School’s out, and while the summer heat is in full swing, there are still plenty of ways to keep the kids entertained indoors. This summer, Dubai is packed with family-friendly attractions, interactive experiences and seasonal events that make it easy to enjoy the school holidays without spending too much time outdoors. From giant indoor sports venues and immersive wildlife experiences to themed shows and creative activities, there’s something for children of every age.
Whether you’re planning a weekend outing or looking for ideas to keep the little ones busy throughout the break, here are 10 of the best things to do with kids in Dubai this summer.
1. Stay Active at Dubai Sports World
One of Dubai’s biggest indoor summer attractions has returned for another season. Taking over more than 300,000 square feet at Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai Sports World offers a fully air-conditioned space where families can stay active throughout the school holidays.
Children can enjoy dedicated play areas at Dubai Kids World, complete with soft play zones, inflatable attractions, trampolines and creative activities, while older kids and teenagers can book courts for football, basketball, badminton, cricket, pickleball, padel and more. This year’s edition also features an indoor running track and Wolfi’s Cycling Academy, making it a great destination whether you’re looking for casual family fun or organised sports sessions.
- Location: Dubai World Trade Centre, Za’abeel Halls 2-6
- Timings: Daily, 8 am-midnight (Indoor running track opens from 7 am)
- Entry: General entry is free. Sports courts and selected activities can be booked individually through the Dubai Sports World app.
2. Join Dubai Mallathon
Looking for a free way to stay active before the temperatures rise? Dubai Mallathon transforms some of the city’s biggest shopping malls into indoor walking tracks every morning throughout the summer.
Families can enjoy comfortable, air-conditioned walking routes while making use of hydration stations, wellness activities and designated family spaces. Participating malls include Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Hills Mall, City Centre Mirdif, City Centre Deira and Dubai Festival City Mall.
Because there’s no registration required for the daily walking sessions, it’s an easy activity to fit into your summer routine before the malls become busier later in the day.
- Location: Six participating malls across Dubai
- Timings: Daily, 6 am-10 am (15 June-15 September 2026)
- Entry: Free
3. Build and Play at the LEGO Football Experience
Football fans and LEGO lovers can enjoy an interactive experience at City Walk as part of Dubai Summer Surprises.
The activation combines football-themed challenges with interactive LEGO building activities inspired by the sport. Children can test their skills in the Glory Kick challenge before exploring creative play zones where they can build, design and experiment with LEGO bricks.
Entry is available with a qualifying spend at City Walk, making it an easy activity to combine with shopping or lunch during the school holidays.
- Location: City Walk
- Timings: Daily until 19 July 2026, during mall opening hours
- Entry: Free with a minimum spend of AED100 at participating outlets
4. Meet Your Favourite Madagascar Characters
Dubai Festival City Mall is bringing the world of DreamWorks’ Madagascar to life this summer with live performances and roaming entertainment through ‘Circus of the Jungle’.
Families can watch Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Gloria the Hippo, and King Julien perform on stage before enjoying character meet-and-greet sessions. Younger children can sing, dance and interact with their favourite characters, making it one of the highlights of Dubai Summer Surprises.
If you’re visiting in the evening, you can also stay for the IMAGINE show at Festival Bay after the performances.
- Location: Dubai Festival City Mall
- Timings: Multiple performances on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays until 19 July 2026
- Entry: Free
5. Dance Along with Bluey and Bingo
Bluey fans have another reason to visit Dubai Festival Plaza this summer. The much-loved Australian characters will be making appearances on select dates throughout July, giving children the chance to enjoy live entertainment, interactive games and meet-and-greet sessions.
The experience includes musical performances, themed games and the popular “Keepy Uppy” challenge inspired by the television series. Families visiting on 1 August 2026 can also enjoy the special Kids Dance Battle, where young dancers will perform alongside Bluey and Bingo.
With no tickets required, it’s an easy activity to add to a family shopping trip.
- Location: Dubai Festival Plaza, Jebel Ali
- Timings: Select dates throughout July, with the Kids Dance Battle on 1 August 2026
- Entry: Free
6. Enjoy a Full Day Indoors at IMG Worlds of Adventure
When the temperatures soar, IMG Worlds of Adventure is one of the best places to spend a full day with the family. As the world’s largest indoor theme park, it offers a fully air-conditioned environment filled with rides, attractions and live entertainment inspired by Marvel superheroes, Cartoon Network favourites and prehistoric dinosaurs.
Younger children can enjoy gentler rides and interactive attractions in the Cartoon Network Zone, while older kids and thrill-seekers can take on roller coasters such as The Velociraptor and Predator. The park also features dedicated play areas for younger visitors, family-friendly dining options and character meet-and-greets throughout the day. If you’re planning multiple summer outings, it’s worth checking for Dubai Summer Surprises promotions before booking your tickets.
- Location: Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311), Dubai
- Timings: Sunday to Thursday: 12 pm-10 pm | Friday and Saturday: 12 pm-11 pm
- Entry: Tickets start from approximately AED 365, with seasonal Dubai Summer Surprises offers available. Children under 105cm enter free.
