The A to Z Family Fun in the UAE

Discovering family-friendly activities in the UAE can create unforgettable memories for children and parents alike. Offering a broad spectrum of entertainment options, the UAE is a treasure trove for those looking to inject some joy into spring break. With a spectacular lineup ranging from thrilling outdoor adventures to serene cultural experiences, this A to Z guide to family fun in the UAE has something for everyone. Dive into an alphabet of exciting options and make your family holiday one to remember!

A is for… Aventura

Nestled among the iconic ghaf trees of Mushrif Park, Aventura is a sprawling 35,000 sqm activity park that encourages outdoor play at its best. This venue offers circuit-style obstacles, elevated assault courses, an engaging discovery playground featuring animal encounters, and more than 24 ziplines. It’s a fantastic way to keep children active, helping them enjoy the fresh air and tire them out for the journey home. Activities start from Dhs80. aventuraparks.com

B is for… Building Confidence

OliOli, located in the Al Quoz FunderDrome, is one of the finest destinations for covert STEM learning during the school break. The venue features eight experiential galleries, each packed with hands-on edutainment challenges. From constructing pneumatic rockets to exploring fluid dynamics and orchestrating holographic sea creatures, OliOli is especially suited for kids aged two to six, with specific zones for younger toddlers and opportunities for older children up to 16. Tickets are available from Dhs169. OliOli.ae

C is for… Camping in the Desert

Creating core memories is easier than ever with a simple yet rewarding camping trip in the dunes. First-timers—and those without off-road vehicles—will find the Al Qudra Lakes Campground to be perfect. Boasting scenic lakeside spots, wildlife sightings, and barbecue-friendly sites, this campground is ideal for stargazing and making s’mores away from the city’s bright lights.

D is for… Dinosaurs

For dino enthusiasts, the UAE doesn’t disappoint. “Dinosaurs: The Immersive Odyssey” at Dubai Festival City Mall offers a virtual reality tour, an interactive science lab, and a chance to meet life-sized dinosaurs for Dhs59. Additionally, families can experience T-Rex Glamping at Dubai Parks and Resorts, which includes a night in safari-style tents and access to the theme park of your choice, starting from Dhs959 per night. dinosaursodyssey.com, dubaiparksandresorts.com

E is for… Emirates Bio Farm

Located just over an hour from Dubai, Emirates Bio Farm combines children’s play zones, field treks, and mini train tours with an insight into a modern organic farm’s operations. During Ramadan, they also host daily iftars. Ensure your Instagram feed features snapshots of kids in tractors and picking fresh eggs from the farm store. Entry is priced at Dhs50. @emiratesbiofarm

F is for… Fossil Rock

If you’re keen on exploring ancient geological structures, Fossil Rock in the Mleiha region of Sharjah is a must-see. Just about an hour from Dubai, it features fascinating relics from a world 80 million years ago, along with nearby hiking trails and guided tours available through the Mleiha Archaeological Centre.

G is for… Golf

Families seeking a unique golfing experience can head to TopGolf at Emirates Golf Club, where traditional driving ranges meet gamified fun. Young golfers can compete in various engaging game types. Alternatively, 3D Blacklight Minigolf on JBR provides an immersive mini-golf experience with a vibrant 90s rave aesthetic. Rates start from Dhs160 per hour per bay. topgolfdubai.ae, 3d_blacklight_minigolf_dubai

H is for… House of Hype

Located in Dubai Mall, House of Hype is an immersive hub consisting of 28 unique worlds filled with digital projections, games, and puzzles. It’s a wonderfully chaotic environment perfect for adventurous families looking to engage in a variety of challenges. Entry costs Dhs149. house-of-hype.com

I is for… Indoor Climbing

Prepare your kids for any eventuality—yes, even the imaginary Zombie Apocalypse—at Adventure Zone by Adventure HQ. Locations in Times Square Centre and The Galleria Mall offer caving options, spider monkeying, rope routes, ninja courses, and pinnacle climbing experiences. Activities start from Dhs79. @adventurehq

J is for… Jubail Mangrove Boardwalk

Situated between Yas and Saadiyat Islands, Jubail Mangrove Park offers a tranquil escape with a 2.3km boardwalk that connects visitors to nature. Explore the park through yoga sessions, ranger-led tours, kayaking, or e-dragon boat excursions—all perfect for family bonding. Entry costs Dhs10. jubailisland.ae

K is for… Khorfakkan

On the eastern coast of the emirate, Khorfakkan presents a mix of culture and outdoor activities. Families can explore hiking and biking trails or visit local attractions like Al Rafisah Dam and the iconic amphitheatre for night-time entertainment.

