Dubai and family travel are not always associated together, but this lovely city is a great place to spend some time away from home with your family and expose your children to culture and history that they would not typically get at home. Dubai has many family oriented activities that will keep you and your brood entertained throughout your stay in the capital city.

Family Activities in Dubai

The beaches of Dubai are a serious draw for the city that is know to have 2 climates - hot and very hot. While the best time to visit is October through March when days are pleasant and evenings get a bit cold, beaches are always a big draw. Jumeira and Al Mamzar are 2 popular beaches in the city. At most parks and beaches in the city there are certain days designated specifically for women and children and this is the best time for women to visit the beach with young children. Check with your hotel before heading down to the beach.

Another great trip to take as a family is a desert safari. Endless sand dunes, hidden markets, secret waterfalls, oasis towns and Bedouin villages are just a few of the exciting things in store for you to explore as you set out on a safari. Though jeeps are commonly used for the longer safaris, you can also ride a camel out into the desert as well for a shorter adventure or as part of a longer safari. Arrange a trip through your hotel's guest services.

There is great snorkeling in Dubai as well and children who can swim will certainly take to the waters and enjoy seeing the area's many stingrays and shipwrecks that lie beneath the water's surface. If the ocean is not appealing to you, beat the heat in the city's waterpark for an afternoon. There are several water parks in the city with the best being Wild Wadi, Atlantis the Palm and Wonderland Theme and Water Park.

Nature lovers will enjoy the waterfront Creekside Park and its adjoining fishing piers, play areas, botanical gardens and cable car ride along the shoreline. The Ras el Khor Wildlife Sanctuary is also a nice stop were visitors can see over 3000 flamingos and white collared kingfishers.

Family Dining in Dubai

There are many great places for dining with children in Dubai, with many places offering children's menus. Hotels are a good option for eating when traveling with children, as many offer play areas and entertainment such as face painting. If you have children with adventurous palates, there are many great deals to discover at local cafes and restaurants. Try the wide variety of seafood and fish options and expose your children to some great cuisine.

Dubai is a magical place to visit with your family. Determine what activities interest you and your family and begin planning a memorable vacation to Dubai.