Top Family-Friendly Theme Parks in Dubai (Including Height and Age Guidelines) – Your Dubai Travel Planner

You’ll be pleasantly surprised by the number of top-tier theme parks available in Dubai and the UAE!

Currently, three parks are ranked as the best for families in and visiting Dubai, while three more can be found just across the border in Abu Dhabi. You could easily plan a short getaway centered only around theme parks in Dubai without feeling let down (but don’t miss the stunning beaches and desert, too!).

If you’re new to Dubai’s theme park offerings, there’s plenty to grasp! While you won’t find big names like Disney or Universal here, the parks are filled with children’s cherished characters, performances, and exhilarating rides—often with shorter wait times than you might expect.

This post aims to help you figure out how to make the most of your time and money at Dubai’s theme parks, providing a detailed overview of the three largest ones:

Where Can You Find the Best Theme Parks in Dubai?

Two of the parks mentioned earlier, Legoland Dubai and Motiongate Dubai, are located within the Dubai Parks & Resorts complex (DPR) in Jebel Ali, which is 50 km southwest of Downtown Dubai (and about an hour’s drive from Abu Dhabi).

The complex currently includes three theme parks (four if you consider Legoland’s water park separately), two hotel resorts (one Lego-themed), and an entertainment district known as Riverland. Additionally, you’ll find Neon Galaxy, a space-themed indoor play area featuring various activities (including ninja courses and parkour) for all ages.

The other theme park within the Dubai Parks and Resorts is Real Madrid World (formerly Bollywood Dubai). While it might attract football fans, it doesn’t quite hold the same appeal as the other two parks. For this review, we will primarily focus on the two major parks.

Next, we will delve into IMG Worlds of Adventure, an entirely indoor theme park, before deciding which park is worth your precious holiday time!

Note: This review does NOT cover Dubai’s water parks – check out this post if you want to explore the top water parks in Dubai

Legoland® Dubai

This park is specially designed for younger audiences! Catered to Lego-loving kids aged 2 to 12, it promises moderate thrills.

A key highlight of Legoland® Dubai is its indoor Miniland, which serves as its centerpiece. Located inside a large dome, it features a full-sized replica of Dubai and iconic Middle Eastern landmarks, from Petra to Saudi Arabia’s Abraj al-Bait Towers and Abu Dhabi’s Grand Mosque.

The park is divided into four themed areas—City, Kingdoms, Imagination, and Adventure. Each section boasts rides ranging from gentle to moderately thrilling, character meet-and-greets, and a 4-D cinema featuring rotating shows throughout the day.

Legoland offers plenty of dining, shopping, and building opportunities. However, be aware that most rides are outdoors, while shows and building activity areas are indoors and air-conditioned.

Is Legoland Dubai Suitable for Toddlers?

Although the park is designed for kids aged 2-12, children under 1.05 meters may find their ride options quite limited.

Duplo Valley is perfect for younger kids, but older children might find it too simplistic, making it challenging for families with kids of different ages and heights. There are only two rides with an 80cm height restriction that fit most toddlers—Duplo Valley Express (shown) and Submarine Adventure. Kids measuring 90cm can also join in the Lost Kingdom Adventure (a shooting game).

At 95cm, children gain access to several additional rides:

• Junior Driving School (City)
• City Airport (City)
• Rescue Academy (City)

The next height milestone is 1.05m, unlocking these thrilling experiences:

• Lego Technic Twister (Imagination)
• Dragon’s Apprentice (Kingdoms)
• Merlin’s Challenge (Kingdoms)
• Merlin’s Flying Machines (Kingdoms)
• Wave Racers (Adventure)
• Beetle Bounce (Adventure)

One area where Legoland excels is its family bathrooms, which are spacious enough for strollers and provide excellent changing facilities.

There’s also a special mothers’ lounge for private breastfeeding, equipped with a kitchenette for warming bottles and baby food, plus a play area to keep little ones entertained while you feed. This feature is a big plus for families, especially in the heat of Dubai.

Will Older Kids Still Enjoy Legoland Dubai?

This question can be tricky! Kids can be sensitive about admitting they’ve outgrown things. While you may find adults who still adore Legoland Dubai, your tweens and teens might not find it exciting enough compared to other attractions in Dubai. It is definitely a nostalgic spot for families, but getting older kids to admit they enjoy it can be a challenge. We wouldn’t recommend it as a top choice for ages 10 and above.

