By Beautiful hotels? Tick. Endless sunshine? Tick. Unforgettable memories? Tick. For the perfect summer family holiday, there’s always Dubai.
Dubai was long thought trip destination for us to take a family trip. And We finally planned it in this summer holidays. 18 of us with kids had an amazing time exploring this city of dreams.
With year-round sunshine, fascinating desserts, gorgeous beaches, luxurious hotels and shopping malls, enthralling heritage attractions and a blooming business community, Dubai receives millions of leisure and business visitors each year from around the world.
There’s a lot to do in this exciting city with your parents and kids and Here we get you Top things to do in Dubai in five glorious days that we did with our family and suggest you hop them in your itinerary as well.
DAY 1
** Go to the top of world’s tallest building – Burj Khalifa **
Favorite of our whole family! Your Dubai trip is incomplete without a visit to the top of the tallest building in the world – Burj Khalifa. We went there in the evening crossing the long queues, reached the observation deck and the views of the city in the dark were out of the world.
The Burj Khalifa has two observation decks. The lower deck is called “At the Top” and stands at a height of 452 meters and the new opened deck is called “At the Top Sky.” At 555 meters, it is currently the highest observation deck in the world.
Do not miss to Witness the new Burj Khalifa light show. You can catch the light show every night after sunset until May 31.
Book the Observation deck tickets in advance to avoid disappointment or go in the morning when it’s less busy.
** See Dubai dancing fountains **
The whole family will enjoy music and light show of Dubai Fountain at the foot of Burj Khalifa. They have a couple of shows in the afternoon and every half hour starting at 6pm in the evening and it’s probably more impressive at night than it is during the day. We found the fountains even more spectacular from the top of Burj Khalifa. So, if you are At the Top in the evening, make sure you don’t miss the spectacle from above.
** Go Shopaholic in Dubai Mall **
If you have a shopaholic family , then the Dubai Mall is meant for you. The Dubai Mall – the world’s largest destination for shopping, entertainment and leisure located next to the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa. Featuring over 1,200 retail stores, two anchor department stores and hundreds of food and beverage outlets, The Dubai Mall covers more than 1 million sqm – an area equivalent to 200 football pitches with all the big brands that you love to shop from.
** Visit Dubai Aquarium and Underwater zoo **
Within the Dubai Mall, you must explore one of the largest and most stunning aquariums in the world with your family and kids. With the giant 10 million-litre tanks at the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, contains more than 33,000 aquatic animals and the largest collection of sand tiger sharks anywhere. A pass through the tunnel tank holds the sand tiger sharks and stingrays swimming your overhead.
Day 2
** Experience Dubai’s past, present and future at Dubai Frame **
Standing tall, the Dubai Frame is fast becoming one of Dubai’s most famous new attractions for visitors and residents alike.
Much like the Burj Khalifa and Burj Al Arab’s iconic structures, Dubai Frame’s landmark location in Zabeel Park provides sweeping panoramic views of Dubai. Resembling a picture frame, Dubai’s historic district can be seen to the north while the south provides breathtaking vistas of the city’s modern skyline.
** Go Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner **
A memory to share with your family and friends, we recommend going for dessert safari highly and it will be worth every penny spent. The safaris are full of fun and adventure. In fact, the safari experience will send adrenaline rushing inside you. There are several activities in which you can indulge during your desert safari in Dubai such as Sand boarding, dune bashing, camel ride etc. In some of the desert safari packages, entertainment shows are included.
You can enjoy belly dancing by some of the best belly dancers in the region. They even serve the finest of Arabian cuisine. You can choose the non-veg or vegetarian food as per your convenience.
Day 3
** Wander in the Miracle Garden **
The Dubai Miracle Garden is a flower garden located in the district of Dubai land, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The garden was launched on valentine’s day in 2013 and its unique. This 72,000sqm garden cabinets identifiable structures fully covered with flowers. Immerse yourself among more than 50 million blooming flowers throughout the different exhibits, including some quirky layouts.
A heart-shaped pathway, pyramids and full-size houses are just some of the sights on offer. With its dramatic style and sheer flamboyance, the Miracle Garden can often feel more like an art exhibition than a tourist attraction.
Insider’s Tip: The Miracle Garden closes for the summer months when the heat rises dramatically. Be sure to check that it is open before you travel.
** Take a Yacht Ride in Dubai Marina **
Take this 2-hours Yacht ride with your family to explore the coastal side of Dubai. You will enjoy fascinating sea waves and gain a different perspective on the city of Dubai by seeing the skyline of the city from the water.
Day 4:
** Spend a day in Atlantis, the palm **
Dubai is globally recognized for its world firsts, and The Palm Jumeirah is an impressive example. In Dubai, a hotel can be considered a top tourist attraction, and that’s certainly the case with the extravagant Atlantis Palm Hotel.
The 1,539-room, ocean-themed resort occupies the top portion of the crescent of land surrounding the man-made Palm Islands, just off the coast of Dubai, and it includes 42 acres (17 hectares) of amusement and entertainment space. Even if you’re not a resort guest, it’s worthwhile to spend a day enjoying everything it has to offer.
Day 5:
** Souk in pristine waters at Jumeirah Beach**
Stretched of with soft white sand and crystal-clear water of Jumeirah beach will make you fall in love with this city. The glorious Jumeirah Beach lies along Dubai’s coast, and a perfect place to spend some time with your family in relaxation. Enjoy the seven-star Burj Al Arab View straight from the beach. You can barbecue, stroll around the cafés, or simply grab a mat, lay back, and take it easy while the sun sets.
