Located on the second floor of the fabulous Dubai Mall, VR Park is a place where people of all ages can experience virtual realities they never imagined possible. Best experienced with friends, these VR challenges span various genres--from horror and adventure to leisure and sport--there truly is an exciting reality for everyone at VR Park Dubai.
Enter a world of fun and excitement for children at Hamleys. The vast collection of toys will surely have something special and interesting for all kids. Choose from among the latest video-games, stuffed toys, dolls and board games to delight your child. Children's books and stationery items are also found here. The store is located inside The Dubai Mall and is well stocked with the latest products in the market.
If there is one place that both parents and kids are going to love then it is Early Learning Centre located at the Dubai Mall. Kids can learn and play at the same time, and the exclusive range of toys is designed to aide healthy intellectual growth in their early years. At the store they will find themselves in a toyland surrounded by colors and fun themes. The trained-staff not only guides the parents but also engages the children in fun activities. Check out the store's website for more details.
Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo is an expansive vivarium, which is believed to be the largest suspended aquarium in the world. It houses over 30,000 species of aquatic life and is located in a shopping mall of all places. Tickets are available for those interested in walking under the Aquarium Tunnel thus getting a 270 degree view from below the tank, but visitors to the shopping mall can also get a good glimpse of the fishes and sharks for free through the record-breaking acrylic panel in front of the tank. For the more adventurous, there’s even an option for a ‘shark dive.’ King Croc Encounter, Penguins Encounter, and snorkeling using a cage are other exciting activities organized by the aquarium.
You don't have to wait for winters anymore, to enjoy a fun time on ice. The Dubai Mall boasts of its own ice rink, housing a 38 millimeter (1.5 inch) ice bed, created using modern refrigeration technology. This rink is on par with Olympic sized ones and is used to host national ice hockey matches too. Skaters of varied skill levels are welcome to use this place. Amateurs and newbies can participate in training sessions, those who have little knowledge of this sport can also undertake classes to hone their skills. A simple 2 hour skating lesson costs AED55. Check the website for schedule and prices of various lessons.
KidZania is a must visit for children between the ages of four to sixteen. Although adults have to accompany their child, they are not allowed inside the activity zones. They can see what's happening from outside or just relax at the lounge. This fun and educative center is all about reenacting real-life professions through role plays. Kids get to choose from more than 80 scenarios. Spread across 7432.24 square meters (80,000 square feet), this mini-city features paved streets, establishments, vehicles, a hospital, fire station, race track, malls, etc. The exciting trip starts at the KidZania International Airport with a boarding pass, a city map and a 50 KidZos check (their official currency). Watch them become pilots, chefs, dentists, journalists, aestheticians and more. These interactive activities are not only informative but it also aids in developing their interpersonal skills and a deeper appreciation of adult life and responsibility.
Located in the Dubai Creek area, Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary is home to several species of fauna and flora. A scenic natural reserve, the sanctuary's landscape is characterized by picturesque lagoons, mangroves, mudflats, shrublands, and more, and it serves as a delightful locale for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors to the reserve can take a closer look at this pristine environment from one of the three bird-viewing stations. Counted among the few urban protected areas of the world, a visit to this unique wildlife sanctuary is a must when in Dubai.
Children's City Dubai is a unique educational city in Dubai and it opened in 2002. Directed towards the education of kids between the ages of two to fifteen years, this place has several interactive displays and other exhibits that give information on several topics ranging from science to history. Children will get to know more about the human body, different animals and plants and computer applications. The special attraction is the planetarium which is a must go for information on several celestial bodies.
Dubai Dolphinarium is a water wonderland for kids. This exciting space offers an excellent learning experience on a host of marine creatures including seals, dolphins and many more. Besides their numerous shows on marine life, they also offer a very popular program on exotic birds. The center promotes and educates on the care and conservation of these marine and bird species. Special events and dolphin shows are organized for kid birthdays and summer camps. For a great family outing with children, this is a must-visit attraction while in Dubai. Check out the website for more information on the events and schedules.
A trip to Dubai is not complete without visiting the Dubai Museum, located in Al Fahidi Fort. Originally built as a defense against foreign invasion, the impressive fort was later transformed into a museum that allows visitors to delve into the rich and unique heritage and culture of the city. Inaugurated in 1971, the museum boasts spectacular exhibits depicting traditional Arab homes, mosques, fishing, pearl diving history, trade, and other aspects of everyday life. Visitors can also survey model souks inspired by traditional marketplaces. Moreover, vivid descriptions of life in the desert and the experiences of the nomadic Bedouins add to the cultural richness of the museum. One of the highlights at the museum is an exhibit featuring artifacts from excavated graves in the Emirates from the 3rd millennium BCE.
The Cartoon Art Gallery is a pure delight for any lover of animated or illustrated works. Established in 2011, this gallery offers its space to promote creative works by popular as well as upcoming artists, from local and international spheres. The collection featured includes comics, animation, caricatures, children's books art and concept art. Various traveling exhibits expose the audience to classic comics: Superman, Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk and Captain America, graffiti works, modern rendition on illustrations, short animation films and more. Spread across two floors, the lower story is used to display exhibits, host festivals and event, while the upper floor is where visitors can participate in entertaining workshops.
Children love to play with toys. However the thrill derived from creating your own toy is unparalleled. Build-A-Bear Workshop, gives children the opportunity to make stuffed-toys under expert guidance with all material provided to them. It also stocks clothes for children along with several accessories. Build-A-Bear Workshop is a good place to host a birthday party with everyone kept busy making toys. Bring your kids here for the experience of a lifetime.