Desert dreams and epic family scenes await at the UAE capital this year! Dubai is where the fun begins with its towering skyscrapers, iconic shopping malls, high-end restaurants, and vast golden dunes. It is a top family vacation destination, offering many kid-friendly attractions, including world-class water parks. While you can only spend 3 to 4 days here, we suggest you spend at least five days to cover everything this beautiful city has to offer. Let’s dive into this fun 5-Day Dubai Itinerary For Family, filled with must-see sights, bites, and relaxation.
👉 Bonus: We’ve even created a free downloadable 5-Day Dubai Itinerary For Family PDF to make your planning super easy. [Get it here👇🏻]
Budgeting For 5 Days In Dubai
Did you know Dubai has been ranked as the world’s best travel destination? It has maintained its position for a third consecutive year at the TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards. The city’s blend of culture, modernity, and adventure attracts millions of travelers to come and explore. That said, many people hesitate to travel to the City of Gold due to their limited financial resources. Especially, 5 days in Dubai cost might range higher than one’s expectation. But with careful planning, you can enjoy a stress-free five-day family vacation in Dubai.
Transportation
One of the key ways to save money in Dubai is by using public transportation. The Road and Transport Authority (RTA) manages the metro, buses, ferries, taxis, trams, and water taxis. Metro, buses, and trams operate on a zone-based system, and fares are calculated accordingly. Buy the Nol card for seamless transfers between different modes of transport. Red Nol Card (Standard Adult Ticket) costs AED 4 per zone, while the Gold Class Pre-paid ticket costs AED 6 for 1 zone.
Taxis are more affordable than Uber, with fares starting at AED 5-5.50 and a per-km rate of AED 2.14. Better yet, choose private transfers for a convenient, comfortable, and seamless travel experience.
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Food
Dubai is a heaven for foodies. The city’s culinary scene reflects its cosmopolitan population, with influences from Middle Eastern, Asian, African, and European cuisines. These range from traditional Emirati dishes to innovative fusions. You can choose to dine based on your budget. Street food is more budget-friendly with prices starting from AED 50 per meal. Casual dining falls in the middle with prices ranging from AED 140 to AED 280. Finally, fine dining options start from AED 450 to AED 2,100.
Accommodation
The cost for accommodation depends on the location and the type of hotel. The average price of a hotel room in Dubai is around $91 per night. You can find hostels and apartments below that price range. 5-star luxury resorts charge from $348 and over per night.
5-Day Dubai Itinerary For Family: Day 1: Downtown Dubai & Dubai Mall
🏙️Morning: Burj Khalifa
- Address: 1 Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd – Downtown Dubai – Dubai – United Arab Emirates; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 24 hours
- Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook, Official Instagram
Your Dubai itinerary starts at the iconic Burj Khalifa. The world’s tallest building stands at 828 meters and holds multiple world records, including the highest outdoor observation deck and the tallest freestanding structure in the world. It is also a symbol of architectural and engineering excellence, featuring a triple-lobed footprint inspired by the regional desert flower Hymenocallis. It has a Y-shaped floor plan with setbacks along each of its three wings. Book tickets to “At The Top” and “At the Top Sky,” to enjoy breathtaking views of the city. Also, don’t miss the nightly light show where Burj Khalifa’s facade is illuminated with various visual effects and animations.
😋 Lunch Stop: At.mosphere – Upscale, Fine Dining, Stunning Views
🛍️Afternoon: Dubai Mall
- Address: Downtown Dubai – Dubai – United Arab Emirates; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 10 AM – 11 PM
- Social Media: Official Website, Official Instagram
After climbing the Burj Khalifa, head to The Dubai Mall for an ultimate shopping experience. This is the world’s largest shopping mall, featuring over 1,200 retail stores, including more than 200 of the most sought-after luxury brands. The Dubai Mall is more than a shopping hub; it is an entertainment hub featuring an indoor ice rink, the Dubai Aquarium, & an Underwater Zoo. It is also home to over 200 restaurants and cafes, including Arabic eateries and Starbucks.
