When the mercury hits the 40-degree mark, keeping cool in Dubai isn’t just recommended, it’s a necessity. But you're in luck. This sun-splashed Emirate has plenty of theme parks and water parks for the whole family – from tots to teens, there’s a theme park to suit everyone!
However long your stay, we recommend that you find time to cool off at one of the many water parks or get that rush of adrenaline at the theme parks. Not sure where to begin? We’ve picked out our favourite destinations to get you started.
The best amusement parks in Dubai
Thrill-seekers unite! With themed rides, speedy roller coasters and favourite characters from film, TV and cartoons to meet and greet you’re sure to get your heart racing at Dubai’s amusement parks. And best of all, all of the theme parks listed below are within easy reach of the city’s hotels and resorts, either by taxi or public transport.
LEGOLAND® Dubai
One of the three exciting theme parks within Dubai Parks and Resorts – the Middle East’s largest integrated theme park – LEGOLAND® Dubai is truly what kids’ dreams are made of. There are around 15,000 LEGO® models throughout the theme park, made from over 60 million pieces of LEGO® bricks! Even children who aren’t big fans of LEGO® will be enticed on to the vibrant rides and can let their imagination run wild in the building rooms. There’s plenty for the adults as well, and we promise there'll be no scattered bricks to accidentally step on here.
Things to do at LEGOLAND® Dubai
- Take a tour of the LEGOLAND® Dubai FACTORY to see how these famous building blocks are made
- Fly your own DUPLO® plane at City Airport in LEGO® City!
- Build your own LEGO® car and test it out on an indoor track at Build And Test in IMAGINATION
- Explore the BIG Shop – the largest LEGO® store in the Middle East
- Discover MINILAND, featuring all of Dubai’s most iconic landmarks made up of around 20 million LEGO® bricks
This theme park is designed to be immersive, interactive and educational in a way that’ll keep everyone entertained. We particularly love the Medieval-inspired Kingdoms area, where you'll be greeted by knights, princesses and even come face to face with a dragon!
Times: 10AM – 6PM Saturday to Wednesday and 10AM – 8PM Thursday to Friday
Tickets: Stay at Lapita Resort at Dubai Parks and Resorts and you’ll enjoy FREE unlimited access.
MOTIONGATE™ Dubai
Explore the dynamic world of cinema at the movie-themed MOTIONGATE™ Dubai theme park, set within Dubai Parks and Resorts. Rides here are themed around the films of three of the world’s most famous picture studios: Dreamworks Animation, Columbia Pictures and Lionsgate.
A total of 13 Hollywood films including Shrek, Smurfs, Ghostbusters and the Hunger Games are brought to life across five themed zones with 27 water rides and rollercoasters, 15 live entertainment experiences, and 9 family-friendly themed restaurants. It's safe to say, the kids will sleep well after a day at this jam-packed park.
Things to do at MOTIONGATE™ Dubai:
- Get a behind the scenes look into the making of the Smurf films on the Smurfs Studio Tour
- Ride the Green Hornet, High Speed Chase – a high-speed roller coaster that takes you through a junkyard
- Travel along Shrek’s Merry Fairy Tale – a ride for the whole family, taking you through an illustrated retelling of the tale of everyone’s favourite ogre: Shrek
- Watch Step Up Dubai, All In! at the 1,000 seater Hollywood Theatre
- Climb on board the fastest roller coaster on the Madagascar Mad Pursuit at DreamWorks
Times: Daily, 11AM – 10PM
Tickets: Stay at Lapita Resort at Dubai Parks and Resorts and you’ll enjoy FREE unlimited access.
Bollywood Parks™ Dubai
The third theme park at Dubai Parks and Resorts, Bollywood Parks™ Dubai is the world’s first theme park inspired by the world of Bollywood blockbuster films. This exciting family-friendly theme park boasts 16 rides and attractions – we love the Royal Plaza (one of five zones within the park) where you can watch a Broadway-inspired Bollywood musical.
Things to do at Bollywood Parks™ Dubai:
- Meet your favourite Bollywood superheroes at the Bollywood Film Studios
- Chase Don himself through the streets of Dubai on Don: The Chase – a 3D Immersion Tunnel ride
- See the sights of India on Krrish: Hero’s Flight – a motion-based simulated flight experience
- Sample delicious Mumbai-inspired food and drink at Mumbai Chowk
Across the park there are a number of themed live shows and entertainment, fine dining and street food, as well as party venues and a Bollywood musical. Put on those dancing shoes!
