Dubai, known for its towering skyscrapers and luxurious lifestyle, also offers a plethora of activities for families with young children. Whether you’re a resident or a tourist, finding engaging and safe spaces for your toddler can be a challenge. This comprehensive guide highlights the top 15 toddler-friendly activities in Dubai, perfect for those moments when you need to entertain your little one outside of nurseries or paid playrooms.
Outdoor Adventures
1. Al Barsha Pond Park
- Covered play area
- Ice cream shop nearby
- Restaurant with on-site playground
- Bike and pedal car rentals
- Swan boat rides on the pond
2. Dubai Hills Playground
- Free of charge
- Shaded areas for comfort
3. Kite Beach
- Child-friendly beach
- Perfect for outdoor play
4. La Mer Beach
- Cozy atmosphere, especially at sunset
- Illuminated by lanterns in the evening
- On-site water park
- Diverse range of family-friendly restaurants
5. The Beach at JBR
- Toddler-friendly Splash Pad
- Temperature-controlled water
- Features include paddle pool, climbing frames, and seahorse cannons
Indoor Attractions
6. OliOli®
- Experiential child museum
- Interactive experiences encouraging open-ended play
- Multiple galleries including the popular Water Gallery
7. Woo Hoo
- Twelve themed galleries focusing on childhood development
- Activities include fossil scavenging and exploring mazes
8. Green Planet
- Indoor tropical forest
- Man-made tree centerpiece
- Over 3,000 plants and animals to discover
9. Orange Wheels
- Focus on pretend play
- Activities include shopping, baking, and cooking
- Climbing walls and trampolines for active play
10. Dubai Mall Attractions
- Dubai Aquarium with 48-meter underwater tunnel
- Infinity Des Lumières immersive digital art space
- Dubai Fountain Show with music, water, and lights
11. Butterfly Garden
- Indoor garden where kids can chase butterflies
- Adjacent to Miracle Garden for outdoor flower exploration
12. Splash Pad at the Beach
- Aimed at small children
- Shaded areas with different water levels and intensities
- 75 AED for 2 hours
13. X Park Jr
- Water play features
- Bring swim gear and swim diapers
Family-Friendly Restaurants with Play Areas
14. Denny’s and Jones the Grocer on SZR
- Kids’ play equipment available
15. Baker’s Kitchen in Dubai Marina
- Great indoor kids’ corner
Tips for Parents
- Download the Kidzapp app for finding places and deals on kids’ activities
- Consider visiting Stay and Play for indoor energy release (70 AED/hour)
- Check out Oli Oli’s toddler area for crawling and new toy exploration (45 AED for adults, under 1 year free)
Dubai offers a diverse range of activities suitable for toddlers, from outdoor parks to interactive museums and family-friendly restaurants. These options provide stimulating environments where little ones can play, learn, and explore under parental supervision. Whether you’re looking for a shaded outdoor space or an air-conditioned indoor attraction, Dubai has something to offer for every family with young children.
