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Time Out Dubai

35 fun play areas in Dubai that the kids won't want to leave

Play is how little people make sense of the world and it brings them joy (and parents too when they get some peace and quiet). Luckily, there are loads of play areas in Dubai to take the kiddos to let loose, from adventurous soft play areas to immersive indoor playgrounds, to edutainment spots. Wondering where to take the little ones to fill their free time with maximum fun? Keep reading as these indoor play areas in Dubai are sure to put a smile on your kids' faces. Play areas in Dubai to drop off your kids Jump to: Indoor kids' play areas in Dubai Boo Boo Land (Credit: Boo Boo Land) The play area in Dubai Mall boasts everything you need to keep the kids entertained. Spanning over 25,000 square metres, there are over 30 attractions from a snow park to a princess dress-up area, trampolines and interactive shows. Offering something for ages spanning from babies to teens, get lost in the new playground paradise. From Dhs190. Open daily 10am-11pm. Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai, (050 189 8140). Cheeky Monkeys soft play centres are great places for the kids to let off some steam. Neon-lit slides, mini zip lines, dressing-up areas and ball pits provide endless entertainment. Plus, there's a café serving hot kid-friendly meals and coffee for mums and dads – a must for play areas in Dubai. Dhs63 (one hour play) Dhs35 (every additional hour). Times vary. JBR, Downtown, Palm Jumeirah, Mirdif, Al Ain, Arabian Ranches. (04 276 0011). Kids HQ Less shiny and new than others but still packed with fun – and also at a more affordable price. High-energy kiddos will love running, climbing and jumping as they play on the various slides, in the ball pit and on the trampolines. There is also a dedicated area for the tiniest of fun-seekers with a smaller ball pit and play house. Dhs65 (two hours). Open Mon-Thu 9am-7pm; Fri-Sun 10am-9pm. Umm Suqeim Road, Dubai, (04 548 6626). Koala Kids Credit: Koala Kids This space in Al Quoz is suitable for kids aged two to ten and has plenty to do, split over two levels. With a trampoline park, soft play area with slides, climbing frames and more as well as a digital games area, they'll be fully entertained and the time will fly by. There's a café, too, so grab a coffee and refuel while the little ones have a snack. What's more, tickets are 10 percent off for siblings. Dhs85 (one hour, Mon-Thu, all ages), Dhs125 (one-hour, Fri-Sun). Open Mon-Thu 10am-7pm; Fri-Sun 9am-9pm. Al Quoz, (04 298 8404). Leo&Loona Credit: Leo&Loona Leo&Loona at Dubai Festival City Mall opened in late 2023 and sprawls over 2,200 sq m. There's heaps to get involved in with more than 20 attractions and more than ten creative workshops for kids aged two to ten. Think trampolines, ball pools, climbing walls, pedal go-karts and more. There's also a café, while Leo&Loona hosts kids' masterclasses in bath bombs, slime, cooking and more. Dhs179 (Mon-Fri, full-day pass), Dhs229 (Sat-Sun, full-day pass), free (under twos). Open Mon-Thu 10am-11pm; Fri-Sat 10am-midnight. Dubai Festival City Mall, (04 237 5454). Little Island (Credit: Supplied) If you've got a little Ethan Hunt in the house looking for their next mission impossible, take them to the soft play area of Adventure Island in City Centre Deira, called Little Island. Little ones aged four to ten years can make their way through padded climbing structures, slides, ball pits, trampolines and sweat it out at interactive zones. Meanwhile tweens and teens have plenty of brilliant activities to check out at this spot. Brought to us by the people behind one of the ultimate indoor adventure playground, TEPfactor, there's everything from Prison Island to laser tag to canopy trails and laser mazes for the older kids to explore. Dhs69 (4-10 years, height restrictions apply). Open Sun-Thu 10am-10pm. Fri-Sat 10am-midnight. City Centre Deira, (052 120 0061) Mini Bounce Credit: Mini Bounce This cute play area is ideal for smaller kids and is a more recent addition to the Springs Souk. The open-plan area makes it easy to keep an eye on kids, while there's a huge ball pit, slides and