If you are here after reading Part 1 of this 3 part series, THANK YOU so much! (I’m doing a little victory dance here)
So, without boring you with the same introduction about wanting to share more tourist-y options in the UAE that don’t have you digging deep into your pockets, let’s carry on with the second part of this series. And this one is all about what the cities have to offer.
Feel free to click here read up either ‘The Great Outdoors’ or ‘Heritage Routes’
City Wonders:
1. Dubai Canal walk
Situated at the centre of Dubai, you can witness Dubai’s beautiful skyline from here. The views of the water canal can be enjoyed in two ways: ferry on the waters or walk/jog/cycle along the canal. If the weather is pleasant, I’d recommend a walk along the canal, while crossing bridges which are an architectural wonder. Just before sunsets are the perfect time to visit these bridges and get your Instagram -worthy pictures. There is also a spectacular mechanical waterfall, underneath the Sheikh Zayed Road bridge, complete with colourful lights, that is motion operated and ‘open’ up whenever a boat crosses.
2. 3D World of Dubai
Travel the world, without ever leaving the city. This indoor, air conditioned museum is filled with ‘trick-art’ paintings and optical illusions, which the kids will thoroughly enjoy posing for. Whether it is with the mummies of Egypt, or Amazonian rainforests, have your poses ready for you will surely be leaving with lots of photos.
For my detailed post about this place, head over to my blog post.
3. Downtown Dubai, Shk Mohd bin Rashid Boulevard
It’s not just about The Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa when at Downtown Dubai. Walk along the Boulevard and find yourselves bumping into various instagramable art pieces. There’s the ‘Wings of Mexico’ sculpture on display at the start of Burj Plaza from where you can get the most beautiful shot of Burj Khalifa. Right next to it is the big Downtown Slide, and it’s not just for kids. Last time we were there, pre Covid (is that even a term?) , I was pregnant with Azu, so I am definitely due a visit on the slide. Walk along and find yourself at Burj Park, and also the Dubai Fountain Lake Ride. All that walking will mean time to refuel and with the different restaurant options, you will be spoilt for choice. Free underground parking available.
4. Last Exit by Meeras (Al Khawaneej and Mad X)
Visit the Last Exit Al Khawaneej and get transported to rustic, rural farm like atmosphere. On the other hand, visit Mad X for a post- apolcalyptic ‘Mad Max’ feel. Both places are popular for interesting food trucks, wall murals and art works. It’s not just the #hashtags you will need to keep ready for all the instragram-worthy pictures, but also carry along an etched padlock with your loved ones names, for locking on the promise bridge at Al Khawaneej. Motorheads will love the ‘post-apocalyptic’ themed landscape at Mad X, containing war rigs, monster trucks and abandoned cars. Don’t forget to visit the washrooms too, as those too are filled with interesting details. I mean, just see what I got up to ; )
There’s also a Last Exit opposite to Mad X (travelling AUH to DXB), and another one at Al Qudra.
5. Old Dubai Souk via Abra ride
When all plans fail, this is a fool-proof family activity we like to do with the kids. Starting with a short breezy and invigorating cruise on Abra, traditional wooden boats; that are so cheap (!), on Dubai creek, which dock at the souks of Old Dubai. Squint your eyes a little, and the parked Abra boats may remind you on the gondolas in Venice. Almost.
Watching the city’s contrasting views, and then haggling for some local shopping while enjoying some refreshing coconut water , and letting the kids chase the pigeons is a perfect afternoon plan. We usually end the night with a traditional Shawarma meal with fresh cocktail juices, at one of the local restaurants while over looking the creek waters.
What more places:
Some of the other cheap and kid-friendly attractions in the city include: Murals of Karama, Masdar City of Abu Dhabi, City Walk Dubai, La Mer Dubai, Dubai Mall Zabeel, Al Seef by Meeras, Emirates Bio Farm, Desert Oasis Petting Farm, Sharjah Discovery Centre, Sharjah Wildlife Centre, Global Village, Mushrif Park in Dubai, Dubai Safari (zoo)
I’m here to remind you again, (I know, you haven’t forgotten, but still , hee hee…) to get more ideas about where to head out and places to discover with the kids, check out my posts in this series: Great Outdoors and Heritage Routes.
Timings, pricing, recreational activities and more can change from time to time. Therefore, it is advisable to stay up-to-date by checking the website information of the above mentioned individual places.
Disclaimer: All photos and views mentioned in this blog post are those of my own. Follow more of my journey on my Instagram page.
Still with me? Yay! What did you think of the places I mentioned? Have I missed any outdoor city spots? Do you know of any hidden gems worth mentioning, then please leave a comment below.
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Wow! Will definitely check some of these out! 😊
Thanks. That’s so lovely to hear!