L is for… LEGO

The iconic world of LEGO remains a favorite for families, particularly at Legoland, with entry tickets starting from Dhs230. For a more DIY experience, Like Bricks provides locations across the UAE, where children can unleash their creativity with endless building possibilities, starting from Dhs120. @legolanddubai, likebricks.com

M is for… Majlis Story Time

Transform the concept of pillow forts into a cozy majlis, a traditional Middle Eastern gathering place. Gather blankets and cushions to create the perfect storytelling nook, where bedtime stories can transport young imaginations to magical worlds.

N is for… National Aquarium

Abu Dhabi’s National Aquarium, the largest aquatic vivarium in the Middle East, houses 46,000 creatures across ten experiential zones. With live interactions, educational displays, and an impressive underwater tunnel, this destination makes learning about marine ecology exciting. Entry starts from Dhs110. @thenationalaq

O is for… ‘Owzat

Located in Megaplex Dubai, Tiger Strikes is a pay-per-play entertainment center featuring competitive challenges like neon-lit bowling and an augmented reality cricket simulator, WIKIT. Prices start from Dhs30, ensuring loads of fun for everyone involved. @tigerstrikes.dxb

P is for… Pew Pew Pew

Adventure Island at Bahar Plaza on JBR offers a lively laser tag experience with its signature Laser Island. Teams of up to 24 can engage in thrilling battles, making it an exciting option for family outings. Prices start from Dhs59. @adventure.island.ae

Q is for… Questions

The Quiz Room, situated in Al Quoz, is designed for trivia enthusiasts eager to engage in friendly competition. Teams of 1 to 18 players can participate in testing their knowledge across various categories. Entry costs Dhs120. @quiz_room_ae

R is for… Rain Room

Rain Room Sharjah is an art installation that allows visitors to experience a rainstorm while staying dry—at least most of the time. Perfect for capturing artsy photographs, the interactive experience adds a touch of creativity to your day out. Tickets are priced at Dhs25. rainroom.sharjahart.org

S is for… Sharjah Planetarium

For those intrigued by space, Sharjah Planetarium offers educational exhibits, meteorite collections, and captivating laser shows. The experience is designed to instill awe and wonder, making it a perfect outing for budding young astronomers. Tickets start from Dhs25 for kids and Dhs50 for adults. saasst.ae

T is for… The Castle

Escape rooms have transformed school breaks into thrilling adventures. No Way Out features various locations in Dubai, and their City Walk branch offers an age-appropriate room for kids over 10, The Castle, where players embark on a quest to save a kingdom. Pricing begins at Dhs160 per person. nowayout.ae

U is for… Umm Al Emarat Park

In Abu Dhabi, Umm Al Emarat Park stands out with its impressive attractions, including a memorial to Sheikh Zayed, an animal barn, and a botanical garden. Whether you want to enjoy a weekend market or catch an outdoor movie, this park has something for every family member. Entry is priced at Dhs10. ummalemaratpark.ae

V is for… VR Park

For families with avid gamers, VR Park in Abu Dhabi and Dubai offers impressive virtual reality experiences. At Battleworld in Al Quoz, players can immerse themselves in a thrilling environment reminiscent of their favorite video games. The VR Arena, starting at Dhs99 per person, delivers an action-packed alternative to traditional gaming. battleworld.ae

W is for… Waterpark

The UAE boasts an abundance of waterparks, each with unique attractions. While Yas Waterworld, Aquaventure, and Wild Wadi are headline-grabbers, don’t overlook Dreamland Aqua Park in Umm Al Quwain, which offers timeless fun for families. Adult tickets start at Dhs99, while kids’ tickets are available from Dhs49. dreamlanduae.com

X is for… XPark Jr

Encouraging outdoor play is at the heart of XPark Jr, where kids can let loose in a nature-inspired wonderland filled with muddy fun and wildlife encounters. Entry starts from Dhs80, creating a space for children to connect with their natural surroundings. xdubai.com

Y is for… Yalla Bowling

Whether you’re in Mirdif City Centre or one of their other locations, Yalla Bowling offers affordable bowling experiences. Players can enjoy traditional 10-pin bowling for just Dhs40 per frame, combining fun and value for the entire family. magicplanetmena.com

Z is for… Zabeel Park Picnic

Zabeel Park, sprawling across the equivalent of 45 football fields, is the ultimate destination for picnicking families. With barbecue facilities, live music, boat rides, and various sports activities available, this park captures the essence of outdoor leisure and fun in the heart of the city. Entry is priced at Dhs5. visitdubai.com