tunnels to climb through, plus, of course, trampolines for them to burn off any extra energy. There's a small music-based space too, plus a large café if you want to refuel after all that jumping – with tickets often having meal deals included. This spot is just for the tots, as the maximum height is 140cm. Dhs80. Open daily 10am-10pm. Springs Souk, Emirates Living, (04 304 9333). This play-and-learn edutainment centre is all about feeding inquisitive little minds. Built around hands-on activities that nurture curiosity, imagination and exploration, OliOli has eight galleries and over 40 interactive exhibits spread over two floors. Each space features artistic, innovative concepts that create a one-of-its-kind educative play experience. From Dhs139 (kids aged 2-16), Dhs69 (kids aged 12-23 months). Open daily 10am-7pm. Al Quoz 1, (04 702 7300). Orange Wheels Little adventurers between the ages of six months to ten years old have free rein to run, jump and explore this soft play destination where they can burn off energy in a safe environment. There are indoor slides, ball pits, role play areas and even arts and crafts. Parents who want to keep an eye on their tots can stick around and kick back in the café with a coffee, plus there are plenty of locations so you're never far from the fun. Dhs115 (two hours).Various locations including Circle Mall, JVC; Nakheel Mall, Palm Jumeirah and Town Centre Jumeirah, Playtorium Credit: Playtorium This chilled out spot in Meadows Village has a large indoor play area with huge slides, climbing frames and even a mini toboggan. There are plenty of places to run around, while there's also a toddlers' area for the under-threes, which is separate, with a smaller slide and plenty of role play areas including a kitchen, supermarket, garage and building site. And right now, there's a special summer offer that allows littles ones to enjoy two hours of playtime for just Dhs63. Dhs80 (one-hour), Dhs110 (two hours). Open daily 9am-10pm. Meadows Village, Emirates Living, (052 838 4116). Ready Steady Go This under-the-sea themed kids indoor play area is the perfect spot for kids this summer. Apart from a range of oceanic adventures to explore, there's also an arts and crafts room, a beauty salon and interactive games to check out. With giant dolphins, starfish and octopuses floating overhead, and a sea of aquatic colours all around, little ones will feel like they've been transported to a mini Atlantis. Dhs99 (two hours, with nuggets or pizza), Dhs150 (day pass). Open Sun-Thu 10am-10pm, Fri-Sat 10am-11pm. Sports Society, Mirdiff, @readysteadygouae (04 236 3305). The Green Planet in Dubai's City Walk is a biodome designed to educate kiddos on the dangers facing the world's rainforests. It is an immersive experience, designed to allow its inhabitants to live as they would in the wild, with a broadly diverse ecosystem of creatures and jungle creatures. More than 3,000 exotic animals and plants (including two resident sloths) are housed in the indoor four-storey tropical rainforest. From Dhs155 (adult), Dhs135 (kids aged 2-10). Open daily 10am-6pm. City Walk, Al Safa Street, (800 2629464). This edutainment destination aimed at kids up to 12 promises a fun blend of education, discovery, development and play across 10 themed galleries. Each gallery hosts cool interactive exhibits designed to spark children's curiosity, imagination and innovation whilst delivering clear learning objectives (just don't tell the little ones). Book online to get the ticket for less. From Dhs139 (adult and child). Open daily 10am-7pm. Al Quoz, (800 966466). Best kids playground in parks Al Awir Park The 10,500 square metre park is packed full of swings, slides, open-air fitness equipment, exercise tracks and play areas to keep everyone busy and active. As well as play areas, you can also make the most of green spaces and the jogging tracks. Free. Open 24 hours. Al Awir 2. Al Barari Playground As playground areas go, this one knocks it out of the park. A set-in-nature wonderland for little (and big) adventurers, there are floating bridges to cross, treehouses to explore, cargo nets and giant slides to climb, pirate ships to conquer and water-filled coves to splash