15 Best Family Activities in Dubai: Jet Ski, Flyboard & More
May 23, 2025
When it comes to family activities in Dubai, you have tons of choices, but that doesn’t mean that all experiences are created equal.
Some activities cater to large crowds and feel impersonal. Others are too generic to stand out. So what if your family could spend a day that’s structured, exciting, and designed to offer something memorable for everyone?
At Ride in Dubai, we aim to make every experience feel personalised, safe, and worth remembering. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of the 15 most engaging fun activities in Dubai for families, starting with the ones we know best.
1. Jet Ski Along Dubai’s Coastline
Among all the family activities in Dubai, few offer the same combination of guided exploration, safety, and scenic views as a jet ski tour.
Each session with Ride in Dubai begins with a comprehensive safety briefing followed by a guided ride across Dubai’s coastal landmarks. The route includes views of the Burj Al Arab and Atlantis The Palm. Jet ski rides are suitable for beginners, teens aged 16 and up, and children riding as passengers. Professional instructors accompany each group, ensuring a smooth and exciting experience for all skill levels.
2. Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
This is one of those family activities in Dubai that’s both indoors and genuinely engaging.
Tucked inside Dubai Mall, the aquarium is home to everything from reef sharks and rays to a crocodile that’s longer than most cars. It’s a popular stop for parents looking for fun activities in Dubai for families, especially with young kids in tow.
It works well as a mid-morning break, or something to pair with lunch and a bit of mall exploring.
3. Family-Friendly Beaches
Sunset Beach, Kite Beach, and Al Mamzar are easy picks for a laid-back day by the sea.
While Ride in Dubai focuses on guided water experiences, we often recommend wrapping the day with a stop at the beach. It’s a slower side of the city, and one of the simplest family activities in Dubai that doesn't need a ticket. Just towels and time.
4. Kayaking in Hatta Dam
Once outside the city, families can enjoy calm waters surrounded by Hajar mountain views at Hatta Dam.
Located just 90 minutes from the city, Hatta offers a serene kayaking experience for families who want to reconnect with nature. The area is well-known for its calm waters and scenic surroundings, making it a suitable option for light paddling and relaxation. Kayaks are available for rent, and no prior experience is required.
5. Desert Safari With Camel Rides
Not all family activities in Dubai happen by the water. Some take you straight into the sand.
A desert safari is one for the books. Families can expect camel rides, gentle dune drives, and dinner under open skies. Many tours also include music, dance, and sandboarding, which keeps the experience moving without feeling rushed.
It’s a slower pace, but that’s part of the appeal. Everything’s usually sorted for you, transport, meals, guides. So all you need to do is show up and enjoy it.
6. Flyboarding Like a Superhero
Flyboarding lets riders lift, balance, and glide over water using high-powered jets, with full instruction provided by certified guides.
Flyboarding is one of the most fun activities in Dubai for families who want something exciting but safe. This water sport is typically suitable for older children and teens who are confident swimmers. Each session includes step-by-step support from a trained instructor, ensuring proper technique, safety, and an unforgettable first-time experience.
7. Water Jetpack for Dads and Teens
For families who bond over adrenaline, this one adds a twist, literally.
The water jetpack uses high-pressure propulsion to lift riders above the sea. It’s similar to flyboarding but offers more upright control, making it a great fit for older teens and adventurous parents.
This is one of those fun activities in Dubai for families that works well as part of a combo. It’s often booked with a jet ski session to turn a quick outing into a half-day experience.
8. Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark
Atlantis Aquaventure is a waterpark, but it feels more like a full-day resort.
You’ve got record breaking slides, river rides that loop for kilometres, and cabanas if you’d rather stay dry. It’s one of the go-to fun activities in Dubai for families who want something that keeps kids moving and gives adults room to breathe.
9. Sunset Boat Tour
If you're ending the day near the water, a sunset boat tour is one of the calmest ways to wind things down.
Several tour operators around Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence offer private or small-group cruises, timed perfectly for golden hour. It’s one of those family activities in Dubai that gives you a break from the action, but still feels like part of the adventure.
10. Bounce Dubai Trampoline Park
To let the kids burn off energy without being out in the heat, this works.
Bounce is an indoor trampoline park that covers everything from dodgeball courts to free-running zones. It’s one of the go-to fun activities in Dubai for families with high-energy kids, especially in the late afternoon when everyone needs to move but not melt in Dubai heat.
