Dubai rises from the Arabian Desert like a futuristic mirage: a city of sail-shaped hotels, sky-piercing towers, and palm-shaped islands. Once a humble fishing and pearl-diving settlement along Dubai Creek, it transformed in a few decades into a global hub—home to the 828-meter Burj Khalifa, world-class malls, and a coastline of family-friendly beaches.

For families, Dubai is a playground: aquariums inside malls, waterparks next to coral-blue seas, and desert camps under a dome of stars. Old Dubai still whispers its stories in Al Fahidi’s wind towers, the spice-scented souks, and wooden abras that chug across the Creek for a dirham.

Practical notes: Winter (Nov–Apr) brings ideal weather; summer is hot, so plan indoor mornings and pool breaks. Dress modestly for mosques and historic neighborhoods, and carry a Nol transit card for metro and trams. Food ranges from Emirati and Levantine comfort to inventive bistros—there’s always a kid-friendly option nearby.

Dubai

Dubai is where sand meets sea and skyscrapers meet tradition. The city stretches from the historic Creek to Dubai Marina and The Palm, with beaches and promenades perfect for strollers and sunset walks.

• Top family sights: Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain, Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, Museum of the Future (timed entry), Dubai Frame, Old Dubai souks, Atlantis Aquaventure, Wild Wadi Waterpark, Green Planet biodome, Motiongate & LEGOLAND (Dubai Parks and Resorts), Miracle Garden (seasonal).
• Best beaches: JBR Beach (playgrounds, showers), Kite Beach (smooth promenade, food trucks), Palm West Beach (calm water), Al Mamzar Beach Park (lifeguards, shaded lawns).
• Fun fact: Abra boats have ferried people across the Creek for over a century—still one of the most atmospheric rides in town.

Where to stay (family picks):

• Rove Downtown (great value, family rooms; walkable to Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall): Check Rove Downtown
• Atlantis, The Palm (access to Aquaventure & The Lost Chambers; a kid favorite): Check Atlantis, The Palm
• Burj Al Arab Jumeirah (iconic sail-shaped hotel, private beach, kids’ club): Check Burj Al Arab Jumeirah
• Browse more stays: Hotels in Dubai | VRBO Dubai rentals

How to get to Dubai: Fly into DXB (most central) or DWC. Compare fares on Trip.com flights and Kiwi.com. Typical nonstop times: London ~7 hrs, New York ~12–13 hrs, Singapore ~7 hrs. Economy roundtrip often ranges $550–$1,100 depending on season.

Arrival tips: Taxis from DXB to Downtown usually 20–30 minutes (roughly 50–80 AED off-peak). The Metro Red Line links the airport to many neighborhoods; grab a Nol card at the station.

Day 1: Arrival, Dubai Mall & Fountain Night

Morning: Travel day. On arrival, pick up a Nol card, local SIM if needed, and check in. If energy allows, enjoy a refreshing juice at your hotel pool while rooms are readied.

Afternoon: Head to Downtown Dubai. Stretch your legs inside Dubai Mall—peek at the Dubai Aquarium viewing panel (free from the mall corridor) and let kids burn energy at the indoor ice rink sidelines or the soft-play corners. Snack options: Patchi Café for chocolatey treats, Common Grounds for fresh bowls and kid-friendly pasta, or Al Hallab (Lebanese) overlooking the fountains.

Evening: Time your stroll for the Dubai Fountain shows (every 30 minutes from evening). Then ride up the world’s tallest tower with skip-the-line access:

Burj Khalifa At The Top ticket with Optional Premium Access

Post-view, grab dinner at Time Out Market Dubai (great for families—everyone picks a favorite: Reif Japanese Kushiyaki skewers, Marmellata pizza, or Al Fanar Emirati plates) and walk back under the twinkle of the Burj.

Day 2: Old Dubai Heritage, Souks & Creekside Sunset

Morning: Breakfast in the serene courtyards of Arabian Tea House in Al Fahidi—chbaab (Emirati pancakes) and karak tea are hits with kids. Wander the lanes: XVA Gallery, the Coffee Museum, and wind towers. Consider a culture session at the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding if timing aligns (modest dress appreciated).

Afternoon: Ride a wooden abra across the Creek (about 1 AED, coins handy) to Deira. Explore the Spice Souk (let kids sniff frankincense, saffron, dried limes) and the Gold Souk for over-the-top window-shopping. Lunch ideas: Al Ustad Special Kabab (old-school grills), or creekside Al Bait Al Qadeem for Emirati platters. If you have time, cab to Dubai Frame for skyline views and a glass-floor thrill.

Evening: Ramble the lit-up boards of Al Seef. Dine at Al Fanar (Emirati) or SKAFE/SIKKA Café for Middle Eastern sharing plates; finish with luqaimat (date-syrup fritters). Kids can chase dhow reflections along the water while parents sip mint lemonade.

