Dubai is a paradise for families, offering countless kid-friendly attractions that blend education, excitement, and exploration. Among these, the Dubai Aquarium and its surrounding attractions stand out as top picks for a day filled with fun and learning. From watching the breathtaking Dubai Fountain show to thrilling rides and slides at waterparks, Dubai offers something for every age and interest. Families can enjoy theme parks, beaches, and interactive museums, ensuring a mix of adventure and relaxation.
Children are sure to be captivated by attractions like LEGOLAND Dubai and the mesmerizing Lost Chambers Aquarium, where they can dive into the world of marine life. Each spot provides unique activities—from watching aqua theater shows to exploring underwater tunnels—making Dubai Aquarium and its nearby family-friendly destinations an ideal choice for unforgettable moments with kids.
Here are some of the kid-friendly activities at Dubai Aquarium.
1. The Dubai Fountain
Located next to the Dubai Mall and the Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Fountain is the world’s largest choreographed fountain system, making it a must-see for families visiting Dubai. Kids will be mesmerized as they watch water jets shoot up to 500 feet into the air, swaying in harmony with music and lights. The fountain operates several times a day with performances that include both Arabic and international music. A favourite for many families is the evening show when the lights and music create a magical atmosphere. For an extra-special view, families can book a boat ride on Burj Lake, providing a close-up view of the fountain and its powerful jets.
2. Wild Wadi Waterpark
Wild Wadi Waterpark is a paradise for families looking to splash, play, and relax. Located near the iconic Burj Al Arab, this enormous waterpark has thrilling slides, gentle lazy rivers, and shallow play areas perfect for younger kids. The park’s “Jumeirah Sceirah” slide and “Master Blaster” uphill waterslides cater to thrill-seekers, while families with younger children will love the “Juha’s Lagoon,” a splash area with gentle slides and fun water cannons. The park also has wave pools and a large river where you can float at a leisurely pace.
3. LEGOLAND Dubai
At LEGOLAND Dubai, kids and Lego fans alike can immerse themselves in a world of creativity and excitement. The park features mini Lego cities, roller coasters, and hands-on building areas where kids can construct their own Lego masterpieces. A highlight of LEGOLAND Dubai is the Lego Factory Tour, where families can learn about the brick-making process and even receive a personalized Lego brick to take home. The park is divided into zones, including Miniland with impressive recreations of iconic landmarks, a Lego-themed water park with slides, and a wave pool that’s perfect for cooling off. With a mix of interactive attractions and educational fun, LEGOLAND is an ideal place for families with young children.
4. Kite Beach
For a more laid-back day in the sun, Kite Beach offers a range of outdoor activities that kids will love. The beach has clean, soft sand and gentle waves, ideal for younger swimmers. Families can enjoy playgrounds, zip lines, and obstacle courses, as well as a skate park for adventurous kids. Kite Beach also offers various water sports, such as kite surfing, wakeboarding, and stand-up paddleboarding. With plenty of food trucks and cafes along the beach, you can easily grab a meal or a snack after a day of sun and fun. Kite Beach is a family favourite due to its lively yet relaxed atmosphere, making it perfect for an active day outdoors.
5. The Lost Chambers Aquarium at Aqua venture Waterpark
Located in the luxurious Atlantis, The Palm resort, The Lost Chambers Aquarium is an underwater-themed wonderland where kids can learn about marine life through immersive exhibits and interactive displays. The aquarium features over 65,000 marine animals, including sharks, stingrays, and colourful tropical fish. Kids can watch feeding sessions and attend aqua theater shows that introduce them to different marine species, ocean habitats, and diving. These educational shows are designed to be fun and engaging for younger audiences. The Lost Chambers also has a touch tank where kids can safely touch starfish and sea urchins, making it an educational and memorable experience.
6. IMG Worlds of Adventure
For kids who love adventure, IMG Worlds of Adventure offers an indoor park with themed zones bringing cartoons and movies to life. It has four zones: Marvel, Cartoon Network, Lost Valley—Dinosaur Adventure, and IMG Boulevard. In Marvel, kids meet superheroes like Spider-Man and Iron Man, while Cartoon Network features rides from shows like The Powerpuff Girls and Ben 10. Additionally, Lost Valley is a dinosaur-themed area with animatronic creatures and thrilling coasters. Combining adrenaline-pumping rides with gentler attractions, IMG Worlds is ideal for families with kids of all ages.
7. Motiongate Dubai
Motiongate Dubai is a Hollywood-inspired theme park that combines thrilling rides and immersive experiences based on popular movies. Kids can explore zones themed around DreamWorks, Lionsgate, and Columbia Pictures, with attractions that bring movies like Shrek, Kung Fu Panda, and The Hunger Games to life. The park has both indoor and outdoor areas, so families can enjoy it even on hot days. Motiongate also has live shows and character meet-and-greets, where kids can interact with their favourite animated characters. The rides range from gentle merry-go-rounds to fast-paced roller coasters, offering excitement for children of all ages.
8. OliOli
For a blend of fun and education, OliOli is an interactive museum where kids can engage in hands-on learning. With eight unique galleries, OliOli fosters creativity, problem-solving, and exploration through activities like building machines and experimenting with gravity. Moreover, each gallery offers a distinct experience: the Air Gallery lets kids explore wind power, while the Future Park allows them to create digital art that comes to life. OliOli’s “tinkering” sessions and educational workshops offer a great way for children to learn in a relaxed, playful environment. It’s an ideal place for curious minds and makes for an enriching, memorable outing.
Conclusion
The kid-friendly activities at and around the Dubai Aquarium offer families an exceptional blend of adventure, learning, and relaxation. From the captivating marine life displays to nearby attractions like LEGOLAND Dubai and Wild Wadi Waterpark, there’s plenty to enjoy. Moreover, these destinations entertain while offering hands-on learning, letting kids explore marine ecosystems and creative building with LEGOs.
Booking Dubai Aquarium tickets gives families access to one of Dubai’s most iconic attractions. Ticket options often offer packages for extra experiences, such as shark dives or glass-bottom boat rides, adding excitement. Moreover, with many nearby family attractions, the Dubai Aquarium area is an ideal destination for families.