3 Day Family Dubai Plan: A Fun and Easy Itinerary for All Ages
Dubai is one of the best places in the world for a family holiday. It’s clean, safe, and full of exciting places for kids and adults. From tall buildings and theme parks to deserts and beaches, every family member will find something they love.
This 3 Day Family Dubai Plan is made for parents who want a smooth, fun, and relaxing holiday with their children. Whether your kids are small, teens, or in between, this plan includes gentle mornings, fun afternoons, and peaceful evenings.
At BestDubaiPlaces.com, we help families plan their dream vacation. We make things simple and friendly so you don’t feel overwhelmed. With our easy tips and handpicked activities, your trip will be full of joy and memories.
Why Dubai Is Perfect for Families
Dubai offers something for every age. Children can explore fun parks, parents can enjoy beautiful views and shopping, and teens can try exciting adventures. Everything is close, clean, and easy to access.
Family-Friendly Benefits
- Smooth public transport and safe roads
- Indoor fun during hot days
- Outdoor parks and clean beaches
- Kid-friendly restaurants
- English-speaking guides everywhere
- Family rooms and hotel services for children
Day 1: Discover Downtown Dubai and Play Indoors
Your first day is about staying cool, seeing famous places, and having fun indoors. Downtown Dubai is a great area to start your trip.
Morning: Visit Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall
Begin with the world’s tallest tower, Burj Khalifa. The observation deck lets your family see the whole city. Use fast elevators and enjoy clear views of the sea, desert, and skyline.
To plan better, use our full guide to Burj Khalifa.
After that, walk into Dubai Mall, the biggest mall in the world. But it’s not just about shopping. It has:
- A giant aquarium
- An indoor waterfall
- KidZania (a city for kids to play real jobs)
- An ice rink
- VR Park
You could easily spend 2 to 4 hours here as a family.
Midday: Lunch in the Mall
Dubai Mall has hundreds of restaurants. Choose a casual place with a kids’ menu. Many cafes also have play corners.
You can find ideas from our list of best restaurants in Downtown Dubai.
Afternoon: Indoor Fun for Kids and Teens
If your kids have extra energy, head to more indoor fun attractions. Some great choices include:
- OliOli (hands-on science and play)
- PlayDXB (virtual reality rides)
- Museum of Illusions (fun for photos)
These are perfect if the weather is hot or your kids love indoor games.
Evening: Dubai Fountain Show and Relax
As the sun sets, enjoy the Dubai Fountain, a free show of music, lights, and water near Burj Khalifa. Shows start every 30 minutes after 6 PM.
Grab some snacks, sit by the lake, and enjoy the calm mood. This is a peaceful way to end your day without spending more.
Day 2: Desert Adventure and Animal Fun
Day 2 brings you into the desert and gives your family a new type of fun, sand, animals, and sunset surprises.
Morning: Camel Farm Visit or Buggy Fun
Start with something gentle like visiting a camel farm or doing a safe buggy ride in the desert. Many companies offer soft rides and animal experiences for families.
Kids can learn about camels, hold baby goats, and play in the sand while parents relax.
Buggy Ride Pricing
| Option | AED | USD |
|---|---|---|
| Family buggy (2-seater) | 950 | 260 |
| Extra child seat | 100 | 27 |
Safety gear and guides are included.
Midday: Rest and Simple Lunch
Head back to your hotel for lunch or a short rest. Make sure everyone is hydrated and well-fed before heading out again.
Afternoon to Evening: Family-Friendly Desert Safari
Now it’s time for the highlight, a family desert safari. We recommend the Platinum Desert Safari for its comfort and smooth planning.
It includes:
- Pickup from hotel
- Camel rides
- Falcon photo opportunities
- Easy dune rides (not too wild)
- Live music and shows
- BBQ dinner with kids’ meals
Safari Pricing
| Package | AED | USD |
|---|---|---|
| Family (2 adults + 2 kids) | 2400 | 655 |
| Extra Child | 400 | 110 |
This trip gives your kids open space to play and memories they’ll love.
Optional: Stay Overnight in the Desert
For something extra special, enjoy a night at a desert glamping site. These luxury tents are safe and cozy for families.
Sleep under the stars with real beds, private bathrooms, and soft lights, a peaceful way to end the day.
Day 3: Beaches, Boats, and the Palm
Day 3 is all about the sea. It includes calm beaches, boat rides, and a visit to the famous Palm Jumeirah.
Morning: Relax at the Beach
Start slow with a visit to one of Dubai’s clean family beaches. Use our guide to best beaches in Dubai to find a spot near your hotel.
