10 Outdoor Kids Activities in Dubai That Make You Look Like Parent of the Year
As a parent in Dubai, I’ve learned two things: kids have way too much energy, and air conditioning can only do so much.
One Saturday, after my living room had turned into a mini wrestling ring (thanks to too much screen time and not enough running around), I decided it was time to get the kids outside.
We packed snacks, sunscreen, and zero expectations—and ended up having the best day ever. There were bike rides, ice cream, and a slightly terrifying encounter with a very bold duck.
If you’re also a parent trying to answer the eternal question—“What do we do today?”—you’re in the right place. Here are some of our favorite outdoor adventures for kids in Dubai, tested and approved by tiny humans with very loud opinions.
1. Check Out the Flamingos at Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary
Media Credit: visitdubai.ru
Website: www.dm.gov.ae/discover-dubai/ras-al-khor/
Address: Ras Al Khor Road, Ras Al Khor – Dubai
Contact Details: +971 800 900; [email protected]
Just outside the busy streets of Dubai, is a peaceful little world filled with pink flamingos and zero traffic. Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary turned out to be one of the best spots we’ve found for a quiet outdoor day with the kids—and honestly, for us too.
We went in the winter, when the flamings were out in full force. They stood around in big groups, showing off their pink feathers and wobbling around like cartoon characters. The kids were totally hooked!
And it wasn’t just flamingos—we spotted herons, egrets, and a few birds we couldn’t name, but the little ones decided they were “flying dinosaurs,” so everyone was happy.
There are three bird-viewing huts with binoculars, and they’re perfect for kids. We didn’t have to walk far, there was shade, and the kids could peek through the windows without bothering the birds.
Best part? It’s free. No tickets, no lines, and no fuss. We stayed about an hour, which was just right for younger attention spans.
Pro Tip:
The nearest Metro stop is a five-minute car ride and if you have really little ones, you probably don’t want to carry a tired child that far! Consider hopping in a taxi for convenience.
2. Explore the Flowers at Dubai Miracle Garden
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Website: https://www.dubaimiraclegarden.com/
Address: Street 3 – Al Barsha – Al Barsha South – Dubai
Contact Details: +971 4 422 8902
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday – 9 AM to 9 PM; Saturday to Sunday – 9 AM to 11 PM
Admission Costs: Start at AED 100 for adults; AED 85 for children
We visited Dubai Miracle Garden with the kids, and honestly, it turned out to be one of the best outdoor activities we’ve done as a family in Dubai. It’s colorful and big enough to let the little ones run around without bumping into everything (or everyone) every five seconds.
Right from the entrance, the place feels like something out of a storybook. There are flower-covered castles, giant teddy bear, and heart-shaped archways that hed our kids saying “wow” every two minutes.
The Smurfs Village was a huge hit—we practically had to bribe them to leave the area. The Emirates A380 floral display was impressive even for us grown-ups, but for kids, they loved seeing a real airplane that close–even when wrapped in flowers!
There’s plenty of space to walk, take breaks, or grab snacks. The food stands had the basics—fries, ice cream, and things kids will actually eat. Bathrooms were clean (a parenting win), and there were shaded benches where we could relax while the kids ran free.
Pro Tip:
The garden is open from November to April—double-check the dates before planning, unless you want to show up to a closed gate.
3. Have a Picnic at Al Barsha Pond Park
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Address: Opposite. Al Barsha Mall – Al Barsha – Al Barsha 2 – Dubai
Contact Details: +971 800 900; [email protected]
Operating Hours: Sunday to Thursday – 8 AM to 10 PM; Friday to Saturday – 8 AM to 11 PM
We spent the afternoon at Al Barsha Pond Park and quickly realized—it’s one of the best outdoor spots for kids in Dubai. This park is huge (about 50 acres), clean, and packed with everything kids love: playgrounds, space to run wild, and bikes you don’t even have to bring from home.
Our little ones went straight for the playground There are slides, swings, climbing frames—something for every age. Meanwhile, we were just happy there were actual benches in the shade and real restrooms nearby (a win for parents everywhere).
There’s also a smooth 1.5 km track around the big central pond, perfect for scooter rides, bike rentals, or a casual family stroll. We saw kids zipping around on rented pedal carts and tandem bikes.