⛲Evening: Dubai Fountain Show
- Address: Downtown Dubai – Dubai – United Arab Emirates; Google Map
- Time: 6 PM to 11 PM
Close your day with the spectacular Dubai Fountain show. This sound and light show takes place daily at the base of the Burj Khalifa. It is one of the highlights of the skyscraper where the dancing fountain comes to life. This massive fountain can shoot water over 140 meters. The show features a choreographed performance of dancing water jets, set to music and accompanied by lights. It takes place every 30 minutes from 6 PM until 11 PM. You don’t want to miss out on this spectacle that is guaranteed to leave you spellbound.
🍽️ Dinner Stop: Armani/Ristorante – Michelin-starred, Italian Cuisine, Dubai Fountain Views
Day 2: Dubai Parks & Resorts
🎢Full Day: IMG Worlds of Adventure
- Address: City of Arabia – Dubai – United Arab Emirates; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 12 PM – 10 PM
- Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook, Official Instagram
Spend your second day in Dubai’s largest indoor theme park. IMG Worlds of Adventure, spanning across 1.5 million square feet, is one of the top theme parks in the UAE. It features six adventure worlds, including Marvel, Cartoon Network, IMG Boulevard, Lost Valley, IMG Kids Zone, and The Haunted Town. Each destination features adrenaline-pumping roller coasters and spine-tingling attractions based on the park’s in-house adventure squad, The Voyagers, and other popular characters. Worlds with Marvel and Cartoon Network themes feature attractions based on your favorite cartoons and superheroes, such as The Powerpuff Girls, Ben 10, Avengers, Hulk, Thor, and Spider-Man.
🛝Alternative: Wild Wadi Waterpark
- Address: Jumeira St – opp. Burj Al Arab – Umm Suqeim – Umm Suqeim 3 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 10 AM – 6 PM
- Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook, Official Instagram
Cool down from Dubai’s smoldering heat at Wild Wadi Waterpark. This family-friendly attraction has everything you can expect, including thrilling rides, water slides, and pools. Must-try rides and slides include Jumeirah Sceirah (the fastest and scariest ride), Wipeout & Riptide Flowrider (for surf lovers), Master Blaster (high-speed rollercoaster), and Burj Surj (heart-thumping, adventurous ride). The park also features restaurants and snack stands where you can refuel between rides.
Other alternatives include Motiongate, LEGOLAND, and Bollywood Parks.
Day 3: Desert Safari & Cultural Experience
🏖️Morning: Jumeirah Beach
- Address: Jumeirah – Dubai – United Arab Emirates; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 24 hours
- Things To Do: Parasailing, Flyboarding, Jet Skiing, Sunbathing, Banana Boat Rides
Relax in the morning or visit Jumeirah Beach. This white sand beach stretches endlessly along the coast south of Dubai’s historic district to the junction with the Palm Jumeirah. Families can relax at the beach, enjoy a picnic, and take advantage of designated play areas. If you are feeling adventurous, try jet skiing or parasailing. You can also book luxury yacht tours along Dubai’s coastline and enjoy a pleasurable 2-3 hour sail.
🐪Afternoon: Desert Safari
- Duration: 6 to 7 hours
- Price: $79 onwards
- Type of Safaris: Morning Desert Safari, Evening Desert Safari, Dubai Dunes Safari, Dubai Dune Buggy Safari, Dubai 4×4 Desert Safari
You can’t miss out on a desert safari in Dubai. So, spend your afternoon experiencing the city’s vast desert with an expert guide. You will first explore the majestic desert on a 4×4 vehicle or a quad bike. The journey also offers a glimpse into the city’s native wildlife. Experience the thrill of a desert safari with dune bashing, sandboarding, and camel rides. End your experience with a traditional BBQ dinner under the stars. Elevate your experience with live performances, such as belly dances or fire shows. The Dubai Desert Safari is a memorable activity for the whole family.
Day 4: Dubai Marina & Dubai Frame
🚣Morning: Dubai Marina Walk
- Address: Dubai, United Arab Emirates; Google Map
- Things To Do: Jogging, Biking, Dining, Strolling
Enjoy a morning stroll through Dubai Marina Walk. This 7-kilometer promenade is a renowned waterfront area lined with palm trees, offering a perfect spot for walking, biking, and jogging. Expect stunning views of the marina, especially at night when the city lights cast a magical glow over the water. This area is also renowned for its restaurants and cafes, where you can dine and enjoy a drink or two. You can also take a boat tour or a luxury yacht ride to explore the coastal side of Dubai and enjoy the skyline from the water.
