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20 Free things to do with the kids in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Having fun with the kids in the UAE doesn’t have to be expensive. In fact, there are lots of Free and fun things to do, you just need to know where to look! That’s why we have selected our top 20 things to do as a family, that will cost you AED 0 (just make sure you take a packed picnic)

Dubai 

The Happy Studio, Al Serkal Avenue 

Disconnect from the stresses of daily life and enjoy a pop art community space that brings life to over-the-top, bright, colorful and unique art installations. You and your entire family (regardless of age) will surely enjoy all the bright colors and creativity found at this interesting space. 

Daily 10:00 to 22:00 

Price: FREE! 

Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary 

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 an experience they're sure not to forget. 

Saturday-Thursday 7:30 to 17:30, Fri from 14:00 

Price: FREE!

Farm Tour @ Al Rawabi 

Take a tour through Al Rawabi's dairy farm to find out exactly how your milk ends up in your fridge. You and your kids will get the opportunity to see how they spoil their dairy cows and get an explanation of the entire process- from cows to milk cartons. The tours also include a visit to their unique Dairy Museum. Pre-booking is mandatory for the tour. Book far in advance as these tours fill up very quickly. 

Price: FREE! 

The Block @ D3 

Enjoy a family-friendly recreational space where you can relax and unwind, as well as escape and get fit. Located on the d3 Waterfront, The Block features a skate park, basketball and volleyball court, climbing walls, an urban beach as well as outdoor seating and entertainment area. With a host of cafes and restaurants minutes away in the Design Quarter, The Block is perfect for an outdoorsy day. 

Price: FREE!

Also Check: Fun Things To Do With Your Toddler In Dubai And Abu Dhabi

A Pirate's Tale - IMAGINE 3D Light & Water Show 

"A Pirate's Tale," tells the adventurous story of pearl diver Ameer as he fights pirates in his quest to find the emerald ring for his beloved Ayesha. Watch as this story unfolds through spectacular technology in water, pyrotechnics, lasers, lights and dramatic effects including enormous ships, cannonball effects, mermaids and of course, pirates! Don't miss the "Pirates of the Bay" zone where a giant ship, a life-size octopus, kids play areas and sand play zone will come to life on Festival Bay. Daily from sunset. 

Price: FREE! (although some activities may be chargeable) 

Visit Dino the Dinosaur 

The Souk Dome in Dubai Mall is home to the resident Dinosaur Dino! Kids can be transported back to prehistoric times with this huge Jurassic fossil that is guaranteed to excite and inspire young minds. 

Price: FREE! 

Dhow-Building Yard 

Clear some space on your cameras and head to the Jaddaf dhow building yard to take some amazing colorful photos to share with your family and friends. Your kids will be super excited to see the big boats and all the activities that take place over there. 

Sunday -Saturday from 05:30 to 19:00 

Price: FREE! 

Crab Spotting @ Jumeirah Fishing Harbour 

You and your kids will absolutely be mesmerized by the sight of all the crabs going up and down the steps and moving in groups as they make their way to the beach. Get ready to watch and perhaps catch some crab while having a great time with your family and dining at one of the delicious restaurants alongside the harbor. 

Price: FREE!

Tram Ride Fun 

Take the Dubai Tram from Al Sufouh to JBR and Dubai Marina and experience some unique family fun. You'll have a blast as you watch gorgeous parts of Dubai from a perspective unlike any other. Everything is designed with your comfort and safety in mind; there are even special cabins for women and children, so you're guaranteed to have not just a fun trip but also a very comfy and easy one. 

Price: FREE! (for the kids)

Dubai Police Museum 

Visit the Dubai Police Museum with your family to explore all the city’s police force has to offer. The Museum showcases the development and progress of the force since its formation in 1956. You’ll find old photographs, exhibits, equipment and even weapons handmade by prisoners. The museum was opened in 1987 and welcomes visitors of all ages. 

