Named after the Hawaiian word for joy, OliOli encourages curious little minds to learn with play. The inspiring venue features eight galleries packed with over 40 exhibits that have been crafted by leading educators, artists and developmental psychologists. The result is an interactive museum that is a treat for both parents and children. Don’t miss the colourful Toshi’s Net by Japanese textile artist Toshiko Horiuchi Macadam – part trampoline and part playground, this giant hand-strung creation helps kids develop their fine motor skills.
2. Enjoy endless thrills at Dubai Parks and Resorts
With two theme parks, one waterpark and two hotels, Dubai Parks and Resorts offers a thrilling experience. Enjoy adrenaline-fuelled rides and attractions at Motiongate Dubai, the region's largest Hollywood-inspired theme park, while at Legoland you can choose from a fun-packed theme park or an action-packed waterpark, both built around the famous bricks. Also don't forget to stop by Riverland Dubai, home to JumpX, the world's largest inflatable park, and the space-themed indoor playworld Neon Galaxy.
3. Unlimited fun and adrenaline at the world's largest waterpark
Aquaventure Waterpark is home to iconic record-breaking rides and attractions, such as Medusa's Lair, Shockwave and Blackout. Located next to Atlantis, The Palm, get the most out of your holiday at this much–loved landmark. The world's largest waterpark and the one with the most waterslides, it features 105 rides and slides across three towers, marine and watersports experience, private beaches and children's play areas for all ages.
From the moment you enter this sprawling 40,000 square foot space in Wafi City Mall, you're surrounded by high-tech sound, lights and graphics with 12 distinct zones that together comprise the AYA universe, each telling a different story. As you're escorted through the different areas, enjoy everything from the tranquility of the slope in Drift to the gravity-defying droplets of Falls, with hidden doorways to be discovered. A one-off experience in Dubai, AYA is not to be missed.
This shopping mall is home to exciting thrills for all ages. There's The Storm Coaster, a roaring indoor roller coaster that combines a white-knuckle vertical drop for the brave, while little ones will love the Adventure Park with 11 different play areas. Think a jump zone with enormous trampolines, climbing walls, incredible slides and even a cave maze. You'll easily spend hours here. Best of all? You can combine the adventures with shopping and dining at this sprawling mall.
If you want to help your kids burn off some energy in the summer months, why not head to Ibn Battuta Mall’s Sky Zone. Far more than just a trampoline park, Sky Zone offers Ultimate Dodgeball, Skyslam Basketball, the Drop Zone, Wipe Out and dozens more activities. With dedicated party packages available, and the ability to take over an entire area for yourselves, Sky Zone is also perfect for birthday parties.
The perfect spot for animal lovers, The Green Planet is home to more than 3,000 animals, including sloths, porcupines, toucans, and monkeys. The indoor rainforest is built around a 25m-tall manmade tree, with parrots and other birds flying overhead, while a waterfall leads to the basement. Watch as stingrays and turtles swim about in the aquarium, or visit the insect exhibit to have a look at Goliath tarantulas (the world’s largest spider, with a leg-span the length of a child’s forearm). Dubai also boasts other wildlife encounters, so get ready for more unforgettable memories.
Think you’ve seen and done it all? Think again. With over 30 game-changing adventures, Play DXB at Dubai Mall is an exciting distraction for the whole family. The world’s largest indoor virtual reality venue lets everyone's imagination come to life with zones aimed at kids of all ages. From toddlers to teens and the young at heart, there is something for everyone, from soft play areas to Transformers-themed video games and an arcade.
Who says you can’t ski during the summer? Treat your family to a day at Ski Dubai, the first indoor ski resort in the Middle East. With 22,500sqm of snowy terrain, complete with five slopes, a snow park and a pop-up cinema, this place has to be experienced to be believed. Hone your skills on ice with lessons led by experts, or go sledding with the family and play in the snow. Just don't forget to indulge in a steaming cup of hot chocolate afterwards at the chalet.
The world’s largest suspended aquarium is located inside Dubai Mall. Here, kids get the chance to get up close and personal with sharks, crocs and rays, and even join a behind-the-scenes tour to learn more about taking care of the underwater world. One of the venue's many highlights is a glass-bottom boat tour that lets you enjoy a unique view of the aquarium's waters, home to 33,000 aquatic animals. If you're looking for more aqua thrills in Dubai, explore our list of must-try water activities.
※ Picks respects the rights of all copyright holders. If you do wish to make material edits, you will need to run them by the copyright holder for approval.
more from
Visit Dubai
Visit Dubai
Fabulous things to do in Dubai for free
2025-07-09 00:00:00
Visit Dubai
Dreaming of a Dubai beach holiday?
2025-06-21 00:00:00
Visit Dubai
New tourist attractions in Dubai that you must check out
2024-12-28 00:00:00
Visit Dubai
Book a table for two at Dubai's most romantic restaurants
2024-02-18 00:00:00
BEST STORIES
AFP
'Stranded, stressed' giraffes in Kenya relocated as habitats encroached
2025-11-18 00:02:00
Science News
Cancer treatments may get a boost from mRNA COVID vaccines
2025-11-18 00:00:00
Travie
Unzen Onsen: Japan's Fiery Paradise for Relaxation and Reflection
