WHETHER YOU opt for a relaxing beach getaway or a city break exploring cultural gems, choosing a holiday destination requires a few simple yet key factors when you are travelling with a group of friends or flying solo.

That isn’t the case when travelling as a family with young children. The notion of you as parents choosing a holiday that suits adults is not even a consideration. From planning the right flight (direct flights are recommended), to choosing the right “family-friendly” hotel, these details need to be well thought out. 

It bodes well that Dubai is known as entertainment capital of the Middle East. It’s also home to a beautiful skyline of architectural buildings such as the Burj Khalifa and the unique Burj Al Arab. Yet these aren’t the kinds of attractions that impress most young children. Thankfully Dubai is jam-packed with kid-friendly activities and events that will keep them entertained and give you a break from continuously playing hide and seek.

For great ideas on what to do with your little ones if you find yourself in this once desert city, check out our recommendations below.

Stay in 5 star luxury

Dubai is blessed with an abundant number of hotels and the majority of them have a 5 Star status. One of these 5 Star gems that offers kid-friendly activities is the Hilton Al Habtoor City. The 44-floor hotel overlooking the Dubai water canal boasts a comprehensive kids’ club. This includes a kid-friendly pool club, a kids’ club library and even kids’ club sleeping pods. The whole premise is to have your children looked after and entertained from the hours of 9am to 9pm while you enjoy your time.

Tour the city

Why not have a tour bus pick you up from your hotel and take you around the city for a half-day while educating you about Dubai? The half-day city tour takes you around the man-made islands and to the stunning Jumeirah beach. 

Go wild

Probably one the main attractions of Dubai is the desert safari. This includes a 20 minute “dune bashing” ride in a jeep, optional quad bike riding and impressive entertainment with fire performers and a belly dancer. Mid-way through the entertainment you are treated to a complimentary BBQ buffet spread. Also available at desert camp are the options of camel riding, sand boarding and even posing with a falcon. 

Shop till you drop

At over 12 million square feet, the Dubai mall is said to be one of the largest in the world. Not content with almost every shop and restaurant you can think of, there are a ton of entertainment options within the mall to impress your family. Your kids will have more than enough fun in the many attractions situated in the mall such as the ice rink, the spectacular aquarium and underwater zoo – and of course, the world of Kidzania. 

Take in a show

If you and the family are a fan of amazing acrobatics, state of the art technology and jaw dropping action, then La Perle by Dragone is for you. This is Dubai’s first permanent show with 450 performances a year. You will be amazed by daredevil stunts which include everything from performers diving in water from heights of around 25 metres to defying gravity on motorbikes in a metal sphere. The only thing to note is kids under two are not allowed.