plentiful, ensuring you can spend a full day here comfortably. It’s loud, it’s exciting, and it’s the perfect place to let the kids burn off energy while you stay cool and relaxed indoors.
6. Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner
You can’t come to the UAE and ignore the desert. A desert safari is the quintessential Dubai experience. But for families, you need to choose the right operator. Look for tours that offer “mild” dune bashing if you have smaller children, as the standard ride can be quite bumpy. After the thrill of the dunes, the evening settles into a Bedouin-style camp where you’ll ride camels and get henna tattoos.
You watch a fire show while eating a traditional BBQ dinner under the stars. It’s raw, cultural, and deeply memorable. However, some families prefer to avoid the crowded camps. For a similar level of luxury and privacy, consider exclusive yacht Dubai tours as an alternative day out, or book a private desert setup. Both options offer that VIP feeling where you are the focus, not just part of the crowd.
7. Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo
Located inside the Dubai Mall, this is one of the largest suspended aquariums in the world. You don’t even have to buy a ticket to see the main tank, but the real adventure is inside. The underwater tunnel creates a 270-degree view of sharks and rays gliding overhead. It’s immersive and educational, making you feel like you are walking on the ocean floor.
Upstairs, the Underwater Zoo features everything from penguins to King Croc—a massive saltwater crocodile that is terrifyingly impressive. It is a great educational detour during a shopping trip. The staff often hold feeding presentations which are fascinating for children. Since it is indoors and central, it’s the perfect “gap filler” activity between lunch and dinner, requiring about two hours to see everything thoroughly without rushing the little ones.
8. Global Village Cultural Festival
What makes Global Village unique for families? It combines shopping, dining, and entertainment from over 90 countries in a single open-air destination, running exclusively during the cooler winter months.
Think of it as a world tour in a single evening. You can buy honey from Yemen, carpets from Iran, and Shea butter from Africa, all within a few hundred meters. For 2026, the carnival section has been upgraded with family-friendly rides that are less intense but just as fun. Plus, the street food options are endless. Grab some luqaimat (sweet dumplings) and watch the fireworks that happen every weekend. It’s vibrant, chaotic in a good way, and offers incredible value for money given the sheer variety of entertainment on offer. It is best to arrive just before sunset to enjoy the lights coming on.
9. KidZania Dubai
Located near the Aquarium in Dubai Mall, KidZania is brilliant. It’s an interactive city run by kids. They get a passport, earn “KidZos” (currency), and try out real-world professions. They can be doctors, firefighters, pilots, or chefs, wearing uniforms and performing tasks in a realistic mini-city.
While they are busy saving the city or baking pizzas, parents can relax in the lounge. It’s educational, engaging, and gives you a few hours of peace while they learn the value of work and money management. The concept is incredibly immersive, and the staff (Zupervisors) are excellent at keeping the kids engaged. It is ideal for children aged 4 to 14. Younger ones might find it overwhelming, but for school-age kids, it is often the highlight of their trip because they get to be “grown-ups” for a day.
10. Beach Day at Jumeirah Beach
Sometimes, the simple things are the best. Jumeirah Beach offers pristine white sands and turquoise waters, with the Burj Al Arab standing guard in the distance. It’s perfect for building sandcastles or playing beach volleyball. The water is generally calm, making it safe for swimming with younger children.
If you want to elevate the beach day, consider hopping onto a boat from the nearby harbors. Many visitors combine a morning at the beach with shared yacht Dubai tours in the afternoon to cool off and see the coastline from a different angle. For the ultimate VIP experience, combining a beach resort day with VIP yacht Dubai tours ensures you experience the best of both land and sea luxury, turning a standard beach day into a world-class memory.
Wrapping It Up
Dubai in 2026 is faster, brighter, and more family-oriented than ever before. Whether you are navigating the floral paths of the Miracle Garden or screaming on a rollercoaster at IMG Worlds, the city delivers.
But if you want to truly connect with your family away from the crowds, the ocean is calling. There is nothing quite like the privacy and luxury of your own vessel.
Ready to make waves? Elevate your family trip with a private charter. Book your yacht experience today and create memories that will last a lifetime.