Family friendly hotels in Dubai perfect for a fun-packed holiday

Dubai is packed with family-friendly adventures, from snowboarding, kitesurfing, taking a wildlife safari or cruising down Dubai Creek on a dhow. As you wander Dubai’s mega shopping malls, aquariums, ski slopes, calm water beaches and fascinating historical neighbourhoods, you will be delighted by the city’s many attractions that are designed to entertain and educate children of all ages. From Expo City to Dubai’s mega theme parks and cultural heritage neighbourhoods, families are spoilt for choice. 

We understand that when planning a family holiday, you need to consider budget, opportunities for relaxation, and range of family-friendly adventures, including complimentary activities and those that are worth spending money on. Our Novotel family-friendly hotels in Dubai offer you a chance to immerse yourself in authentic, local experiences, enjoy family fun at the pool or in air-conditioned bliss and all without stretching your holiday budget.

Read on to discover the best areas to stay in Dubai, the top four things to do in each neighbourhood and which family friendly hotels in Dubai most suit the needs of your family. 

When planning a family trip to Dubai, selecting the right area to stay in, is very important. Equally as import is choosing the right hotel.  It all depends on the type of holiday you are envisioning for your family. Areas like Al Barsha and Jumeirah Village Triangle provide easy access to Ski Dubai and Dubai Marina. Neighborhoods like Deira and Bur Dubai offer a blend of beach fun and enriching cultural experiences for kids and adults alike.

Novotel hotels in Dubai are located in prime locations, conveniently close to the city’s many family-orientated attractions. From the cultural hub of Sharjah at Novotel Sharjah Expo Centre to the entertaining kids club and aquapark at Novotel Jumeriah Village Triangle, we have some great options for your family holiday. 

Where: Located in the south of Dubai in a peaceful residential gated community, Jumeriah Village Triangle is a ten-minute drive away from Expo City Dubai. It is also in close proximity to Burj Al Arab, IMG Worlds of Adventure, Dubai Marina and JBR Beach. The neighbourhood offers families a variety of amenities including kids’ playgrounds, parks, running trails, and padel and tennis courts.

Stay: The family suites at Novotel Jumeriah Village Triangle feature a separate living space with a sofa bed, balcony and dining table. You can order room service any time of the day or night and enjoy eating indoors in air-conditioned comfort. The hotel has a temperature controlled outdoor swimming pool which is located next to the Hungry Hub restaurant, offering a selection of family-friendly themed meals. The aquapark offers hours of fun with its different slides, fountains and giant tipping bucket. And the kids club provides a safe space for kids where they can play games and create arts and crafts. While the little ones are playing, you and your older kids can enjoy an invigorating aqua-gym bike workout in the hotel pool!

Expo City Dubai is a 15 minute drive away and offers families an unforgettable experience. It could take you several days to explore this futuristic city which offers different learning elements and immersive adventures. There are numerous events taking place at Expo City Dubai throughout the year check online to plan your trip. Enjoy the different themes at Rashid’s playground ranging from whale slides, ocean liners to sharks on springs. Explore the 3D maze which is shaped like a humpback whale. Interact and experiment with science, music, art and technology at Taqa Island. Get a bird’s eye view of the city from the Garden in the Sky observation deck. And meet the historical giants of mobility at the Alif Pavilion, which was designed by Weta Workshop, who also designed sets for Hollywood blockbusters like The Lord of the Rings and Avatar.  

The Dubai Miracle Garden, a 20-minute drive from the hotel, is a floral oasis in the desert featuring over one-hundred-and-fifty-million flowers. From 3D floral humanoid ants to giant rose-laden swans, it’s a fantasy mega-garden. Check out the fifteen-metre floral clock, sunflower fields and grass elephants. Visit the Butterfly Garden which is home to fifteen-thousand butterflies. Here, your kids will discover the important role butterflies play in pollinating gardens. It takes three to four hours to see all the different attractions and be aware that the gardens are closed every year during the summer months from May to September.