Day 3: Kite Beach Morning, Waterpark Splash, Dubai Marina by Yacht

Morning: Hit Kite Beach early for calm water and a stroller-friendly promenade. Breakfast at Jones the Grocer Kite Beach (fluffy pancakes, good coffee) or grab beachside burgers at SALT. There are showers, playgrounds, and bike rentals; the skatepark nearby is fun to watch.

Afternoon: Cool off at Wild Wadi Waterpark near Burj Al Arab (reopened after refurbishment; great family slides and a lazy river). Expect 3–5 hours for rides and breaks; day tickets commonly ~250–330 AED depending on date. Alternatively, keep it mellow with an ice cream stroll at Madinat Jumeirah waterways.

Evening: See the skyline from the sea on a relaxed cruise departing Dubai Harbour:

Dubai Harbor: Luxury Yacht Tour with BBQ Options

Post-cruise, dine at The Beach at JBR: casual choices like Operation Falafel (pitas, hummus, fries) or seaside Catch22 (sushi-burgers-desserts, kids’ menu). Let the children run on the sand while you linger over tea.

Day 4: Slow Morning + Heritage Desert Safari Evening

Morning: If visiting Nov–Apr, wander the floral wonderland at Dubai Miracle Garden (giant topiary displays; shaded seating). Otherwise, go indoors: Green Planet (a biodome with sloths and parrots) or coffee at Nightjar in Alserkal Avenue while kids sample pastries.

Afternoon & Evening: Get picked up for a culture-rich desert experience—vintage Land Rovers, falconry demos, Bedouin hospitality, and a stargazing-friendly camp with dinner:

Dubai: Heritage Desert Safari in Vintage Land Rover with Dinner

It’s gentler than high-octane dune-bashing and great for kids; expect 6–7 hours round-trip. Return to the hotel pleasantly sandy and sleepy.

Day 5: Atlantis Aquaventure, Lost Chambers & Palm Sunset

Morning: Make it an Atlantis, The Palm day. Arrive at Aquaventure Waterpark at opening to beat lines. Little ones love the Splashers kids’ area; teens chase Trident Tower drops. Rent a cabana if you want shade breaks.

Afternoon: Dry off with a wander through The Lost Chambers Aquarium and lunch at Wavehouse (bowling, arcade, burgers—family gold). If you’re staying elsewhere, taxis and the Palm Monorail make the trip simple.

Evening: Head to Palm West Beach for golden-hour swims and a boardwalk sunset. Dinner options: Jones the Grocer Palm West Beach (wood-fired grills), Koko Bay (Bali-inspired; relaxed before late evening), or Ibn AlBahr for Lebanese seafood if you fancy a short hop along the Palm.

Day 6: Day Trip to Abu Dhabi (Grand Mosque, Palace & Skyline)

Dubai To Abu Dhabi: Grand Mosque, Royal Palace & Etihad Tower

This full-day guided tour is a family-friendly way to see the UAE capital without navigating highways. Marvel at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (dress modestly; women may need an abaya), explore Qasr Al Watan (the presidential palace), and take in the skyline from the Etihad Towers Observation Deck. Expect 10–11 hours including transfers; pack snacks and a light layer for mosque A/C.

Day 7: Al Mamzar Beach Park, Last Bites & Departure

Morning: Ease into your last day at Al Mamzar Beach Park—lifeguards, shaded lawns, playgrounds, and calm water make it ideal for kids. Breakfast on the way: Boston Lane (Aussie-style café plates) or Tom&Serg (hearty brunches, excellent coffee) in Al Quoz if you prefer an urban start.

Afternoon: Quick lunch choices near your route to the airport: Ravi’s (Karachi-style curries), Al Mallah (shawarma, fresh juices), or Project Chaiwala for one last karak. Aim to reach DXB about 3 hours before an international flight—traffic can surge midday.

Evening: In the air and dreaming of dunes and dhow-lit nights—ma’a as-salama!

Alternative/add-on ideas if you swap a day: Museum of the Future (book ahead), Ski Dubai (indoor snow), Motiongate & Legoland at Dubai Parks and Resorts (very family-oriented), The Green Planet (tropical biodome), or a hop-on bus day for easy, narrated sightseeing around the main districts.

Book your flights: Search flights on Trip.com | Search flights on Kiwi.com

Note on budgets: With a mid-to-upper budget (66/100), combine value-forward stays like Rove with one splurge day at Atlantis, prioritize taxis over private drivers except for the desert and Abu Dhabi tours, and enjoy beach days (free) balanced with a couple of ticketed marquee sights.

Another desert option (if you prefer more dune thrills):

Dubai Premium Red Dunes Safari, Camels & 5* BBQ at Al Khayma Camp

This version emphasizes 4x4 dune-bashing and sandboarding—a hit with teens.

Where to stay again at a glance: Rove Downtown | Atlantis, The Palm | Burj Al Arab Jumeirah | VRBO Dubai

This 7-day Dubai itinerary gives you time to breathe: sun-splashed beaches, culture by the Creek, a desert evening to remember, and the city’s greatest hits without burnout. You’ll fly home with sandy shoes, starry photos, and kids asking when you’re coming back.