Learning about animals is much more fun when you can see them in person! That's why we've rounded up reopened places where you can get up close and personal with animals whether you're in Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Sharjah.

The UAE offers a surprising array of opportunities to connect with wildlife, blending modern attractions with natural reserves. Whether you're in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Sharjah, there are numerous spots where families can observe and interact with animals. From the lush tropical forests of The Green Planet to the expansive deserts of Sir Bani Yas Island, the UAE's diverse environments host a variety of species. This guide highlights 11 exceptional places where you can experience the animal kingdom up close, making it easier than ever to plan your next wildlife adventure.
Learning about animals is much more fun when you can see them in person! That's why we've rounded up reopened places where you can get up close and personal with animals whether you're in Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Sharjah.
Bring your family and spend the day making new friends in a tropical forest full of exotic flora and fauna. For the curious, adventurous, young, and old, The Green Planet offers a first-hand encounter with some of nature's wonders.

Emirates Park Zoo is the ideal way to spend your day with the family, where you can meet its incredible inhabitants, like hippos, flamingos, reptiles, and more than 1,400 wild animals and pets. Get up close and personal with the animals and explore the various species. You and your little ones can also participate in feeding a variety of animals including giraffes, elephants, goats, monkeys, and hippos.
Give your kids an unforgettable zoo experience by attending the thrilling animal shows and presentations, such as a Sea Lion presentation, Elephant Encounter, and Tropical Birds Show.

Discover the amazing diversity of indigenous wildlife found on the Arabian Peninsula at Sharjah Arabia's Wildlife Centre. The whole family will be amazed at the sight of wildcats, gazelles, Nubian ibex, flamingos, baboons, Arabian Leopards, and much more.
(Timings may differ during summer, Ramadan and public holidays. Make sure to call ahead before visiting)

The only natural playscape of its kind in the UAE, XPark Jr is designed to spark the imagination and ignite the spirit of adventure in children aged 1 to 12. Its natural environment encourages free-play with water streams, wooden forts, climbing ropes, trees and many other activities.
Activities currently available at XPark Jr:
- Water Play
- Climbing structures and wooden forts
- Arts & Crafts Pack (to be used at home)
- Animal encounter
- Free play
- Park House Café
Save on your unlimited summer access to Xpark Jr with Kidzapp!

An otherworldly experience for your whole family, this underwater aquarium has 10 chambers of wildlife and over 20 exhibits to explore. Sharks, stingray, piranhas, and seahorses are just some of the creatures you’ll come face-to-face within this underwater world designed around the Lost City of Atlantis.
Up to 35% off entry fees with Kidzapp! Offer valid for UAE residents only

Teach your kids about local Emirati domesticated animals as they get interactive with the camels, sheep, horses, ducks, donkeys and much more. The farm is split up into an indoor and an outdoor section, each with a specific focus.
The indoor section organizes educational and environmental programs, as well as giving workshops and awareness-raising activities. The outdoor section is where all the domestic animals live, and where little visitors can interact with them up-close and even feed them their favourite foods.
Your ticket also includes a visit to these exhibitions:
- Arabia’s Wildlife Centre
- Natural History & Botanical Museum
- Islamic Botanical Garden

Sitting at the mouth of the Dubai Creek, this wildlife sanctuary is home to more than 20,000 water birds. With herons, egrets, sandpipers, and osprey, it's the flamingos that are the stars here. Your kids will come away with new wildlife knowledge from experience they're sure not to forget.

Discover the intriguing hidden universe of the deep sea at the Sharjah Aquarium, where you can marvel at its incredible inhabitants. The whole family can get a close-up view of the indigenous fish and discover the history of Sharjah's historical coasts and ports.
Timings are subject to change during public holidays and Ramadan

Spend a day by the seaside with your family spotting dolphins! Encourage even your youngest family member to take part in the conservation of the dolphin population along the entire UAE coastline by reporting any sightings you might see. Snapping pictures is a plus - be sure to upload them onto the UAE Dolphin Project Website.
Click READ MORE to find info on the UAE map for dolphin spotting

Explore the Aquarium Tunnel and Underwater Zoo and bring your family face to face with exciting underwater life, which lets you immerse yourself in the world of sharks, stingrays, and piranha.

Pack a picnic for early breakfast or late lunch in the dunes and immerse yourselves in the beauty of nature at Al Qudra Lake, a man-made lake in the middle of the Saih Al Salam Desert.
Your littles will love seeing the ducks and swans!


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