5-day mom approved and tested Dubai itinerary with kid

5-day mom approved and tested Dubai itinerary with kid

Here’s a detailed 5-day Dubai itinerary with kid, shared by a mom who recently travelled to Dubai with family for the first time. It was designed keeping comfort & family-friendliness in mind.

✅ Includes kid-friendly attractions, travel tips, approximate travel times, suggested meals, and breaks for naps/rest.

 

 

Day 1 — Arrival & Dubai Mall + Burj Khalifa

Morning: Arrival & Hotel Check-in

  • Arrive at Dubai International Airport (DXB)

  • Take a taxi from airport (~30 mins to Downtown Dubai, ~50–60 AED)

  • Suggested family-friendly hotels:

    • Rove Downtown (budget & central) - we stayed here

    • Taj Dubai (premium)

    • Address Downtown (luxury)

  • Freshen up & relax after your flight.

Breakfast: Breakfast on the way from airport at Amritsr Restaurant— fluffy parathas & chai

Evening: Dubai Mall, Aquarium & Burj Khalifa

  • Head to Dubai Mall (15 min walk from Downtown hotels or a short taxi ride - can easily book Uber from app)

  • Visit Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo (kid loved the sharks & tunnel walk)

  • Snack at the food court — kid-friendly options: Pizza Express, TGI Fridays, McDonald’s

  • Book Burj Khalifa At The Top observation deck for sunset (5–7 PM is ideal. We booked through website well in advance to avoid delays

  • Enjoy Dubai Fountain show (every 30 min from 6 PM onwards). See it once from the top and once after coming back from the top of Bhurj Khalifa

Dinner idea: Social House at Dubai Mall (family-friendly seating & good kids’ menu). You can also try Peppermill, Dubai Mall — upscale Indian restaurant with great North Indian platters & kid-friendly portions

 Day 2 — Desert Safari & Souk Madinat

Morning: Desert Safari

  • Many operators offer family-friendly morning safaris (less crowded & cooler than evening safaris)

  • Pick-up at ~8/8:30 AM after breakfast at hotel

  • Activities: dune bashing (mild for kids), camel rides, sandboarding, falcon photo ops

  • Light snacks & drinks included

  • Back by ~12 PM

Afternoon free time:

  • Rest at hotel, nap time for kids, a quick swim in the pool.

Evening: Souk Madinat Jumeirah & Jumeirah Beach

  • Take a taxi to Souk Madinat (~25 min) — a beautiful Arabian-style market with canals

  • Stroll around, take photos with Burj Al Arab in the background

  • Visit Jumeirah public beach for sand play at sunset

 Dinner idea: Asha’s, Souk Madinat — celebrity chef-driven Indian food, luxurious but family-friendly. Can also try Trader Vic’s or The Noodle House at Souk Madinat — outdoor seating, kid-friendly menus.

Day 3 — Dubai Parks & Resorts

Morning: Motiongate Dubai / Legoland

  • Head to Dubai Parks & Resorts (~45 min taxi ride) after breakfast

  • Choose 1 theme park (with kids, Motiongate or Legoland is better)

    • Motiongate: Shrek, Kung Fu Panda, Madagascar-themed rides

    • Legoland: interactive rides, water play areas

    • We went to Legoland

  • Spend ~4–5 hours exploring, fun activities and kid having a blast!

 Lunch idea: On-site food courts & snack stands at the park. We had quick bite at Bol Gappa, inside Riverland (part of Dubai Parks) 

 Afternoon free time:

  • Return to hotel, rest & recharge.

Evening: Marina Walk & Dhow Cruise

  • Head to Dubai Marina (~20–25 min taxi from Downtown)

  • Enjoy a relaxed walk along Marina Walk — stroller-friendly

  • Board a family-friendly dhow cruise for dinner (buffet style with soft music & lights). Kid friendly food options were there such as rice, pasta. Can also opt for takeaway from Marina before boarding cruise if kid wants to eat anything specific

  • Cruises usually run from 8–10 PM

 

Day 4 — Atlantis & The Palm

Morning: Atlantis Aquaventure / Lost Chambers

  • Visit Palm Jumeirah & Atlantis The Palm

  • Spend the morning at Aquaventure Waterpark (great kids’ splash areas)

  • Snack at Wavehouse or casual cafes within Atlantis. One great Indian food option is Gustoso Indian Restaurant, on Palm Jumeirah — very close by with affordable thalis & curries

Afternoon free time:

  • Return to hotel & relax

 

 Evening: The Pointe & Beachside Fun

  • Visit The Pointe (on Palm) for fountain shows, dinner & beachfront play

  • Plenty of kid-friendly dining: Kyo, Urban Seafood, Khyber, or casual pizza. We ate at Khyber

 

Day 5 — Museum of the Future & Shopping

Morning: Museum of the Future

  • Book tickets in advance

  • Interactive exhibits, futuristic experiences kids enjoy too

  • Stroll around Zabeel Park if time permits

Lunch idea: Grabbed a bite at the café at Museum of the Future and some more back at hotel

Afternoon free time

 

Late Afternoon/Evening: Shoppinh

  • Head to Dubai outlet mall (~30–40 min from Downtown)

  • Best for: Premium brands at outlet prices, Sportswear & kidswear deals

  • Brand you will find: Michael Kors, Coach, Burberry, Carolina Herrera, Adidas, Nike, Puma, Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, Diesel, Levi’s

  • Important tip: 
    • Offers change every 15 mins and even bargaining happens !! 
    • Process to get VAT back on items purchased listed in detail below
  • Come back to hotel for dinner and pack & rest


Day 6: Departure 

  • Head to DXB for your flight back home

Additional Tips:

✅ Use Careem or Uber for easy travel
 ✅ Carry a lightweight stroller
 ✅ Hydrate well — it can be hot even in air-conditioned areas
 ✅ Book tickets online for Burj Khalifa, Museum of the Future & parks to skip queues
 ✅ Always have snacks & water handy for kids

How to Get VAT Tax Refund at Dubai Airport — For Tourists

In the UAE, tourists are eligible to get back the Value Added Tax (VAT — 5%) paid on shopping for goods they’re taking out of the country. Here’s how to do it:

Before You Leave the Store:

1. Shop at stores that participate in the UAE’s Tax Refund for Tourists Scheme.
- Look for the “Tax-Free” logo or ask the cashier if the store is registered.

2. At checkout, present your passport (or a digital copy) so the store can issue an electronic Tax-Free tag on your purchase.
-The cashier will give you a printed tax invoice with a QR code or barcode — keep this safely.

3.There’s no paper form to fill — the system is fully electronic now.

At Dubai Airport — Before Checking in Luggage:

4. Arrive at the airport early — recommend 3 hours before flight as the counters can get busy.

5. Visit a Planet Tax Refund kiosk (look for “Tax Refund for Tourists” signs).
📍 Locations: Before security & immigration, in the Departures hall.

6. Show your receipts (with tax refund tags), the actual goods (unopened/unused), and your passport.

Important: Some high-value goods may require inspection by customs staff. Keep them in hand luggage if possible

7. Once approved, you’ll see your refund amount calculated.

After Immigration:

8. After passing through immigration, you can choose to get your refund:
 - Credited to your credit card (takes a few days)
- Cash (Dirhams) from kiosks (subject to availability & service charge)

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