🗺️ How to choose a park in the UAE: 25 places and what to consider before the trip

The UAE has more than twenty major parks packed into a small area. In a single trip you can hit an indoor ski slope, a water park under the blazing sun, and a park based on Indian cinema. Below are 25 venues in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah, from free city squares to massive indoor complexes. Dubai and the Abu Dhabi parks are about 140 km apart along the E11 highway (on the map), so it makes more sense to split your visits across two days. For each venue we give the location, admission, and how to get there.

The list includes huge theme parks like Ferrari World as well as free city squares where locals hang out. Some venues are indoors, so they stay comfortable even in the summer heat. We've organized the article by city so you can build a route around your trip without unnecessary driving.

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1. Bollywood Parks Dubai

💡 In short:

Dubai parks operate year-round, but from May through September indoor venues are more comfortable: Ski Dubai, IMG Worlds, and Warner Bros. World.
Buy tickets to major parks online in advance: the date is tied to your order, and the entry line is shorter.
Plan Dubai Parks and Resorts and the Abu Dhabi venues on separate days: they're about an hour and a half apart along the E11 highway (on the map).
Tickets and hours: 09/2026, check the official park websites.

Yellow Taxi #1 roller coaster in the park

The park is dedicated to Indian cinema and operates within the Dubai Parks and Resorts complex. The grounds are divided into five zones: a film set, a traditional village, a royal square, a boulevard, and Mumbai Square. On 4D simulators you become part of scenes from famous films, and open-air stages run musical shows all day. The Rajmahal Theatre stages a musical about Indian cinema several times a day, the "Cinema Circle Arena" teaches Bollywood-style dancing, and the boulevard features characters from films of past decades. Kids enjoy the cricket simulator, carousels, and a hunt with infrared pistols, while Mumbai Square recreates the atmosphere of a city of millions (official Dubai Parks and Resorts website).

Location: Dubai Parks and Resorts complex, about 45 minutes from central Dubai along the E11 highway (on the map).
Who it's for: families with kids and fans of Indian cinema.
Tickets: paid admission; check prices and hours on the official website.

2. Motiongate Dubai

Night entrance to Motiongate park with arch

The second park in the Dubai Parks and Resorts complex is built around Hollywood movies. You walk through a central film studio into Western-style American street sets, with a Smurf village nearby. The Kung Fu Panda, Shrek, Smurfs, and Ghostbusters zones are named after well-known films and are built around five large American roller coasters. You ride them alongside your favorite movie characters and become part of lively performances and shows. The easiest way to find the park is via the same metro station as Legoland, where a free shuttle bus runs. Check schedules and tickets on the complex website.

Who it's for: teens and adults who want roller coasters; younger kids have cartoon-themed zones.
Tickets: paid admission; a combined ticket for the complex's parks is usually cheaper than individual ones.
How to get there: free shuttle bus from Ibn Battuta metro station.

3. Wild Wadi

Wild Wadi water park with lazy river and slides

Wild Wadi sits right next to the Burj Al Arab hotel and is styled after the Arabian tales of Sinbad the Sailor. Two artificial rivers divide the grounds: the calm Juhas journey and the rough Flood River with waves up to a meter high. The park covers about 5 hectares in a prestigious part of the city. Attractions are designed for guests from 1.1 meters tall, so people come here with both small children and whole families. The water temperature is kept at around 28 degrees year-round, so swimming is comfortable even in winter, and the calm river suits those who just want to float in the shade (official Wild Wadi website).

Location: Jumeirah district, near the Burj Al Arab hotel; the park entrance is separate from the hotel.
Who it's for: families; there are slides for shorter kids and a calm swimming area.
Tickets: paid entry, check prices and opening hours on the official website.

4. Aquaventure

View of Aquaventure water park with white canopies and palm trees

Aquaventure occupies part of Palm Jumeirah island next to the Atlantis The Palm hotel. It is one of the largest water parks in the Middle East, with grand stage areas. You ride down mountain rivers through rapids and waterfalls, go on dizzying water slides, and dive with an instructor. In the large pool you can play with dolphins, and a separate play area is set aside for toddlers. An artificial river about a kilometer long runs through the grounds; guests float along it on inflatable rings and stop to sunbathe on open stretches of the riverbed (according to the Dubai guide).

