Dubai does have a lot of glitz & glam and luxurious things to do. But, if you want to take the kids on your next trip to this fast-growing and every changing Middle Eastern metropolis, don’t worry because there are plenty of kid activities in Dubai and places for kids in Dubai!

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.

The coolest bridge in #Dubai #TheCanal ?? bridge #familytravel #hawaiikids

A post shared by Wendy Awai-Dakroub (@pintsizegourmets) on Apr 4, 2017 at 11:58am PDT

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

I remember the good old days where my family, friends, and I would spend our weekend’s out camping in the desert. We’d take our tents, grills, and bbq while watching the incredible daily desert sunsets. If you’re visiting Dubai with kids, I recommended taking a Sundowner desert safari tour – it includes everything from dune bashing in a 4×4, getting to see the sunset over the dunes, dinner and entertainment at a bedouin-style camp – a worthwhile experience.

Head to the Beach

She loves shells ? #LouLou #hawaiikids #mydubai #kidfoodies

A post shared by Wendy Awai-Dakroub (@pintsizegourmets) on Apr 2, 2017 at 4:30am PDT

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

A post shared by Dubai Miracle Garden (@dubaimiraclegarden) on Nov 21, 2017 at 12:11am PST

Get Snowy at Ski Dubai

Did you know that the world’s largest (it’s a theme) indoor ski slope is located in Dubai at the Mall of the Emirates. If you want to learn how to ski and don’t have access to snowy weather in the winter, then we can’t recommend Ski Dubai enough. The conditions are perfect for first timers learning the basics of skiing – read Christabel of Where’s Bel’s experience of learning how to ski at Ski Dubai.

Unleash Your Creativity at the Jam Jar

A post shared by thejamjar (@thejamjardubai) on Sep 14, 2017 at 4:45am PDT

Watch Wildlife in Ras Al Khor

Imagine driving around the streets, among countless skyscrapers in the heart of #Dubai, and suddenly spotting a rosy flock of #beautiful flamingos in a vast haven of greenery and deep blue waters! Would you stop to capture a photo like @aljvd did? #VisitDubai

A post shared by Visit Dubai (@visit.dubai) on Jan 21, 2017 at 10:32pm PST

Jump Around at Bounce

A post shared by ?click Here? (@bounce_dubai) on Oct 14, 2014 at 11:55am PDT