Dubai Mall Aquarium

10 Unique Day Trips from Atlantis Dubai with Kids (2025 Guide)

If you’re checking into Atlantis Dubai, chances are you’re already picturing its gleaming towers, epic waterslides, and that stretch of private beach where the kids can run wild. But here’s the thing: Dubai isn’t just about the resort life. Step outside those iconic pink arches, and you’ll find a city full of surprises—golden deserts rippling to the horizon, futuristic frames slicing the skyline, and flower gardens blooming in the middle of the desert.

I’ve put together a list of 10 unique day trips from Atlantis to do with kids. With so much choice, the real question is, will you ride camels across the dunes, drift down Dubai Creek on a traditional dhow, or let the kids lose themselves in a rainforest—indoors, in the middle of the desert?

🇦🇪 Which Dubai day trip is for you? 🐪🌴

🐪 For Arabian adventure: Half Day Desert Safari, Camels, Quad Bike, Dunebashing
⛵️ For skyline views by water: Dubai Marina Dhow Cruise with Dinner
🖼 For futuristic thrills + city views: Dubai Frame Glass Walkway Experience
🌿 For nature + wildlife indoors: The Green Planet Indoor Rainforest
🌸 For colorful photo ops: Dubai Miracle Garden with Kids
🚐 For an off-the-grid escape: Day Trip to Hatta Dam (kayaking + mountains)
🕌 For cultural contrast: Explore Old Dubai’s Al Fahidi Historical District
🐧 For snow in the desert: Ski Dubai Experience at Mall of the Emirates
💦 For dazzling evenings: Dubai Fountain Show by Boat Ride
🐠 For aquatic fun beyond Atlantis: Dubai Mall Aquarium + KidZania

When we stayed at the Atlantis we actually chose to have a day out at Legoland Dubai , purely because my sister is a Lego fanatic and insisted upon it ! I will be writing about that in my next article, but if you enjoy Lego like my family do then I can highly recommend it.

10 Unique Day Trips to take from Atlantis Dubai with Kids

1. Half-Day Desert Safari, Camels, Quad Bike & Refreshment🐪✨

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3900 + 5 star reviews. Read reviews.

family petting a camel in the dubai desert

Head out to Dubai’s famous red dunes for a safari that blends thrills with tradition. Start with dune bashing in a 4×4 — a rollercoaster-style ride over the sand that older kids love. Then, slow things down with camel rides, sandboarding, and a chance to meet a falcon up close. You’ll also enjoy refreshments in a Bedouin-style tent, making it the perfect mix of culture and adventure. Teens can even add on quad biking for an extra adrenaline rush.

Perks: Dune bashing, camel rides, sandboarding, falcon encounter, Bedouin tent refreshments, optional quad bikes.
Skip if: You’re traveling with toddlers or kids who get car sick.
Book if: You want a thrilling desert adventure balanced with authentic Emirati culture.
💡 Parent Tip: Many operators offer a gentler dune-bashing option if you request it in advance — perfect for younger kids.

2. Dubai Marina Dhow Cruise with Dinner & Live Entertainment 🚤✨

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 15 + 5 star reviews Read Reviews

Set sail on a traditional wooden dhow through the sparkling Dubai Marina, where skyscrapers light up the night. Families can enjoy a buffet dinner with international and Emirati dishes, while live entertainment — from traditional Tanoura dancing to soft background music — keeps the atmosphere festive. Kids will love spotting yachts and the glittering skyline, while parents can unwind on the open deck with a cool evening breeze.

Perks: Scenic night cruise, buffet dinner, live entertainment, skyline views.
Skip if: Your little ones get restless sitting still for long stretches.
Book if: You want a relaxed evening that blends culture, dining, and unforgettable views of Dubai at night.
💡 Parent Tip: Arrive early for a top-deck seat — kids will love the open-air views, and it’s quieter than the main dining area.

3. Dubai Frame Glass Walkway Experience 🖼️🌆

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Better than the Burj for kids!” Read Reviews

Dubai glass frame

Ride the elevator up 150 meters and watch your kids squeal as they step onto the transparent glass walkway. One side shows old Dubai’s winding alleys; the other, the futuristic skyline. It’s thrilling, family-friendly, and way less crowded than the Burj Khalifa.

✨ Perks: Panoramic views, glass walkway, shorter lines.

❌ Skip if: Someone in the family has a serious fear of heights.

✅ Book if: You want a high-rise thrill without the crowds or hassle.

4. The Green Planet Indoor Rainforest 🌿🦜

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “A hidden gem for families.” Read Reviews

Step into a lush, four-story indoor rainforest in the middle of Dubai. Kids can spot sloths, parrots, reptiles, and tropical plants — it feels like stepping into the Amazon. Educational yet fun, it’s a cool break from the desert heat.

✨ Perks: Hands-on learning, exotic wildlife, air-conditioned comfort.

❌ Skip if: Your kids aren’t into animals or interactive exhibits.

✅ Book if: You want an immersive, educational adventure indoors.

5. Dubai Miracle Garden 🌸🌈

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Instagram heaven.” Read Reviews

Imagine 150 million flowers blooming into giant castles, cartoon characters, and tunnels of color. It’s whimsical, bright, and surprisingly fun for families — especially for younger kids who love exploring the sculptures.

