When looking for cheap family activities in UAE there is a lot more to Dubai and the UAE than people think. It is a beautiful country with many accessible outdoor family activities to enjoy especially when the weather is good. From the mountains of Fujairah and RAK, the deserts of Sharjah and RAK and city activities in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, we are spoilt. Most of the activities listed here are free too – you just need a car!
Dubai – Cheap Family Activities in UAE
1. Al Fahidi District
One of our most favourite things to do in Dubai is visit Old Dubai and we always take visitors here and they love it. It is the perfect place to wander the narrow streets and check out some art galleries and cafes. The best parking spot is Al Seef, which is free, and then just walk down along the creek and see what you can discover. Read more here. Combine with no. 2, 3 and 4 and get an abra ride over to the souk. Cost = FREE
2. Abra Ride in the Creek
In Dubai Creek, in Old Dubai. You can get an abra from the abra station on the Creek which goes over to the spice and gold souk. Cost 1Dhs each way.
3. Spice Souk
The vibrant colours, smells and traditions make for an interesting few hours. The best way to access the spice and gold souk is by abra from Dubai Creek, it is a 10minute trip over the creek and costs 1dhs each way. Combine with 1, 2 and 4 for a day out.
4. Arabian Tea House
A traditional Emirati restaurant which was many locations throughout Dubai, the original is in Al Fahidi district. It has beautiful decor with colourful flowers, tables and tasty food. We love all the old photos at the entrance too. It gets busy so expect to wait at peak times over the weekend.
5. Off-Roading
Drive and explore the wadis and mountains in the emirates. There is a great book called ‘UAE Off-Road’ which gives some great routes. Make sure you have enough water, tell someone where you are going and ideally go with friends before exploring on your own. Cost = FREE
6. Fountains for Splashing
Marina Walk or Palm West Beach have the best fountains that the kids can run through and splash and play, perfect after a stroll in the sun. Both are close to coffee shops or restaurants that you can combine. Cost = FREE
7. Flamingo Spotting
Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary is a wetland reserve in Dubai where you can spot numerous flamingos from a little lookout hut. It is a good stop-off point as it is a quick activity. Cost = FREE
Booking.com8. Green Planet
An indoor rainforest in Dubai, expect to see parrots, butterflies, a bat cave and a sloth. It even rains a few times a day. A perfect escape from the heat so ideal from April-September, the kids absolutely love it and it’s not too expensive. Book tickets in advance to get a better rate.
9. Burj Khalifa Fountains
An amazing show that is on every night starting at 6pm, every 30minutes. Each show only lasts about 3minutes. It is a big light and musical show with the song changing with every performance so if you are in the area for some time it won’t feel like the same show on repeat. We usually park in the Dubai Opera car park on Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard (free) and then walk around. There is also the option of booking dinner at one of the restaurants in Souk al Bahar with views overlooking or combining with Dubai Mall and watching from there. Cost = FREE
10. Breakfast at the top of Burj Khalifa
The Burj Khalifa is a must for anyone visiting Dubai. Dylan wanted to go to the top, so for his birthday we went for breakfast. Atmosphere restaurant and bar has been recently refurbished so I’m not sure about the current deals.
You can always opt for the At The Top Experience – go early and book tickets in advance.
11. Kite Beach Flags
This only comes round once a year from Flag Day (3rd November) for about a month over National Day Weekend (2nd December). In 2021 there are 3000 flags placed to form the Expo logo. It is a lovely feature and the kids really enjoy running around in the ‘maze’. Kite beach is a great beach to visit in Dubai, multiple food trucks, water inflatables for the kids as well as skate parks, high ropes etc. We usually park at the top end near the mosque and avoid all the enticing costs! Cost =FREE
12. JBR Beach
Probably the most touristy beach in Dubai, it has continually been built on over the years with hotels taking more and more of the beach for private areas. However, it has the best sand and many restaurants, cafes and kids activities around so it always makes for a fun day out. You can also walk over the bridge to Bluewaters island for some good views, Ain Dubai (the big wheel) and a beer!
