Dubai is undoubtedly the ultimate family holiday destination. The city is bursting at the seams with mind-blowing attractions and enticing recreational activities. Moreover, the emirate has something exciting for every age group. Apart from its superlative, iconic attractions, Dubai, in the last decade, has added a number of outstanding theme parks to its list of fascinating leisure attractions. Among these theme parks, the water parks are a real boon for Dubai visitors to get respite from the desert heat and enjoy some splashy time as well on a Dubai holiday. On a Dubai trip, check out these top five Dubai water parks that you can visit for some exciting splashy fun.
Aquaventure Water Park
Among all the theme parks in Dubai, Aquaventure Water Park stands out distinctively for its sheer expanse and charm. Aquaventure is presently the largest water theme park in Dubai. Built on the mythological lost city of Atlantic, Aquaventure Water Park offers an extravagant playground filled with stunning water slides, rides, and water areas that range from adrenaline-rushing experience to idyllic leisure. It isn’t like a normal water park where you have rides that are just twists and loops of tubes. Rides like Leap of Faith really test your fear factor and dares you to take a plunge through a near-vertical tube that runs through a lagoon filled with sharks. Another heart-jolting water slide is the Poseidon’s Revenge where the floor beneath you falls away without a warning dropping you through a tunnel at 60km/h! Then there is Aquaconda which boasts to be the world’s largest water slide. The water park also has a private beach and a gorgeous ocean world known as the Lost Chambers Aquarium where you can enjoy scuba diving and sea walking sessions amid colorful marine life.
Best for: Families and Adventure junkies
Location: Atlantis The Palm, Crescent Road, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Timing: Daily from 10 am – 6 pm
Admission Cost: One day Pass with Lost Chambers Aquarium included costs approx. AED 320 per person and AED 260 per child.
Insider’s Tip: Being a popular water park in Dubai, expect crowds and long queues for popular rides. Also, the water park is so huge that it would take more than one trip to enjoy all the rides and activities.
LEGOLAND Water Park
This water park is the first-ever Lego franchised water park in the Middle East and has instantly become one of the best waterparks in Dubai for family vacationers since its opening. Located in the Dubai Parks and Resorts, the rides at LEGOLAND Water Park focus on the little guests. In fact, it is one of the most kid-friendly water parks in Dubai and has loads of rides and activities to keep children under the age of 12 occupied in excitement. This innovative waterpark takes inspiration from lego movies and toys and offers a myriad of water activities where you can build your own Lego raft using giant blocks and sail on the water. There are plenty of fun activities that a whole family can enjoy together and also beat the heat with some splashy fun.
Best for: Families with kids under 12 years of age.
Location: Dubai Parks and Resorts, Sheikh Zayed Road, Opposite Palm Jebel Ali, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Timing: Daily from 10.00 am – 6.00 pm
Admission Cost: One Day Ticket costs approx. AED 275 per person.
Insider’s Tip: If you are visiting with family members of all age groups, LEGOLAND Water Park can get a bit boring for teens and grown-up, so it is recommended to get a combo pass for LEGOLAND Theme Park as well which is just within walking distance from the water park.
Wild Wadi Water Park
Wild Wadi Water Park happens to be the first water park built in Dubai. Based on the Arabian folklore of Juha, Wild Wadi Water Park offers a refreshing retreat for all age groups to have some fun time in the water. Another reason this theme park is popular among tourists is that it is a water park with a scenic view of Jumeirah Beach and the grand Burj Al Arab Jumeirah. Wild Wadi Water Park offers 30 exciting water rides and activities that include a wave pool, a lazy river for a relaxing cruise, Wipeout and Riptide for those who love surfing, and the ultimate adrenaline spiking waterslide for adventure lovers- JumeirahSceirah which is the tallest and fastest free-fall water slide in the Middle East.
Best for: Families, Groups, and friends
Location: Jumeirah Road, Opposite Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Timing: Daily from 10 am – 6 pm.
Admission Cost: General Ticket cost is AED 299 per person. For those below 1.1 meters in height, the cost is AED 249 per person.
Insider’s Tip: If you are staying in any Jumeirah hotel on your Dubai vacation, you get free access to Wild WadiWater Park.
Laguna Water Park by Meraas
The most recent addition to Dubai’s water park collection is the Laguna water park by Meraas. Laguna Water Park at La Mer Dubai has 4 exciting zones – Surf Zone, Slide Zone, Splash Zone, and Relax Zone. This fascinating water park is home to some amazing water slides and attractions which include the Wave Oz 180 Flow Rider – an exclusive wave simulator for surfing. There are only three of these wave simulators in the world. If you are a bit overwhelmed with all the excitement and need a time out, then chill out at the beach adjacent to the water park and enjoy the serene views of the gulf. There are cabanas, lazy rivers, and an infinity pool inside the park for you to simply relax and feel refreshed. The whole family along with tiny tots and kids can have a joyful time at dedicated kid’s play areas such as Aqua Play and Splash pad.
Best for: Families with kids, Groups and Friends, Adventure lovers
Location: La Mer, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Timing: Daily from 10 am – 6 pm
Admission Cost: AED 165 (approx.) per person
Insider’s Tip: Laguna Water Park is the best option to choose for budget-conscious holidaymakers as this waterpark ticket costs way less than all other water parks in Dubai.
Yas Waterworld from Dubai
Just 50 minutes from Dubai city is one of the top 10 waterparks in the world, the Yas Waterworld. Located in Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island, Yas Waterworld is home to more than 40 thrilling theme park rides. One of the reasons for the popularity of this water park is because it has slides and rides that are new to the world. The Dawwama, the largest six-person waterslide in the world as well as the first hydro-magnetic tornado waterslide in the world, is the star attraction of the park. Apart from this, there are Liwa Loop, Falcon’s Falaj, Bubbles’ Barrel, Hamlool’s Humps, Jebel Drop, etc. are some of the attractions for adventure lovers. On the other hand, the park has something for families and kids as well. In short, Yas Waterworld is a perfect way of spending some thrilling time away from Dubai.
Best for: Adventure lovers and families with little kids
Location: Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Timing: 10 AM to 7 PM (Friday to Wednesday) and 10 AM to 5 PM (Thursday) 6 PM to 11 PM (Thursday Night – Ladies Night)
Admission Cost: AED 315
Insider’s Tip: It is best to visit the park during the weekdays when the crowds would be a lot lesser than on the weekends. If possible, arrive early, even before the park opens, so that you can enjoy the popular rides first, before it becomes too crowded.
Safety Tips for visitors at Dubai water parks
- Always take care of your belongings. Locker rooms are available at all water parks at an additional cost where you can keep your wallet, cash and other valuables.
- Wear sunscreen and always stay hydrated. Even though it is a refreshing respite from the desert heat, the scorching sun can get you parched in no time.
- Adhere to park rules and safety tips for a memorable experience.
- Try waterslides that you are comfortable with. High-speed rides such as Leap of Faith at AquaventureWater Park are not for the faint-hearted. Always trust your gut instinct and play safe.
- Always keep a watch on little kids and keep them in your sight. Make use of floaters and life vests for children.
Conclusion
Dubai’s water parks are definitely one of the ways to enjoy quality time with family and friends along with some fun and excitement. For families traveling with kids, these water parks are ideal to give every member of the family a great time in Dubai especially children who would otherwise get tired of watching Dubai’s architectural wonders. So, make sure to add one water park to your Dubai holiday plan if you are visiting Dubai with children. They will remember this destination for all the water fun and excitement they enjoyed on their Dubai trip.