When temperatures soar, cool down at Wild Wadi Waterpark, a twenty-minute drive from the hotel. From adrenalin pumping slides like the one-hundred-and-fifty metre Jumeirah Sceirah slide to the wave-pool and lazy river, there is something fun for every member of the family to do.

Visit IMG Worlds of Adventure Dubai’s massive indoor amusement park which boasts six separate entertainment zones including MARVEL, Lost Valley dinosaur adventure, The Haunted Town, IMG Boulevard, Cartoon Network and IMG Kids Zone. Your family will be thrilled by the roller coasters, Cartoon Network characters, MARVEL superheroes and scary dinosaurs. 

 Where: A visit to Sharjah reveals beautiful Arab and Islamic architecture and cultural landmarks. This emirate capital city on the Arabian Gulf is situated north of Dubai. It is the seat of culture in the UAE. Here you will find libraries, the Sharjah Heritage Museum and various cultural centres.  Al Khan Beach is a 10-minute drive from the hotel and is tranquil spot for swimming, sandcastle building, and playing Frisbee and bat and ball games.  Older children can enjoy paddleboarding, jet skiing and kitesurfing, along with the adults.

Stay: A 15-minute drive from Dubai International Airport, Novotel Sharjah Expo Centre is a modern hotel situated right next to the Expo Centre overlooking Al Khan Lagoon. The natural and contemporary design of the hotel offers you comfortable accommodation and social spaces. The superior family rooms are able to accommodate two adults and two children and come complete with lagoon views, one double bed and one single sofa bed, and include complimentary breakfast for children under sixteen. The hotel features a kid’s corner, spa and outdoor swimming pool with terrace overlooking the lagoon. There is also a fitness centre with cardio and resistance training equipment, male and female saunas and three different eateries.

The Sharjah Expo Centre hosts a variety of cultural festivals, heritage days and events throughout the year including the annual international Book Fair in November which offers workshops, book signings and readings by acclaimed local and international authors.

Al Mamzar Beach Park, a 15-minute drive from the hotel, features five scenic beaches with calm waters, lifeguard patrolled swimming lagoons, picnic tables and barbecue grills. You can rent a beach cabin, umbrellas and sun loungers, and your kids can enjoy rollerblading and skateboarding at the skate park. Younger kids can play on the swings and slides in the adjacent playground. Whilst there, take a fun train tour of the park.

The Al Majaz Waterfront which stretches for over twenty-one thousand square metres features stunning Islamic architecture and canals lined with restaurants and cafes. There are a variety of recreational activities on offer including a musical fountain, the Maraya Art Park which celebrates emerging artists and a Splash Park for kids. You can also ride the Sharjah Ferris Wheel.

Go on a Sharjah Safari at the Al Bridi Nature Reserve, an hour’s drive from Sharjah, to see gazelles, lions, elephants, rhinos and crocodiles.

Where: Southwest of the city centre is Al Barsha - a must-visit neighbourhood in Dubai mainly because it is home to the Mall of Emirates. It is also close to family attractions such as Dubai Marina and Kite Beach.

Stay:  Located on Sheikh Zayed Road, within walking distance of Mall of Emirates, Novotel Dubai Al Barsha offers a comfortable modern hotel experience coupled with spacious family rooms and suites. The hotel offers three eateries ranging from an international buffet at 365, the all-day dining restaurant, quick bites at Café Java and Mediterranean inspired poolside dining at Deck Se7en. Hotel amenities include a spa, fitness centre, outdoor swimming pool and kids club.

The Mall of Emirates is famous for its range of international retail outlets and dining options, but the jewel of the Mall is Ski Dubai. Attracting families with kids two or older, it is as much about the snow as it is about the skiing and snowboarding. It’s a great place for kids to learn how to ski in a controlled environment. There are a variety of rides including the Mountain Thriller bobsled and the chairlift. You can also swim with penguins and watch movies cuddled up under blankets at the snow cinema.