Can You Visit Legoland Dubai & the Legoland Waterpark on the Same Day?

A 2-Park Pass for DPR comes in handy during the hotter months. If you plan your visit during the cooler months, you could easily spend 6-8 hours at Legoland if you try all the attractions.

Combining visits to both parks can be especially beneficial during summer, but do note that the Legoland Water Park has a slightly different opening schedule during off-peak months; make sure to check their hours if you plan to do both on the same day.

Keep in mind that the Waterpark closes for a couple of weeks every January/February for annual maintenance during the coldest part of the year.

What Are the Queues Like at Legoland Dubai?

If you arrive early (the regular opening time is 10 a.m.), you shouldn’t encounter long waits for rides. On weekdays, the park is typically crowd-free unless it coincides with a local school holiday.

During weekends (keep in mind that schools and many workplaces finish early on Fridays) and public holidays, popular attractions may see significant crowds by early afternoon. Ideally, avoid visiting on these days in winter if you have other options!

What Does Legoland Dubai Cost?

Legoland Dubai 1-Day Ticket

A day pass to Legoland Dubai OR Legoland Dubai Water Park costs AED 295 per person when purchased online in advance, or AED 330 when bought at the gate on the day of visit. Residents with the Fazaa card may receive certain discounts.

If you wish to visit BOTH Legoland Dubai and the Legoland Dubai Water Park on the same day, tickets cost AED 355 per person when purchased online in advance, or AED 395 at the gate on the day.

Children under three enter free of charge. Children aged 3 and above pay the standard adult rate.

Keep an eye out for third-party deals that might save you money:

Annual Passes to Legoland Dubai

You can buy annual passes for both Legoland and the Legoland Water Park, offering unlimited access for 12 months. The passes come in silver, gold, and bronze tiers, each with varying benefits, including discounts on food, beverages, and merchandise.

• Annual passes for Legoland (only) start at AED 495 for the silver package and reach up to AED 795 for the VIP Platinum package.

• Annual passes that include Legoland Water Park begin at AED 695 and max out at AED 995 for the VIP Platinum package.

You can find more details about annual passes for Legoland and the Legoland Water Park here.

Special Offers & Discounts

Always check the Legoland website for special offers and discounts. These often appear during summer months and public holidays. You can find more offers here.

Motiongate Dubai

So, what is Motiongate? This UAE-based theme park features a selection of favorite Hollywood movies and characters. But don’t be misled by its lesser-known name; it rivals any US movie-themed park!

Motiongate is divided into five main sections:

• Columbia Pictures – a delightful mix of movie favorites like Ghostbusters, the Green Hornet, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, and Hotel Transylvania.
• The Smurfs Village – offers all things Smurfy.
• Lionsgate – exciting rides and simulators based on Hunger Games and other action-packed films.
• DreamWorks – an indoor theme park featuring beloved characters from Shrek, How to Train Your Dragon, Madagascar, and Kung Fu Panda.
• Studio Central – the hub that connects the park’s various areas and features many shopping opportunities.

The rides vary from easy-paced experience-based adventures (like Shrek and Hotel Transylvania) to rollercoasters, fast river rides, and 4D simulators. There are numerous shows and opportunities to meet your favorite characters throughout the park.

Is Motiongate Suitable for Toddlers?

There is a surprisingly good mix of rides for younger children at Motiongate. Kids under 1.00m can experience:

• Hotel Transylvania – a ride through the hotel set (90cm)
• Ghostbusters Battle for New York – a shooting game (92cm)
• Mr. Ping’s Noodle Fling – spinning cups (90cm)
• Melman Go-Round – a merry-go-round (95cm)
• Shrek’s Merry Fairy Tale – an interactive story ride (92cm)
• Smurfs Studio Tour – a behind-the-scenes ride (90cm)

There are several climbing and play areas for kids, the largest being the Woodland Play Park. Indoors, Flint’s Imagination Lab and the Smurfberry Factory offer great play opportunities. In the DreamWorks Dragon Zone, you’ll also find Camp Viking, where little ones can explore splashy water features on Viking longboats.

While children may have to wait for their turn if they have older siblings, there seems to be a nice balance of attractions for all age groups in each section—except Lionsgate, which is primarily aimed at tweens and older audiences.

Are There Long Ride Queues at Motiongate?

