There’s so much family fun to be had in Dubai
In association with Opodo
ALTHOUGH Dubai is jam-packed with glamorous beach clubs and glitzy hotels it’s also the perfect destination for a fun-packed holiday with the kids.
From tots to teenagers there are all sorts of activities and attractions which make Dubai a go-to destination for creating family memories.
For starters the emirate has year-round sunshine, safe, clean beaches, warm crystal-clear waters, child-friendly hotels, restaurants and cafes, and entertainment galore.
But what else is it about Dubai which makes it such a great place for families?
Find your sea legs
Your family will love the huge range of water sports and fun activities that pepper the Arabian Gulf, where there are marked safe areas for swimming.
Go to Kite Beach where you can try your hands at stand-up paddle boarding and even kitesurfing. Or head to JBR beach to take the plunge on a banana boat.
For those not feeling quite ready to dispense with their water wings there’s a fantastic trampoline park at La Mer, where there are also plenty of great cafes for relaxing and people-watching.
Wet and wild
Water parks are a holiday staple for kids and big kids alike – and Dubai has some of the best out there.
Thrill seekers should head to Aquaventure and Wild Wadi for adrenaline-pumping slides and zip-wires, while families with younger kids can enjoy gentler rides at Legoland Water Park.
Brrr-illiant slopes
Dubai might just be the only place where you can ski AND kitesurf on the same holiday.
Take a break from the glorious sunshine and let the kids try their hands at skiing or bobsledding at Ski Dubai, the first indoor snow sports resort in the Middle East.
Meet your heroes
Every child loves a theme park and there are plenty to choose from in Dubai.
Young children (ages 2-12) will love Legoland, where they can experience adventurous rides and rollercoasters as well as Lego building experiences and interactive play across different zones.
For older children (and Mum and Dad!), big-screen entertainment comes to life in the fun-packed zones of IMG Worlds of Adventure, including Marvel.
As well as amazing rides and 3D experiences the huge indoor park boasts a Meet and Greet area where you and your kids can get up close and personal with some of their favourite characters including Spiderman, Thor and the Powerpuff Girls.
And the fun doesn’t stop there. The whole family will enjoy a trip to Motiongate Dubai, a Hollywood-inspired theme park with zones and attractions based on films like Shrek, How to Train Your Dragon and The Smurfs.
Something fishy
Wildlife fans can have wondrous encounters with marine life including sharks and stingrays at Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo at The Dubai Mall – and see more than 65,000 tropical fish at Lost Chambers at Atlantis The Palm.
For culture vultures
Once you’ve soaked up the sun and experienced high-octane thrills, take a step back to give your little ones the opportunity to experience a fascinating culture.
Visit the bustling souks where locals and visitors come together. The kids will be enthralled by the sights and smells – and be spoilt for choice on where to spend their pocket money!
Home from home
Children are welcomed with open arms to Dubai’s hotels – including Atlantis The Palm, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, the Polynesian-themed Lapita Hotel Dubai and JA Palm Tree Court – which cater for youngsters with family rooms, kids’ clubs, playgrounds, junior menus and babysitting.
Many of the hotels – renowned worldwide for top-class service – have their own stretches of golden sands but there are also superb public beaches with showers, baby-changing facilities and food and drink kiosks.
With so much to see and do, there’s no wonder kids go mad for Dubai.