Day Trip
As far as places to visit in Dubai with family are concerned, UAE is a nation that combines modern attractions with traditional leisure activities. Although the area has the reputation of being high-end and luxurious, families will be pleased to hear that numerous family activities in Dubai are free, where you can have just as much entertainment and enjoyment. Whether it is relaxing in the sun, spending a laid-back day on the beach, or embarking on the more adventurous locations with 360 Adventures, the UAE has something to suit every family. Here's an in-depth guide to the best free family activities in Dubai.
1. Have Family Picnics in Parks and Gardens
Looking for Dubai attractions for family? Picnics are a timeless activity, and parks are designed to make them extra special. Families can bring along their favorite snacks, set up mats, and spend the day enjoying nature without worrying about costs. Dubai attractions for family:
✨ Dubai’s Zabeel Park offers expansive green lawns, shaded areas, jogging tracks, and even small play zones for children.
✨ Safa Park is another favorite of the family, with peaceful areas ideal for bonding over board games or dinner.
✨ In Abu Dhabi, Umm Al Emarat Park has interactive zones and open-air gardens, making it a wonderful destination for young children.
✨ Most of them also offer clean restroom facilities, barbecue grounds, and secure walking trails. For families seeking action, weekend trips often include free community activities, street performers, or food vendors.
2. Unwind and Play at Family-Friendly Beaches
Few activities unite families quite like a day out at the beach, and the UAE has plenty of free-entry, pristine beaches. While parents relax on the beach, children can swim, play games, or construct sandcastles. The beaches offer family activities in Dubai for all age groups!
✨ Jumeirah Open Beach (Dubai): The favorite among families, with long expanses of sand, running tracks, and protected swimming areas.
✨ Kite Beach (Dubai): With its lively atmosphere, children can have fun on skate parks and playgrounds while moms and dads enjoy a picnic on the beach.
✨ Corniche Beach (Abu Dhabi): A picturesque spot with cycle paths, picnic areas, and kids' playgrounds, so suitable for all family members.
✨ Most public beaches have showers, changing rooms, and lifeguards, which reassure parents. Taking an evening walk along the beach as the sun sets is one family experience not to be forgotten.
3. Find Free Kids' Play Areas
The UAE prides itself on being a family nation, and among its strengths is the presence of children's play areas all over the cities. ✨ The places to visit in Dubai with family are not just entertaining but also safe and secure.
✨ Most residential areas have sunny outdoor playgrounds with slides, swings, and climbing walls.
✨ Malls like Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates contain free-to-visit interactive spaces and exhibitions like aquariums (observing from the outside) or kinetic art.
✨ Larger play spaces usually host free weekend workshops, storytimes, or themed children's activities.
These areas invite kids to play actively while parents can sit nearby at ease, making them a convenient go-to choice for regular family activities in Dubai.
4. 360 Adventures – Outdoor Activities
For families seeking excitement and adventure in the natural world, 360 Adventures offers an exceptional experience to explore the UAE's diverse natural environment. We have selected tours to explore the region, including its deserts, heritage sites, and luxury yachts, making them one of the best family activities in Dubai.
✨ Families can indulge in city tours like Dubai city tour and the Abu Dhabi city tour with expert guides and pick-and-drop service.
✨ Desert landscapes surrounding Dubai are incredible for dune excursions, nature hiking, or simply gazing at stars during the night.
✨ Seaside walks, like Dubai Marina Walk, offer families an opportunity to spend time outdoors together.
✨ 360 Adventures are ideal for promoting teamwork and an appreciation of nature, all at reasonable rates.
from
60,00£
40,00£
6 Hours
From 60,00£ 40,00£
Dubai
Quad Bike and Dune Buggy Experience (Self-Drive) with optional Transfer from the meet up location
from
55,56£
27,78£
1 Hour
From 55,56£ 27,78£
from
55,56£
43,33£
10 Hours
From 55,56£ 43,33£
from
66,67£
61,11£
1 Hour
From 66,67£ 61,11£
from
40,00£
28,89£
3 Hours
From 40,00£ 28,89£
5. Discover Cultural and Heritage Corners
Not every free family activity is an amusement; many cultural locations throughout the UAE offer a rich educational experience at no cost.
✨ Al Fahidi Historical District (Dubai): Families can stroll down narrow lanes, look at classic wind towers, and visit art galleries for free.
✨ Heritage Village (Abu Dhabi): This attraction offers a glimpse into Bedouin heritage, crafts, and historic exhibits, making it an ideal place for children to connect with Emirati culture.
✨ Public festivals and events often feature music, dance, and storytelling as entertainment and educational experiences for families at no charge.
✨Cultural excursions are especially captivating to children, offering them an exciting means of learning history beyond the classroom.
Bonus: Evening Walks and Outdoor Events at No Cost
Throughout the UAE, numerous free outdoor activities are available on national holidays and city festivals, ranging from music nights to fireworks exhibitions. Strolling through the lively areas of Dubai Marina, Global Village Boulevard (free to visit outer sections), or Abu Dhabi Corniche at night is a cooling family experience.
Final Thoughts
Family time is priceless, and in the UAE, it doesn’t have to come with a price tag. Whether you’re setting up a picnic in a lush park, enjoying a sunny day at the beach, watching your kids play in free zones, or exploring with 360 Adventures, Dubai attractions for family and activities are numerous to strengthen bonds. Cultural and outdoor explorations further enrich the experience, making every weekend feel like a mini vacation.
So, if you’re looking for the best places to visit in Dubai with family, or searching for budget-friendly Dubai attractions for family, remember that some of the most memorable family activities in Dubai don’t cost a dirham. Pack a picnic basket, grab your kids’ favorite toys, and head out to explore the UAE—your next family adventure awaits!