Expect to encounter longer lines for popular rides during weekends and holidays. On the busiest days, wait times can exceed an hour, but this is not the usual experience. Similar to Legoland, visiting midweek during the hottest months will likely allow for a nearly queue-free day.

Is It Worth Getting a Q-Fast?

If visiting during busy winter holidays or weekends, a Q-Fast may be beneficial, but be prepared for some waiting! Many mistakenly believe this means no line, but Q-Fast just places you in a shorter queue; ride operatives fill rides from both regular and Q-Fast lines.

You can upgrade to a Q-Fast at customer service on the day based on the busy level. It’s a bit of a pricey addition (price fluctuates based on demand, so expect AED 150-300) and is recommended if you’re pressed for time or want to fit in numerous attractions.

Note: VIP Annual Pass holders automatically receive Q-Fast privileges.

Are There Single-Rider Options at Motiongate?

Sadly, no. The single-rider system allows individuals who don’t mind riding alone to fill open seats on rides, typically resulting in a shorter wait time. However, this option is not available at Motiongate.

Is Motiongate Open in the Summer?

Yes, the park operates year-round. Though moving between sections may be challenging in the heat, most rides are indoors, so at least the lines are air-conditioned!

The entire DreamWorks section, being indoors, offers hours of entertainment away from the heat.

Motiongate stays open until late in the evening. If you’re visiting in summer, consider arriving after sunset to avoid peak heat.

What Does Motiongate Dubai Cost?

Motiongate Dubai 1-Day Ticket

Like Legoland, a one-day pass for Motiongate costs AED 295 if booked online at least a day in advance; tickets bought at the gate will cost AED 330 per person.

Additionally, consider purchasing a combined 2-Parks Pass for visits to Legoland, Legoland Water Park, or Real Madrid World on the same day. Motiongate opens at 11 a.m. and closes at 8 p.m. on weekdays and at 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, providing an excellent opportunity to pair visits with the Lego parks, which close at 6 p.m.

As previously mentioned, if you plan to visit three parks in Dubai, the iVenture Dubai Theme Park Pass is the best value we’ve found, including options for top Dubai water parks.

The parks are about a 10-minute walk apart, and you can enjoy a pleasant stroll through Riverland, which often has street entertainment and events happening.

Motiongate Dubai Annual Pass

Annual passes for Motiongate start at AED 495 for the silver package, climbing up to AED 795 for the platinum package. Here’s a breakdown of the benefits each offers:

• Silver – unlimited access (excluding blackout dates with a AED 50 charge), 10% discount on food and beverages within the park, and a 20% discount on in-park photos – AED 495 per person.
• Gold – includes unlimited access, free popcorn (up to 6 visits), 15% discount on food and beverages and retail, 20% off in-park photos, and a nanny pass for an additional AED 50 – AED 595 per person.
• Platinum – unlimited access, up to 6 free meals, drinks, and popcorns, free Q-Fast, 20% discount on food and beverages and retail, and 30% discount on additional admission tickets – AED 795 per person.

You can find more information on ticket prices, annual passes, and special offers here.

IMG Worlds of Adventure

Our last mention in the running for Dubai’s best theme park is a diverse experience. It may not have an internationally recognizable name, but mentions of Marvel Comics, Cartoon Network, and Lost Valley help illustrate the attractions you can expect!

Covering 1.5 million square feet, this theme park is ideal for thrill-seekers—particularly if you’re on the taller side! It features six main zones:

• Marvel – attractions based on Hulk, Avengers, Spider-Man, and Thor.
• Lost Valley – dino-themed rides and adventures.
• Cartoon Network – live shows, plus Ben 10 and Powerpuff Girls rides.
• IMG Boulevard – dining and shopping area & Boulevard Express train for little ones.
• The Haunted Town – home to the infamous “Haunted House” (for guests aged 15 years and older, ID will be checked).
• IMG Kids Zone – tailored for the youngest visitors.

Situated on the outskirts of Dubai along the E311, near Global Village and Arabian Ranches, there is a hotel shuttle service available; however, it stops at multiple locations, so you might prefer a taxi for a direct trip.

Is IMG Worlds of Adventure Suitable for Toddlers?

While some sections are suitable for young kids, overall, this theme park is not optimized for younger visitors. Entry is charged once children reach 1.05m, though at that height, their ride choices will still be minimal.