For extra energy burners, there are wide open fields for football, picnic lawns, and even outdoor gym equipment for the grownups who dare.
Pro Tip:
Make sure to wear comfy shoes – the park is big, and you’ll be running after the kids for sure.
4. Climb and Play at Aventura Park
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Website: https://www.aventuraparks.com/
Address: Mushrif Park، Gate 1، POB 30929 – Dubai
Contact Details: +971 52 178 7616
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 8 PM
Admission Costs: General admission tickets start at AED 27 for adults and AED 19 for children
If you’re hunting for a way to get the kids off their screens and into something that burns energy and builds confidence, Aventura Parks is the spot. This place is Dubai’s ultimate outdoor playground—with zip lines, rope courses, and just the right amount of challenge for every age.
We went there on a weekend, not quite sure if the younger ones would be into it. Turns out, it was perfect! The Discovery Circuit is made just for little adventurers, and watching them clip in, climb, and zoom down mini zip lines with huge smiles was worth the entry fee alone.
It’s safe, supervised, and scaled perfectly for their age and ability. Our 3-year-old was having the time of her life while the older kids tackled the big-kid courses like mini ninjas.
Even after hours of climbing, the kids didn’t want to leave. We had to lure them back with food—and luckily, The Ghafé had legit good meals (not just fries and juice boxes).
Pro Tip:
Aventura Parks is an awesome place to celebrate birthdays or group events. You can book a full party package that includes fun activities, a special party tent, and even a host who keeps the energy high and helps with everything!
5. Visit the Turtles at Turtle Lagoon
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Website: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/places-to-visit/turtle-rehabilitation-project
Address: Umm Suqeim – Umm Suqeim 3 – Dubai (in Jumeirah Al Naseem)
Contact Details: +971 800 887853
We were looking for something outdoorsy and kid-friendly in Dubai that didn’t involve roller coasters or sugar overload—and that’s how we ended up at the Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Project.
It’s inside the Jumeirah Al Naseem hotel, but don’t let that fool you. You don’t need to book a room or spend a dirham to enjoy it. It’s totally free, stroller-friendly, and yes, the turtles are adorable!
Right away, the kids were glued to the edge of the Turtle Lagoon. This isn’t a zoo or an aquarium—it’s a real rescue center where sick and injured sea turtles are being cared for before heading back to the ocean.
The big highlight happens at 11 AM every day when it’s feeding time. Watching the turtles gobble up food was a hit with the little ones, and the staff member explaining things made it all super easy to understand.
Pro Tip:
Valet is free for 30 minutes. Need to stay longer? Just buy a coffee nearby and show the receipt for free parking.
6. Splash Around at LEGOLAND Water Park
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Website: https://www.legoland.com/dubai/
Address: Parks & Resorts – Sheikh Zayed Road – Dubai
Contact Details: +971 4 820 3123
Operating Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday to Sunday – 12 to 8 PM; Wednesday – Closed
Admission Costs: Start at AED 295
We spent an entire day at LEGOLAND Water Park, and honestly, we didn’t want to leave. It’s made just for families with younger kids—think ages 2 to 12—but adults get to have plenty of fun too (especially the ones who still secretly play with LEGO).
The Joker Soaker area was chaos in the best way—slides everywhere, water flying from every angle, and a giant bucket that dumps gallons of water right on your head when you least expect it.
Our youngest made a beeline for the Splash Safari, where everything is mini-sized for toddlers. Slides, splash zones, and huge LEGO animals—they loved it! For the braver ones among us, the giant slide at Red Rush was a hit!
This place was clean, well-organized, and had lifeguards everywhere. Food was decent, sunbeds were plenty, and the vibe was super chill. We saw happy faces everywhere—and yes, we were among them!
Pro Tip:
Wear the right swim stuff. No metal zippers, no bucklic, and no regular diapers. Kids need waterproof diapers, and everyone needs proper swimwear. (Trust us, this saves a lot of trouble.)
7. Camp in the Desert at Al Qudra Lake
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Website: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/places-to-visit/al-qudra-lakes
Address: Al Qudra, Dubai
Contact Details: +971 800 900; [email protected]
We needed a break from malls and screens, so we packed up the car with snacks, camping gear, and two very excited kids, and headed off to Al Qudra Lakes. It’s only about a 45-minute drive from the city, but it feels like a different plane!
