Summers in Dubai aren’t a season tourists fondly love. However, summers also bring a slash in prices at hotels and attractions in Dubai. While all seasonal attractions close shop for the year, the indoor attractions thrive with local attention at low prices. Dubai has a wonderful collection of these, but those who love to visit Dubai in summer would obviously want to combine a shopping spree with recreational indoor fun. It is the ultimate combination to get out of the heat and chill in air-conditioned venues while spending time shopping and having fun. Two of Dubai’s malls have some of the best indoor activities for their visitors. So, without wasting any time, check out what indoor summer activities at Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates you should include in your Dubai summer trip.
The Dubai Mall
The largest mall in the country, Dubai Mall will spoil you with choices, whether you want to shop, dine, or have fun. Located in Dubai Downtown, next to the incredible Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall is your playground to have fun without letting Dubai’s sweltering sun melt you. This mega-hub of recreational experiences and retail therapy makes sure you have a good time here away from the summer heat with these indoor activities.
Must-visit Indoor Attractions at Dubai Mall
Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo
As soon as you enter the ground level of Dubai Mall, you are greeted by a slice of the ocean framed in an amazing view through the world’s largest suspended aquarium – that’s one of the Dubai Mall Aquarium facts for you. This is, of course, a section of Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo which is free to experience for all who come through those grand doors of Dubai Mall. Want an in-depth experience? Book your Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo tickets for the complete tour. Walk through a tunnel where sharks, stingrays, and millions of vivid fish swim all around you. Watch cute penguins and playful otters, and marvel at the wonderful variety of the ocean world’s marine life. Feeling adventurous? Try a caged snorkelling experience, or even dive with the sharks if you’re feeling extra brave. Book online during the summer and take advantage of summer discounts.
PLAY DXB (VR Park)
Image Credit: dubai.platinumlist.net
Once you are done with the aquamarine world, it is time to step into the virtual world with a visit to Play DXB – a stellar virtual reality theme park at Dubai Mall. Head to the second level of Dubai Mall and forget reality for the next few hours. Admission to the biggest virtual-reality park in the world is free, but then you can only stroll around and not partake in the games and virtual reality experiences. Get yourself Play DXB (VR Park) Dubai tickets, and you get to explore over 30 mind-blowing VR and AR experiences including Burj Drop, APE-X, and more. This spot is electrifying, immersive, and perfect for gamers or anyone who wants to challenge reality.
House of Hype
Extend your virtual immersion to the next level with a visually stimulating experience at the brand-new House of Hype. Located on Level One in Dubai Mall, you will step into a neon-lit, social media-fuelled wonderland that picks up right where the adrenaline rush of PLAY DXB leaves off. This futuristic, dazzling theme park is a visually immersive experience where you are greeted with 18 fascinating worlds. These range from pulsating neon digital walls, robotic light shows, and glow gardens to a high-tech, digital stage with props and photo booths to up the ante on your social media game. It’s a fun attraction where the dynamic environment adds a playful and vibrant digital canvas where you are part of the art. A haven for Instagrammers!
Dubai Ice Rink
Now, here’s another impossible reality to explore within Dubai Mall – a giant ice rink to have some icy thrills! Yes, Dubai Mall proudly houses an Olympic-sized ice rink for its guests to try their ice skating skills. You can find this attraction on the ground level amidst the waterfall atrium and souk. It doesn’t matter if you are a newbie or if you know how to nail an Axel jump or Salchow. The Dubai Ice Rink offers a fun and exciting experience to enjoy public skating while cooling off and having a mild adrenaline rush in the heart of Dubai. There are plenty of things to do in Dubai Ice Rink, including signing up for skating lessons. You will require Dubai Ice Rink tickets to access this indoor attraction, and the prices are based on the timings.
KidZania
Visiting Dubai with kids? Then booking KidZania Dubai tickets is a must! At KidZania, watch kids take over the world and put their smartness, talents, and skills to use. This mini-city designed for kids isn’t just fun, but a learning opportunity as well, through 40 interactive activities. Watch them don the hat of a chef, rescue pets, and even manoeuvre a plane. At the end of the day, they will be happy, exhausted, and eager to show you their hard-earned money — Kidoz! This interactive city fuses learning with fun concepts, so they won’t even realise they’re learning. Equipped with a lounge, Wi-Fi connections, and cafés to chill while the kids run the show, it is a win-win for both parents and kids. So, make a smart choice and book your KidZania Dubai tickets in advance for your summer in Dubai.
