Family Night Out: 15 Exciting Things To Do In Dubai And Abu Dhabi

Take your little ones on a day-long world tour at Global Village, packed with international pavilions, exciting rides, arcade games, live shows, and great food. This season adds new highlights like the Orange Wheels edutainment center, a special visitor passport, the immersive Dragon Kingdom, upgraded Horror Hotel, new thrill rides, and dazzling fire and light shows. With improved parking and guest services, it’s easier than ever—just grab your tickets in advance and enjoy the fun.

Discover Black Bunny Dubai, the newest go-to spot for birthdays, weekend fun, and unforgettable family playtime. Located in Al Quoz 3, this vibrant entertainment hub offers themed events, interactive experiences, and plenty of space to let kids’ imaginations run wild. Enjoy arcade games, a colorful soft play zone, trampolines, bowling, pool tables, laser tag, and wall-climbing adventures all under one roof.

Motiongate Dubai is a Hollywood-inspired theme park that lets kids dive into worlds from Shrek, Ghostbusters, The Smurfs, Madagascar, and more, with thrilling rides, 4D adventures, and live shows across DreamWorks, Lionsgate, and Columbia Pictures zones. The 1 Day 2 Parks Pass must be used on the same day, and entry depends on capacity, so check hours before visiting. An AED 20 hop-on hop-off buggy service is available to help you get around. Located at Dubai Parks and Resorts. 

Savor bold, modern Asian flavors at Hikina, Lapita Dubai Parks & Resorts, where fresh ingredients and creative techniques bring Eastern Asia to life now with 20% off your total dinner bill. Enjoy authentic dishes with a contemporary twist, Step into Hikina for a vibrant dining experience where tradition, innovation, and flavor come together in every bite.

Play DXB (VR Park) offers a thrilling mix of rides, games, and immersive experiences for the whole family, built around the idea of “shared escapism.” Spread across two levels, it blurs the line between reality and imagination with adrenaline rides, VR adventures, interactive games, and family-friendly attractions. Kids and adults can enjoy everything from classic rides like Flying Chairs and Magic Bikes to high-tech VR missions such as Dune Bash, Burj Drop, Hologate, Beat Saber, Robocom VR, and more plus bumper cars, sports simulators, soft play, and AR zones. There’s something for every age, mood, and thrill level, making it the ultimate destination to challenge reality together. 

Head to BattleKart Dubai for a next-level karting experience where you don’t just play the game you race inside it. Combining electric karts with augmented reality, BattleKart transforms the track into a dynamic video-game playground filled with projected circuits, power-ups, obstacles, and interactive gameplay. Speed through each lap as you dodge virtual hazards, collect bonuses, and outsmart opponents in fast-paced, adrenaline-fueled game modes that make every race an immersive adventure. 

Take your family to Qrew Billiard Hall and Arcade for a fun-filled mix of billiards, arcade games, and great vibes. Perfect for all ages and skill levels, Qrew features well-maintained billiard tables, a wide range of classic and modern arcade games, and friendly service throughout. When it’s time to recharge, Qrew Café has you covered with tasty, budget-friendly snacks and drinks from waffles and mini pancakes to sandwiches, mocktails, and specialty coffee.

GLITCH is a 40,000 sqft indoor family entertainment hub in Dubai, packed with over 30 thrilling attractions, arcade games, and an 8-lane bowling arena. Highlights include the city’s first indoor zip line Sky Surf, Pandora's Peak Cloud Climb, Jungle Scout rope courses, Newton’s Walls, Ninja Course, Loop de Loop, and a variety of VR experiences. Perfect for families, friends, or adventure seekers, GLITCH also hosts birthday parties and corporate events, making it a top destination for action-packed fun in Al Ghurair Centre. 

