So you think that Dubai is just for the adults who enjoy shopping? Think again – the UAE’s most famous city is packed with fun activities for children and parents alike.

Travelling with children can be very tiring; parents are always searching for destinations that offer entertainment for their children. Contrary to what some may think, Dubai is one of those cities that offers something for everyone, making it the ideal destination for a family-holiday.

Adults can enjoy a day of shopping at the Emirates Mall while the children ski and build snowmen at the Ski Dubai, full of exciting rides

Read more about the top 10 activities which you can enjoy with your children in this magnificent destination. The best thing is that any time of the year is amazing to visit. The incredible accomplishment of building a modern, vibrant city out of nothing within such a short period of time will leave you spellbound.

1) Atlantis The Palm, Dubai

Big on the wow factor and perfect for any family. Atlantis The Palm Dubai is a full- option hotel that guarantees endless entertainment for the whole family. Mothers get pampered at the spa, daddies have ample sports facilities to choose from and, as for the kids… they won’t want to be pulled away from the Aquaventure Waterpark.

The Aquaventure Waterpark offers the thrill of jumping into the largest and most exciting waterpark in Dubai, overflowing with 42 fun-filled acres, appropriate for all ages. They can experience heart-racing slides that take them to shark-filled lagoons and never-ending adventures, as well as a children’s play area featuring 10 slides, rope bridges, water cannons and more.

Children can also choose from five unique activities, even interacting with dolphins at the Dolphin Bay. Want more adrenalin? You and the more adventurous children can enjoy the thrill of a belly ride in the deep waters of the Atlantis’ lagoons.

2) SkiDubai, Dubai

Away from the water and into the snow, adults can enjoy a day of shopping at the Emirates Mall while the children ski and build snowmen at the Ski Dubai, the world’s largest indoor snow park, full of exciting rides. There is even a ski school for those who want to learn the basics of skiing or snowboarding with qualified instructors.

Families can enjoy the 400-meter slope and a 400-meter chairlift, offering the thrill of sitting 10 meters suspended in the air. And, if that is not enough, watch your children’s faces as they get to meet the penguins. This location is pretty much the only place in the world where children have the opportunity to interact at such a close level with these beautiful creatures.

3) Wild Wadi, Dubai

Located along Jumeirah Beach, this is one of the famous outdoor waterparks in the United Arab Emirates, and a total must-do.

Wild Wadi waterpark offers the world in terms of entertainment – from water roller-coaster rides to inter-connecting slides and, the latest addition, adventurous rides the Tantrum alley and Burj Surj.

4) Kidzania & Sega World at The Dubai Mall

Move over Disneyland, Kidzania is fast becoming the jet-setting kids’ favourite place to go. Kids enter a magical, pint-size city full of opportunities to try their hand at any profession that tickles their fancy. Watch your daughter take on the pilot’s cabin or your son get in touch with his artistic side! Pilots, doctors, chefs, painters, fire-fighters, beauticians… they’re all there!

And when they get fed up playing grown up, right next door¸ there is even a giant indoor playground that is fully supervised, so the adults can drop off the kids and compete in a round of head-to-head car simulator racing.

5) The Beach

Whether you head to the man-made beaches of The Palm or The World or you stick to Dubai’s natural coastline, the whole family will enjoy this day in the sun. There are many private beaches with features including swim-up bars, sun lounges and water sports. However, there are also plenty of free beaches too, close to The Walk, which features an array of juice bars, burger joints and ice-cream counters.

 

6) Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo

When it comes to getting the little ones up close and personal to underwater life, it’s difficult to beat this aquarium, which houses the world’s largest acrylic sheet, showing off sharks, fish and sting rays. Families can enjoy strolling through the pedestrian tube to get up close to all the sea life. Right above the aquarium you will find the Underwater Zoo, with its otters, interesting insects and playful penguins.

 

7) iFly Dubai

Allow your children the chance to experience the rush of free falling at the iFly Dubai and enjoy the excitement of skydiving in the region’s only indoor skydiving center. This adventure is safe for children aged five and higher. There are highly-trained iFly instructors, including spacious, state-of-the-art wind tunnels that fit up to 12 flyers and can reach wind speeds up to 200kph.

 

 

8) Desert Safari

Big kids, little kids, or no kids – this is a brilliant night for young and old alike. Take an unforgettable four-wheel drive safari through the Arabian Desert, before stopping in the middle of nowhere for a traditional dinner and a spectacular show. You can also appreciate an amazing array of animals such as the Arabian Oryx, giraffes and white lions at Al-Ain Zoo at Al-Ain — approximately a two-hour drive from Dubai. The zoo was built to create natural habitats that could encourage the breeding of endangered species. Make sure to join a night safari, when the weather is a little cooler and the creatures are most active.

9) Modesh World

Modesh World is synonymous with family entertainment during the summer in Dubai and, over the years, it has grown to become a destination by itself, given the fact that it attracted around 500,000 visitors in previous editions. The event aims every year to bring innovative and exciting entertainment and events to Modhesh World that you and your children will not soon forget.

10) YAS Island

Take a road trip for less than one hour to YAS Island to visit this fabulous, fun destination for all the family including YAS Waterpark - UAE’s largest, and Ferrari World – the world’s largest indoor theme park.

There is no time to get bored with all the family-friendly activities available on YAS, all of which you can enjoy with your children – from roller coasters to racing simulators, classic cars and all things Ferrari, beaches and shopping. Even the latter includes kid-friendly activities that can be enjoyed by the entire family.

Information courtesy of ROCS Travel.

ROCS travel holidays show at Amitex 2016

ROCS Travel offer some fantastic package deals to Dubai, incorporating all the attractions mentioned in this feature – check them out during this year’s Amitex Holiday Show, running between Thursday and next Sunday at the Malta Fairs and Convention Centre (MFCC) in Ta’ Qali.

ROCS will also be showcasing other exceptional offers, of course, besides launching its Travel World Holidays Brochure 2016. The brochure includes an array of tailormade holiday experiences and provides options to suit almost every budget, comfort zone and taste.

This year, all those travelling with ROCS will be in the chance of winning a Renault Kadjar worth €24,500 at the end of the year, just in time for Christmas.

For more information, you can also visit ROCS travel offices in Floriana, Mellieħa and Mosta, call on 2015 1515 or send an e-mail to travel@rocsgrp.com .

www.rocsholidays.com; Facebook – ROCS Group