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Nature and Parks
Animal fun for kids in Dubai
Mon, September 30, 2024
Looking to take a walk on the wild side? From winged wonders to furry friends, here are our pick of top Dubai spots where little ones can get up close to nature.
Looking to take a walk on the wild side? From winged wonders to furry friends, here are our pick of top Dubai spots where little ones can get up close to nature.
1
Stay at Happiness Farm and get the buzz about bees
Take your front-row seat and witness nature at its finest during a trip to the fascinating Hatta Honey Bee Discovery Centre. The Bee World Discovery Package sees visitors of all ages kitted out in protective clothing – a hilarious photo opportunity – before being introduced to the buzzing stars of the show during a tour of the garden. The knowledgeable beekeepers are happy to field all questions which makes this a truly educational, immersive event. Look around the onsite shop and you can take a taste of the sweet stuff home. While in Hatta you can extend your animal adventures by booking a very different kind of staycation. Spend the night at the rustic, self-catered Happiness Farmhouse amid beautifully kept grounds. Your neighbours for the evening will include resident rabbits and parrots, while kids can feed deer and explore the onsite playground. It's the perfect family bonding experience with a healthy dose of fresh air.
2
Surround yourself with nature
You won't believe you're in the middle of the city when you step into this green oasis. Your kids can run rampant at XPark Jr.’s natural playscape, beautifully designed to bring children and the great outdoors together. There are areas to play, ponds to explore, water features to get soaked in and plenty of opportunities to let your children's imaginations go free in this wilderness setting filled with trees, plants, streams. There are even resident ducks, goats and chickens sauntering around the natural forest-style space and you can book for a pony ride too. Don't forget to bring a change of clothing and a swimsuit as there are lots of opportunities to splash around.
3
Spread your wings
This record-breaking space, right next to Dubai Miracle Garden, is home to 15,000 winged insects. Dubai Butterfly Garden is the first attraction of its kind in the region, with nine domes full of the creatures’ habitats. You can learn everything about them, and discover how they change from caterpillars to the rare and colourful varieties that flutter through the air.
4
Journey into the rainforest
Venture into the tropical bio-dome that is The Green Planet, and discover more than 3,000 species of plants and animals including toucans, colourful macaws and chameleons spread out over four floors. Learn how important the forest ecosystem is to our planet, and enjoy interactive, informative encounters with some of the creatures that call it home. Budding environmentalists will also want to sign up for more intimate experiences and guaranteed sightings of sloths, parrots and sugar gliders. There's even the option to spend the night in the temperature controlled space and camp with the whole family.
5
Catch a camel ride
Get up close and personal with the UAE’s most beloved creatures at Kamel Uschi, just 30 minutes' drive away from the bustle of Dubai. You can join in on a camel trek through Wadi Saih al Salam desert, while knowledgeable staff members are on hand to answer any questions about the desert wildlife. Or, there are a host of friendly creatures including rabbits, deer, goats, chicken, sheep, turkeys at The Camel Farm set amid the dunes of the Dubai desert. There's lots to do when you get there with activities like camel riding, a desert eco walk and even camel hugging therapy on offer. You'll have all your questions about your new furry friends answered and don't forget to let your little ones enjoy a baby goat petting session.
6
Splash into a waterworld
Your children will feel like they've stepped into Finding Nemo as they saunter through the multiple areas of Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo. The 10 million-litre tank will amaze the young and young-at-heart as more than 33,000 sea creatures swim by. From sand tiger sharks to stingrays, penguins to seahorses and rainbow-hued fish, there's no better place to learn about their natural habitat. Looking to get an even closer look? There are a plethora of exciting experiences you can sign up for including glass-bottom boat tours, cage snorkelling and even an encounter with King Croc.
7
Make furry friends
Desert Oasis Petting Farm, in the heart of Al Khawaneej, is a fun day out for children of all ages. The sanctuary is home to fluffy and feathery creatures alike, from deer and donkeys to peacocks and adorable ducklings. Get up close to the animals, and your little ones can even feed them some tasty snacks. From farm animals to more exotic critters, you can expect plenty of memorable encounters. At the opposite side of Dubai is The Sustainable City. It's no wonder it is such a big hit with families, as the neighbourhood has its very own farm. For residents and visitors, the green scene comes complete with wandering ducks, horses, donkeys and other fowl making it a charming outing. There's also a park that runs through the entire length and 11 biodome greenhouses to explore.
8
Watch flamingos take flight
It's a spectacular scene of pink plumes as hundreds of flamingos settle on the water at Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, right in the heart of the city. You don't need to venture far to witness this sight, as you can take in this protected species – as well as lots of other birds – with Dubai's skyline providing a striking backdrop. Best of all, entry is free, but the flamingos are only there during the cooler season so plan your visit accordingly.
9
Follow the call of the wild
As well as being home to more than 3,000 creatures from around the world, Dubai Safari Park also has a specially designed area for youngsters to interact with the fauna. The 119-hectare wildlife centre is dedicated to animal conservation, protection and education, but some of its friendliest and cutest residents are to be found in the Kids Farm. Meet and learn about sheep, goats, ponies, and more, and you can also discover exotic and colourful birds, such as parrots and parakeets, in the aviary. Just make sure you schedule your trip in advance, as the park closes for the summer from June to September.
10
Come out of your shell
The Arabian Gulf is home to lots of adorable sea turtles, and the Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Project cares for these endangered creatures when they're sick or injured. Based at Jumeirah Al Naseem, the initiative has rehabilitated and released more than 2,100 turtles back into the wild since its launch in 2004. The outdoor Turtle Lagoon welcomes visitors every day, with no entry fee or booking required, and you can even join in the 11am feeding session and learn more about these fascinating reptiles.
11
Get snap happy
Did you know that crocodiles have been on Earth for about 200 million years, and lived alongside the dinosaurs? Learn all about these amazing reptiles at Dubai Crocodile Park, located next to Mushrif Park. Home to more than 250 Nile crocodiles, the attraction includes three vast climate-controlled basins, a large aquarium and a museum full of interesting facts. You can even interact with the crocs at various feeding stations and see if you can spot some babies (known as hatchlings).
12
Meet some majestic falcons
Head into the desert on a Platinum Heritage falcon and nature safari, where you’ll not only learn everything about falcons but also watch ancient falconry techniques and even take part in a birds of prey performance, letting these majestic creatures fly to your glove. This memorable experience concludes with a delicious traditional Emirati breakfast and a nature safari in a vintage Land Rover through Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve.
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