Who it's for: all ages; a separate play area is set aside for toddlers.
Tickets: paid entry, an online ticket saves time at the entrance. Aquaventure tickets.

5. Laguna Waterpark

Laguna Waterpark opened in 2018 as part of the La Mer beach district. The grounds are divided into four parts: slides, a surf zone, kids' attractions, and an artificial beach by the pool. The park recreates parts of the La Boca neighborhood from Buenos Aires, with bright facades, old boats, and fishing nets. La Mer beach itself is public and free to enter (according to visitdubai).

Downtown Dubai from above: lake and skyscrapers

Who it's for: those who want a compact water park and beach in one place.
Cost: paid entry; this is one of the smallest water parks in Dubai.

6. Legoland Dubai

Legoland Dubai entrance gates with visitors

Legoland Dubai consists of a dry part and a water part. In a day you cover six zones: Factory, Lego City, Imagination, Adventure, Kingdom, and Miniland. In the Factory zone they show how bricks are made, and you can take the assembled figure home with you. The largest Lego store with a wide selection of sets also operates here. In Lego City kids drive cars, boats, and go-karts; in Imagination they find robots and carousels, and tabletop games let a child build a car or robot on their own. All six zones take a full day, so arrive at opening time before it gets hot. Tickets and opening hours are on the complex's parent site.

Getting there: a free bus runs from Ibn Battuta metro station to the complex.
Who it's for: families with children roughly three to twelve years old.
The catch: Legoland Water Park takes a separate day; you can't get through it in a couple of hours.
Tickets: paid entry, combined tickets are sold for the zones and the water park.

7. Zabeel Park

Park panorama with lake and Dubai skyscrapers

Zabeel Park has been open since 2005 and covers about 50 hectares in central Dubai, next to the Emirates Towers skyscrapers. A city highway divides it into zones, which you move between via underpasses and footbridges. Inside, people stroll along the paths, ride catamarans and boats on the lake, and run on tracks several kilometers long. The park is home to about 300 palm trees and 7,000 trees of other species, and there are fountains with unusual shapes (according to the Dubai tourism office website).

Cost: a nominal entry fee, which includes free Wi-Fi on the grounds.
Who it's for: relaxed walks, running, and picnics in the city center.
Getting there: take the metro to Emirates Towers station, then walk.

8. Al Safa Park

Al Safa Park from above among Dubai neighborhoods

Al Safa Park was granted nature reserve status in 1975, and landscaping was completed by the early 1990s. The roughly 64-hectare site is surrounded by greenery in the Jumeirah district, not far from Burj Khalifa. Bridges span the water channels, and the water collects in a man-made lake with fountains where visitors can ride pedal boats. Much of the park is taken up by exotic flower and shrub arrangements, and there are plenty of attractions for children of all ages (according to the Dubai parks directory).

Who it's for: families; there is a hedge maze and rides for children.
Cost: paid entry; check the tour office website for the exact price.
Getting there: by taxi from Business Bay metro station or by car via Sheikh Zayed Road.

9. Mushrif Park

Decorative windmill by a pond in Mushrif Park

Mushrif is considered Dubai's largest urban park: about 124 hectares and roughly 15 km from the center (on the map). It is quieter here than near Burj Khalifa, so people come for the whole day. The grounds include a 1,000-seat amphitheater, rock gardens, a small zoo, and a botanical garden with tens of thousands of plants. An artificial village features models of dwellings from different cultures, showing the differences in their daily life and customs. For children there is a railway, playgrounds with carousels and rope ladders, and kids can also ride a camel or pony, while adults can grill meat at the barbecue areas (according to the Dubai tourism portal).

Who it's for: families with children; there are barbecue areas where you can cook yourself.
The catch: the park is far from the center, so getting there takes time.
Cost: paid entry; some areas such as pools are charged separately.

10. Creekside Park

UAE coastline with Palm Islands of Dubai from space

Creekside Park stretches along the shore of Dubai Creek for nearly three kilometers. It is the city's second-largest park. The spacious grounds have room for walking, sports, playgrounds, and quiet picnics by the water. The waterfront is good for running or cycling, and the shaded walkways offer a place to rest in the middle of the day (according to the city parks guide).