IMG Worlds of Adventure is the world’s largest indoor theme park in Dubai, featuring four zones Marvel, Cartoon Network, Lost Valley, and IMG Boulevard plus a kids’ play area, rides, attractions, dining, shopping, and a 12-screen Novo Cinema. Highlights include Avengers Battle of Ultron, Ben 10 5D Hero Time, The Velociraptor coaster, the Haunted Hotel, and IMG Kids Zone. Easily reachable by cab, bus, or a short walk from Baniyas Square Metro Station, it promises year-round fun for the whole family.

Experience the thrill of go-kart racing at Dubai Autodrome, offering unforgettable racing adventures for kids and adults alike. Enjoy FIA-sanctioned driving experiences, track days, and the world-renowned Dubai Kartdrome, featuring a 1.2km outdoor circuit and a 600m air-conditioned indoor track. Indoor karting is for kids 7+ (min. 1.25m), while the outdoor circuit is for kids 13+; adults and kids race in separate sessions. 

Experience a cosmic twist on mini-golf at 3D Blacklight Minigolf in JBR. This 18-hole indoor course features three immersive worlds with vibrant, hand-painted 3D visuals, creating a visually stunning environment from floor to ceiling. Put on the provided 3D glasses and navigate creative obstacles with friends and family for a fun, Instagram-worthy outing suitable for all skill levels. Easily accessible via the Hilton Roundabout JBR escalators or Delta Hotel lift, the venue is located in Bahar Plaza.

Gather everyone in your family for some friendly competition as you knock down pins during a game of bowling, try to clear the table during a round of billiards or even show off your vocal chords in a karaoke session. Switch is the perfect spot for some family time out, a fun place for your kids to be dropped off while you get some shopping done at the mall, or even a fantastic place to celebrate your little one's birthday. BOWLING From the seating and ball racks to the lanes, large screens, lights, music and scoring, Switch offers the perfect setting for a fun game of bowling with family and friends. BILLIARDS Enjoy 6 top-of-the-line professional billiard tables set in a modern and warm atmosphere. KARAOKE These private, soundproof karaoke rooms come with the latest karaoke equipment and song lists, giving your whole family everything they need to sing the day away. Great for groups of 5 to 6 people at a time. PLAYSTATION 5 (PS5) Get ready for a digital adventure as you and the kids play some awesome PlayStation 5 games. FOOD & DRINKS From starters and dips, straight from the grill favourites, burgers, pasta, to amazing pizza, ALPYS (the on-site restaurant) is ready to fill you and your kiddos up with delicious food and drinks.

Indulge in global flavors at Artisan Kitchen’s Lavish Theme Nights Buffet at Bab Al Qasr Hotel. Each night features a unique theme—Bella Italia (Tue), Asian (Wed), Flavors of Morocco (Thu), Seafood (Fri)—along with international lunch and dinner buffets on select days. Set in a stylish, sunlit space with live cooking stations, sushi, and fresh local ingredients, Artisan Kitchen offers a sophisticated yet family-friendly dining experience. 

Get ready for an adrenaline-filled experience at YAS KARTZONE, Yas Marina Circuit Abu Dhabi! Perfect for beginners and pros alike, the 800-meter track lets you race at speeds up to 60 km/h, with performance stats provided after your session. Kids (5–7 yrs) enjoy 10-min Bambino Kart drives, Juniors (8–12 yrs) get 12-min Junior Kart sessions, and Adults (13+ yrs) drive 15-min Parolin XT40 270CC karts. Arrive 30 minutes early for registration and a safety briefing. Drivers under 17 need a guardian to sign a waiver. Closed-toe shoes and clothes covering arms and legs are required. Spectators can watch for free, but some days may have wait times, so plan accordingly.

Take your little gamers to Pixoul Gaming, a 4,500 sqm VR and E-Sports hub featuring 5 zones, 10 immersive VR experiences, an E-Sports Bar, Academy, Arena, and Gaming Studios. Highlights include Pixoul Planet, where players explore 10 story and arcade VR games—ranging from solo adventures like Parashift and MACH 6 Racer to multiplayer missions like Battle Rush and Pixel Recon—using fully wireless HTC Focus 3 headsets synced with motion platforms.