around in here. Dhs45 (two hours, Mon-Thu), Dhs58.5 (two hours, Fri-Sun). Open Tue-Sun 8am-8pm. Al Barari. (056 686 7439). Al Khazzan Park Al Khazzan Park might be small but it's got a decent-sized play area for children, this place is a low-key, urban sanctuary There are also picnic benches making it a great place to pack up a lunch box for when hunger strikes. Free. Open Sat-Wed 8am-10pm; Thu-Fri 8am-11pm. Al Safa Street, Satwa (800 900). Al Sufouh Park This park is well-maintained and family-friendly with swings and slides plus areas for football and basketball. Grassy spaces for chilling are also available and Burj Khalifa views. Free. Sun-Wed 8am-10pm; Thu-Sat 8am-11pm. Al Sufouh. Dubai Hills Park Dubai Hills Park boasts swings, slides, monkey bars and cargo net-filled playgrounds which are open to both residents and non-residents and free to use. A sheltered-from-the-sun splash park and wave pool, skate park and ice rink all add to the fun and mean that this park appeals to tweens and teens as well as smaller children. Free. Open 24 hours. Dubai Hills, (04 567 2030). JLT Park Whether you're a JLT-dweller or live a little further afield, should you and the clan be seeking some thrifty, post-school al fresco entertainment, the play areas in JLT Park are well worth a visit. Little ones can enjoy toddler-safe rides, swings and slides, while their older pals burn off energy hurtling along zip lines and scurrying up the large black spider's web climbing frame. Free. Open 24 hours. Cluster P, Jumeirah Lake Towers. Mushrif Park Mushrif Park is a lush forest teaming with wildlife. Kiddos can explore an equestrian centre, running tracks, a swimming pool, sports courts, play areas, a mini global village with traditional houses and more. Dhs10 per car, Dhs3 per person. Open Sun-Wed 8am-10pm; Thu-Sat, 8am-11pm. Al Khawaneej St (04 288 3624). Sustainable City Park Expect all the farm feels at Sustainable City Park. Visitors can feed the ducks, say hello to the donkeys and goats and admire the peacocks strutting about in their enclosed area. After that, challenge the kids to navigate their way through the mini maze and climb to the top of the lookout tower, swing high into the sky on the upcycled tyre swings and have a pretend tea party in the wooden tree house that overlooks the equestrian centre. Free. Open 24 hours. Al Qudra Rd, (04 347 5955). Town Square Park The large grassy expanse (ideal for impromptu sports days and football games), water fountains, super-fun splash zone and good-sized play park with apparatus for different ages mean that you can easily spend a good few hours at Town Square Park. Free. Open Sun-Wed 11am-9pm; Thu-Sat 11am-10pm. Al Quadra Road, (800 674262). Umm Suqeim Park Umm Sequim Park (or Burj Park Beach) has a set-in-the-sand playground area. Pack up a picnic and head here for a play, then make your way across the road for ice cream and sandcastle building. Note that the park is only open to women and children during the week. All family members are welcome at the weekend. Free. Daily 8am-10pm. Jumeriah 3. Best restaurants with indoor play areas Café Confetti Credit: @ As cute and cosy as the name suggests, this pretty little spot in JLT has plenty to keep toddlers and little kids entertained with tepees, a wooden kitchen, toy cars and more. Open daily 8am-9pm. Cluster U, JLT, (04 554 6206). Common Grounds Credit: @_common.grounds_ This cool spot in Nakheel Mall serves brilliant coffee and comes from the team behind Tom&Serg and The Sum of Us. The best thing about this branch, however, is the fact there's an enclosed kids' play area with toys, books, puzzles, games and a doll's house that will keep little ones entertained while you drink your cuppa. Open Sun-Thu 8am-9.30pm; Fri-Sat 8am-11.30pm. Nakheel Mall, Palm Jumeirah, @_common.grounds_ (050 900 1699). Luigia Kids will love the playroom at family-friendly Italian, Luigia. The dedicated space for little ones has soft play toys, a video game machine, arts and crafts options and books, as well as a cosy cinema room. Open Mon-Fri 5.30pm-midnight; Sat-Sun 12.30pm-midnight. Rixos Premium Dubai, JBR, (04 349 6950). Osteria Mario and Shvili Credit: @osteriamario_dxb This restaurant in Dubai