While you’re at the Mall of Emirates visit Magic Planet, a family entertainment centre which is filled with arcade games and thrilling rides. And take in a show or comedy act at the Dubai Community Theatre and Arts Centre.

Head to Kite Beach to learn how to kitesurf and wakeboard or if that’s too strenuous and adrenalin fuelled, try kayaking or stand-up paddle boarding. Kite Beach is a great beach for soaking up the sun, joining a volleyball game and diving into the variety of water sports.  Remember to bring along a life jacket or floating device for your little ones.

Take in the 360-degree views of the city, desert and ocean from Burj Khalifa’s observation deck. It’s the tallest building in the world and a remarkable feat of engineering. Book tickets online. It’s only a ten-minute drive from the hotel.

Where: Deira, located at the northern end of Dubai Creek, is a historically significant neighbourhood in the city and the port was the original trading hub of Dubai. The creek is flanked by souks, shops and eateries and offers you a fourteen-kilometre walk from the Al Fahidi district to the Al Seef neighbourhood.

Stay: With scenic views of the creek, Novotel Deira Creekside Dubai brings modern hospitality to Dubai’s oldest district. The hotel is located across the road from Deira City Centre and is three kilometres from Dubai International Airport. This 4-star hotel is your perfect family-base while you explore Dubai’s many attractions. Relax by the pool, enjoy Italian and Arabic dishes at Tala Restaurant and maintain your exercise routine at the fitness centre.

Take the kids on an abra water taxi to explore both sides of Dubai Creek. The abras ferry travels between the Creekside station at Shindagha on the Bur Dubai side, and the Al Sabkha station on the Deira side.

Deira’s souks are hives of entertainment bursting with lively energy. Every member of the family will be enthralled by the dazzling gold jewellery displays at the Gold Souk. Wander through the alleyways off Baniyas Street to find the aromatic Spice Souk. You’ll be captivated by the massive sacks piled high with spices and displays of brightly coloured spices.

Rent bikes at Dubai Creek Park and cycle around the paths or enjoy a leg stretch and a picnic on the green lawns. Watch dolphins jumping through hoops and performing tricks at the Dubai Dolphinarium in the park and ride the cable car.

Cruise down Dubai Creek on a traditional wooden Dhow and enjoy an international and regional buffet dinner. Watch tanoura dancers while snacking on dates and Baklava. 

Where: Bur Dubai is located on the western side of the Dubai Creek, near the Dubai Museum and the historic Al Fahidi district. This bustling old neighbourhood is a great spot for families looking to discover the rich history of Dubai as it is home to the Dubai Museum housed in the Al Fahidi Fort, The Al Seef waterfront promenade and the Grand Mosque.

Stay: Novotel Bur Dubai is a contemporary hotel located in Dubai Healthcare City. The hotel blends modern comfort with traditional décor and the spacious family rooms offer you a tranquil retreat. Head to the rooftop for a refreshing swim in the hotel’s outdoor pool after a day of exploring and enjoy chilled drinks at the rooftop bar. Afterwards indulge in a rejuvenating massage and sauna at the spa.

Meena Bazaar is a lively collection of shops spread over several streets in Dubai’s Little India. Stores sell delicious Indian snacks, textiles, traditional spices and jewellery. Bring cash as some of the smaller merchants don’t accept credit cards.

Visit Hindi Lane which is located between Meena Bazaar and the Creek. It is a vibrant alleyway filled with pooja shops selling marigold flower garlands, religious offerings and incense. Pay homage to Shiva and Krishna at the Saibaba temple.

Visit the historic creek-side district of Al Fahidi, formerly the Bastakiya Quarter which dates back to the early 1900s. Wander through the labyrinth streets lined with restored old residences topped with traditional wind towers. Stop off for refreshing mint lemonade at the Arabian Tea House.

Soak up the city’s history at the Dubai Museum at the Al Fahidi Fort.  Dubai’s history is brought to life by life-size waxworks. From the original pearl divers and ship builders to the multi-national metropolis that it is today, this small, informative museum is a great pitstop for culture-buffs.