During our family trip to Dubai, one of the places that truly blew us away was The Dubai Mall. While it’s famous as one of the largest shopping malls in the world, we quickly realized it’s so much more than just a place to shop. Packed with incredible attractions, dining options, and activities for kids and adults alike, The Dubai Mall turned out to be a full-day adventure for our family—and a highlight of our trip.
Here’s what made our visit so memorable and why The Dubai Mall is a must-visit destination for families traveling to Dubai.
First Impressions: A World of Possibilities
Stepping into The Dubai Mall is like entering a world of endless possibilities. With over 1,200 shops, 200 dining outlets, and attractions ranging from an aquarium to an ice rink, the sheer scale of it is mind-boggling. For our son, it felt like exploring a giant, magical playground—every corner seemed to have something new and exciting to discover.
The mall is conveniently located in Downtown Dubai, right next to the iconic Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain, so it’s easy to combine your visit with these other landmarks. We decided to spend the entire day there, knowing there would be plenty to keep us all entertained.
Family-Friendly Attractions at The Dubai Mall
While The Dubai Mall is a shopper’s paradise, what really sets it apart are its world-class attractions. Here’s what we loved the most:
Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
This was an absolute favorite for our son (and honestly, for us too!). Located right inside the mall, the Dubai Aquarium is home to thousands of marine animals, including sharks, rays, and colorful fish. Walking through the underwater tunnel was a surreal experience, with marine life swimming all around and above us.
The Underwater Zoo upstairs offers even more to explore, with exhibits featuring crocodiles, otters, and even penguins. It’s educational, interactive, and a perfect way to keep kids engaged for hours.
VR Park
If your family loves gaming and virtual reality, don’t miss the VR Park. It’s an immersive gaming experience that features everything from VR roller coasters to interactive adventures. While some attractions are more suited for older kids and adults, there were a few fun and less intense options that our son really enjoyed, like virtual dune buggy racing.
Dubai Ice Rink
Who would’ve thought you could go ice skating in the middle of a desert? The Dubai Ice Rink offers a cool escape from the city’s heat and is a great way to mix things up during your visit. Whether you’re a pro skater or a total beginner (like us!), it’s a fun activity for the whole family.
Kidzania
If you’re traveling with younger children, Kidzania is a must-visit. It’s a kid-sized city where children can take on real-world roles like firefighters, chefs, or doctors. Our son loved the chance to “work” in a LEGO factory and earn Kidzania currency to spend on fun activities. It’s an educational and entertaining experience that gives parents a little downtime too!
The Waterfall
Even something as simple as a stroll through the mall is full of surprises. One of the standout features is the Waterfall, a stunning indoor cascade that spans multiple floors and features beautiful sculptures of divers. It’s a great photo spot and a relaxing place to take a break.
Shopping and Dining: Something for Everyone
While we didn’t do a ton of shopping (our son was much more interested in the attractions), The Dubai Mall offers everything from luxury brands to family-friendly stores like the LEGO Store and Hamleys. It’s easy to find something for everyone, whether you’re after high-end fashion, souvenirs, or toys.
When it came to food, we were spoiled for choice. The mall’s dining options cater to all tastes and budgets, with cuisines ranging from Middle Eastern to Italian, Asian, and American. We opted for a casual lunch at The Cheesecake Factory (always a hit with our son!) and later treated ourselves to ice cream from Cold Stone Creamery.
For a unique experience, the Time Out Market offers a range of gourmet food stalls, and the outdoor seating lets you enjoy views of the Dubai Fountain while you eat.
Tips for Visiting The Dubai Mall with Kids
- Plan Your Day: The Dubai Mall is enormous, so it’s a good idea to decide in advance which attractions you want to visit. We prioritized the aquarium, VR Park, and Kidzania, leaving plenty of time to explore and relax.
- Use the Map: The mall is so big that it’s easy to get lost. Grab a map at one of the information desks or download the mall’s app to help you navigate.
- Take Breaks: With so much to see and do, it’s easy to get tired. There are plenty of seating areas throughout the mall, so take breaks and refuel with snacks or drinks as needed.
- Visit Early: The mall can get crowded, especially in the evening, so arriving early is a good way to beat the rush and enjoy a more relaxed experience.
- Combine with the Dubai Fountain and Burj Khalifa: Since the mall is right next to these attractions, it’s easy to plan your visit around them. We ended our day with the Dubai Fountain Show, which was a magical way to wrap things up.
Final Thoughts
The Dubai Mall is more than just a shopping center—it’s a destination in its own right, offering endless entertainment and attractions for the whole family. For us, it was a day filled with adventure, discovery, and plenty of photo-worthy moments. Whether you’re watching sharks glide through the aquarium, skating on an ice rink, or simply marveling at the sheer scale of it all, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
If you’re planning a trip to Dubai with kids, The Dubai Mall is an absolute must-visit. It’s a place where you can shop, eat, play, and explore all in one incredible location. And trust me, your kids will be talking about it long after your trip is over!