13. Santa at Ski Dubai
There is no better Santa experience in Dubai; dress up in ski clothes and go and experience the snow and Santa’s house meeting the big man himself finishing up with a hot chocolate in the cold. Ski Dubai is open all year round for skiing, snowboarding, snow cinema and even a penguin experience. You can book tickets in advance here.
14. Hatta Wadi Rum
Hatta, although 1.5hrs away, is still part of Dubai. This place is a perfect adventure escape from Dubai. You can hire bikes and do a mountain bike trail, there are hikes of all different abilities all signposted. There are a multitude of other activities like axe throwing, trampolining, tree-top walking and water slides. You can buy tickets in advance here. We have camped there many times and also stayed in the cabins and trailers, all of which we loved. Read about our experience here.
15. Hatta Dam
The clear, turquoise waters makes for a calm escape from the city. There are hikes in the area but the most popular activity is hiring a kayak and rowing around the dam amongst the mountains. It is a perfect staycation escape just an hour or so from the city. Kayaks are around 60dhs an hour to hire.
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16. Miracle Gardens
A flower garden with 50 million flowers made into various shapes and flower-formed displays. Its spread out over a park which is a lovely few hours spent wandering around admiring the bright colourful flowers and displays. You can buy tickets in advance here. Bring a picnic there are plenty of benches and areas to sit and relax and make a few hours out of it.
17. Legoland Dubai
It is about 30minutes out of Dubai on the way to Abu Dhabi. For younger ones (pre-teens) it’s great there are many different rides for all ages. It is in an area called Riverland Dubai where there is Legoland, Legoland Water Park, Motiongate and Bollywood so you can get a ticket for all 4 theme parks in 1 day if you are feeling ambitious. We have bought season passes so spent a lot of time down there! It is always quiet, especially if you go early so no need to worry about queueing which is amazing. You can buy tickets in advance here.
18. The Frame
This is down near Zabeel Park on the way to Dubai Creek. A building which represents a picture frame looking in one direction to ‘Old Dubai’ and the other to ‘New Dubai’. There is a little area with information about the history of Dubai, a great place for visitors and worth a visit. Tickets are 50dhs for adults and 25dhs for kids. You can buy tickets in advance here.
19. Boat Trip
This is something that is far more accessible/affordable in Dubai than you would think. It is a popular weekend activity during the cooler months where you can get a group of friends together and hire a yacht, bring a playlist and your own food/drinks. We have also hired a smaller boat with family for 2 hours with a much more relaxed trip. The best time is sunset and the views are amazing. We have found good deals with Conwy Yacht.
20. Sunsets
The UAE spoils us with sunsets, we are so lucky to see gorgeous skies nightly. Head to any of the beaches, the desert, The Pointe or West Palm Beach for some great viewings. Cost = FREE
21. Hatta Honey Farm
Combine with something else in Hatta. A memorable experience dressing up, seeing the bees up close and learning about the honey making process. Kids loved it!
22. Camping
Camping is a great free activity. We like Hatta as there are pitches with BBQ, toilets and showers which makes the experience easier. We have done some desert camping and hopefully will do some more but it is important not to go alone and have someone experienced with you as we have been stuck in the sand before and it’s not fun!! Cost = FREE
23. Sustainable City
A lovely, green community in Dubai Land. You can park the car and wander the little lake to see the ducks, goats and donkey and there are some nice cafes around. Our go-to place when we need a little bit of greenery in our lives! Cost = FREE
Booking.com24. Al Qudra Lakes
Popular desert oasis which is perfect for a walk around, feeding the ducks and trying to spot the flamingos. A busy camping spot on weekends too. Cost = FREE
25. Love Lakes
This is right next to Al Qudra but it has a path built around the perimeter of the lake which is a 5km walk. A nice spot in the cooler months for a walk and picnic. Cost = FREE
26. Global Village
Many countries around the world represented here with food stalls, shops and souvenirs to buy. There are often shows, music and fireworks but it does get really busy. Only open in cooler months and doesn’t open til 4pm. Go early and stay for the first few hours. Cost = 15dhs per person.
