You knew you were in trouble when the first thing your kid asked about Dubai was, “Do they have WiFi?” But if any city can impress an iPad-toting tot, it’s this city of superlatives — the place where everything is bigger, faster, higher, brighter. Take them to these over-the-top Dubai attractions, which will leave your kids’ electronics in the dust.
As always, check for travel guidelines and closures before planning your trip.
Ride to the Top of the World
Willy Wonka’s elevator has nothing on the one at the Burj Khalifa. During the ear-popping, 22-mph ascent of the tallest building in the world, you’ll be mesmerized by the multimedia installations and pulsating lights. At floor 148, more than 1,820 feet above ground, step onto the world’s highest outdoor observation deck and take in the stunning 360-degree views of city, desert, and sea.
Pro Tip: Make sure to see the Dubai Fountain light show. Set on a 30-acre lake at the foot of the Burj Khalifa, the world’s largest performing fountain is a spectacle of light, music, and water shooting as high as a 45-story building. Where’s the best view? The Dubai Fountain Lake Ride gives you front-row seats.
Where to Stay: The Heritage Hotel, Autograph Collection has views of the Burj Khalifa.
Ski a Mountain — Inside
Why ski indoors? Because in Dubai, you can. At Ski Dubai inside the Mall of the Emirates, a wintery wonderland of real snow awaits. Five runs of varying difficulty on a 280-foot-high mountain will give kids and adults a refreshing break from the heat. Or take some lessons. Clothing, ski, and snowboard equipment are included in the admission price. Hats and gloves are available for purchase.
Pro Tip: Meet the resident penguins while you’re at Ski Dubai. When not lounging in their chic habitat with private pool and top deck, they make public appearances, strutting through an area called the Snow Park or communing with (paying) visitors who play, help train, or even swim with them.
Where to Stay: Consider staying at Courtyard by Marriott Al Barsha, Dubai, located just around the corner from the Mall of the Emirates.
Ride a Camel in the Desert
Dubai grew out of the Arabian Desert, so be sure to sample desert life. Head to the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, where kids can try their hand at traditional Arab pursuits such as camel trekking and falconry, or conquer the modern-day thrill of sand skiing.
Pro Tip: Book a tour to ride over the sand dunes in a deluxe four-wheel-drive truck. Predetermined routes wind past an austerely beautiful desert landscape, and all roads lead to a Bedouin camp, where families with a high tolerance for “touristy” can experience Arab culture at a traditional dune dinner.
Where to Stay: Want to stay in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve? Your family can do just that by booking a villa at Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa, Dubai, which welcomes families with kids who are at least eight years old.
Shop at the World’s Biggest Shopping Mall
Shopping with kids is no vacation, but don’t let that keep you from the Dubai Mall. You can bypass the more than 1,200 stores and head straight for some youth-approved fun. At KidZania, a pint-sized replica of a real city, children can try any of 40+ careers — including pilots, artists, chefs, and more — and earn kidZos they can spend.
Pro Tip: Visit the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo on the mall’s ground level. Stroll through the acrylic tunnel to see eye-to-gill with sharks, stingrays, and other deep-sea creatures. For an extra thrill, try cage snorkeling and watch the creatures at really close quarters.
Where to Stay: Residence Inn by Marriott Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai is less than two miles away from the Dubai Mall, just a few minutes by car.
Ride the Skies
You’ll be a hero to your thrill-seeking tween if you grab tickets to zip-line past the city’s skyscrapers on XDubai’s Xline. Your young adventurer will soar 295 feet above downtown at nearly 50 miles per hour, cruising over the Dubai Fountains to the Dubai Mall rooftop, where the three-minute joyride ends. Riders must be at least 12 years old, 4 feet 3 inches tall, and 99 pounds.
Pro Tip: The zip line is a popular ride so be sure to book your tickets in advance, and read up on the specific requirements for the ride in advance.
Where to Stay: Enjoy incredible views long after the zip line ends by booking a room that faces the marina at JW Marriott Hotel Marina.
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