There are play areas in LazyTown Robbie’s Liar, the Dinosaur Adventure Zone, and the Adventure Fortress. A newly developed kids’ zone offers inflatable playgrounds, climbing walls, a football pitch, slides, and a sweeper game. Access to this area incurs an additional fee of AED 50 for one hour or AED 100 for the whole day (but remember, entry to the park is free if they are under 1.05m). It can be tricky for taller preschoolers, though.

The IMG Kids Zone is a fantastic addition to the park, but it necessitates having someone who can supervise the little ones while older family members indulge in the more exhilarating rides throughout IMG Worlds.

Overall, kids will enjoy IMG Worlds of Adventure significantly more when they exceed 1.2m in height and gain near-unrestricted access above 1.3m.

Are There Long Queues at IMG Worlds of Adventure?

Be prepared to be patient during weekends and public holidays. Arrive early and head straight to your must-try rides to minimize waiting times.

Weekdays generally see less crowd, except for school holidays. On busy weekends, consider upgrading to include an Ultimate Fast Pass to make the most of your visit.

Can You Do a “Family Rider Swap” at IMG Worlds of Adventure?

Yes! We’re pleased to inform you that should you have a little one who’s too short for particular rides, your group can queue together, allowing parents to switch riders after their turn without requiring a second wait.

Can You Visit IMG Worlds of Adventure in the Summer?

Certainly! This fully indoor park is your best bet for escaping the summer heat.

What Does IMG Stand For?

Good question! It’s named after its UAE owners and operators, Ilyas and Mustafa Galadari (IMG).

What Does IMG Worlds of Adventure Cost?

A one-day pass costs AED 365 — you can pre-book discounted tickets through Get Your Guide. Annual passes are available from AED 765. Entry is free for children under 1.05m.

Accommodation Near Dubai’s Theme Parks

Dubai Parks and Resorts features Lapita, Dubai Parks & Resort, located conveniently next to Riverland and within easy walking distance of the parks. Direct booking can yield inclusive ticket and accommodation packages.

If you’re a Lego enthusiast, consider the 4-star Legoland Dubai Hotel. Themed completely around Lego, it offers options for Kingdom, Ninjago, Pirates, Adventure, and Friends-themed rooms. And you’ll receive complimentary theme park tickets for each night of your stay! Learn more here.

For those on a budget, consider checking out Rove at The Park. This value hotel chain, located near the Dubai Outlet Mall in Jebel Ali, offers shuttle service to and from the theme parks, often at a lower rate than the resort hotels.

IMG Worlds of Adventure is situated in a somewhat remote area of Dubai concerning accommodation. You might find staying in popular areas like Downtown Dubai or Jumeirah Beach more convenient and then taking a taxi or shuttle bus. You can find accommodation options nearby here:

Need to Stay at Another Dubai Resort? Check out our guide to the best family hotels and resorts in Dubai, where we feature hotels that offer extra perks such as water parks and slides!

Other UAE Theme Parks

As stated earlier, we’ve only covered the main new theme parks in Dubai and have excluded water parks from this discussion.

Additionally, we have not mentioned the theme parks located on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Ferrari World, Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi, and the new Seaworld Abu Dhabi can all be found just a 45-minute drive further west of the Dubai Parks and Resorts (about an hour and ten minutes from Downtown Dubai without traffic).

For a more in-depth discussion of these theme parks, please visit our partner site, Abu Dhabi Travel Planner.

Are There Better Places to Take Your Toddler in Dubai?

Frankly, yes! While toddlers can participate in some activities at each theme park, these parks are not ideally suited for very young children. If you’re visiting Dubai with only toddlers (with no older siblings), there are far better-themed entertainment options than large theme parks.

OliOli experiential play museum and Woohoo! are two much better hands-on choices tailored for toddlers in Dubai. Additionally, the city has many soft play centers! Consider larger edutainment chains like Caboodle, Fabyland, and KidsHQ.

Our Verdict: Is There a “Best” Theme Park in Dubai for Families?

Determining the ‘best’ can be subjective. However, in our experience, families with younger children often prefer Legoland and the Legoland Water Park. For families with older children, Motiongate tends to be a better fit due to its combination of indoor and thrilling attractions.

That said, if you’re a true thrill-seeker, or just looking to escape the intense Dubai heat, IMG Worlds should be your top choice.

We’re here to help with any questions related to Dubai’s theme parks! With years of experience taking our kids to all of these parks, we can assist you in finding which one might best suit your family’s needs.