Things to do in Dubai for Families : Top 5 Nature and Wildlife Experiences

The Green Planet Dubai is like a fresh, green world in the middle of the desert. You can find it where Al Wasl Road and Safa Road meet. It’s a special place with plants and animals from different parts of the world all living together. One cool thing to see is the Australian walkabout. It’s a place where you can see lots of different animals, like lizards, turtles, wallabies, and pythons. There are also some really interesting reptiles, like the colourful Cuban Amazon Parrot, from faraway places like the Bahamas and Cayman Islands. You’ll also see leaf cutter ants from the South American rainforests, motoro stingrays, and archerfish that shoot water into the air. They even have cute sugar glider squirrels, strong piranhas, and playful squirrel monkeys. It’s amazing to see all these animals in one place! Another neat part of The Green Planet Dubai is the Silent Forest. Here, you can walk around and listen to the sounds of 850 different kinds of birds. The place is full of green plants, and it’s really peaceful. It’s a perfect spot to visit with your family or friends, and you’ll also see lots of different plants and animals that you might not have seen before.

Tips to Follow

• Since the attraction is indoors, it’s a great option for a rainy day or when you want to escape the heat.
• Take your time in the interactive zones to engage with the animals and learn through hands-on experiences.

Essential Information Before you visit

• Food, beverages, and smoking are not allowed.
• Littering is strictly prohibited.
• Monopods, selfie sticks, tripods, and flash photography are not allowed at Green Planet.
• The timings for Green Planet Dubai are 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. daily.
• Wearing anything comfortable and casual so that you can walk around easily and yet be modest and covered as revealing clothes is not a culture of the Middle East.
• Children under 2 years old can enter The Green Planet for free.
• Children from 2 to 10 years old will be charged as per the child fare.
• Guests above the age of 10 will be charged as per the adult fare.
• All guests entering The Green Planet are subject to the policies and guidelines as set forth by The Green Planet Management.

In Dubai’s Miracle Garden, you’ll find the biggest butterfly garden called the Dubai Butterfly Garden.Inside, there are around 15,000 butterflies of about 26 different types. You can walk through ten big round spaces (they’re called domes) and see the pretty butterflies. You can even get close to them and learn about them from the people there. They can tell you how butterflies grow and change. Also, there’s a special cinema for kids where they can watch things. If you like art, there’s a place with handmade art about butterflies. This place is really worth visiting, especially if you love nature and taking pictures. It’s one of the best things you can do in Dubai.

Tips to Follow

• Butterflies are attracted to stillness, so standing still might encourage them to land on you.
• Wear bright colors to attract butterflies, but avoid strong perfumes or scents that might disturb them.
• While taking photos, remember to be patient and respectful to the butterflies and other visitors.

Essential Information Before you visit

• You can’t bring your own food or drinks into the place.
• You can’t use big cameras or drones inside.
• You can’t bring cars, balls, scooters, bikes, hoverboards, or pets.
• Don’t throw trash around in shared spaces.
• Don’t touch or bother the butterflies’ wings.
• Wear comfy clothes when you visit.
• Kids who are 3 and up can join with an adult ticket.
• Kids from 0 to 12 need an adult with them.
• People with special needs and kids under 3 can come in for free.
• Remember, there’s a different entrance and ticket for the Dubai Butterfly Garden.
• Once you leave, you can’t come back in.
• You can bring strollers and wheelchairs.
• Keep an eye on your stuff.

Inside the exciting Dubai Mall in lively Downtown Dubai, you’ll discover the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo. On the first floor, there’s a huge aquarium that you can walk into. It’s like a long tunnel that’s 48 metres long. In this big tank with 10 million litres of water, you can see all sorts of unusual sea animals, including the biggest collection of sand tiger sharks ever. You can buy tickets for different parts of the zoo, like the Aquarium Tunnel, Underwater Zoo, Behind the Scenes Tour, Underwater Observatory, Submersible Simulator, Aquarium Glass Bottom Boat Ride, VRZoo 360, Underwater Observatory, and Fish Feeding. On the second floor, there’s the Rainforest, Rocky Shore, Living Ocean Spots, and the Underwater Zoo. There are sharks, otters, catfish, jellyfish, and so many other kinds of fish that you might not even believe it. It’s like they made a special place that’s almost like the real ocean for all these sea animals, even though you’d normally have to go scuba diving to see them. You can meet a famous crocodile there, and you can also see really big sharks. If you want, you can pay extra to take a ride in a boat with a see-through bottom, and you can even feed the fish. The rainforest, zoo, and tunnel all together give you an experience that’s almost as good as being underwater with real sea animals.

