Joanna James
Dubai is an ideal place for a family vacation as the city promises something of interest for every member of the family. From amusement parks to dune safaris, there is so much to choose from!
If you staying at any Dubai beach villas, all manner of watersports are available to keep the family entertained during their stay. Dubai also offers a series of exciting waterparks such as the Wild Wadi Water Park. The sprawling water park takes its theme from Juha, a character from Arabian folklore and plunges visitors into adventure with heart thumping thrills and exciting spills. The Aquaventure Water Park is yet another place for families to have fun in the water. All of this and more is within easy reach of centrally located hotels such as Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort.
Dubai is well known for its dune safaris and they offer a thrilling time for both young and old. During dune safaris, Land Rovers are driven across the dunes at near impossible angles to seemingly defy gravity. Often coupled with falconry displays, visitors will also get the chance to see how the swift birds of prey are trained and exercised. Camel rides are also available and kids always enjoy the excitement of riding a camel.
Kidzania offers a different experience from the usual entertainment centres for children. Marketed as an edutainment centre, children between the ages of four to sixteen can choose a real life profession and roleplay in a replica city. As the roleplay is encouraged to take place without parental influence, parents can follow their children's exploits from the Parents Lounge or simply choose to have some snacks and relax in its TV room. Kidzania promises an unusual and informative time for any child!
Families can get up close and personal with some of Dubai's well known landmarks, including the Burj Khalifa, when they embark on a helicopter ride. Although the rides are rarely beyond 15 minutes, the short time span is barely noticeable as those in the helicopter are enthralled by the landmarks of the city. Helicopter rides are not cheap but they offer an unforgettable experience for family members of all ages.
Souks are traditional marketplaces and promise a colourful and chaotic experience for visitors. Entering a souk feels like you have travelled back in time to an Arabian market of yore. Families will be thrilled to find that the shops carry everything from extravagant gold jewellery to cheap souvenirs. The Gold Souk, Spice Souk and Perfume Souk are all located within close proximity of each other. For those who are not fans of haggling, there is even Souk style shopping available such as the Souk Madinat Jumeirah which captures the ambiance of a souk while offering fixed prices.
Dubai Miracle Garden is a one of a kind experience as visitors get the chance to see the seemingly impossible; flowers in the desert. Families will find themselves marveling at the display and presentation of over 100 million blooming flowers. The garden is only open during the winter months so if visitors find themselves in Dubai during this time, they should definitely make their way to the Dubai Miracle Garden and witness the magic.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a pas...
