Top 10 Indoor Activities for Kids in Dubai (To Beat the Summer Heat!)
Hey Destinationz family! Leonie here. Let's talk about summer in Dubai. We all know it gets incredibly hot, but here’s a secret us residents have learned: the fun doesn't stop, it just moves indoors! Dubai is a city that has perfected the art of air-conditioned entertainment, transforming into a massive indoor playground for the entire family, especially during the summer season and the exciting Dubai Summer Surprises festival.
So, if you're visiting during the warmer months or you're a fellow resident looking for ways to stay cool, don't sweat it! Jasmine and I, as moms navigating the city with our own kids, have tried and tested the best spots. Here is our Destinationz guide to the top 10 indoor activities in Dubai that your kids will absolutely love.
1. Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo (The Dubai Mall)
Why Kids Love It: Walking through the massive 48-metre-long aquarium tunnel is a mesmerizing experience. Being surrounded by thousands of sea creatures, including majestic sharks and rays swimming overhead, is awe-inspiring for all ages. The Underwater Zoo upstairs offers closer encounters with diverse marine life, from otters to penguins and King Croc!
Parent Perks: Its prime location inside The Dubai Mall in Downtown Dubai makes this educational and fully air-conditioned attraction incredibly convenient. You can easily pair a visit here with an afternoon of shopping or stick around to watch the spectacular Dubai Fountain show in the evening.
Destinationz Tip: The giant viewing panel from inside the mall has free entry, but the tunnel and zoo experience is worth the general admission tickets. Book online to avoid queues.
2. KidZania (The Dubai Mall)
Why Kids Love It: It’s a whole mini city run by kids! Here, children can role-play more than 60 real-life professions – from an Emirates pilot to a firefighter. It's an interactive experience that fosters independence and teaches real-world skills.
Parent Perks: It’s an incredibly safe and engaging environment. There's also a Parent's Lounge with coffee for when you need a break!
Destinationz Tip: This is a full-day activity where kids can easily spend a few hours exploring different professions.
3. Ski Dubai (Mall of the Emirates)
Why Kids Love It: They get to experience a real winter wonderland in the middle of Dubai! This amazing indoor ski resort offers a full day of fun, from learning to ski or snowboard on the slopes to thrilling toboggan rides in the dedicated snow park. The absolute highlight for many is the chance to get up close with real penguins!
Parent Perks: All winter clothing and equipment are included in the ticket price. It’s a truly unique experience that you can't find anywhere else in the Middle East.
Destinationz Tip: Book a "Snow Plus" pass for access to more thrilling rides like the Mountain Thriller. It gets very cold inside, so make sure the little ones have warm socks on.
4. IMG Worlds of Adventure
Why Kids Love It: It's one of the largest indoor activities in Dubai and a massive theme park! Divided into zones like Marvel and Cartoon Network, plus the dinosaur-themed Lost Valley, it offers thrilling rides for teens and fun attractions for younger children, like the IMG Kids Zone.
Parent Perks: It’s entirely indoors, making it a perfect full-day escape from the summer heat. The variety means there’s something for every interest.
Destinationz Tip: Go on a weekday to avoid the longest queues. Check the height restrictions for major rides online before you go.
5. OliOli Children's Museum
Why Kids Love It: This is not a "look but don't touch" museum! OliOli is a wonderfully creative and interactive play space designed to spark imagination. From the massive woven trampoline net of Toshi's Nets to the dedicated Water Gallery, it's all about hands-on fun.
Parent Perks: It’s educational without feeling like a lesson. The environment is clean, safe, and encourages parent-child interaction.
Destinationz Tip: Best suited for children aged 2-10. You must book tickets online for a specific 2-hour time slot. Don't forget to bring socks!
6. The Green Planet (City Walk)
Why Kids Love It: It's a living, breathing tropical rainforest in a stunning bio-dome! Kids love seeing the exotic tropical birds, sloths, monkeys, and other creatures roaming freely in this indoor rainforest. It feels like stepping into a different world.
Parent Perks: A beautiful and educational experience that teaches children about different ecosystems. It’s a calm and fascinating break from the city's hustle, located at the stylish City Walk.
Destinationz Tip: Check their daily schedule for special animal encounters or feeding times to make your visit extra special.
7. BOUNCE Trampoline Park (Multiple Locations)
Why Kids Love It: A massive indoor space filled with interconnected trampolines, a giant airbag to jump into, dodgeball courts, and even ninja courses and rope climbing challenges. It’s the perfect place for kids to burn off energy.
Parent Perks: It’s a great way to stay active as a family (parents can jump too!). It’s a guaranteed way to tire them out for a quiet evening!
Destinationz Tip: Booking your one-hour slot online is essential. Special BOUNCE grip socks must be worn.
8. Octopus Park (CityLand Mall)
Why Kids Love It: We know the family behind this amazing play area, and it is truly fantastic! Octopus Park is a large, vibrant indoor soft play center with everything little ones love: huge slides, colorful ball pits, climbing structures, and dedicated zones for different age groups. It's a safe and super fun environment for kids to run, climb, and slide to their heart's content.
Parent Perks: Located in CityLand Mall (the world's first nature-inspired shopping mall), it provides a great opportunity for parents to relax with a coffee while the kids play in a secure, supervised space.
Destinationz Tip: It's an excellent choice for toddlers and younger children. Check their package deals if you're planning a birthday party or a group visit.
9. Play DXB (The Dubai Mall)
Why Kids Love It: This is a paradise for tech-loving kids and teens. Previously known as VR Park, Play DXB is a hub of virtual reality and arcade games. From immersive VR experiences to classic arcade challenges, it offers a different kind of adrenaline rush.
Parent Perks: It’s a pay-per-ride/game system, so you can control how much you spend. A great option for families with older children or teenagers.
Destinationz Tip: Look for package deals or credits that offer better value than paying for individual rides.
10. AYA Universe (WAFI City Mall)
Why Kids Love It: AYA is a futuristic and otherworldly entertainment park with 12 different zones, each offering unique, immersive experiences with lights, sounds, and projections. You can wander through glowing gardens or float through a starry cosmos. It’s incredibly Instagrammable. (Parent Perks): It’s a visually stunning and unique experience for the whole family. The journey through the different rooms is self-paced.
Destinationz Tip: The experience is very dark with bright, flashing lights, which may not be suitable for very younger children or those with sensory sensitivities. Located in the distinctive Wafi City Mall.
A World of Indoor Fun
Of course, in a city as dynamic as Dubai, this list is just the beginning! There are so many other fantastic indoor activities that could have easily made our top list, offering endless fun for the whole family.
One spot that deserves a special mention is the incredible KidZania Dubai. We included it in our list, but a single paragraph hardly does justice to this amazing miniature city run by kids. It’s such a unique and valuable interactive experience where children can try over 60 different real-life professions. We had such an amazing day there, we wrote a whole blog post about it!
For a deep dive into our family's adventure, check out our full KidZania Dubai Family Review!
So there you have it! Dubai's summer heat is no match for this incredible lineup of indoor activities. This desert citytruly ensures that the family fun can continue year-round. And for those planning a longer trip to the United Arab Emirates, remember that Abu Dhabi is just a drive away with its own amazing theme parks like Ferrari World, Sea World and Warner Brothers on Yas Island!
Planning a family trip to Dubai and need help building the perfect itinerary with the best family-friendly activities? Destinationz is here to help you craft a seamless and unforgettable vacation!
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