The place is part of the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve, and we saw ducks, flamingos, and swans–the kids tried to name every bird.
Camping by the lake is a great outdoor experience for families. We set up our tent a little away from the crowd because some campers like to play loud music, especially on weekends. Still, the kids got to roast some marshmallows (although they burned through a lot of them first).
In the morning, there were birds chirping and sunlight sparkling on the water–like a nature documentary, minus the voiceover. Finally, for breakfast, the Last Exit Al Qudra was nearby for a quick refuel!
Pro Tip:
Even if it’s warm when you arrive, the evenings can get chilly—especially in the winter months. Pack jackets, hoodies, extra blankets, and maybe even some socks if you’re camping. It’s better to layer up than to shiver through the night!
8. Meet Animals at Dubai Safari Park
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Website: https://dubaisafari.ae/
Address: Al Warqa – Al Warqa 5 – Dubai
Contact Details: +971 800 900
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 6 PM (Gates close at 5 PM)
Admission Costs: AED 75 for adults; AED 45 for children
We took the kids to Dubai Safari Park, and let’s just say—they didn’t want to leave (and honestly, neither did we). If you’re looking for an outdoor activity in Dubai that doen’t involve malls or screen time, this place is a win.
Right from the entrance, the park feels like it was made with families in mind. There’s space to run, animals to meet, and enough excitement to keep even the most easily distracted little ones entertained for hours.
The Safari Journey was the highlight for us. It’s a 30-minute ride through wide-open spaces where kids can see lions, zebras, giraffes, and rhinos just a few feet away. Our youngest thought we were actually in Africa.
Getting around the park was surprisingly easy. There are shuttle trains and eco-taxis, which means less whining about walking. The park is super clean, the staff are friendly, and there’s plenty of shade and rest areas to keep parents sane.
Pro Tip:
The park is big! Plan to spend 5–6 hours so you can enjoy all the animals and snack stops without rushing.
9. Slide, Ride, and Play at Burj Plaza
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Website: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/places-to-visit/burj-plaza-by-emaar
Address: Burj Plaza – Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd – Downtown Dubai – Dubai
Contact Details: +971 4 362 7060
Operating Hours: Open 24 Hours
We’ve been to a lot of places in Dubai with kids, but Burj Plaza stands out as one of the easiest and most enjoyable outdoor spots for families. It’s right next to Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall, but somehow feels way more relaxed!
The best part? It’s made for kids to run wild (in a good way). There’s tons of open space, so you’re not constantly yelling “watch out!” every five seconds. The Downtown Slide was a huge hit—it’s this shiny 19-meter-long tunnel slide that looks like it belongs in a sci-fi movie.
We found a cozy spot at a nearby cafe and let the kids roam a little while we sipped coffee. When energy dipped, we took a short walk to Burj Park, right by the lake, where bikes can be rented out. Burj Lake and the boat rides are energy too!
Even the Dubai Fountain show was easier here! We didn’t have to stake yot a spot an hour early like you do near the mall. Finally, for an epic photo op, we each had a snap taken with the Wings of Mexico (had to experiment with angles for the little ones, but it worked).
Pro Tip:
Get there early for fireworks or big events—New Year’s Eve is super busy. Bring snacks and make it a picnic while you wait.
10. Have Fun in the Sun at Kite Beach
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Website: www.kitebeach.ae
Address: Umm Suqeim, just off Jumeirah Beach Road, Dubai
Contact Details: +971 4 219 0999; [email protected]
We spent a full day at Kite Beach, and if you’re in Dubai with kids, this place should be at the top of your list. It’s not just a beach—it’s like a giant outdoor playground with sand, water, snacks, and enough space for kids to burn off all that endless energy.
There’s so much going on, it’s almost impossible to get bored. We saw kids bouncing around on trampolines, climbing all over playgrounds, and building sandcastles like it was a full-time job. Some were racing around on scooters, others were rolling in the sand.
The beach is clean, the water is clear, and the shallow shoreline makes it great for little swimmers. There are lifeguards around (thank goodness), and even floodlights at night, which means the fun doesn’t stop when the sun gles down.
And when everyone needed a break, we found SALT, a food truck with sliders and lotus shakes so good, we didn’t even pretend to share.
Pro Tip:
Go between October and April! It’s cooler, comfier, and way more fun when you’re not sweating through your flip-flops.