Dubai at a glance:
- Travel time: 7hrs 45mins direct flight from London.
- Vibe: Modern, luxurious, high-energy.
- Top must-see: The Burj Khalifa & Dubai Fountain.
- Best for: Families, luxury travellers, sun lovers, shoppers.
I have wanted to visit Dubai for ages as my first graduate job was for a design and engineering company, and I’d spent a lot of time writing about Dubai-based projects including the Burj Al Arab. I was very grateful that for my 30th birthday present, my parents paid for a family trip for us to visit so I could see some of these landmarks in person.
It’s like nowhere else I’ve visited – it sounds weird but the cleanliness was on another level! There isn’t a single piece of graffiti or rubbish in sight. Everything is so clean, luxurious, and on a grand scale. Here’s some of the best things to do on a family trip to Dubai – regardless of everyone’s age!
Things to do on a family trip to Dubai
Dubai Mall
Nestled in the heart of Downtown Dubai, the Dubai Mall stands as an iconic shopping and entertainment destination. It’s the second largest shopping mall in the world, so as I’m sure you can imagine, there is a lot of ground to cover! It’s a shopper’s paradise with over 1,300 stores offering a diverse range of international and luxury brands. There are different areas to explore, including the Souk, and a massive indoor waterfall.
For those family members that may not love long shopping trips, particularly children, there’s plenty of other things to do at the mall too. Families can explore the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, test their skills at the Dubai Ice Rink, or venture into virtual worlds at VR Park. There’s also tons of dining options, so you can spend an entire day there and not get bored.
Aquaventure Waterpark
Nestled within the iconic Atlantis The Palm resort, the Aquaventure Waterpark offers a range of attractions for visitors of all ages. Like so many places in Dubai it loves to be the biggest and the best – so unsurprisingly it’s the world’s largest waterpark! There’s over 105 slides to choose from, ranging from low to high in thrill level. There’s also a tranquil private beach and the opportunity to float along the meandering lazy river (which has some exciting rapids thrown in – this was my favourite part!). Other attractions include diving, snorkelling, kayaking, and an aquarium. With its breathtaking setting, and a perfect blend of excitement and relaxation, visiting Aquaventure Waterpark is one of the best things to do in Dubai with family.
Dubai Marina
Dubai Marina is an artificial canal city that has become one of Dubai’s most iconic districts. Lined with towering skyscrapers and a network of picturesque waterways, the marina is home to high-end restaurants, chic cafes, and its own shopping mall Pier 7. The waterfront promenade, with its stunning views of the cityscape and yachts bobbing in the marina, is a beautiful place to walk particularly when it’s lit up at night. This was one of my personal favourite places to photograph as I feel it really sums up the energy and modern beauty of Dubai.
Burj Al Arab
This iconic hotel, often referred to as the “Sail of Dubai,” is renowned for its distinctive sail-shaped silhouette. It was quite surreal seeing this in real life after I’d spent years writing about it in my graduate job (as I mentioned above).
Set on an artificial island, the Burj Al Arab offers unparalleled views of the Arabian Gulf and has the status of being one of the world’s most luxurious accommodations. You can book to have a meal here even if you aren’t a hotel guest – but if you don’t want to spend that much money (we didn’t!) you should still try and see the hotel for yourself as it’s one of Dubai’s main landmarks. One of the best places to see it without lots of people getting in the way is mentioned below.
Souk Madinat Jumeirah
Souk Madinat Jumeirah is a great place to visit to see views of the Burj Al Arab. Family members of all ages will enjoy the relaxing boat ride you can take around the scenic waterways that surround the souk and the accommodation there. It’s an enjoyable destination to visit not just because of the boat rides, but because it recreates the charm of an ancient souk marketplace in a more modern way. You can explore an array of boutique shops, art galleries, and craft stalls offering a diverse range of goods, including traditional carpets, jewellery, spices, and unique handicrafts.
