One of the greatest attractions in Dubai is its many grand indoor amusement parks. You’ll find some of the best theme parks in the Middle East right in Dubai. If you are visiting with kids along, don’t spend a moment wondering what to do with them in Dubai. In fact, you can design an entire vacation based on the theme parks, that’s how many there are and how good they are. Here’s a quick look at some of the best indoor theme parks in Dubai; we’ve included peaceful kiddie thrills plus hair-raising interactive thrills for you to enjoy.
Best Indoor Theme Parks in Dubai
1. Ski Dubai
Ski Dubai is the first indoor ski park in the UAE; temperatures are maintained at a steady -2° C to keep the slopes iced over. Once you’re at Ski Dubai, you’ll forget that you’re in Dubai. Ski Dubai is located in the Mall of the Emirates, one of Dubai’s finest malls. The ice theme park covers an area of 22,500 square meters in all. There are 5 slopes of varying difficulty, height, and gradient, for beginners to challengers to try their luck. So whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned skier, Ski Dubai has something for you to enjoy. There’s even a Freestyle Zone for fluid skiers to demonstrate their superior skills. There’s also a Black Diamond run that goes on for 400 meters and is located at a height of 60 meters. Kids have a play area in the snow where they can build snowmen and have snow fights. Penguins run about in the penguin area, delighting in the snow. Read our comprehensive Ski Dubai guide to learn more about this icy destination in Dubai.
Location: Sheikh Zayed Rd – Al Barsha – Al Barsha 1 – Dubai
Timing: Monday to Thursday – 10 Am to 1 AM and Friday to Sunday: 9 AM to 1 AM. Tickets are available till 11.30 pm daily.
2. IMG Worlds of Adventure
IMG Worlds of Adventure, the largest indoor theme park in the world, is spread over 1.5 million square feet. If your kids are fans of Marvel Comics and Cartoon Network, watch the characters from these channels come to life in IMG Worlds of Adventure.
The theme park is divided into several thematic zones – Cartoon Network, Marvel Universe, Lost Valley – Dinosaur Adventure, IMG Kids Zone, IMG Boulevard and The Haunted Hotel. Enjoy thrilling, adrenaline-jerking and at times scary experiences such as the Haunted Hotel, or rides such as the Velociraptor. The whole family can enjoy attractions such as Lazy Town at IMG. If you have toddlers along, don’t worry, there are plenty of rides specially designed for toddlers at IMG Worlds of Adventure.
Location: City of Arabia, Dubai
Timing: Noon to 22:00 hrs (Sunday to Thursday) and Noon hrs to 23:00 hrs (Friday and Saturday)
3. Play DXB
Play DXB, an indoor theme park within the Dubai Mall is an absolute treat for those who wish to try rides and games based on the ultimate in virtual reality (VR). The 7,000-square-meter facility has over 30 uber thrilling rides and attractions which promise you an immersive experience. It’s definitely going to blow you away with its many exhilarating experiences such as Burj Drop, Dubai Drone, Dune Bash, Flying Chairs, Speedway, Drifters, and Stealth. With something for every age and ability, the park is a favorite of families and kids too, thanks to its exclusive highlights like Play Zone, Drifters, Virtual Rabbids, and VR Dark Ride. Be sure to take a look at our Play DXB theme park guide for an unforgettable experience.
Location: The Dubai Mall, Financial Center Rd, Downtown Dubai, Dubai
Timing: 10:00 hrs to 24:00 hrs
4. LEGOLAND Dubai
LEGOLAND is the most famous toy manufacturer in the world. Now in Dubai, you can take your kids to enjoy a real-to-goodness LEGOLAND theme park, located in Dubai Parks and Resorts. Legoland Dubai consists of a theme park and a water park. This Legoland Dubai indoor theme park offers a horde of rides, 40 in all, along with many play areas for kids to build monuments with giant Legos.
That’s not all though! LEGOLAND® Dubai puts on some interesting shows for kids, as well as demonstrations of building with Legos. There’s a lot of fun to be had at LEGOLAND for kids aged 2 to 12, including a tour of the Lego Factory where kids can learn how Lego bricks are made. They can also visit The BIG Shop, the Middle East’s largest LEGO® store. At LEGO® CITY, kids can steer a boat, fly a plane, save a burning building and earn their very own LEGOLAND® Driving License! At LEGO KINGDOMS, kids can save the day by conquering the Dragon Coaster. The fun never ends at LEGOLAND Dubai.