1. What are some top indoor family entertainment destinations in Dubai and Abu Dhabi?

Some of the best indoor spots include:

VR Park: Two levels of immersive VR rides, interactive games, sports simulators, and soft play for kids.

Pixoul Gaming: 4,500 sqm VR & E-Sports hub with 10 story and arcade VR games, an E-Sports Academy, and multiplayer experiences.

GLITCH: 40,000 sqft with over 30 attractions, indoor zip line, climbing walls, Ninja courses, VR games, and an 8-lane bowling arena.

3D Blacklight Minigolf: 18-hole indoor mini-golf with stunning 3D visuals across three immersive worlds.

Black Bunny Dubai: Soft play zones, trampolines, arcade games, bowling, laser tag, and climbing walls.

Qrew Billiard Hall & Arcade: Billiard tables, arcade games, and a café with snacks and drinks.

BattleKart: Electric karts combined with AR gameplay on the track.

2. Which parks are best for kids who love rides and themed adventures?

IMG Worlds of Adventure: Largest indoor theme park in the world with Marvel, Cartoon Network, Lost Valley, and IMG Boulevard zones, plus the Haunted Hotel and IMG Kids Zone.

Global Village: Outdoor cultural and amusement park with rides, live shows, international pavilions, and seasonal attractions like Dragon Kingdom and Little Wonderers.

Dubai Parks & Resorts – Lapita: Hikina offers modern Asian dining, perfect for a family meal after a day of fun.

YAS Kartzone: Karting track in Abu Dhabi suitable for kids 5+, juniors 8+, and adults 13+.

3. Are there age or height restrictions for these attractions?

Pixoul Gaming: Minimum height 120 cm, minimum age 8; children under 12 must be supervised.

VR Park: Soft play area for children 2+ (under 100 cm must be with an adult).

Dubai Autodrome: Indoor karting for kids 7+ (min 1.25m); outdoor track 13+.

YAS Kartzone: Kids 5–7 yrs in Bambino Karts, 8–12 yrs in Junior Karts, 13+ in adult karts.

4. What dining options are available in these venues?

Hikina at Lapita: Modern Asian cuisine with a 20% discount through Kidzapp/Supperclub.

Artisan Kitchen: Lavish theme-night buffets at Bab Al Qasr Hotel with international and themed cuisine.

Qrew Café: Budget-friendly treats including sandwiches, waffles, mini pancakes, mocktails, and specialty coffee.

Global Village & IMG Worlds: Multiple themed restaurants and snack outlets in every zone.

5. Do these attractions offer experiences for beginners or first-timers?

Yes! Most of these attractions welcome beginners:

BattleKart: No prior experience needed; interactive AR gameplay guides you.

YAS Kartzone & Dubai Autodrome: Karting sessions include safety briefings and beginner-friendly karts.

VR Park & Pixoul Gaming: Tutorials and guided sessions available for VR newbies.

6. Can families attend together?

Absolutely! Most venues have experiences tailored for all ages:

Black Bunny Dubai, GLITCH, VR Park, and Pixoul Gaming: Multiplayer and group experiences suitable for families.

Global Village: Rides and cultural attractions for kids and adults.

3D Blacklight Minigolf: Fun for all ages, from kids to adults, in a visually immersive environment.

7. Are tickets or bookings required in advance?

Global Village, IMG Worlds, VR Park, and Pixoul Gaming: Highly recommended to buy tickets in advance to avoid queues or capacity limits.

Hikina & Artisan Kitchen: Booking through Kidzapp/Supperclub gives discounts and skips membership fees.

Karting venues: Sessions require pre-booking; arrival 30 minutes prior is advised.

8. Are there additional services or perks?

VR Park & Pixoul Gaming: Some experiences include motion simulators and multi-player tracking.

Dubai Karting venues: Performance stats and print-outs to track your progress.

Global Village: Shuttle services and fast-track options for smoother visits.

Supperclub/Kidzapp bookings: Family-friendly offers without extra membership fees.