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Best family friendly hotels in Dubai

Travelling with a baby? For opulence without feeling stuffy, and countless thoughtful touches (from tot-friendly toiletries to toddler cutlery & baby changing facilities aplenty) head to Ritz-Carlton on Jumeirah beach

Looking for the Middle East’s answer to Sani? Say hello to Jumeirah Al Naseem – think 5 pools, a water park, complimentary Kids Club, pristine private beach & over 40 restaurants – all part of the Dine Around programme at this sprawling multi-hotel resort (and even better, under 4s eat free). Or for a more affordable take on an all-under-one-roof resort, it’s JA Palm Tree Court you want (it feels fantastically tranquil and tropical, has endless entertainment for smalls, plus offers All Inclusive)

A real life Disney castle with little need for an introduction, the iconic Atlantis The Palm may be the ultimate fly and flop, again with it’s own waterpark as well as an aquarium, and some seriously parent pleasing dining options – including Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, Nobu, Hakkasan and Gordon Ramsay

Seeking a little more seclusion? Anantara Dubai, on the corner of the Palm, is a Thai-inspired paradise with a really relaxing vibe, spoiling spa and Turkish hammam

If all inclusives are your bag, make haste and head for Rixos The Palm Hotel & Suites – one of the cities most sought after stays

Or have big Dubai ambitions but not quite the budget to match? Take a look at voco Dubai The Palm – what is lacks in entertainment it more than makes up for in location 

For even more accommodation options when travelling with kids, check out our roundup of Dubai’s best family friendly hotels

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Things to do in Dubai with kids

Where to begin? Even if you’ve opted for another hotel, the incredible aquarium and waterpark at Atlantis The Palm are more than worth a visit. Or if you’re travelling with little kids, Splash n Party has wonderful water slides on a mega manageable scale – toddlers will love clambering over the climbing frames and splashing around at this watery wonderland – while parents keep a watchful eye from the comfort of a poolside sun lounger

A genius hands on ‘play’ museum the children will adore, OliOli is fizzing with fun – packed full of vibrant experiments and ideal for escaping the midday sun

An immersive sensory experience transporting you across dreamlike dimensions, wander through gardens blooming with light and drift through star filled skies at Aya Universe

Dubai Butterfly Garden is a great place for travellers both little and large seeking some welcome relief from the crowds (and heat). The cool, covered gardens are refreshingly calming, home to thousands of fluttering butterflies and a crystal clear koi pond 

An unimaginable carnival of colour, Dubai Miracle Gardens is a feast for the senses, with over 150 million flowers – however it can get busy and there’s little escape from the heat

An immersive indoor rainforest, the likes of which you’ll only find in Dubai, The Green Planet is an oasis of tropical plants and animals – from sloths to snakes

To hang out with the cool kids, check out what’s going on at Ripe Market. As well as tonnes of delicious food and cool shopping finds you won’t find elsewhere, there’s play parks, a petting zoo, pony rides, soft play, a slime lab, carousel, and oh so much more

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Where to Snap in Dubai with kids

A desert experience that will stay with you for a lifetime, Sonara Camp promises sand dune surfing, live music & dancing, camel rides and sunset dinners. Tiny travellers are treated to a separate kids section where crafts, giant jenga and marshmallow toasting are waiting. Personally, we’d recommend staying the night in one of the gorgeous, spacious ‘nests’ (fully fitted with all the latest mod cons). Words can’t quite describe the sand dune sunrise scenes – a spectacle of unparalleled peace and quiet (just remember to grab your camera) 

The tallest building in the world, we have to mention the breathtaking views from Burj Khalifa. Plan an evening visit to catch the famous dancing Dubai Fountain in action – a favourite with children

Arguably, Dubai’s stunning skyline is best viewed from the water. Book a family-friendly (read: short) boat trip around the Palm, and captivate the kids by pointing out the surreal sights as you whizz by

A beautiful beach with laidback LA vibes, plus tonnes of cool food trucks and pop ups, Kite Beach is the perfect place for sun worshippers, sandcastle builders and sports enthusiasts alike (it takes its name from the kite surfing community). It also enjoys especially spectacular evening views, as the Burj Al Arab is silhouetted against the sunset

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Best family friendly restaurants in Dubai

Dubai is known for being new and shiny, but if you’re seeking somewhere with a more authentic feel, Al Seef is a charming and relaxed neighbourhood of twisting alleys blending new and old. Lined with vibrant stalls and restaurants, our favourite is Mazmi Cafe. Kick back with a coffee and some sharing plates on the intimate terrace, with unbeatable views across Dubai creek – a great spot to watch the world go by as colourful abra boats shuttle back and forth (plus, the extensive ice cream menu should buy you a little down time)

​​Perhaps the most stylish, family friendly restaurant in town, renowned for its complimentary pool & beach access, The Byron Bathers Club is a Palm-based hotspot known for it’s straight-from-the-sea food and classic brunch crowd pleasers – think lots of eggs and acai bowls

A walk across to the other side of the Palm will land you at Jones the Grocer, another family friendly beachside hangout perfect for laid back sunset dining. Kids little and large will love the authentic pizzas, and should they tire of the colouring in provided, there’s plenty of space to play on the sand as the sun goes down

A buzzing Pan-Asian rooftop restaurant complete with sparkling swimming pool, Lah Lah serves up masterful cocktails alongside fluffy bao buns – with more than enough space for little legs to run wild

See our edit of where to go in November for more winter sun recommendations and subscribe to our newsletter