🍳 Breakfast At EETEN Urban Kitchen: Specialty Coffee + Homestyle Breakfasts
🖼️Afternoon: Dubai Frame
- Address: Zabeel Park Jogging Track – Za’abeel – Al Kifaf – Dubai – United Arab Emirates; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 9 AM – 9 PM
- Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook, Official Instagram
Experience the past, present, and future of Dubai at Dubai Frame. The world’s largest frame measures 150 meters in height and 95 meters in width, featuring over 15,000 square meters of gold-colored stainless steel. Its unique rectangular architectural design frames breathtaking views of Old and New Dubai. Purchase tickets to the Sky Deck, where you can see the stunning views of the entire city. Don’t miss the spectacular sunset view from the top of the bridge. Bonus point for families: Infants below three enjoy free entry!
☕Coffee Stop: The Dubai Frame Café – Arabic Sweets, Premium Coffees, 360-degree view of Dubai
🍝Evening: Dhow Cruise Dinner
- Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours
- Price: AED 125 to AED 395+
Close your day with a luxury Dhow Dinner Cruise. It is a must-do activity for families and couples. You will step aboard a luxurious dhow, where a traditional Arabic welcome awaits. As you sail along Dubai’s water, expect stunning night views of the city and its iconic landmarks, such as Burj Khalifa. These cruises typically feature a scrumptious buffet dinner, offering a mix of Arabic and international dishes. They also provide live entertainment on board, including dance shows. While dhow dinner cruises are usually expensive, you can find many affordable options at TourTeller.
Day 5: Atlantis Aquaventure & The Lost Chambers
🌊Full Day: Atlantis, The Palm
- Address: Crescent Rd – The Palm Jumeirah – Dubai – United Arab Emirates; Google Map
- Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook, Official Instagram
We are on our last day of this 5-Day Dubai Itinerary for Family. Spend this day at Atlantis, The Palm. Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Kaleidoscope. The restaurant serves an exceptional international buffet, featuring a diverse selection of Arabic, Asian, and continental delicacies. Continue your expedition by exploring the luxury hotel’s attractions, which include a water park and an aquarium.
🏊🏻Splash Water At Aquaventure World
- Address: Atlantis The Palm – Crescent Rd – The Palm Jumeirah – Dubai – United Arab Emirates; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 10 AM – 6:30 PM
- Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook, Official Instagram
Visit the world’s largest waterpark, Aquaventure World, at the Atlantis. It spans across 22.5 hectares and features 105 record-breaking slides. Thrill seekers should try the death-defying drop on the Leap of Faith, a heart-thumping ride on Poseidon’s Revenge, coast down the waterscape of Atlantis on The Torrent, and the feeling of soaring high above Atlantis on Atlantean Flyer. Families can get up close with South African fur seals and Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins at Atlas Village. While hotel guests enjoy free entry, others can buy tickets and passes.
🐙Stop By The Lost Chambers Aquarium
- Address: Atlantis, The Palm – Crescent Rd – The Palm Jumeirah – Dubai – United Arab Emirates; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 10 AM – 9 PM
Your final destination in Dubai is the Lost Chambers Aquarium. It is home to over 65,000 marine animals, including swooping rays, sharks, and a variety of colorful fish species. These include Grey Reef Shark, Blue Spotted Ray, Giant Grouper, Octopus, and Blue Tang (Dory from Finding Nemo). In addition to checking out marine species, you can enjoy a 60-minute underwater yoga class, learn about sharks from a specialist, experience the behind-the-scenes tour, and try a sound healing meditation. Finally, have a last meal and depart Dubai with a promise to return.
Also Read:
- Best Things To Do in Dubai
- The Best Restaurants in Dubai: Our Top 6 Picks
- Best Things To Do In Abu Dhabi
This 5-Day Dubai Itinerary only gives a glimpse into the UAE’s capital. You can extend your trip to seven days to explore more of its attractions and activities. You can also shorten your trip to three days if you have a limited budget. The best part about this itinerary is that you can customize it to your preferences. For more activity recommendations, visit TourTeller, where you will find hundreds of guided tours from top online travel agencies. You can even compare similar-looking tours and ask any questions on the chatbot.