Location: Dubai Parks and Resorts, Sheikh Zayed Rd, Dubai
Timing: 11:00 hrs to 19:00 hrs
5. Motiongate Dubai
Motiongate Dubai is the biggest Hollywood-inspired theme park in the United Arab Emirates. it is one of the top things to do in Dubai. Located inside Dubai Parks and Resorts, the theme park is actually nicknamed “Hollywood in the desert”. Motiongate Theme Park is divided into five themed zones, inspired by some of the Hollywood giants such as Columbia Pictures, DreamWorks Animation, and Lionsgate.
The five themed zones collectively offer about 27 themed rides and attractions. Each ride provides a great cinematic experience that the whole family can enjoy. For example, there are speeding roller coasters based on the action-packed The Hunger Games movie. Then there’s the Smurf Village Express, based on the movie, The Smurfs. Motiongate Dubai is a theme park that grownups and kids can enjoy together.
Location: Dubai Parks and Resorts, Sheikh Zayed Rd, Dubai
Timing: 10:00 hrs to 20:00 hrs (Sunday to Saturday)
6. The Arcade by Hub Zero
The Arcade by Hub Zero in Dubai is the region’s first of its kind indoor attraction, completely themed around the intriguing games. The games, rides and classic sections here are both super interactive and innovative. Placed at Al Khawaneej Walk area, it offers an immersive experience for adults and kids alike. While arcade gaming enthusiasts can take to the facility’s 50 plus games, there is Sports Games to enthrall you with a distinct soccer adventure. Must-experiences also include a vast array of retro games and pop culture games.
Location: Al Khawaneej Walk – Al Khawaneej – Al Khawaneej 1 – Dubai
Timing: 10:00 hrs to 23:30 hrs (Sunday to Saturday)
7. Magic Planet
There’s another attraction at the Mall of Emirates, other than Ski Dubai known as Magic Planet, an indoor theme park that’s spread out over two floors. This park houses attractions, activities and rides for all ages. It is also home to the UAE’s first 4D cinema, XD. There are plenty of play areas for youngsters and pool tables for older ones. There are bowling alleys – 12 ten-pin lanes at that, and plenty of arcade games and food outlets. There’s also a trampoline area for kids to get rid of their excess energy, apart from bumper cars, a merry-go-round and much more. Not just at Mall of the Emirates, you can plan a visit to this exciting indoor park at City Centre Deira, City Centre Mirdif, Wafi City and Burjuman Centre as well.
Location: Several locations across Dubai:
- Mall of the Emirates, Level-2, Sheikh Zayed Rd, Dubai
- Level 1, City Centre Deira, 8th Street
- Wafi City, level 2, Right above Carrefour
- City Centre Mirdif, Shiek Mohamed bin Zayed Road, Mirdif
- Level S3, Burjuman Centre,28 A Street, Al Mankhool, Dubai
Timing:
- Mall of the Emirates: 10:00 hrs to 23:00 hrs (Sunday to Wednesday), 10:00 hrs to Midnight (Thursday to Saturday)
- City Centre Deira: 10:00 hrs to 23:00 hrs (Saturday to Wednesday) and 10:00 hrs to 24:00 hrs (Thursday and Friday)
- Wafi City: Noon to 23:00 hrs
- City Centre Mirdif: 10:00 hrs to 22:00 hrs ( Monday to Thursday), 10:00 hrs to Midnight (Friday to Sunday)
- Burjuman Centre: 10:00 hrs to 23:00 hrs (Saturday to Wednesday), 10:00 hrs to Midnight (Thursday and Friday)
8. KidZania Dubai
Kidzania Dubai, an indoor theme park inside the Dubai Mall is unlike all other theme parks in this list. KidZania is an edutainment theme park, exclusively designed for children from two to 16 years. Yes, it’s absolutely unique as it’s probably the only place where your kids can realize their wish of trying out their favorite adult job. Be it a physician, pilot, baker, or firefighter, your little ones will get to indulge in their dream job in a fun-filled, interactive environment, modeled like a mini-city with all facilities including banks, ATMs, hospitals, etc. And the best thing is that they will get paid too, with KidZos.
Location: The Dubai Mall, Second level. Cinema Parking – Financial Center Rd – Dubai
Timing: 10:00 hrs to 22:00 hrs
9. Loco Bear
Fun has a new address in Dubai and it’s Loco Bear at Al Quoz! The attraction isn’t based on a single theme but definitely needs a special mention in this list. One can argue that this brand-new indoor fun spot operates on the theme of uber fun and excitement. Want to go bowling or jump and bounce like a child on a trampoline pad? You can do so in Loco Bear! Boasted as an entertainment park where adventure is endless, the attraction offers a myriad of experiences like laser tag challenges, virtual reality gaming, wall climbing, arcade games, slime rooms, and much more! Not just grownups and teens, kids can also have a great time at an exciting soft play area as well! You have various options to buy Loco Bear Dubai tickets either in combos, credits or passes. Get in touch with us to get more details about the same.