** Stroll at the Glow Garden **
Dubai Garden Glow can activate those happy hormones, for starters, the bright lights and colors can increase energy levels and boost happiness. Maybe it’s just the ambience – who can resist smiling as you see the entire park light up?
Giant colorful lanterns, illuminated animal sculptures, landscapes, and unlimited creativity – this place lives up to its name and surely makes the walk in the park a bit more magical.
Our Family trip to Dubai was full of fun and memorable. Dubai is unquestionably one of the most unique cities in the world. This city is a traveler’s dream certainly. Go Explore it with your friends and family and you will love this city to the core.
Have you been to Dubai? What’s your fav place to visit there? Share with us in comments.
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I often pass through Dubai in transit to Europe…. I’m kicking myself for never staying a few days! Looks like such a gorgeous luxury destination. The Miracle Garden looks lovely! Did you do a desert safari? I’ve heard really good things about those trips also
Good vibes from Australia,
Stephanie
***overnight desert safari
Thank you for the wonderful tips and insights. I loved especially to discover more about the Miracle Garden!
I have always seen Dubai as a place of modern architecture. always loved it as an engineer… at least on paper. But besides that, there is lots of things to do, that I didn’t know. thanks for the post.
This place is changing on a daily basis! I was there ten years ago and the skyline has changed dramatically.
I lived in Dubai for 8 years. What always made me baffled were the comments “You can make Dubai during a weekend”. How ignorant. People do not realize there is so much more to Dubai than weekend fun or Friday brunch. One of the activities I liked the most was an overnight trip to the desert. A caravan of 10-20 cars, friends and family, picnic, campfire. There is no better way spending a weekend. And the kids loved it too.
I’ve always known Dubai as a shopping hub, but didn’t realise there was so much else to do there. Pretty cool!
We Visited Dubai 3 months ago! Nice city 🙂 Thanks for your tips for family 🙂
Dubai is a place that’s just never really inspired me. But I’ve read a fair few articles on the city recently and my mind seems to be changing! It looks like there’s a lot to do and the beaches look beautiful!
I wouldn’t have thought of Dubai as a family friendly destination, but you have changed my opinion. Our family would love to go to the world’s tallest building, see the amazing aquarium, and visit the wonderful flower garden. A trip to the desert for a safari and meal sounds like a unique way to visit Dubai. And the kids would certainly like to walk through the glow garden. Thanks for showing me a different side of Dubai.
So many great things to do with children! Definitely taking notes for a future family trip!
I’ve never been to Dubai – I’m surprised to learn there’s a beach there ?? I didn’t know that……my kids would love that. Hope we get to visit one day
I can’t believe you managed to plan your holiday with 18 family members- I always find it hard to coordinate the schedules and everyone’s wishes. I would love to see Dubai’s modern architecture, the marina with the tall-rises looks impressive. I don’t really like the malls so I think I would freak out in such a huge one, I can’t even imagine how big it is and I can imagine how easily you could get lost in it. 🙂
I have colleagues who get tanned in Dubai during Winter, so going there in Summer.. won’t it be too hot?
There is so much to see and experience in Dubai. In fact, it is an overload on the senses and I guess one needs to travel slow. We were there only for a day trip when we were in Sharjah late last year. We managed to squeeze in the main sights like Burj Khalifa, etc., but there is so much more to experience and see. Hope to get back there. The Dubai frame was still not open then.
I would love to see the Miracle Garden – that looks absolutely stunning. I love visiting gardens when I visit a city and wasn’t sure they’d have something like this, I just hear so much about the buildings in Dubai, so excited to see your photos here. And the Garden Glow looks so cute – it would definitely make me happy to spend the evening walking around all the lights and sculptures!!
You have listed all detailed itinerary for first timers in Dubai. You have taken nice shots of Dubai specially the Dubai frame and sand bashing too. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for stopping by and appreciating the work.
Thanks for the detailed guide! We are thinking of visiting Dubai for about 5 days very soon. This is super helpful in planning our trip!
I’ve been living in Dubai for 7 years and you’ve managed to see more than I have haha! I think I need to be a tourist again in this city. It’s developed so much!!! Thanks for sharing your experience.
Looks like an amazing trip and the pictures are beautiful but it leaves me with one question. Is 5 days enough time?
Have always been mesmerised by the glittery pictures of Dubai but somehow I always thought it to be a city with skyscrapers. And now your blog exposed be to a more beautiful and interesting side of Dubai. Now I feel there is so much more than just the hotels and malls in this city.
Beautiful Miracle Garden and Glow Garden look amazing. Its great to have this itinerary to plan a trip to Dubai. Finding the right information before getting to a place is so helpful to make the checklist! Thanks for making our Dubai plan easy with this post! Love… Backpacking Series.
Great guide with fantastic photos! I’ve always wanted to go to Dubai, and now I want to go even more. I’m especially attracted to the desert driving tour – wow, that would be fun!
Such a comprehensive itinerary filled with useful information. Thank you for sharing
Beautiful post with beautiful place to explore. It is a good luxury destination to explore with family. Would love to do desert safari and explore miracle garden.
Miracle Garden and Glow Garden are so beautiful! I love visiting garden when traveling.
Great guide thanks for sharing. I love the photographs ❤
Awesome post the way you express of desert safari is great.i agreed with your article Dubai is the best place for vacations I recently visited Dubai and enjoyed evening desert safari which was great and awesome.