Price: FREE! although food must be purchased) 

Dubai Marina Walk Fountain 

Let your kiddies splash around in the dancing fountains to keep cool or take part in the water fun yourself. Grab lunch in one of the endless food outlets on your way and make a family day out of it. 

Price: FREE! 

Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood 

Delve into Dubai’s old way of life in one of the oldest neighbourhoods in the city. Best seen walking, this area offers a nostalgic tour around traditional wind towers and a maze of twisting alleyways. Also visit the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding where you and your family can take part in heritage tours and guided mosque visits to better appreciate the local culture. 

Price: FREE! 

Garden Souq 

Go shopping for some of the freshest organic produce, artisan goods, handicrafts, jewelry, home décor and much more at this Saturday market. Every week you'll find live music, cooking, yoga and plenty of free children's activities to keep your little ones engaged as you browse through the stalls. 

Every Saturday from 10:00 to 14:30. 

Price: FREE! 

Al Khazzan Park 

Known for its 40-metre high, 1980s blue and white-water tower, this park has everything you need for a fun family day out. A large, shaded children's play area accompanies manicured lawns and hedges while a big open-air pavilion sits at the park's centre. 

Daily 8:00 to 22:00, Fri-Sat until 23:00 

Price: FREE! 

Palm Jumeirah Boardwalk 

Take in the beautiful views of the Arabian Gulf and Dubai's skylines with your family at the 11km-long Palm Jumeirah Boardwalk. It hosts multiple refreshment & souvenir concessions, along with a large line-up of food trucks. Future developments include various retail promenades and 2 piers, each stretching 100 meters out to sea and boasting glass-encased cafes and restaurants to enjoy the stunning views. 

Price: FREE! 

Abu Dhabi

Heritage Village 

Get a glimpse of the past way of life in Abu Dhabi. Along with a traditional souk, a mosque, and dhows, you can also explore artifacts and watch artisans in action as they make pottery, weave fabrics, and blow glass. Occasionally, you can view (and sometimes participate) in public workshops where craftsmen demonstrate traditional skills such as metal work, pottery and weaving. 

Price: FREE! 

Playground @ A'l Bahar 

Head to the ultimate family fun day out on Abu Dhabi's pristine corniche where big and small can enjoy a variety of F&B outlets, entertainment, leisure and wellness outlets and shops. The beachfront also features a great playground for the littles and a variety of sports facilities, including basketball and beach volleyball courts, soccer pitches and an outdoor gym. On really hot days, cool off at 'Aqua Fun' - the family-friendly inflatable water park with fun activities like waters slides, obstacles, ramps and an “I Love AD” floating structure. 

Price: FREE! 

Al Wathba Wetland Reserve 

This walking trail through the natural and man-made wetlands of Abu Dhabi offers kids the unique chance to glimpse some of the country’s most beautiful wildlife. Discover the diverse ecosystems with these walking trails or cycle through to the bird watching hid to see the flamingoes. 

Price: FREE! 

Masdar Park 

Enjoy the outdoors at Masdar Park with its numerous facilities including a children’s playground, music wall, sports facilities and design installations themed on sustainability. It is also an outdoor dining destination with 8 cafés and restaurants housed inside recycled shipping containers powered by solar panels. For those of you who are fitness fanatics, Al Mamsha trail starts at Masdar Park, and is perfect for running, walking, biking and even fitness sessions. A football field and basketball court are also available for bookings. 

Daily 8:00 to 22:00 

Price: FREE! 

Other 

Al Ain Oasis 

UAE’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, Al Ain Oasis is considered one of the world’s oldest permanently inhabited settlements, dating back more than 4,000 years. Nowadays, you and your family can explore shaded pathways that wind through over 145,000 date palms, check out the aflaj irrigation system, and learn more about the Oasis at the Eco-Centre. 

Daily 8:00 to 17:00 

Price: FREE!