Hills Mall has an indoor play area in the centre of the space, boasting a tree house-style hideaway, soft toys, games and more to entertain the kids while you wait for your meal. There are two menus – one Italian and one Georgian, so there's plenty of choice when it comes to food, too. Open daily 9am-1am. Dubai Hills Mall, (052 929 2088). Ribambelle Credit: Ribambelle This fancy restaurant and play area Bluewaters Dubai opened in June 2024 and promises heaps of fun for all ages. Aimed at everyone from toddlers to grandparents, this licensed venue has arts and crafts, a slide and ball pit, quizzes, games and more to make sure your experience is fun-packed. There's a menu that ranges from breakfasts to snacks, mains, salads and more, with a kids menu that houses dishes from shrimp dumplings to chicken quesadillas. Plus there are burgers, pizzas and pastas for the whole fam, too. Open daily 10am-10pm. Bluewaters Dubai, (04 581 5555). Sanderson's Sanderson's looks out over Sustainable City's pretty plaza and is a great place for a wholesome breakfast or lunch. A compact but well-equipped indoor play section complete with a mini kitchen (always a winner for toddlers), wooden toys and games are perfect for smaller children. Open daily 7am-9pm. Diamond Plaza, Sustainable City, (04 580 4597). Tom & Serg There's no need to worry about rushing your flat white or powering through that plate of smashed avo on toast at speed for fear that the kids will soon be causing an uproar at Tom & Serg. Instead, let them pick their meal from the better-than-average children's menu and then amuse themselves in the kids' zone. Open, Mon-Fri 8am-4pm; Sat-Sun 8am-6pm. Al Quoz, (056 474 6812). Mondoux Mondoux is a modern restaurant with great locations in Dubai. It's the perfect mix of refined and casual, with strong European vibes. What's more, they have pretty lovely kids' playroom inside. So your little ones can have as much of a fabulous time as you do while chomping your way through pastries and coffees. Open Mon-Thu 8am-11.30pm, Fri-Sun 8am-12.30pm. The Beach, JBR, (050 137 2814) Best playgrounds in restaurants Maison Mathis Dubailand family favourite Maison Mathis has a small enclosed outdoor play area that certainly offers up enough excitement to keep little people entertained while you enjoy your coffee. The added bonus here is that if you snag yourself an indoor table close to the floor-to-ceiling windows or at just the right spot on the outdoor terrace, you can watch them play from the comfort of your chair. Open daily 8am-1am. Arabian Ranches, (04 450 1313). Phileas Fogg's The large, air-conditioned indoor-outdoor play area at Phileas Fogg's is one of the top playgrounds attached to a restaurant in Dubai. This one is probably best suited to the over-3s and in addition to the swings, slides and climbing apparatus, there's also a cute retro-style carousel. Kids tend to be fascinated by the quirky travel trinkets and ornamental hot air balloons dotted around the place too. Open Mon-Thu noon-1am; Fri-Sun 8am-2am. Address Montgomerie, Emirates Hills, (04 572 4477). Reform Social & Grill When the weather is good, we struggle to think of a better place for families to kick back and chill al fresco than at Reform. You can't go wrong with their classic pub grub, the roasts are great and the kids menu has plenty to offer. In addition to the outdoor playground area, there are also masses of green space for running about. Open daily 8am-midnight. The Lakes, (04 454 2638). The Farm Lots of tropical greenery, swoon-worthy views, a sun-dappled terrace, a tranquil vibe and a health-focused menu – a trip to The Farm for an outdoorsy brekkie or lunch is always likely to please. The grassy lawn to the left of the main building and the kid's climbing frames and swings means that it's not only the adults who will relish their time here. Open daily 7.30am-10.30pm. Al Barari, (04 392 5660). More things to do in Dubai 10 of the best family brunches in Dubai to bookmark for 2025 Mega brunches designed for every family occasion 51 brilliant family days out in the UAE For you and the little ones Planning an exciting day out? Visit these best theme parks in Dubai This might just be your best day out yet