Boo Boo Laand
Image Credit : booboolaand.com
We’ve covered grown-ups, teens, and tweens, and now it’s time for the cute toddlers and kids to get their share of fun during summer in Dubai Mall. A brand-new attraction offers four fun zones and 30 activities featuring ball pits, bouncy castles, rock climbing – and even a snow park! There’s a charming café as well to enjoy tasty treats. Don’t forget to meet Mr. Boo, a creative robot who will sketch you a masterpiece. Tickets start from AED 150 onwards.
Mall of the Emirates
Compared to Dubai Mall, the Mall of the Emirates has fewer attractions, yet it packs a punch with unique experiences you won’t find anywhere else. It is one of Dubai’s most visited malls for its exceptional shopping experiences and attractions. Additionally, it is one of the malls with a Metro station accessible via a few minutes’ walk on the overhead walkway.
Don’t miss these attractions at Mall of the Emirates
Ski Dubai
Step into a frosty wonderland at Ski Dubai. Yes, snow in the middle of a desert city while it’s scorching at over 40 degrees Celsius! You might wonder how it’s possible, but the only way to believe is to see it with your own eyes! Get Ski Dubai tickets, grab the winter gear, and experience snowfall in the summer! Maintained at -4 degrees Celsius, this chilly ambience offers a blessing from all the summer woes. Hit the slopes, try snowboarding, enjoy a thrilling zip-line ride, and watch cute penguins waddling around. Not just for winter sports adventurers, Ski Dubai is a hit among families with kids as well. Need to take a break from the snow fun? Grab a hot chocolate at the Avalanche Café, cosy up in the lounge, and just soak in the surreal vibe of snow.
 Vox Cinemas
Image Credit : uae.voxcinemas.com
This one’s for the movie buffs who wouldn’t miss a chance to catch the latest flick, even on a holiday. At VOX Cinemas, it’s more than just watching a movie on a wide screen. Of course, you can enjoy a movie while sinking cosily into a plush recliner seat, munching on popcorn; but you could also enhance your viewing experience by opting for various ways to watch. You can watch a movie with IMAX or 4DX experiences. Notch up the level a bit with a grand Theatre Pods experience where you can catch a movie while dining on a gourmet menu in an exclusive private lounge. The cinema’s state-of-the-art screens and sound systems make every moment thrilling and an experience you’ve never had in any other cinema experience.
Massimo Gelato
Want to instantly cool off in the scorching Dubai heat? Treat yourself to a flavourful ice cream! The tried-and-tested, timeless hack that has been a respite for hot, sunny days comes handy even in Dubai. At the Mall of the Emirates, you can indulge in delicious flavours of authentic Italian-made gelatos at Massimo Gelato. Choose a scoop of icy bliss that is so addictive that you won’t stop at one. With flavours ranging from classic vanilla to exotic tiramisu, there’s something to satisfy every craving. Try their Profiteroles with Gelato, which is just the right mix of creamy, crispy, sweet treats. One bite and you’ll be hooked!
Conclusion
So, what are you waiting for? These two outstanding malls in Dubai welcome you with open arms to take respite from the heat and enjoy some of the coolest summer activities indoors. You’ll be hooked from the moment you step inside. Don’t let Dubai’s soaring temperatures keep you from visiting the many things to do in Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates. Additionally, with Dubai Summer Surprises gearing up at the end of June, these two malls are the best spots to venture out for a Dubai shopping and fun holiday. So, make these malls your summer playgrounds and pack your Dubai trip with experiences that’ll leave you wanting more excitement.
FAQs
1. Can I enjoy any indoor water sports during summer?
Within Dubai Mall, you can explore a few underwater adventures, such as diving in indoor aquariums and cage snorkelling.
2. Can I do all these activities in one day?
You could, but it would be ambitious. It is doable but can get quite overwhelming. You could combine a few suited attractions from both malls in a day. Attractions like KidZania and Ski Dubai will definitely need more time.
3. Is Dubai Mall family-friendly?
Of course! From KidZania to Boo Boo Laand, there are tons of things for kids to enjoy. Even teens and adults will love to spend time at PLAY DXB and House of Hype.
4. Are there any special summer events at these malls?
Yep! Both malls host events during Dubai Summer Surprises (usually from June to August).
5. How do I get to Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates?
Both are super accessible! Dubai Mall is linked to the Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station, and Mall of the Emirates has its own Metro stop.