27. Marina Walk
A perfect place for a walk, coffee or breakfast to get the steps in. There is a path around the perimeter of the water. You can also get a taxi boat to different areas. We like to park in Marina Mall and go to Carluccios for breakfast followed by a walk around so the boys can look at the boats. Cost = FREE
28. Expo City
‘The Greatest Show on Earth’ and it really was. 192 countries each represented with their own pavilion to showcase their country to visitors. It ended in March 2022 and today there are a few pavilions still open to check out. It is worth a visit whilst here in Dubai. You can buy tickets here.
Abu Dhabi – Cheap Family Activities in UAE
29. Emirates Park Zoo and Resort
This is a great zoo just on the Dubai/Abu Dhabi border, you can go for the day for around 40dhs per person. Or for an even more special experience you can stay at their hotel and wake up and feed the zebras and giraffes breakfast at sunrise. It has been recently renovated so I’m not sure of the updated overnight prices but it’s worth paying the extra for the zoo room
30. Jebel Hafeet
This is the tallest mountain in Abu Dhabi and is in Al Ain. It has amazing roads winding up to the top offering wonderful views. At the bottom there is a park, Green Mubazzarah Park and the oasis park which are lovely for a wander, picnic and running about for the kids. There are hiking routes and bike trails here too and a camping spot. Cost = FREE
Booking.com31. Sheikh Zayed Mosque
Probably the most beautiful building in the UAE. The architecture is stunning. It is in Abu Dhabi and you need to be covered to enter but you can borrow an abaya to wear during the visit. Cost = FREE
Sharjah – Cheap Family Activities in UAE
32. Mleiha Archaeological Centre
This is a museum in Sharjah (about 45mins-1hr drive from Dubai) on an archaeological site. There is a museum which costs 75dhs for a family of 5. There are wadi caves outside the museum that are FREE to explore, all well signposted and accessible, it is also right on the desert so you can explore the dunes. We opted for an additional dune bashing ride with a guide to take us over to camel and fossil rock as we are not confident driving in the desert. Read about our trip here. Cost = FREE
33. Al Awir Plane Crash
A strange spot in the middle of the desert in Sharjah. It has been a while since we have been but I believe it has been affected by graffiti now, sadly. It is an abandoned plane that you can climb in and explore. Wear trainers as there is some glass shards and bring a picnic to spend time in the desert as there’s not much else around once you’re done exploring. Read more about it here. Cost = FREE
34. Ghost Town Sharjah
An abandoned town in Sharjah. All the houses left empty and the sand has taken over. No one really knows why it was left this way, there are many myths and stories but it is has a mysterious air about it. Unfortunately spoilt by graffiti but still worth a visit. Bring a picnic and spend some time in the desert. Cost = FREE
35. Al Noor Island
A welcomed green space in the UAE. A man-made island in Sharjah it has shaded, green areas and a butterfly house that makes for a nice change in scenery. Around 10dhs per adult plus a little extra for the butterfly house. A cheap day out anyway!
36. Rain Room Sharjah
This is ideal for those hot, summer months spent wishing for rain! An art exhibition which actually rains as you walk through. Book in advance online and combine with something else in Sharjah like number 40 as it only takes about 30minutes. Cost = 25dhs adults, 15dhs children
37. Sharjah Aquarium
A cheap, cheerful and quiet aquarium especially compared to Dubai Mall and Atlantis. Plenty of fish to look at and lots of little rooms to walk in. There is a maritime museum opposite too which is always worth a look around. Sharjah is only about 30-40mins drive so it’s worth the trip. Cost for a family of 5 = 90dhs.
RAK (Ras Al Khaima) – Cheap Family Activities in UAE
38. Wadi Shawka
One of our favourite hikes that we have done over and over again. It is in Ras al Khaima about 1.5hrs from our house and we like to get there for sunrise. There is plenty of parking and there is a route that is easily accessible and the kids have done since they were little. You can read more about it here. Cost = FREE
39. Ghost Village RAK
Al Jazirah Al Hamra is an abandoned town in RAK that people say is haunted. We were lucky enough to visit when there was an art exhibition on so we got to see some incredible art too. The boys loved clambering around and playing hide and seek. It’s the ideal stop-off on the way to a Staycation in RAK! Cost = FREE
40. Jebel Jais, RAK
The highest mountain in the UAE. The drive up is breathtaking with stunning mountain views, watch out for goats. At the very top is a restaurant which you need to pre-book for, but just before the top there is a car park with some food trucks, toilets, childrens park and viewing points. There are also some easily accessible walking trails in this area and you can watch the zip-liners. Cost = 10dhs for parking (if there’s no street parking available!).
