Hi guys, on my website, I already wrote an article about safe areas in Dubai for first-timers (I will put the link to it at the end of this article). In today’s article, I will help you to find the best places to stay in Dubai for families with kids.
I will share with you what I believe are the best areas to stay in Dubai for families, along with a map. I’ll also share where I stayed in Dubai and recommend some of the best family-friendly hotels for various budgets.
Dubai is a popular tourist destination in the United Arab Emirates, situated on the southeast coast of the Persian Gulf. It is known for its extravagant architecture, luxury shopping, vibrant nightlife, and innovative development projects.
Famous landmarks in Dubai include the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, and the Palm Jumeirah, an artificial archipelago shaped like a palm tree. The city is also home to luxurious hotels like the Burj Al Arab, often referred to as the world’s only 7-star hotel.
The city also has a rich cultural heritage showcased in its museums, heritage sites, and traditional souks (markets). It has a diverse population comprising expatriates from all over the world.
Is Dubai a good place to visit with family?
Yes, Dubai is a great destination for a family vacation! It offers a wide range of attractions and activities suitable for all ages, from thrilling theme parks like Dubai Parks & Resorts, and IMG Worlds of Adventure to family-friendly beaches, such as JBR Beach and Kite Beach.
Your family can also explore iconic attractions like the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, and Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo. Just be sure to plan according to the weather, as summers in Dubai can be extremely hot, while winters are more pleasant for outdoor activities.
Where to stay in Dubai for families with kids?
The best areas to stay in Dubai for families with kids include Dubai Marina/JBR, Palm Jumeirah, Downtown Dubai, Deira, and Bur Dubai. These areas provide plenty of kid-friendly accommodations and easy access to family-friendly attractions and activities.
In general, Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence are popular areas for families who want a vibrant area with easy access to the beaches. This area is home to lots of dining and shopping options. You’ll be close to the Dubai Marina Mall, Dubai Marina Walk, and The Palm Jumeirah.
Palm Jumeirah is a great base for families who want a luxury beach holiday. This area is known for its iconic palm-shaped island, luxury resorts, private beaches, upscale dining, and family-friendly attractions.
Downtown Dubai is a convenient area for families who want to stay close to some of Dubai’s most iconic landmarks, including the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, Dubai Fountain, Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo. It is great for sightseeing, shopping, and experiencing the city’s vibrant energy.
For more authentic experience and budget-friendly accommodation, you can consider staying in Old Dubai, which include Deira and Bur Dubai. You can explore attractions like Al Fahidi Fort, the historic Al Bastakiya district, and traditional markets like the Gold and Spice Souks.
During my trip to Dubai, I traveled with my partner and stayed in Downtown Dubai at the mid-range Hotel Boulevard, Autograph Collection. It has a super central location, easy distance from iconic sights like The Dubai Fountain, Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa. This hotel may not be the best for big families, you can continue reading for more options below.
Below is a map of the popular areas in Dubai for families. You can scroll down to view the live map.
Let’s get into the details of the recommended areas to stay in Dubai, especially for families. I’ll provide you with some suggestions for the best places to stay in each area, catering to every budget.
All hotels in Dubai have been carefully selected by me from well-known and secure booking sites such as booking.com, with guest review scores of at least 8.0 or higher at the time I chose them.
If you don’t like my suggestions (perhaps they don’t suit your budget or preferences), you can click the “MORE HOTEL DEALS” button where you can choose your own hotel.
4 Best areas to stay in Dubai with family:
1. Dubai Marina & Jumeirah Beach Residences (JBR)
Dubai Marina & Jumeirah Beach Residence is one of the best areas to stay in Dubai for families, especially for those who want easy access to the beach, shopping mall, and vibrant atmosphere.
This area has a stunning waterfront promenade lined with skyscrapers, luxury yachts, and stylish cafes. It offers a glamorous and cosmopolitan atmosphere. It is home to numerous shopping malls and dining areas like The Beach JBR, Dubai Marina Mall, Pier 7, and Dubai Marina Walk.
You’ll be within walking distance from several beaches, including Marina Beach and JBR Beach. They are great places to relax, swim, or engage in watersports activities like jet skiing and parasailing.
For the more adventurous, Skydive Dubai, located near JBR, offers tandem skydiving experiences with breathtaking views of the coastline and iconic landmarks like the Palm Jumeirah and the Dubai Marina.
Best places to stay in Dubai Marina and JBR with kids:
Luxury ($$$): Sofitel Dubai Jumeirah Beach, 5-star family-friendly good value for money hotel located on Jumeirah Beach Residence and Dubai Marina, easy access to the white sandy beaches and JBR 2 tram station. Short distance from The Beach Mall, which is a popular place for seafront dining and entertainment. The hotel has free parking, comfortable family rooms, wonderful breakfast, and a pool.
Mid-range ($$): Royal Regency Suites Marina, 4-star children-friendly hotel in Dubai Marina, close to Dubai Mall, bridge and kids playgrounds. Great place for families with children of all ages including babies, toddlers, and teenagers. The two bedroom apartments are great options for families of 4. It also features an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center, laundry services, and rooms with kitchen facilities.
Mid-range ($$): City Premiere Marina Hotel Apartments, family-friendly apartment complex located near Marina Metro Station, featuring one, two, three, four-bedroom apartments that can accommodate up to 8 family members. Easy access to various restaurants, yacht, supermarkets, waterfront promenade and Marina Mall. You’ll have a self-catering accommodation with a full kitchen.
MORE HOTEL DEALS IN DUBAI MARINA2. Palm Jumeirah
Palm Jumeirah is a great location in Dubai for an exclusive beach holiday. It is known for its distinctive palm tree-shaped island featuring upscale resorts, lavish villas, and stunning waterfront views.
