This post is for anyone who’s looking for things to do in Dubai with kids with insider tips from former Dubai residents. We’ll cover Dubai attractions for kids, places to visit in Dubai with family, kid-friendly restaurants in Dubai, and family friendly hotels in Dubai. Find out the best things to do in Dubai with kids.

Family-Friendly Hotels in Dubai
If you’re wondering where to stay in Dubai, here’s a list of our favorite family-friendly hotels aka the best family hotels in Dubai.
1. Anantara at the Palm
One of our favorite family hotels in Dubai to stay in when we visit, Anantara at the Palm is a haven for kids! We tend to stay in Lagoon Access rooms because the kids are able to walk right into the lagoon pools located below – such a cool experience!
Click here to check the latest prices at Anantara at the Palm – Read our brunch review
2. Kempinski Hotel at Mall of the Emirates
Our kids are budding ski enthusiasts and we really like the convenient access staying at the Kempinski Hotel provides because you walk out of your room and very quickly walk straight into Ski Dubai!
Check the latest prices at Kempinski Hotel at MOE – Read Where’s Bel’s first time skiing at Ski Dubai
3. Atlantis at the Palm
Atlantis at the Palm has to be one of the top family hotels in Dubai. There’s so much to do there with the kids that sometimes the thought of exploring the rest of Dubai doesn’t cross your mind. With plenty of water activities – water slides at Aquaventure and more, an impressive aquarium, and 23 restaurants, staying at Atlantis needs to happen on at least one trip to Dubai.
Check the latest prices at Atlantis at the Palm
4. Grand Hyatt Dubai
The Grandy Hyatt is the part of Dubai where my husband and I spent most of our time when we lived in the city, and for us, a stay at the hotel brings back plenty of memories. The hotel is kid-friendly, and it makes for a great base if you want to explore Old Dubai, try some deliciously authentic Asian cuisine, and visit the Ras Al Khor wildlife sanctuary.
Click here to view prices & availability at Grand Hyatt Dubai.
5. InterContinental Residence Suites
Located in Dubai Festival City, the InterContinental Residence Suites is perfect for larger families visiting Dubai. The hotel is close to the marina, which gives you access to the Dubai Canal (a must thing to do with kids when in Dubai), and is also close to one of Dubai’s popular gold courses, the championship Al Badia Golf Club.
Click here to check the latest prices at InterContinental Residence Suites
10 Dubai Attractions for Kids

Dubai Canal Boatride
It’s been a year since the Dubai Canal officially opened, and it has changed the city landscape for the better. Our dear friend took our family for a ride on his boat starting at the Palm all the way down the 1.98 miles (3.2km) canal to the Creek in Old Dubai.
Our favorite part of the Canal would be the motion-operated waterfall over the Sheikh Zayed Road bridge. There are sensors that detect a boat nearby and shutoff the waterfall…which the kids absolutely loved experiencing! Get your tickets to a 2-hour Dubai Water Canal Dinner cruise.
Get tickets to a Dubai canal cruise
Desert Safari/Overnight Desert Camping

Head to the Beach
Spend the day Taking a Culinary Class
Since Lou Lou and Jaf are homeschooled with an emphasis placed on culinary worldschooling, I’m always on the lookout for cooking classes or food tours to teach them more about the place they’re visiting.
Dubai has a number of culinary classes for kids, but the one we loved that had a hands-on learning experience was with SCAFA (School of Culinary and Finishing Arts) which you can read all about here. Because Dubai is so diverse the cooking classes Lou Lou and Jaf had included cooking styles from Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. While the kids get their culinary education less, parents why not sign up for this Japanese Master Cooking Class at Nobu?!
Create Your Own Food Tour
Dubai is seriously under appreciated when it comes to its diverse dining options. No matter what cuisine you’re looking for, and at your price point, you can find it in Dubai.
Since we’re so food-focused, we make it a point to try new restaurants and hole-in-the-wall spots when we’re in Dubai, and thanks to our local friends, we have a never-ending list of places to try and end up making our own custom food tours as we explore the different areas of Dubai. Wondering where to dine in Dubai? Check out our 2015 and 2016 list of kid-friendly restaurants in Dubai.
Or, take a guided food tour of Dubai
Dubai Miracle Garden
Get Snowy at Ski Dubai

Several time I visited Dubai for business purpose. This time planning to go there with my family for making holiday better. I hope my kids gonna make a lot of fun there. Thanks for your nice share!
Thanks, Ruth! Enjoy Dubai with the kids, it’s always a fun experience with them.
This is so great! I’ve heard people talk about adult things to do in Dubai, but never kid things, and everyone talks about the ski slope, but I’ve never heard anyone mention the beach! Looks like a great trip.
Glad we could help – yeah, we always hear about things to do in Dubai that are geared towards adults, and thought we needed to fill the void!