Tips to Follow

• Consider purchasing VIP passes or behind-the-scenes tours for a unique perspective and insights.
• Time your visit around the animal feeding sessions to witness the marine life in action.

Essential Information Before you visit

• Pets are not allowed inside the aquarium.
• There is no dress code for the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo. For the best experience, dress comfortably and casually.
• Children under 2 years of age get free admission to the venue.
• Guests above the age of 2 are charged as per the adult fare.
• Pregnant women and children under 3 years are not allowed to experience activities such as the glass bottom boat ride and Shark Week exhibit.
• The Explorer Pass and VIP Pass are not recommended for pregnant women for safety reasons.
• Please note that the last admission is 30 minutes before the closing time.
• Don’t forget to carry your cameras to capture the marine life at the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo.

Embark on a fascinating journey at Dubai’s recently opened Crocodile Park—a must-see attraction for your Dubai adventure. Offering a captivating experience suitable for all ages, this immersive park lets you witness majestic crocodiles in their natural habitat. Explore the vast park, observe distinct crocodile patterns, and be amazed by their movements. Dive deeper into history at the Natural History Museum, discovering ancient crocodile secrets and evolution. Explore an African lake-themed aquarium, witness crocodiles’ aquatic wonder, and observe them in a dedicated crocodile aquarium. Young ones can learn through educational trips, while families enjoy dining at the elegant Okavango Room, perfectly blending cuisine and savanna vibes. Crocodile Park is a haven for family enjoyment and education, promising unforgettable memories and a newfound admiration for nature’s wonders.

Tips to Follow

• Catch the scheduled feeding shows to witness the crocodiles’ natural behaviors up close.
• Join guided tours or educational programs to learn about these fascinating reptiles and their conservation.
• Plan your visit during off-peak hours to enjoy a more serene experience and easier access to exhibits.

Essential Information Before you visit

• Children under 3 years old can enter for free
• The timing of the Operational Park is currently from 10 am to 8 pm until the end of the summer.
• Please note the possibility of time changing to 10am to 10pm in October
• We’ll keep you informed and updated on any changes.
• Crocodile feeding show will be available on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 6 pm.

Our last stop on this voyage is at Dubai Safari Park, a thrilling destination that beckons animal lovers and nature enthusiasts alike. Boasting a collection of over 2500 animals from across the globe, this park is a captivating haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Divided into distinct zones, including the Arabian Village, African Village, Asian Village, and Al Wadi, it also features the Safari Village, where you can embark on safari car rides. Covering a vast area of 119 hectares, a complete exploration of all the zones might take approximately 8 hours. While you take in the park’s fascinating features, your little ones can enjoy engaging in kid-friendly activities and exhibits. Enhancing the experience are interactive programmes like Giraffe Feeding, Kids Farm, the Bird Show, and more, which offer immersive learning opportunities. With its immersive exhibits, lively shows, and exciting safari encounters, Dubai Safari Park is undoubtedly a highlight for anyone seeking memorable things to do in Dubai.

Tips to Follow

• Bring sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses, as you’ll be spending time outdoors. Also, stay hydrated.
• Plan your route to cover zones strategically, ensuring you make the most of your time at the park.

Essential Information Before you visit

Can I touch the animals at Green Planet Dubai?

Visitors are advised not to touch the animals unless stated otherwise by the staff.

What is Green Planet Dubai?

Green Planet Dubai is a unique indoor tropical rainforest ecosystem showcasing a diverse range of plants and animals.

Can I feed the butterflies at the butterfly garden?

Feeding the butterflies is not recommended unless under the guidance of the staff.

Are photography and video recording allowed at the Dubai Butterfly Garden?

Yes, you can take photos and videos inside the garden.

Are there any age restrictions?

All ages are welcome to visit the Dubai Aquarium. Children under a certain age might require adult supervision.

Can I buy tickets for specific attractions within the Dubai Aquarium?

Yes, Dubai Aquarium offers various ticket options for different attractions within its complex.

Can I get close to the crocodiles at Dubai Crocodile Park?

The park offers controlled and safe viewing areas. Close contact with crocodiles is not allowed.

Are there any interactive programmes for visitors at Dubai Crocodile Park?

Yes, Dubai Crocodile Park offers various interactive programmes like crocodile feeding and educational tours.

How long does it take to explore Dubai Safari Park?

Exploring the entire Dubai Safari Park can take around 8 hours.

Are there guided tours available at Dubai Safari Park?

Yes, guided tours are available to enhance your safari experience.