Burj Khalifa
The Burj Khalifa dominates the skyline of Dubai and holds the title of the world’s tallest building. Soaring to a height of 828 metres (2,717 feet), this iconic structure is a symbol of engineering excellence. Its observation decks, including the famous “At the Top,” offer panoramic views of the city, the Arabian Gulf, and the surrounding desert. You’re so high up, that normal skyscrapers look small and you can even see clouds go past! It’s an experience that children and adults alike will find magical, especially as you go in the lift and watch the levels slowly go up! It’s not surprising that it attracts millions of visitors annually and is unlike any other viewing platform you could visit in the world.
Dubai Water Fountain Show
Set against the backdrop of the world’s tallest building, the Water Fountain Show takes place in the Burj Khalifa Lake (that you can see in the photo above). It’s a captivating blend of water, music, and light. With illuminated water jets soaring as high as 150 metres, the water is choreographed to ‘dance’ gracefully in harmony. The spectacle is particularly breathtaking during the evening, when the city lights illuminate the surroundings, and best of all, it’s free to watch.
Dubai Old Souks
Although most of what we see and know of Dubai is new, the city still has history and tradition, which is steeped in the old souks. The most famous among them are the Deira Souks. These include the Spice Souk – narrow alleys filled with the aroma of exotic spices, herbs, and traditional medicinal products, and the Gold Souk – filled with insanely detailed and over-the-top jewellery. The different items, the bargaining rituals, and the stark contrast the old souks offer to the modern skyscrapers make them an essential stop for those seeking an authentic experience. The souks can get rather hot and crowded, so make sure to keep any children close to you and have a bottle of water on hand.
Bluewaters Island
Bluewaters Island is a contemporary development located off the coast of Jumeirah Beach Residence. The island is home to the iconic Ain Dubai, the world’s largest and tallest observation wheel, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city’s skyline and the Arabian Gulf. Bluewaters has a vibrant mix of shops, places to eat, and even a Madame Tussauds. You can take a scenic walk there from JBR Beach across a bridge, or there’s the option to get the bus or drive over too.
JBR Beach
With its pristine white sands and crystal-clear blue waters, JBR Beach is an idyllic setting. Families flock to the beach for a day of sun-soaked relaxation – sunbathing, reading books, listening to music, and making sandcastles. The sea is the perfect temperature to enjoy swimming and playing. There are also banana boat rides, as well as an outdoor gym and a volleyball court. The well-maintained promenade that lines the shore provides a pleasant space for strolls, and the beachfront is dotted with a diverse choice of cafes and restaurants. This is the area we stayed in and I loved the atmosphere.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
This outstanding piece of architecture can be found in nearby Abu Dhabi, around an hour’s drive from Dubai. It’s free to enter and offers some incredible photo opportunities. It’s definitely worth a day trip to visit Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque if you’re able to.
Family trip to Dubai FAQs (2026)
The “sweet spot” when it isn’t too hot is November through March. The weather is beautiful (20°C to 28°C), making it perfect for beaches and outdoor theme parks. Summer (June–September) is extremely hot, often exceeding 40°C. It’s worth noting we visited in October and it was still around 40°C.
Dubai is a Muslim country, so it’s important to dress modestly covering knees/shoulders, especially when visiting mosques or other religious sites. As Dubai has become a big tourist destination over the years, wearing shorts and vest tops is more widely accepted. However it’s advised to have something that covers your shoulders with you that you can throw on if necessary (always handy too when the air con gets nippy!). Swimwear is fine by the pool and on the beach.
For a solid family itinerary that balances sightseeing with relaxation, at least a week is ideal. We did 10 days and it felt like a good length of time where we got to see what we wanted but still felt rejuvenated at the end.
You can drink alcohol in hotels and licensed restaurants, but it’s illegal to drink alcohol in public places. It’s also worth noting that the legal drinking age in Dubai is 21.
Whilst Dubai is known for its luxury, there are ways you can save money on food and drink:
– Eating out in Old Dubai is cheaper than New Dubai which has higher tourist prices
– Look out for restaurants that offer deals, usually on weekdays, especially for kids
– Book accommodation with a kitchen so you can always prepare some meals or snacks rather than eating out several times in a day
– Always buy your water at a supermarket (like Carrefour) rather than at a tourist attraction or hotel where they charge more.
Have you been to Dubai or thinking of visiting? Let me know in the comments!
Sophie is a freelance writer and editor, and the founder of Britain and Beyond.