Look for beaches with:
- Showers and changing rooms
- Lifeguards
- Play areas
- Ice cream trucks
Bring sunscreen, floaties, and hats. Let kids build sandcastles while you relax.
Midday: Boat Ride or Waterpark
Next, enjoy a water activity. You can try:
- A family yacht ride
- A visit to a theme water park like Aquaventure or Wild Wadi
Waterparks are great for all ages. They have toddler zones, wave pools, and thrill rides for teens.
Waterpark Pricing
| Type | AED | USD |
|---|---|---|
| Adult Day Pass | 330 | 90 |
| Child Day Pass | 270 | 74 |
| Under 2 years | Free | Free |
Book online to get discounts.
Afternoon: The View at the Palm
Next, visit The View at the Palm, an observation deck that shows the shape of Palm Jumeirah from above. Kids love seeing the island from the sky.
Ticket Pricing
| Type | AED | USD |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | 100 | 27 |
| Child (4-12) | 69 | 19 |
| Under 4 | Free | Free |
The deck also has a small cafe and gift shop for a quick snack or souvenir.
Evening: Dinner with a View
End your trip with a family meal at one of the best restaurants in Palm Jumeirah. Many spots offer high chairs, kids’ menus, and amazing views of the sea or Atlantis hotel.
This is the perfect way to say goodbye to Dubai, happy, full, and relaxed.
3 Day Family Dubai Itinerary Overview
| Day | Morning | Afternoon | Evening |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Visit Burj Khalifa and explore Dubai Mall (aquarium, KidZania, VR Park) | More indoor fun like OliOli, Museum of Illusions, or rest time | Watch the Dubai Fountain Show, relax and have dinner at Downtown Dubai |
| Day 2 | Visit camel farm or enjoy a gentle desert buggy ride | Lunch and rest at hotel or nearby cafe | Family-friendly Platinum Desert Safari with camel rides, falcon show, and BBQ |
| (Optional) | – | – | Stay overnight at a desert glamping site with luxury tents |
| Day 3 | Morning at the beach (family-friendly areas) | Enjoy a waterpark or private yacht ride | Visit The View at the Palm, dinner at Palm Jumeirah |
What to Pack for a Family Trip to Dubai
Packing right can make your family trip smoother. Here’s a basic guide for parents traveling to Dubai with kids:
Clothing
- Light cotton clothes for daytime
- A light jacket or sweater for cool malls or desert nights
- Swimsuits and beach towels
- Comfortable walking shoes or sandals
- A modest outfit for cultural sites (covered shoulders and knees)
Essentials for Kids
- Sunscreen (SPF 30+ is best)
- Reusable water bottles
- Hats or caps
- Sunglasses
- Wet wipes and hand sanitizer
- Snacks for the road or waiting times
- Baby stroller (most malls and parks are stroller-friendly)
Documents & Money
- Copies of passports and ID cards
- Travel insurance with child coverage
- Prepaid SIM card (see our guide to tourist SIM & eSIM options)
- Dirhams in small bills for tips, taxis, and snacks
- Credit/debit cards that work internationally
Packing smart reduces stress during long days and helps you avoid buying expensive essentials in tourist areas.
Family-Friendly Transport Tips in Dubai
Getting around Dubai with kids is easier than you might think. Here are some transport tips to keep your travel days calm and convenient:
Dubai Metro
- Very clean, safe, and affordable
- Elevators available at every station (perfect for strollers)
- Children under 5 ride free
- Use the Gold Class cabin for extra space during busy hours
Taxis and Ride Apps
- Taxis are safe, metered, and widely available
- Use Careem or Uber for smoother pickups
- Ask for child booster seats when booking large vehicles
Renting a Car
- Only consider if you’re confident driving in a new city
- Most hotels offer valet parking
- Google Maps and Waze work well
Buses & Trams
- Buses are air-conditioned but slower
- Trams are great around Dubai Marina and JBR for short trips
For easy navigation, you can check our full guide to Dubai transport with family tips and fare options.
Best Times of Year to Visit Dubai with Kids
The time of year you travel makes a big difference, especially for outdoor family activities.
| Season | Temperature | Family Tips |
|---|---|---|
| November-March | 18-28°C | Best time for outdoor parks, safaris, beaches |
| April-May | 28-38°C | Mornings good for outdoors; afternoons indoors |
| June-August | 38-45°C | Stay indoors, visit malls, waterparks, indoor play zones |
| September-October | 30-38°C | Slowly cooling down; mix of indoor and outdoor fun |
Also, during special events like Dubai Shopping Festival or UAE National Day, you’ll find family shows, fireworks, and discounts on attractions.
