The most thrilling theme parks in Dubai

Dinosaurs meet the Avengers at IMG Worlds of Adventure, an indoor theme park the size of 28 football fields. Featuring four zones including one dedicated entirely to the Jurassic era, the temperature-controlled theme park has more than 20 rides and attractions. Mingle with your Marvel comics superheroes (think Captain America, Iron Man, The Hulk and Thor), while little ones will adore joining in on the adventures of their favourite Cartoon Network characters, including the Powerpuff Girls and Ben 10.

Signature ride: The Velociraptor is one of the tallest and fastest rollercoasters in Dubai, propelling guests to 100km in 2.5 seconds from prehistoric jungle into the desert.

A blockbuster in its own right, this Hollywood-inspired adventure land features around 30 rides inspired by memorable action and animation films, including Ghostbusters, Shrek and The Hunger Games. There are three zones dedicated to legendary film studios including Dreamworks, Lionsgate and Columbia Pictures, plus Smurfs Village where the kids will be enthralled for hours.

Signature ride: Don't miss the record-breaking rollercoasters inspired by box office sensations John Wicks and Now You See Me at Lionsgate. The latter features multiple twists and turns and is the world’s fastest single-car spinning coaster, echoing the plot of the heist-based movie.

Explore a world where the LEGO brick comes to life at Legoland Dubai. Ideal for families with children aged two to 12, there are more than 40 rides here, with many attractions requiring kids to use teamwork and apply their skills to steer a boat or drive a car. More than 60 million bricks were used to build this family theme park, which is made up of six lands – both indoor and outdoor – including Lego City and the Middle East-themed Miniland. If it's water rides you're after, head to Legoland Water Park, and you can fully immerse yourself in the experience by checking into the Legoland Hotel too.

Signature ride: Climb aboard the medieval Dragon Coaster and encounter twists and turns with a view of life in the enchanted King’s castle.

Located in The Dubai Mall, Play DXB, previously known as VR Park, is the largest indoor virtual reality park in the world. Inviting players to 'challenge reality', you'll find more than 30 exhilarating rides that blur the lines between perception and reality to explore over two floors. With all ages catered for, immerse yourself in the solo and multi-player experiences themed around horror, sports, adventure and more — you're sure to find your thrill.

Signature ride: Test your nerves with a ride on Burj Drop; a seriously nail-biting VR experience that sees you hanging onto the Burj Khalifa by a thread.