Holiday hot list: Family fun in Dubai

An entertainment wonderland for both the young and young at heart, Dubai Parks and Resorts is home to three incredible theme parks and a waterpark. Spend the day dancing with the lovable Smurfs at Motiongate Dubai, go on record-breaking rides at Real Madrid World, build unforgettable memories with little ones at Legoland Dubai, splash about at Legoland Water Park or chill out and grab some tasty bites at Riverland Dubai (which is also home to JumpX, the world's largest inflatable park and indoor play area Neon Galaxy). One day is never enough, with a huge array of rides, shows and attractions to explore.

Since launching in 2017, this interactive children’s museum has redefined the playtime rulebook. Deriving its name from the Hawaiian word for “joy”, OliOli comprises eight interactive galleries for children aged two to 11. There are dozens of activities for kids to engage in and learn from, including launching rockets, creating 3D models and building forts. There’s also a gallery dedicated to toddlers, designed to stimulate their curiosity and sense of wonder.

Visit one of Dubai's favourite spots for a beach day and a great view of Burj Al Arab. Named after the numerous kite surfers that enjoy the perfect wind and waves at this destination, Kite Beach is also ideal for a family beach day. You can indulge in a quick bite at the many outlets here, including sliders and milkshakes at the the famous food truck Salt. Or simply sit back and enjoy the kite surf show while your children enjoy the many play areas.

A shopping spree with a side of real snow? Only at Mall of the Emirates’ Ski Dubai! Brave the challenging slopes as a family with skis, toboggans or snowboards, or build a snowman in the popular snowpark. You can also make friends with the resident penguins and sip on a creamy hot chocolate, all year round. It's a truly unforgettable experience.

 At iFLY Dubai in City Centre Mirdif, children and adults get the chance to experience the thrill of skydiving, without ever going more than three metres from the ground. Strap on the special suit and enter the facility’s technologically advanced vertical wind tunnel for a truly thrilling experience. Almost anyone can try it (starting from age three), which makes iFLY a fun experience for the whole family.

Hit the heights at Aventura Parks, Dubai’s one-of-a-kind adventure course at Mushrif Park. Spanning over 35,000sqm, the attraction offers experiences like ziplining, rope climbing and even a Tarzan swing from the treetops. The parks offer five different levels of fun for individuals, ranging from new explorers to thrill seekers. The lowest height option caters to children between the ages of four and seven at 30cms off the ground, while the Thriller experience is for adult adrenaline-seekers wanting to fly high from eight metres up.

Hatta is the city’s go-to destination for adventure enthusiasts, located about 100km from Dubai’s city centre. Take in views of the Hajar Mountains while following dedicated hiking trails that wind along the rugged landscape – there’s something for visitors of all abilities, including children. For more fun, check-in to Hatta Wadi Hub, home to thrills both big and small. Spend the day mountain biking, kayaking or even zorbing down a hill. This is also where you’ll find the region's first water jump park – Hatta Drop-In.