7. Explore an Indoor Rainforest at The Green Planet
Bring the outdoors inside with a visit to The Green Planet, one of Dubai’s most unique indoor attractions. Located at City Walk, this immersive biodome recreates a tropical rainforest and is home to more than 3,000 plants, animals and birds from around the world.
Families can explore four different rainforest levels while spotting sloths, monkeys, colourful birds, reptiles and tropical fish. Highlights include the Canopy Walk, where visitors can experience the rainforest from above, and the indoor waterfall that forms the centrepiece of the attraction. Throughout the day, the biodome also recreates tropical thunderstorms, making the visit even more immersive.
Equal parts educational and entertaining, The Green Planet is ideal for curious young minds and nature-loving families.
- Location: City Walk, Al Wasl
- Timings: Daily, 10 am-6 pm
- Entry: Tickets start from around AED 155 when booked online. Children under two enter free.
8. Explore Dubai Summer Surprises Mall Activations
Dubai Summer Surprises is bringing a packed programme of family entertainment to shopping malls across the city, with interactive experiences, live performances and themed activities taking place throughout the festival.
From character appearances and creative workshops to games, competitions and pop-up experiences, something is happening almost every week until the end of August. Many of these events are free to attend, making them an easy way to keep children entertained while enjoying a day out at the mall.
Before heading out, it’s worth checking the latest Dubai Summer Surprises schedule, as new activities and performances are added throughout the season.
- Location: Various shopping malls across Dubai
- Timings: Throughout Dubai Summer Surprises (2 July-30 August 2026)
- Entry: Many activities are free, while some require a minimum spend or advance registration.
9. Spend the Day at Modesh World
A highlight of Dubai Summer Surprises every year, Modesh World has returned with even more family-friendly attractions for 2026. Held indoors at Dubai World Trade Centre, the popular destination offers a full day of entertainment with rides, games, inflatables, live shows and interactive experiences for children of all ages.
Little ones can explore dedicated play areas, while older children can enjoy arcade games, carnival rides, obstacle courses and stage performances. Families can also meet beloved Dubai Summer Surprises mascots Modesh and Dana, browse retail pop-ups and enjoy a variety of food outlets throughout the venue.
Whether you’re visiting for a few hours or planning a full-day outing, Modesh World remains one of the biggest attractions of the summer holiday season.
- Location: Dubai World Trade Centre, Za’abeel Halls
- Timings: Daily throughout Dubai Summer Surprises (2 July-30 August 2026)
- Entry: Free entry. Individual rides, games and attractions are chargeable.
10. Get Creative at OliOli’s Summer Camps and Workshops
If your children enjoy hands-on learning, OliOli is a fantastic place to visit this summer. The interactive children’s museum is hosting its popular Summer Camps alongside a programme of seasonal workshops, giving young visitors the chance to explore science, art, engineering and imaginative play through fun, guided activities.
Outside of the camps, families can discover more than 45 interactive exhibits spread across eight galleries, including Toshi’s Net, Air Gallery, Water Gallery and Future Park. Every exhibit encourages children to experiment, solve problems and learn through play, making OliOli both educational and entertaining.
Whether you’re booking a full camp or simply visiting for the day, it’s an excellent indoor attraction for keeping children engaged throughout the school holidays.
- Location: OliOli, Al Quoz 1
- Timings: Daily, 9 am-7 pm (Summer Camp and workshop timings vary by programme)
- Entry: General admission starts from AED 149 per child. Summer Camp and workshop fees vary depending on the programme selected.
FAQs
What are the best things to do with kids in Dubai this summer?
Some of the top family-friendly activities this summer include Dubai Sports World, Dubai Mallathon, Modesh World, IMG Worlds of Adventure, The Green Planet and the many Dubai Summer Surprises events taking place across the city.
Is Dubai Mallathon free?
Yes. Dubai Mallathon is free to join and runs daily from 15 June to 15 September 2026 across six participating malls. Families can simply turn up during operating hours without registering for the regular walking sessions.
Where is Modesh World 2026 taking place?
Modesh World is being held at the Dubai World Trade Centre as part of Dubai Summer Surprises 2026. The indoor attraction features rides, games, live entertainment, workshops and family-friendly activities throughout the festival.
Which Dubai Summer Surprises activities are free for families?
Several Dubai Summer Surprises events are free to attend, including Dubai Mallathon, the Madagascar live entertainment at Dubai Festival City Mall, Bluey appearances at Dubai Festival Plaza and entry to Modesh World. Some experiences, such as the LEGO Football Experience, require a minimum spend to enter, while rides and games at Modesh World are charged separately.
Which attractions are suitable for younger children?
Dubai Kids World at Dubai Sports World, Modesh World, The Green Planet, Bluey meet-and-greets and the Madagascar live shows all offer activities designed for younger children, making them ideal for families with little ones.
Do I need to book tickets in advance?
Booking is recommended for attractions such as IMG Worlds of Adventure, The Green Planet and OliOli’s Summer Camps and workshops, especially during weekends and school holidays. Sports courts at Dubai Sports World can also be reserved through the official app, while most Dubai Summer Surprises mall activations do not require booking.
