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Family

Top water activities for kids in Dubai

Fri, April 14, 2023

From surfing and paddleboarding to waterparks and splash pads, here are our pick of aquatic delights for children.

From surfing and paddleboarding to waterparks and splash pads, here are our pick of aquatic delights for children.

Have a swimming time at Wild Wadi Waterpark

Wild Wadi Water Park Dubai

Let the folklore character Juha guide you through all the rides, slides and chill-out areas of this famous waterpark. One of the first in Dubai, it's arguably a favourite thanks to its stunning location within sight of the famous Burj Al Arab. Juha's Dhow and Lagoon was specifically designed to appeal to little fans, with slides, a giant tipping bucket and gentle thrills. Then grab a ring and float around the whole park on Juha's Journey, a leisurely long river, or lie by Breaker's Bay.

Escape to the outdoors at X-Park Jr.

The best water activities for kids

This outdoor playscape may offer a variety of activities to keep children entertained – think pony rides, rabbits, climbing frames, a mud kitchen and a vegetable patch – but the big draw is always the water. Kids dash around the squirting nozzles at Xemo's Fountain while parents can pick up a coffee from Cafe Junior Catering. Plus the place is dotted with ponds and water features where you can spot waddling ducks and wandering turtles.

Splash out at Aquaventure Waterpark

Aquaventure water park

It's the world's largest waterpark, and breaks multiple other records thanks to its thrilling rides, but there's plenty on offer that'll appeal to younger visitors too. Kids can have an adventure exploring the Splashers Children's Play Area, with slides, climbing frames and tunnels, or make sandcastles on the pristine 1km long beach. There's also the option of animal sightings with dolphins, cownose stingrays and even (completely safe) sharks in the vicinity.

Build a fun day out at Legoland Water Park

The best water activities for kids

Geared at the younger ones, this brightly-coloured LEGO-themed park provides all the aquatic activity they could wish for. Aside from the usual slides, spills and splash pads, there's also educational fun to be had, like the Build-A-Boat area where kids can customise their rafts and adjust them to float down the current. One thing's for sure, you'll find it hard to tear your toddler away from the Duplo Splash Safari.

Take a walk on the wild side at Jungle Bay Waterpark

Westin

Decked out in cool blue and white hues, this giant water-based playground is perched in the middle of Club Mina which already boasts a plethora of aquatic attractions, including three swimming pools and a soft sand beachfront. Smaller visitors, however, will want to make a bee-line for the Splash Zone before sampling the treats at Refuel Cafe & Bar. In the summer months, it's worth keeping out of the sun by booking one of the chic white cabanas that dot this new destination.

Write your own story at Al Barari Playground

The best water activities for kids

Your children will be in seventh heaven when they see this beautifully designed play area in the heart of Al Barari. Lush landscaping (as befits its surroundings) combines with giant swings, toddler-friendly spaces, ziplines, climbing structures and a water-centric park where kids can create their own adventure. The snacks are specially catered for the clients too; The Dairy Shed serves up gluten- and sugar-free ice creams, and there's guilt-free fast food like vegetarian burgers and healthy hot dogs.

Soak in experiments at experiential museums

new-family-experiences-woohoo

At both edutainment arenas OliOli and Woo-Hoo (Call: +971 800 966 466), there are galleries devoted to water-based play. Cannons, simulated rain rooms, giant bubbles, build-a-dam and even a car wash combine to stimulate the senses and give a gentle introduction to the world of movement and physics. Best of all, kids get mini raincoats to put on so that they don't get wet, which make for adorable photo ops.

Cool down at Dubai Hills Splash Park by Emaar

Nestled amid the lush green Dubai Hills Park is this gem of an aquatic find, that's open to both residents of the community and visitors alike. Book ahead, grab your towels and take a sandy seat as your brood frolic on the slides, and try to evade the tipping bucket as they splash in the shallow water. Our top tip? Take a picnic and make a day of it, by retiring to a shady spot after your swim.

Wash away the blues at Splash 'n' Party

The best water activities for kids

Two pools, a zip line, lots of slides and tunnels – plus plenty of live shows that pop up all day long – keep kids constantly entertained at this park housed in a Jumeirah villa. The whole area is themed with colourful creatures and shells, with the cafe geared towards catering to birthdays and parties, featuring cake specialists and delicious treats for all the family. Book now: +971 4 388 3008

Learn how to ride the waves at Surf House

Kite

Sign your clan up for surfing or paddleboarding lessons at Surf House Dubai. You'll rest easy knowing your kids are in safe hands, as all instructors are qualified lifeguards and expert surfers themselves, and have accreditations in Level 1 Surf Coaching, ILS and first aid certificates. Call ahead to see which group classes are coming up, or book a private session at your convenience.

Get refreshed at Splash Pad at The Beach, opposite JBR

Splash Pad Dubai
This outdoor water world is the perfect place to take your kids during a day out in JBR. Safe, contained and tons of fun, your little ones can keep cool as they splash and play in the water and enjoy a range of aquatic activities – from fountains to tipper buckets, squirters and Imagination Playground Blocks.

Group fun at Pirates Surf Rescue

There may be a waiting list to join Pirates Surf Rescue but there is a good reason for that. This club at Kite Beach resembles the scouts or girl guides, but is based around the water. Starting from the age of five, it teaches children wholesome values like supporting one another and good manners – while taking them out on fun activities that revolve around the sea. Recent excursions have included paddleboarding in front of the tallest building in the world in the Burj Lake, trips to Aquaventure, jet-skiing and swimming across the city. Coaches also teach about marine life and the environment making it a rounded educational experience, plus parents are encouraged to get involved too.

Get refreshed at Splash Pad at The Beach, opposite JBR

Splash Pad Dubai
This outdoor water world is the perfect place to take your kids during a day out in JBR. Safe, contained and tons of fun, your little ones can keep cool as they splash and play in the water and enjoy a range of aquatic activities – from fountains to tipper buckets, squirters and Imagination Playground Blocks.

Stay cool at the Blue Wave Club

Looking for a water-based outing that'll guarantee the kids won't catch too much sun? Then this indoor emporium in Al Quoz that houses a teaching pool, a 25m option for training laps and the special Splash Island section may be the answer. Catering for children from 2 years old to 12 only, the jungle gym is placed inside water, with several aquatic features to climb, slip and slide down. Book now: +971 4 331 6117

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