Location: Al Quoz 2, Dubai
Timing: 10:00 hrs to 22:00 hrs(Monday to Thursday), 10:00 hrs to 23:00 hrs (Friday to Sunday)
10. House of Hype
On your next Dubai visit, when you visit Dubai Mall, head to Level One in Chinatown for a visually enriching spectacle. The House of Hype is a new addition to Dubai Mall’s spectacular list of thrill experiences. Here, you get to enjoy over 100 visually immersive and gaming experiences within a 100,000-square-foot indoor arena. So, Dubai Mall is not just a space for retail therapy, it is an amazing spot to lose track of time and enjoy endless fun and activities. House of Hype Dubai tickets will give you access to a world of vibrant adventures that will surely pique your thrill quotient and leave you wanting more.
Location: Level One, Chinatown, Dubai Mall.
Timing: 10:00 hrs to Midnight.
FAQs
1. What are the most popular indoor parks in Dubai?
Ans: IMG Worlds of Adventure, Play DXB, and Motiongate Dubai are some of Dubai’s most well-known theme parks.
2. What are Dubai’s best water parks for kids?
Ans: They include Legoland Dubai, Play DXB, and KidZania Dubai. Atlantis Aquaventure is one of the best water parks in Dubai for kids and adults alike.
3. What is the best time to visit Dubai’s indoor theme parks?
Ans: Being set indoors, they are ideal to visit during any part of the year.
4. Is it possible to buy theme park tickets online?
Ans: Yes, it is possible via our online portal and highly recommended, too, as it allows you to save time and enjoy hassle-free entry into your favorite park.
5. Are there any height or weight restrictions to using theme park rides?
Ans: Yes, but it varies from one park to another, depending on the type of ride or theme park attraction. It is mostly displayed at each ride’s entrance area. You can check the official website of a theme park for more information.
6. Can I carry outside food to the parks?
Ans: Most theme parks don’t allow visitors to carry outside food to their premises.
7. Are dining options available within Dubai’s theme parks?
Ans: All theme parks in Dubai offer plenty of dining choices, and some even come with tickets inclusive of meals.
8. Do Dubai’s indoor theme parks offer locker facilities?
Ans: Yes, most indoor theme parks in Dubai offer locker facilities to store your belongings safely.
9. What to wear on a theme park visit in Dubai?
Ans: Wear comfortable, modest dresses like T-shirts and pair them with a good pair of shoes.
Conclusion
Dubai was home to the erstwhile SEGA Republic, a fabulous video-game based indoor theme park which is now closed. There are several other indoor amusements that don’t exactly fall into the category of indoor theme parks so we cannot list them here. However, there’s no dearth of indoor fun to be had in Dubai, for children and the children-at-heart adults.
The Ski Dubai is a magnificent winter wonderland. We were surprised to see so many tons of real snow in a city built on a desert. This theme park gave us a feeling of enjoying a hill station.
Dubai has all the elements to surprise visitors and cater to all their vacation needs.
We had a wonderful time at all these theme parks during our Dubai vacation. We are going to visit them again next year during Christmas vacation
Once you visit Dubai, it will force you for an encore. It is so wonderful.
There is no shortage of theme parks in Dubai. I visited most of these with my family. The best I liked among them is the Kidzania. This theme park helped me judge the profession my kids are interested in. Seeing them role-playing a pilot and a civil engineer was very touching.
Kidzania is a fabulous indoor playground, and it offers several job roles for kids to pick as per their interest.
My kids went crazy exploring the rides and attractions at the IMG Worlds of Adventure. This theme park is the best for all ages.
We agree with you. All the seven zones of this theme park have something for all.
This blog has brought back all the sweet memories of our Dubai vacation we had last year. We explored all these theme parks, and they are wonderful for families.
We are happy that our blog is a reminiscent of your Dubai vacation.
Dubai offers a lot in terms of fun, thrill, and adventure. Whether you’re looking for an adrenaline-pumping rides or jaw-dropping shows, these indoor theme parks are the best.
I visited IMG World of Adventure, Bollywood Parks, and Motiongate with my family before the breakout of COVID. All these indoor theme parks are great place for a fun day out.
It was fun visiting Ski Dubai This place is a sort of winterland. We enjoyed this indoor ski resort and had great a day engaging in snow-centric fun.
I’d like to find out more? I’d want to find out some additional information.
It’s like you read my mind! You seem to know so much about this like you wrote the book in it or something.
I think that you can do with some pics to drive the message home a bit, but instead of that, this is a great blog. An excellent read. I’ll certainly be back.