✨ Perks: Colorful photo ops, stroller-friendly paths, unique only-to-Dubai attraction.

❌ Skip if: You’re visiting in the peak of summer (it’s closed during hottest months).

✅ Book if: You want a magical, colorful stroll the kids will remember forever.

6. Hatta Dam & Mountain Escape 🚐🏞️

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Worth the drive!” See tours here

Swap the city’s glitz for turquoise waters and rugged mountains. At Hatta Dam, families can kayak, paddle, or just soak up the fresh mountain air. It’s the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation — and feels a world away from Atlantis, even though it’s just a short drive.

✨ Perks: Kayaking, mountain scenery, cooler air.

❌ Skip if: You don’t want to spend extra time driving (around 90 minutes each way).

✅ Book if: You want a refreshing nature escape with active kids.

7. Explore Old Dubai’s Al Fahidi District 🕌📜

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “A cultural highlight.” Plan your visit

Step back in time among winding alleys, traditional wind-tower houses, and hidden courtyards. This heritage area shows kids what Dubai was like before the skyscrapers. Pair it with a visit to a museum or a traditional café for a full cultural immersion.

✨ Perks: History, culture, authentic architecture.

❌ Skip if: Your kids get restless with slower-paced sightseeing.

✅ Book if: You want your family to see Dubai’s heritage side.

8. Ski Dubai at Mall of the Emirates 🐧❄️

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Snow fun in the desert.” Check tickets

Yes, you can ski in Dubai! This indoor snow park has ski slopes, sledding, and even real penguins. Kids love the novelty, and parents love the fact it’s all indoors and air-conditioned. It’s quirky, unexpected, and a guaranteed win for kids of all ages.

✨ Perks: Penguins, skiing, sledding, indoor snow fun.

❌ Skip if: Your family isn’t into cold-weather activities.

✅ Book if: You want a once-in-a-lifetime “snow in the desert” experience.

9. Dubai Fountain Show by Boat 💦🌃

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Mesmerizing up close.” Book your ride

Sure, you can watch the fountain show from the mall — but from a boat on Burj Lake, it’s next-level magical. Kids get front-row seats to the dazzling water jets choreographed to music, while parents enjoy an unforgettable evening skyline backdrop.

✨ Perks: Unique view, magical atmosphere, short experience (great for kids).

❌ Skip if: You prefer free activities — you can watch from the shore at no cost.

✅ Book if: You want a short, dazzling evening activity that feels special.

10. Dubai Mall Aquarium & KidZania 🐠🎢

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Kept the kids busy for hours.” See tickets

Atlantis has an aquarium — but Dubai Mall takes it to another level. Kids can walk through giant underwater tunnels, see sharks and rays, then head to KidZania — an indoor city where kids role-play jobs from pilots to doctors. It’s educational, interactive, and keeps little ones entertained for hours.

✨ Perks: Huge aquarium, interactive kids’ city, full-day activity.

❌ Skip if: You’re short on time — this one needs at least half a day.

✅ Book if: You want a fun, immersive option that mixes learning with play.

Dubai Day Trips FAQs 🌴🐪

Is it worth leaving Atlantis Dubai for day trips?

Yes! Atlantis is a destination in itself, but stepping outside the resort gives your family a richer Dubai experience. A desert safari, dhow cruise, or a visit to the Dubai Frame shows you a side of the city you’d never see if you stayed only inside the resort.

How far are the main Dubai attractions from Atlantis?

Most top attractions — like the Dubai Frame, Green Planet, or Dubai Mall — are 20–40 minutes by car. Hatta Dam is the exception, which takes about 90 minutes each way, but rewards you with mountains, kayaking, and fresh air.

Are desert safaris suitable for young kids?

They can be — but choose carefully. Avoid the high-speed dune-bashing tours, which can be too intense. Instead, look for family-friendly safaris that offer camel rides, sandboarding, and cultural shows in a more relaxed setting.

Do I need to prebook tours like dhow cruises or Ski Dubai?

Yes, especially in peak season (November–April). Popular tours often sell out, and booking in advance guarantees your spot. Viator and GetYourGuide also include extras like hotel transfers, which make things easier when traveling with kids.

What’s the best way to get around Dubai with kids?

The easiest option is usually taxis or private transfers — they’re reliable, safe, and relatively affordable compared to other big cities. The metro is clean and efficient, but not always practical with young kids and strollers. Many tours also include pickup from Atlantis, which takes the stress out of transport.

Final Thoughts 🌟

Atlantis Dubai is already a dream for families — but these 10 unique day trips turn your vacation into something unforgettable. Whether it’s watching your kids marvel at camels in the desert, seeing their jaws drop at a glass walkway in the sky, or kayaking on turquoise waters just outside the city, Dubai is full of surprises waiting just beyond the resort gates.

👉 If you’re planning a stay, don’t miss my full Atlantis Dubai review for families for my insights of activities inside the resort.

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3 Comments

  1. These trips look amazing. We’ve been to Abu Dhabi but not Dubai and it’s somewhere on our list. I’ve made a note of these! Thank you.

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