Dubai is neither ‘just a honeymoon destination’ or a transit city, it’s also very much the ideal location to take the whole family. With year round sunshine, ample accommodation options and literally endless activities, we can’t think of a better place to take the kiddies. If you live here…even better, you’ve got a holiday waiting every weekend.

Here are our top picks of things to do…

The Chocoholic Brunch

This family friendly brunch at the Sheraton Hotel, Mall of the Emirates has chocolate coming out of it’s ears. With 22 varieties of chocolate from around the world, a room JUST for chocolate, an international buffet which boasts some inventive salad options, a kiddies corner…oh and did we mention kids under 12 go for free? Yep, this is the perfect family friendly brunch.

When? Fridays 12.30pm – 4pm (AED 199 inclusive of soft drinks, AED 299 inclusive of house beverages)

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Bounce

This huge trampolining playground at the Al Quoz industrial park is super fun and a great way to keep fit. Try your hand at dodgeball, several different trampoline workouts or just have a good old fashioned bounce. Situated indoors, this is perfect for when the weather heats up and you fancy a break from the desert sun.

Thursday 10am-12 am, Friday & Saturday 9am-10pm (Prices start from AED 80 per session)

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Wild Wadi

Located next to the iconic Burj Al Arab, Wild Wadi water park boasts an impressive 30 rides and attractions to excite all ages. Water guns and the lazy river provide jam-packed fun for the littlies whereas the famous Tantrum Alley and Burj Surj are for the thrillseekers amongst us. Shops selling all the necessities (important if you’ve forgotten the sun-cream), cafes and comfortable beach cabanas are all available on site.

When? Sunday to Saturday 10am-6pm (Prices vary depending on the day but usually range from AED 129 – AED 255)

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Kidzania

This edu-tainment centre in Dubai Mall is one brilliant day out for the kids. They get to choose between over 80 different professions and try their hand at it in a replica city. Other family friendly attractions at the mall include the aquarium, Sega World and the ice rink. The centre also boasts a ‘parents lounge’ complete with a TV room, food and beverage options, as well as complimentary internet, the perfect spot to put your feet up.

When? Sunday to Thursday 10am-10pm, Friday & Saturday 10am-11pm (4-16 years old AED 140, Adults and toddlers AED 95, infants under 2 years old entry is free)

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The Dome Box at Box Park

This unusual movie theatre boasts a 360˚ screen and features educational cinematic productions. Guests will feel as though they’re nearly involved with each story as it unfolds due to the shape of the screen and vibrancy of the colours. Each feature film is approximately 30 minutes long and is recommended for kids above three years. Perfect for school groups or a family day out.

When? Sunday to Wednesday 12pm-10pm, Thursday to Saturday 12pm-12am (AED 45 for 2 movies per person, AED 75 for 4 movies per person)

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The Beach at JBR

Beautiful clean waters, showering and bathroom facilities and the fact that it’s free are all reasons you should take advantage of The Beach at JBR. With plenty of watersports available; think kayaking and banana boat rides, (at an extra cost) you won’t get bored easily, and there are heaps of restaurants in the area too; Eat Greek, The Cheesecake Factory. Busaba, Poco Loco and Big Chefs to name but a few.

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The Aquarium at Dubai Mall

This huge aquarium sits in the middle of the world’s largest mall and houses over 140 different aquatic species including the largest collection of Sand Tiger Sharks in the world as well as King Croc and the sweetest otters imaginable. A 48-metre walk-through tunnel gives visitors a 360˚ aquarium experience (and some great photo opps), the glass-bottom boat and not to mention shark diving – this is a thrilling once-in-a-lifetime experience.

When? Sunday to Wednesday 10am-11pm, Thursday to Saturday 10am-12am (Packages range from AED 100 to AED 250, children under 3 years go free)

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