To book the Zip Line you can pre-book tickets here. The Jais Sledder is also lots of fun, no need to pre-book tickets here and small kids can also join in.
RAK is a great place to stay for a few nights it has amazing hotels with lots of great deals. Check out the hotel map below to see what is around.
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Fujairah – Cheap Family Activities in UAE
41. Al Rafisah Dam
Very much like Hatta Dam but it is in Khorfakkan, pn the way to Fujairah. You can kayak here and there is a nice cafe with lovely views, toilet, shop and ice cream shop so it makes a good stop if you’re in the area hiking or exploring. There is a trail around the dam that we’ve not done yet too. Cost = FREE
42. Al Maqsar Heritage Village
Very close to Rafisah Dam so you can combine with 26 and 28. The boys call it the Minecraft village because it is like a Minecraft castle built into the cliff. It was still under construction when we visited last but we were able to walk around it and admire the views from the top.
43. Wadi Sheesh Nature Trail
This is also close to Rafisah Dam so we did the hike and then drove over to the dam afterwards for a toilet break and coffee. It is an easy amble through shaded trees, farms and watch out for the goats wandering around. Read more about family hikes here. Cost = FREE
44. Khorfakkan Old Souq
A lovely area of traditional shops, cafes and restaurants opposite the corniche in Khorfakkan. Lots of beautiful Arabic doors and pretty places to stop and sit. We went in the day time but I think it would be more alive and pretty in the evening when it is all lit up.
45. Khorfakkan Amphitheatre
A newly opened cultural building in Khorfakkan, Sharjah right on the water. It is a stand-out building that would be wonderful at night for a concert. We couldn’t get inside to have a look around but it was still nice to stop and admire from outside. Cost = FREE
46. Al Tayyibah Museum
A cool little place in Fujairah with some old museum type artifacts and then lots of little shaded nooks and crannies to wander round and explore.
47. Wadi Asimah Flower Farm
A beautiful flower farm you can wander round and buy flowers to take home. Unfortunately we visited when we still had a few days left in the hotel so it didn’t make any sense to buy so make this your last stop on your way back home. Cost = FREE
48. Wadi Abadilah Hike
This is an easily accessible hike in Fujairah, it is one path there and then you double back and return so you can go for as long as you like. It has shaded areas and lots of rock pools to play in that the boys loved. Click here for further information on family hikes. Cost = FREE
49. Al Rabi Hike
Another Fujairah hike that is good to take the kids on. There is a well signposted path up the mountain until you reach the big UAE flag at the top. A few shaded spots to stop for snacks and only a little bit of scrambling over boulders. Read this post for further information on family hikes. Cost = FREE
50. Snorkeling in Fujairah
Snoopy island is the infamous snorkeling spot in Fujairah. If you are staying at one of the hotels there you can just swim out from the hotel beach and see what you can see. We decided to go on a boat trip over to Dibba and did some snorkeling here. Fujairah and Dibba have the best snorkeling spots in the UAE, you can even sometimes spot turtles!
Al aqah beach in Fujairah is also a very popular area for a get-away and is worth checking out whilst in Dubai. It has beautiful mountains and on the coastline and is usually a few degrees cooler than Dubai.
Booking.comDubai is an incredible city, it is often poorly represented by glamorous, rich millionaires using it as their playground but for those ordinary working people it is far from that. We are always looking for cheap family activities in the UAE or free things to do. There is always something new popping up and we have 7 Emirates around us to explore. We are proud to call this beautiful country home.
If you have any questions, we are always happy to help, please just drop us an email at thewanderingwhites@gmail.com or head on over to Instagram @thewhitesindubai and follow us and get in touch with us there.