11. Ride a Jet Car
What appears to be a supercar at the dock turns out to be a fully waterborne ride, built for smooth cruising and visual impact.
Jet Cars are Ride in Dubai’s latest addition. These vehicles combine the thrill of a powerboat with the look of a luxury car, making them one of the most distinctive family activities in Dubai. Ideal for older children and teens, the Jet Car is a unique way to explore the coastline while enjoying a one-of-a-kind ride.
12. Dubai Frame
This one’s more visual than physical, but it still holds attention, especially for kids who like a bit of height.
The Dubai Frame gives you a clear view of both the old city and the skyline beyond, all from a skybridge suspended 150 metres up. It’s one of the more educational family activities in Dubai, especially when paired with the exhibits inside that walk you through the city’s past and future.
13. IMG Worlds of Adventure
When the heat hits or the kids want characters and rollercoasters, this indoor theme park covers both.
IMG is divided into zones, from Marvel and Cartoon Network to dinosaurs and haunted hotels. It’s one of the biggest indoor family activities in Dubai and works well as a full-day option when the weather keeps you inside.
14. Indoor Skiing at Ski Dubai
This is one of those family activities in Dubai that feels completely out of place, in the best way.
Inside the Mall of the Emirates, families can ski, snowboard, or just meet the penguins. It’s a full winter setup, from gear rentals to instructors, and works well for anyone craving a break from the sun.
15. Custom Combo Packages With Ride in Dubai
Most of the time, the best family activities in Dubai are the ones you design yourself.
Ride in Dubai offers custom packages that combine jet ski, flyboard, and jet car options. Families often book a 2 to 3 hour block, get professional photos, and leave with stories they’ll never forget.
You can always plan your own adventure.
Add It to Your Travel Checklist
Many tourists start their plans by searching for fun activities in Dubai for families, only to be overwhelmed by hundreds of results.
Our advice is to choose three kinds of experiences:
A nature escape like Hatta or a desert safari
A water-based activity like jet skiing or flyboarding
One indoor experience for midday or backup plans
By organising your itinerary this way, you’ll manage your energy and rest, excitement and comfort, which makes for a smoother experience, especially with kids.
Why Families Choose Ride in Dubai
Ride in Dubai stands out in a crowded space of family activities in Dubai by focusing on three things: safety, comfort, and service.
Every guest wears a life jacket. Every ride is guided. Every moment is captured on camera so families can relive the experience long after the day is over.
We’ve also made sure our facilities are built with families in mind:
Lockers for valuables
English-speaking staff
Smooth check-in and guided tours
Clean changing rooms and showers
Ride in Dubai is more than a water sports company. It’s also a place where fun activities in Dubai for families become part of your favourite memories.
Planning Your Family Adventure
When reviewing family activities in Dubai, choose experiences that are:
Age-inclusive
Safety-certified
Professionally guided
Well-reviewed and easy to book
If you want one place where every family member feels safe, and excited, this is it.
Final Word
What makes a family trip memorable isn’t how much you do. It’s how it felt.
The feeling before takeoff. The sound of your kids laughing on the water. The way everyone was fully there, even just for a moment. That’s what Ride in Dubai is really about.
Not just offering family activities in Dubai, but helping you create a day that feels worth remembering.
Simple. Fun. And something you’ll talk about long after it’s over.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What can I do in Dubai as a family?
Dubai offers a wide range of family-friendly activities, from jet skiing and flyboarding to theme parks, aquariums, desert safaris, and indoor skiing experiences.
2. What are the best indoor activities in Dubai for families?
Top indoor options include Ski Dubai, Dubai Aquarium, trampoline parks like Bounce, and IMG Worlds of Adventure, all perfect for escaping the heat while staying active.
3. Where can I take my family in Dubai for water-based adventures?
Ride in Dubai offers family-friendly jet ski tours, flyboarding, and Jet Car experiences, safe, guided, and suitable for kids, teens, and first-timers.
4. Is Dubai fun for families with kids?
Absolutely. Dubai combines outdoor adventures, world-class attractions, and family-first experiences. Whether it’s riding a jet ski or exploring the desert, there’s something for every age.
5. Where can I take my kids for free in Dubai?
Many public beaches, parks, and walking areas like Al Seef and Dubai Marina offer free, family-friendly spaces. For paid activities, look for weekday deals or combo offers.
