Dubai family guide: Screens down, game faces on… the days out that get every generation involved Looking for things to do with the whole family? Our Dubai family guide rounds up days out that everyone can enjoy, from escape rooms and golf simulators to pottery workshops, cycling trails and mountain adventures. Whatever your age, there’s […]
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Looking for things to do with the whole family? Our Dubai family guide rounds up days out that everyone can enjoy, from escape rooms and golf simulators to pottery workshops, cycling trails and mountain adventures. Whatever your age, there’s something here to keep the whole family entertained.
Also read: The Abu Dhabi family guide packed with fun for everyone

There’s something about an escape room that brings out everyone’s competitive side. One person is searching for clues, someone else is trying to crack the
code, while another family member insists they’ve figured out the answer already. It’s one of those rare activities where everyone has to work together, and it’s just as fun for adults as it is for older children and teenagers. With themes ranging from mystery adventures to prison breaks, no two experiences are ever the same, and you’ll probably be talking about who solved the final clue long after you’ve escaped.
Dubai has plenty of escape room experiences to choose from. Game Over has branches at Palm Jumeirah Mall and Dubai Festival City Mall, making it a great option whether you’re on the coast near Marina or closer to Downtown. You’ll also find immersive experiences at NoWayOut and Phobia Dubai in JLT, each offering different themed rooms for families looking for a challenge.

You don’t need to be a golfer to enjoy this one. Modern golf experiences are designed for everyone, whether you’re swinging a club for the very first time or trying to beat Dad’s high score. Interactive games, food, music and a relaxed atmosphere mean it’s just as much about spending time together as it is about perfecting your swing. It’s a great option during the cooler evenings, especially if you’re looking for something the whole family can enjoy.
For a lively atmosphere, Topgolf Dubai at Emirates Golf Club remains a family favourite, with interactive games suitable for all skill levels. If you prefer staying indoors, Five Iron Golf at The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi combines golf simulators with food and drinks – a fun choice whatever the weather.

Sometimes the simplest family days are the best ones. Pack a few snacks, grab some water and spend the morning cycling together. It’s an easy way to explore a different part of the city while enjoying the outdoors, and with dedicated cycling tracks across both Dubai and Abu Dhabi, there’s something suitable for every age. Even better, you don’t need to own a bike. Rental stations make it easy to turn a spontaneous outing into a memorable family adventure.
Download the Careem app to rent bikes at selected locations across the city, including Dubai Marina and Kite Beach. If you’re after longer rides, Nad Al Sheba Cycle Park and Al Qudra Cycle Track are perfect for families with older children looking to spend a few hours outdoors.

If your family enjoys doing something a little different, this one’s for you. Forget trying to keep everything spotless – here, the whole point is to make a mess. Suit up in protective gear, grab a baseball bat and smash everything from plates and bottles to old TVs and printers. It’s a surprisingly satisfying way to release some energy, have a laugh and do something completely out of the ordinary together. Older children and teenagers will love the novelty, while adults might secretly enjoy it even more. Just check minimum age requirements before booking, as sessions are typically designed for older kids and up.
The original The Smash Room in Al Quoz lets families choose from a variety of smash packages, with everything from glassware to electronics waiting to be destroyed. It’s an ideal indoor activity for a hot summer afternoon when everyone needs to get involved.

Not every family day out has to be action packed. Sometimes slowing things down and making something with your own hands can be just as rewarding. Pottery has become one of the biggest trends, and many studios now welcome beginners of all ages. Whether you’re painting ready-made ceramics or learning to throw clay on a wheel, it’s a chance to switch off, get creative and take home a handmade souvenir to remember the day by.
Creative families are spoiled for choice, especially in Al Quoz, which has become one of Dubai’s go-to destinations for pottery. Yadawei Ceramic Studio, The Mud House Studio and Studio Thirteen are all located in the neighbourhood, so there’s no shortage of places to try your hand at the pottery wheel.
If you’re closer to Dubai Marina or JLT, Dubai Pottery Studio also offers classes that are perfect for families looking to get creative together.

A day on the water offers a completely different way to experience the UAE. Whether you’re paddling through mountain scenery or quietly exploring mangrove forests, kayaking is one of those activities that encourages everyone to slow down and enjoy the surroundings. It’s active without being too challenging, and well suited to families with older children who enjoy spending time outdoors.
Fancy escaping the city for a few hours? Head to Hatta – around a 90-minute drive from Dubai, but well worth it – and rent a kayak or pedal boat to explore the waters of Hatta Dam, surrounded by stunning mountain views, the perfect swap for Dubai’s skyline. Short on time? Crystal Clear Watersports at Palm Jumeirah offers guided kayaking tours through the calm waters of the Arabian Gulf, an easy family adventure without leaving the city.

You don’t always need tickets or reservations to have a great family day out. Sometimes all it takes is a picnic blanket, a few homemade snacks and somewhere with plenty of space for the kids to run around. Add a football, a deck of cards or a frisbee, and you’ve got an easy, affordable day that everyone can enjoy.
Some of the city’s best picnic spots include Al Safa Park, Zabeel Park and Mushrif National Park, where you’ll find playgrounds, barbecue areas and plenty of green space. If you’d rather stay by the sea, head to Kite Beach and spend the day swimming, cycling or simply relaxing by the water.

The best family days out are often the ones where everyone learns something new without even realising it. Interactive museums, aquariums and immersive attractions make it easy to keep children engaged while giving adults plenty to enjoy too. They’re also a great option when the weather is too hot to spend the day outdoors.
Near Downtown Dubai? Head to Dubai Mall, where you can spend hours exploring Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo before stepping into the colourful, immersive worlds of House of Hype.
Just minutes away, The Green Planet lets families discover a tropical rainforest filled with sloths, birds and exotic wildlife. Or head to Bluewaters Island to visit Illusion City, where mind-bending exhibits and upside-down photo opportunities guarantee a good laugh.

Some family outings are all about making memories, and you can’t go wrong with a theme park. Whether you’re chasing rollercoasters, meeting your favourite cartoon characters or cooling off on water slides, there’s enough to keep every age entertained from morning until evening. The hardest part will be deciding which ride to queue for first.
Dubai has something for every type of thrill seeker. Aquaventure World at Atlantis The Palm is packed with water slides, splash zones and lazy rivers, while IMG Worlds of Adventure brings Marvel superheroes, Cartoon Network characters and dinosaur adventures together under one roof. Movie lovers can spend the day at Motiongate Dubai at Dubai Parks and Resorts, where Hollywood- inspired rides and live shows make it easy to lose track of time.
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