Head inside for the best Dubai indoor activities and destinations and a summer filled with family fun.
As the warmer weather starts to approach, now is the time to keep cool and head to a host of unique indoor attractions and destinations across the emirate of Dubai. With a wealth of sub-zero attractions and cool experiences from indoor ski slopes and ice rinks to underwater adventures, alongside relaxed heritage centres, there are plenty of ways for families with children of all ages to chill out and enjoy an inspiring summer in the emirate.
The Dubai Mall
Not only is The Dubai Mall the world’s largest shopping mall, but it is also home to several family-friendly activities, offering an immersive experience to visitors of all ages and interests. With a plethora of international cafes and restaurants offering cuisines from all over the globe, the largest indoor aquarium in the world and an Olympic-sized ice rink, a day at The Dubai Mall is packed with attractions suitable for the whole family. So whether you want to head to a magical underwater world or hone your ice skating skills by taking a class in the skating academy at Dubai Ice Rink, families will find various indoor experiences to enjoy this summer.
Ski Dubai
Ski Dubai has been named the world’s best indoor ski resort and for good reason. The slopes offer five different tracks, each of varying lengths and difficulty, which can be enjoyed independently, or by joining a session with the in-house Ski School, with coaching covering all levels and ages. In addition, the 4,500 sqm Snow Park offers sledging, tobogganing, zorb balling, and rides, including the Mountain Thriller, an adrenaline-pumping adventure, carrying riders 150m at speeds of up to 40kph. There’s also an Alpine-inspired lodge away from the slopes to enjoy hot chocolate before the little ones change into winter gear to meet the resident penguins for a memorable encounter.
The Green Planet
Pay a visit to The Green Planet, an incredible bio-dome home to a tropical rainforest housing more than 3,000 plants, birds and animals. Young minds will be enthralled with an up-close and personal sloth encounter as the sleepy mammal roams free amongst the flora. Kids of all ages can meet friendly lemurs or explore the Australia Walkabout and if they are lucky, they might even catch a glimpse of wallabies or the Australian Carpet Python. Other unusual experiences at The Green Planet include camping overnight in the rainforest, snorkelling with piranhas or even being a zookeeper for the day.
The Dubai Frame
Visitors of all ages can take in panoramic views of Dubai from inside the world’s largest frame-shaped building, which stands 150m tall and is more than 95m wide. Inside this incredible structure, the Dubai Frame offers an immersive journey through the city’s history, where families can learn about Dubai’s evolution from a small trading port to a global cosmopolitan city. The Dubai Frame offers uninterrupted views from the indoor Sky Deck where visitors can view ‘Old Dubai’ to the north, including Dubai Creek and the historical Al Fahidi Neighbourhood and ‘New Dubai’, lying in the south, including the iconic skyline featuring Burj Khalifa.
Dubai Opera
Attending a performance in the stunning Dubai Opera, designed to resemble a Dhow (traditional fishing vessel), is a must-visit for cultural families. Shows range from comedy performances to rock, pop and jazz shows, and of course, some of the best theatrical performances in the world. Or why not go behind the scenes and take tweens and teens on the architecture tour and experience the backstage secrets of the theatre house and learn about the specially created sculptures and artworks within and around the venue.
Museum Of Illusions
A one-of-a-kind experience awaits to take big kids and little kids on an unforgettable journey into the fascinating world of illusions at the Museum of Illusions at Al Seef. An educational and sensory experience, the museum is also home to an Anti-Gravity room, an Infinity Room and even a Rotated Room, all guaranteed to trick the senses. Families can also head into the Vortex Tunnel, the first of its kind in the region, and navigate their way through a ‘rotating’ cylinder, a head-spinning adventure.
Roll DXB
The newly opened Roll DXB brings roller disco to Dubai for the ultimate old-school activity with retro vibes. Located in Mina Rashid, the space welcomes rollerskaters of all ages and levels and guests can rent retro skates onsite and even take lessons to develop all the fundamental skills and learn some iconic dance moves on wheels.
Jumble
Ideal for competitive families, Jumble is an interactive puzzle game taking place within an indoor urban maze. The course is challenging and tests brain power, cognitive abilities, problem-solving skills, endurance and strength. There are more than 20 challenges, so guests can revisit time and time to test their resolve with these physical and mental puzzles.