Your family can explore Aquaventure Waterpark, one of the largest water parks in the Middle East. It features thrilling rides, slides, and attractions for all ages, including a lazy river, water coaster, and a kids’ play area.
The Lost Chambers Aquarium is another family-friendly attraction in Dubai. It offers a fascinating underwater adventure where your family can explore ancient ruins and encounter a diverse range of marine life, including sharks, rays, and colorful fish.
Many of the resorts on Palm Jumeirah have their own private beaches, providing guests with exclusive access to pristine sands, crystal-clear waters, and a host of beachfront amenities such as cabanas, water sports rentals, and beachside dining options.
You can explore Nakheel Mall, a new retail and entertainment destination. It features a wide range of shops, restaurants, and entertainment facilities, including an indoor trampoline park, providing additional options for families to explore.
Best places to stay in Dubai in Palm Jumeirah with family:
Luxury ($$$): Atlantis, The Palm, super popular family-friendly hotel in Dubai, located on the famous Palm Jumeirah Island, featuring a private beach, underwater aquarium, a Kids Club, and many playgrounds for both children and adults. It also provides free access to the Aquaventure water park and the Lost Chambers Aquarium. They have many room options for families of 4, 5, and 6.
Luxury ($$$): Royal Central Hotel and Resort The Palm, 5-star children-friendly hotel in the man-made island of Palm Jumeirah, featuring a private beach area, 2 swimming pools, a 24-hour front desk, a tour desk, and an onsite restaurant serving Mediterranean cuisine. The Family room-Two connecting rooms are great options for families of 4.
Mid-range ($$): NH Collection Dubai The Palm, 4-star family-friendly hotel in Dubai, located 15 mins walk from Palm West Beach. The hotel welcomes children of all ages, and Children 12 and above will be charged as adults. It has many facilities including an outdoor swimming pool, free parking, a fitness center, a kids’ club, and two bedroom family rooms.
MORE HOTEL DEALS IN PALM JUMEIRAH3. Downtown Dubai
Downtown Dubai is one of the best places to stay in Dubai for families, especially for those who enjoy sightseeing and shopping. This area is home to iconic landmarks like Burj Khalifa, The Dubai Mall, Dubai Opera, Dubai Fountain, and Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo.
Best places to stay in Downtown Dubai for families with kids:
Luxury ($$$): Kempinski Central Avenue Dubai, 5-star family-friendly hotel centrally located in the heart of downtown Dubai, easy distance from major attractions like Dubai Mall, Dubai Fountain, Burj Khalifa, and Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo. It offers paid airport shuttle services, an outdoor swimming pool, free parking, and very good breakfast.
Luxury ($$$): The Dubai EDITION, 5-star family-friendly hotel, conveniently located only 10 mins walk from The Dubai Fountain and Dubai Mall. The Two-Bedroom Family Suite with Balcony can accommodate up to 6 family members. Children 13 and above will be charged as adults.
Mid-range ($$): Ramada Downtown Dubai, 4-star kid-friendly hotel in central downtown Dubai, close to major attractions and shopping centers. The hotel welcomes children of all ages and children 18 and above will be charged as adults. It has complimentary shuttle buses to Jumeirah Beach, Dubai Mall, and the Metro. It has spacious family rooms with a fully-equipped kitchen, and laundry facilities. There is also a family-friendly pool and play areas.
MORE HOTEL DEALS IN DOWNTOWN DUBAI4. Old Dubai (Deira and Bur Dubai)
Old Dubai, which includes Deita and Bur Dubai, is a great area for families who want to experience the traditional atmosphere, easy access to the airport, and budget-friendly accommodations.
You can take a traditional abra (water taxi) ride across the Dubai Creek, offering scenic views of the old and new cityscape, as well as access to the bustling souks (markets) such as Gold Souk and Spice Souk.
There are historical and traditional attractions such as Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, Al Shindagha Historic District, Museum Of Illusions, and Dubai Old City.
Best places to stay in Deira and Bur Dubai with children:
Luxury ($$$): Golden Sands Boutique Hotel-Dubai Creek, 5-star family-friendly good value for money hotel in Deira, conveniently located near the airport and various traditional markets like Gold Souk, Spice Souk, and Bur Dubai Souk Market. It has a rooftop pool with stunning views of Dubai Creek and Arabian Ocean. They have a kid club and entertainments for kids.
Mid-range ($$): Grand Excelsior Hotel – Bur Dubai, 4-star family-friendly hotel located in Bur Dubai, easy distance from World Trade Center. The hotel offers free shuttle service from/to the city’s top shopping malls. Popular points of interest nearby include Bur Dubai Souk Market, Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, Al Seef St where you can find many souvenir shops and restaurants.
Budget ($): Hampton by Hilton Dubai Al Seef, 3-star children-friendly hotel in Old Dubai, close to British Embassy, Textile Souk, Dubai Creek, and Museum Of Illusions. The hotel has many kid’s activities on the ground floor. Easy access to both downtown and the airport.
MORE HOTEL DEALS IN DEIRAIn conclusion, Dubai Marina/JBR, Palm Jumeirah, Downtown Dubai, Deira, and Bur Dubai are the best places to stay in Dubai for families with kids. These areas provide plenty of family-friendly accommodations for all budgets and preferences.
You can continue reading about Dubai in this article:
There you have it, my recommendations for the popular areas and neighborhoods that you can stay during your family trip to Dubai. I hope you enjoyed my article and find it both informative and helpful.
If you have any questions or would like to share your thoughts, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below. Your feedback is invaluable and helps me continue to create more quality content.