Total Cost Overview for a Family of 4
| Activity | AED | USD |
|---|---|---|
| Burj Khalifa + Mall + Indoor Play | 700 | 190 |
| Buggy Ride + Desert Safari | 3300 | 900 |
| Glamping (optional) | 1800 | 490 |
| Beach + Boat Ride or Waterpark | 1000 | 275 |
| Palm View + Family Dinner | 700 | 190 |
Estimated Total for 3 Days: 7500 AED / 2050 USD
Why BestDubaiPlaces.com Is Perfect for Family Travel
Planning a family trip can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to keep both kids and adults happy. At BestDubaiPlaces.com, we help parents take the stress out of travel by offering clear, useful, and family-friendly travel guides.
Whether you’re visiting Dubai for the first time or returning with your kids again, our website makes it easier to build the perfect itinerary for your family.
1. We Recommend Only Clean, Safe, and Family-Friendly Activities
Not all tours or attractions are right for kids, and we know that. That’s why we carefully select only the most trustworthy and safe experiences for families. Every activity we suggest is:
- Tested or reviewed by real parents
- Located in safe areas with good transport options
- Operated by companies with strong safety records
- Easy to understand and not confusing to book
From indoor play zones to desert safaris with gentle dune drives, you can feel confident that your kids will be safe, entertained, and cared for.
2. Simple Travel Plans That Parents Can Understand Easily
Family travel should never feel confusing. That’s why all activities in this itinerary are explained in a way that’s quick to follow, even during a busy trip with kids. Each day is broken down into easy sections that help you stay on track without stress.
Parents can confidently plan their mornings, afternoons, and evenings with:
- Clear timing for each activity
- Suggestions that match family energy levels
- Realistic expectations for how long to spend at each place
- Family-friendly travel tips, like when to rest or eat
Even if it’s your first time flying with little ones or managing a group with mixed ages, these simplified plans give you control and flexibility throughout your Dubai vacation.
3. You Get Real Prices in AED and USD
Budgeting is important when traveling with a family. That’s why we always include clear pricing tables in both AED and USD, so you can:
- Estimate total trip costs easily
- Decide which upgrades are worth it
- Avoid surprise charges during booking
- Choose experiences that fit your budget
Whether it’s a buggy ride adventure or a visit to The View at the Palm, you’ll know exactly how much to expect.
4. We Include Fun for All Ages – Toddlers to Teens
Some websites focus only on young kids or just teens. But families often travel with mixed age groups, so our guides include:
- Hands-on play spaces for toddlers
- Creative museums and science centers for school-aged kids
- Adventure sports and water parks for older children and teens
- Relaxing activities for parents who need a break
You’ll find a healthy mix of indoor and outdoor fun, so you can adjust your plan based on weather, energy levels, and your children’s interests.
5. We Help You Plan by Time of Day and Energy Level
Not every activity is good for every hour of the day. That’s why we always divide our guides into:
- Morning activities when kids are fresh and ready to explore
- Afternoon options for rest, indoor fun, or pool time
- Evening plans that are calm, visual, and perfect for the whole family
This structure helps avoid cranky moments, tired legs, and missed opportunities, giving you the best mix of fun and rest.
💡 At BestDubaiPlaces.com, we don’t just tell you what to do, we help you do it better. From choosing the right time for a desert safari with kids, to knowing which beaches are best for families, our guides are here to save you time, money, and stress.
👉 Want a personalized Dubai family itinerary? Contact us now we’ll build your plan, your way.
FAQs About 3 Day Family Dubai Plan
Is Dubai a safe place to visit with kids?
Yes! Dubai is one of the safest cities in the world. Public places are clean, people are friendly, and there are many family services.
What should I pack for my kids?
Bring sunblock, hats, swimsuits, and comfy shoes. Most places have air conditioning, so also pack a light jacket.
Can babies or toddlers join the desert safari?
Yes, but choose gentle safaris like Platinum or private ones. Some camps even offer baby seats in 4x4s.
Are theme parks better than waterparks for kids?
Both are fun! Waterparks are great in hot months. Theme parks like Motiongate or Legoland are good in cooler weather or indoors.
What food is available for picky eaters?
Most places have kids’ menus with pasta, chicken, and rice. You’ll also find international options like pizza, burgers, and noodles.