Times: 2PM –10PM Saturday to Wednesday and 2PM – 11PM Thursday to Friday
Tickets: Stay at Lapita Resort at Dubai Parks and Resorts and you’ll enjoy FREE unlimited access.
The best water parks in Dubai
Want our advice on the best way to cool off when the Middle Eastern sunshine gets too much? Head to one of Dubai’s fantastic water parks filled with lazy rivers, wave machines, exhilarating rides and much, much more! Take your pick of these parks, whether you’re travelling as a family, couple or a group of friends.
Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis, The Palm
Rated the #1 waterpark in the UAE, Aquaventure Waterpark is as much a Dubai icon as Atlantis, The Palm itself. Spread over 17 fun-filled hectares, with dozens of record-breaking water rides, slides, a 700-metre private beach and plenty of pools, it’s one of the most enjoyable ways to cool off in the heat of Dubai.
Things to do at Aquaventure Waterpark:
- Test your mettle with the Leap of Faith – a nine-storey mega slide with a heart-stopping vertical drop
- Enjoy family fun at Splashers Island, a dedicated park for younger water lovers including a shipwreck and kid-friendly waterslides
- Get your adrenaline pumping on Poseidon’s Revenge, a water slide that will have you reaching speeds of up to 60km/h
- Race down Slitherine, the world’s very first twin racing tube slide
- Ride the world’s largest tube slide, aptly named the Aquaconda due to its twists and turns
Take a break from zipping down waterslides, as you float along Dubai’s longest Lazy River or relax on the 500-metre private beach – complete with views of the city skyline.
Times: Daily, 10AM – 5.30PM
Tickets: Enjoy complimentary access when staying at Atlantis, The Palm. Guests at One&Only Royal Mirage can enjoy complimentary tickets when staying three nights or more.
LEGOLAND® Water Park
Splash your way through 20 different themed water slides at LEGOLAND® Water Park, specially designed for kids aged two to twelve. A must visit attraction for families, there’s a wealth of rides and activities to suit all ages.
Things to do at LEGOLAND® Water Park
- Create your own LEGO® raft and test it out on the Build-A-Raft river
- Ride the surf in the exciting LEGO® Wave Pool
- Build your own LEGO® bridges, dams and cities and test them against the flow of water
- Dodge the splashes at The Joker Soaker, an interactive playground with slides and water play areas
- Race your kids down the Twin Chasers double body slides
- Challenge yourself on the Splash Out with its 60-foot drop
Whatever slides or pools you decide to try, you’re guaranteed to have a day jam-packed with fun. While the theme park is child-friendly, even grown-ups will have a great day out as the park accommodates adults too. Or, simply lounge in one of the many bathing areas while the kids go off and explore – the choice is yours!
Times: Daily, 10AM – 6PM
Tickets: Stay at Lapita Resort at Dubai Parks and Resorts and you’ll enjoy FREE unlimited access.
Wild Wadi Waterpark™ at Madinat Jumeirah™
With as many as 30 different rides and slides, Madinat Jumeirah’s Wild Wadi Waterpark™ is an exciting way to spend a day. Themed around the tale of Juha from Arabian folklore, the waterpark offers plenty of fun for all ages.
Things to do Wild Wadi Waterpark™:
- Adrenaline junkies will be in their element as they test out Tantrum Alley, which features downhill waterslides and tornadoes
- Relax on the lazy river of Juha’s Journey
- Families with children will love Juha’s Dhow and Lagoon, which features over 100 water activities designed for parents with little ones
- Experience surfing at the Wipeout And Riptide – one of just four of these rides in the world
- Swim in the largest wave pool in the Middle East, featuring realistic waves that’ll make you feel like you’re taking a dip in the ocean
For those simply looking to relax after a day of adventure, there are plenty of areas with sun loungers or you can hire premium cabanas for the day.
Times: Daily, 10AM – sunset
Tickets: Complimentary access is given to all guests staying at our Jumeirah properties in Dubai
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or speak to one of our Dubai travel experts on 0203 1317 602 and ask about adding tickets to these exciting theme parks and waterparks to your trip. Dubai Parks & Resorts tickets must be booked as part of a package holiday.