We’re not saying there aren’t enough activities for kids in Downtown Dubai, but if you’re looking for the top three that actually teach them something new or help them level up, you’ve come to the right place. With so much for children to explore in and around the area, here are our favourites.
Kidzania
What could be a better way to learn than role-playing in an interactive city designed for children aged 1 to 14. Set within a 7,000 sq m space, Kidzania is a scaled-down city where little ones can explore and experience as many as 40 different professions. From fireman to construction worker, fashion designer to police officer, your child can be anything they like. The different zones include education, entertainment, media, retail, health, transportation and more. This interactive environment helps them develop new skills while having fun.
Tickets for children aged 4 to 16 are priced at AED 195 (economy) and AED 260 (premium), while adult entry (17+) is AED 90. Toddlers aged 2 to 3 years pay AED 130.
Located in Dubai Mall. Open daily from 10am to 11pm. For more information, call 800 38224 6255 or visit their website.
GMNSM
The focus of this international sports and development club, located in Downtown Dubai, is simple: to enable children to reach their full potential through a programme that combines social interaction, physical fitness and Brazilian jiu-jitsu techniques. The 75-minute sessions include a warm-up, followed by learning defence techniques before moving on to supervised sparring with controlled strength and speed. Each session ends with a mentor-led conversation, where meaningful topics take centre stage, helping children reflect, share their thoughts and express emotions in a safe space. Suitable for children aged 2+.
Located in Burj Vista. For more information, call 04 512 2000 or visit their website.
Dubai Ice Rink
The Olympic-sized rink at Dubai Mall has a team of experienced coaches to help your child become a skating pro. Parents can choose to enrol little ones (ages 6 and up) in private or semi-private sessions, or opt for the skating academy, which runs continuously every six weeks. These classes take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays or Saturdays and Sundays, and include weekly assessments, a final examination, and the opportunity to perform in a public ice-dancing show. Participants can also enjoy unlimited general admission discount for the duration of their course. Prices start at AED 899 for a 6-week course.
Located in Dubai Mall. For more information, call 04 448 5111 or visit their website.
Strictly Downtown Dubai 