Dubai through the eyes of a child. 8 places worth visiting

What is it like living in Dubai with children?

A ski slope, a water park, an interactive museum, or a vast open-air park. Dubai brings together experiences in one place that would otherwise be separated by dozens or even hundreds of kilometers.

For families living in the city, it is also important that the options don't end with a single season. During the hot months, air-conditioned venues take center stage, while as temperatures become more pleasant, activities naturally shift outdoors. The following eight tips show the variety of ways to spend time with children in Dubai, from major attractions to spots that don't require all-day planning.

OliOli: A museum where touching the exhibits is mandatory

OliOli in Al Quoz has little in common with a traditional museum. Instead of display cases and observing from a distance, the entire concept is built on discovery, movement, and hands-on experimentation.

Spread across two floors are eight themed galleries with over 45 interactive installations. Children can build cars and test them on ramps, experiment with airflow, explore water, or climb through suspended nets. A separate area is available for toddlers under two.

Another advantage is that the entire facility is indoors and air-conditioned, making it suitable even for the hottest time of the year. It is a good idea to allow about two to three hours for your visit.

The Green Planet: Straight from Dubai into a rainforest

In City Walk, behind the doors of The Green Planet you will find yourself in a tropical rainforest environment full of greenery and free-roaming animals.

Sloths, lemurs, tamarins, flying foxes, parrots, and anacondas live here. Visitors don't watch them from traditional enclosures; instead, they walk directly through the different levels of the forest and get to know its inhabitants up close.

Special programs are also available for children. As part of the "Zookeeper for a Day" experience, they can get a behind-the-scenes look at animal care and try out some of the tasks performed by the keepers.

KidZania: Where kids can be in charge for a few hours

In Dubai Mall, you will find a miniature city built for children, where they can try out dozens of different professions. For a while, they become pilots, firefighters, doctors, presenters, or police officers. KidZania Dubai covers an area of approximately 7,000 m² and offers over 40 professions and activities. The city includes its own bank, hospital, fire station, radio station, television studio, and airport.

For the "work" they perform, children earn kidZos currency, which they can then spend or save. Along with the fun, they naturally learn about managing money and making independent decisions.

Aquaventure World: A water park for both young and old

Aquaventure World on Palm Jumeirah is one of the largest water parks in Dubai, where you can easily spend an entire day. The complex spans over 22 hectares and is well-equipped for younger visitors. Four separate Splashers zones offer children's slides, water features, and shallow pools.

AYA Universe: An interactive world for the whole family

AYA Universe at Wafi City blends light, sound, movement, and digital technology into a series of interactive spaces that change based on visitor movement. Individual sections resemble light gardens, infinite rooms, or living projections. In some areas, colors move beneath your feet, while in others, the surrounding scene shifts depending on where you are standing.

AYA is not just for small children. It will also captivate school-aged kids, teenagers, and adults, making it a great choice for families with children of different ages. Furthermore, the entire experience takes place indoors, making it a suitable option even during the hottest months.

Ski Dubai: From over 40°C straight to sub-zero

Ski Dubai in the Mall of the Emirates brings an environment to the desert city that few would expect: real snow, a ski slope, and winter activities all year round. The complex includes a ski school and a Snow Park with tubing, bobsleds, a snow playground, a climbing wall, and a chairlift. There are also regular penguin encounters.

Zabeel Park: A picnic with a view of the Dubai Frame

Instead of slides and interactive installations, the main attractions here are the vast lawns, trees, playgrounds, and picnic spots. It is a space where children have plenty of room to move around, and the day doesn't need a fixed schedule. Plus, the Dubai Frame is located right on the premises, so a visit to the park can easily be combined with one of Dubai's most famous landmarks.

IMG Worlds of Adventure: Dinosaurs, superheroes, and roller coasters

In IMG Worlds of Adventure you will find roller coasters, superheroes, animated characters, and a world of dinosaurs all under one roof.

The vast, air-conditioned complex is divided into several themed zones, including Marvel, Cartoon Network, and the prehistoric-inspired Lost Valley. A separate Kids Zone is available for younger children, while older ones can choose from faster, more adrenaline-fueled attractions. Because the entire park operates indoors, you can visit at any time of the year, including the hottest summer months.