We had a blast during our 9-day stay at Atlantis the Palm in Dubai. Maybe too much fun. While we were busy doing waterslides, decorating our own cupcakes, and filling our bellies at happy hour, we missed out on some sightseeing. In Dubai with kids, there’s so much to do, but so little time. The good news is that I already have our itinerary ready for when we go back.
Experience the Burj Khalifa
Ok, so I saw the tallest building in the world. Now I want to experience it.
Last time, we gazed up at it from outside of the Dubai mall, just in awe. The top is so far away, half a mile actually, that you can barely see it. Next time I want to sip a cocktail in the lounge of the 154th floor.
The Sky View Observatory also has enticing views of the Burj and the rest of the city. If you’re crazy enough, you can pay money to hang outside on the ledge of that skyscraper. I think I will just do the glass floor slide instead. There are different ticket options for both high-risers and their activities on the Burj Khalifa website.
Catch the Fountain Show
The fountain show in front of the Burj Khalifa looks like Vegas Bellagio’s water show on steroids. There are daytime and evening showtimes.
You can watch it from one of the many restaurants around the Dubai mall. For up-close views, watch it from a boat or viewing platform.
Explore Dubai at Night
I’ve heard that Dubai really comes alive at night. But we wouldn’t know.
We loved our happy hour and balcony views too much to leave Atlantis after dark. And with four “kids” eager to get to the slides early in the morning, late nights just weren’t in the cards for us.
Snow Ski in the Middle East?!
I can’t possibly skip this twice, especially after I stupidly asked a local on IG if they provide ski gear here. Her response jokingly was, “What, do you think Arabs living in the desert are going to own ski gear?” Good point.
At Ski Dubai in Mall of the Emirates, they have a snow park where you can do so much more than just ski or snowboard. After you and the kids are tired from tubing, zip lining, the snow plough playground, and mountain thriller, you can chill out with the penguins. It all sounds so fun!
There are some age restrictions, but most of it is available for children 2-3 and up. Those under 2 are not allowed into Ski Dubai, no matter how cute they are.
To answer my own silly question – yes, they provide all the gear including helmets, socks and gloves.
Ride into the Arabian Desert
We couldn’t get a feel for any culture in Dubai, other than hard-working people and world records. To experience more of the local culture (even if it’s jaded by tourism), I’d love to do a desert safari.
Most of them include dancing performances, ATV rides, sandboarding, torch lit dinner, henna tattoos and more. We didn’t think our two-year-old (ok, if I’m being honest, we didn’t think we) would withstand the long 6-hour tour, and likely would be afraid of the camel ride, the falcons, and the extravagant shows. Although her adventurous side would love to sandboard again. Ever since we went sandboarding in Utah, she insists on going again and doing it “all by herself.” Sound familiar, parents?
Next time, we’ll probably go with the most reputable company, Arabian Adventures. They provide baby and booster seats, but you must request them in advance and book a private tour. FYI: They do allow infants, but they take them directly to the camp site as they aren’t allowed to do the dune drive.
Take a Selfie
No, not just any selfie. I think I can speak for all of us when I say I have enough of those.
Instead, take a selfie that others might actually want to see at the 3D World Dubai Selfie Museum. Laugh all you want, but it looks like a great way to be a kid again.
Go Wild at an Inflatable Waterpark
My husband and I are kids at heart, so when our kids are old enough, we’ll take them back to JBR Beach (pictured above) and go crazy at the world’s largest inflatable water park, AquaFun.
Wine and Dine near JBR Beach
When you’re done freshening up after AquaFun, your clothes are dry, but your mouth is still watering, then you’ll be in the right place. Walking through the ritzy, hotel-lined streets near JBR was pleasant enough, but next time we’ll have to really live it up at one of the highly rated restaurants in the area. I’m thinking oysters and champagne at The MAINE Oyster Bar & Grill.
Get Building
LEGOLAND is highly rated and came highly recommended to me personally. Visitors rave about the staff, boating school, and the city airport ride. We have a LEGOLAND just a road trip away from our home, so we opted for Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi instead, which was awesome! More to come on that soon.
If you want a much cheaper and smaller version of LEGOLAND, try Bricobilandia at Nakheel Mall. It’s an indoor play area full of mini brick building sets for the biggest LEGO-lovers of the family. The smallest LEGO-lovers have to be at least three years old to play.
It’s official. We have to go back.
I already can’t wait to go back and experience more of Dubai’s over-the-top entertainment What will you add to your itinerary? Be sure to include your favorites from my list of the best activities to do with kids in Dubai.
If you need help with narrowing down your itinerary, read my list of five attractions that I’m glad we didn’t do in Dubai.
Coming soon! What to do in Abu Dhabi, free activities in Dubai, and for now read how to make your stay at Atlantis the Palm your best hotel stay ever.