The viewing platforms offer views of the creek and the Deira skyline. Bring water and come in the evening, when the heat subsides and the walkways become comfortable for strolling.

Getting there: the park runs along the creek; a taxi is easiest, or take the metro to the nearest station and walk from there.
Who it's for: long walks, running, and picnics by the water.
Cost: free entry.

11. Al Mamzar Beach Park

Palm trees on the sandy beach of Al Mamzar Lagoon

Al Mamzar Beach Park combines five beaches and a green area in northeastern Dubai. The shoreline stretches for about 3.5 km, lined with hundreds of palm trees that provide shade from the sun. The beaches are equipped with loungers with mattresses, umbrellas, and showers, and in the middle there is a large pool with separate areas for adults and children. The local amphitheater stage hosts holiday shows, and the observation tower offers views of the bay. If one day is not enough, you can stay overnight in guest houses. Walking and running paths run between the beaches, and picnic areas are set up in the shade of the palms (according to the parks page on visitdubai).

Who it's for: families and beach lovers; boat, pedal boat, and jet ski rentals are available.
Cost: paid entry; there is an observation tower with views of the bay.
Getting there: by car or taxi; the park is away from the metro line.

12. Burj Park

Burj Park occupies a small island on the artificial lake next to Burj Khalifa. It's busy during the day, and in the evening people gather for the Dubai Fountain show. It's easy to set up photo shoots with the skyscraper in the background, and the huge Dubai Mall is right nearby. During the shopping festival, the Market Outside operates here, where you can find good deals (according to the visitdubai guide).

How to get there: take the metro to Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall station, then walk across the bridges.
Who it's for: evening walks and photos with Burj Khalifa in the background.
Cost: free entry.

13. Ski Dubai

View of Ski Dubai building from a city street

Ski Dubai is built inside the Mall of the Emirates. The slopes stay below freezing, so you can ski and snowboard in the middle of a hot city. There are runs of varying difficulty, a kids' area, and a cafe right on the snow (according to the Dubai tourism portal).

Who it's for: beginners and families; equipment is provided on site.
The catch: it's cold on the slope, so bring a warm jacket and gloves with you.
Tickets: paid entry, by session. Ski Dubai tickets.

14. Dubai aquarium and underwater zoo

The Dubai Aquarium opened in 2008 in the Dubai Mall. The tank holds about 10 million liters of water, and an underwater tunnel about 50 meters long runs through it, letting you walk among sharks, rays, and large fish. The viewing angle in the tunnel reaches nearly 270 degrees. The acrylic viewing panel is considered one of the largest in the world and was entered into the Guinness Book of World Records (according to visitdubai).

Who it's for: families with kids and anyone who wants to see marine life without the heat.
Tickets: paid entry, sold separately or in combination with other Dubai Mall attractions.

15. The lost chambers aquarium

Visitors at the glass of a huge aquarium with fish

The Lost Chambers Aquarium operates at the Atlantis The Palm resort. Ten large pools are connected by tunnels and halls designed to evoke the mythical Atlantis. Around 70,000 marine creatures live here: sharks, manta rays, moray eels, and jellyfish. The "Seven Sages" and "Red Chamber" halls are decorated with artifacts that tell the story of Atlantean life, and touch panels provide explanations in several languages. In one of the pools, you can scuba dive with an instructor (according to the visitdubai website).

Who it's for: families; touch panels provide captions in several languages.
Tickets: paid entry, diving is paid separately.

16. Emirates Park Zoo

Emirates Park Zoo is located about 15 km northeast of central Abu Dhabi (according to the map). Tigers, Siberian bears, giraffes, and zebras live here, and some animals are housed in air-conditioned areas. The property includes a resort with rooms if you want to stay for a day or two (according to visitabudhabi).

Who it's for: the experience is geared mainly toward families with kids.
Cost: paid entry.
How to get there: from Abu Dhabi and Dubai, a taxi or rental car is the most convenient option.

17. IMG Worlds of Adventure

Velociraptor roller coaster at IMG Worlds of Adventure

IMG Worlds of Adventure opened in 2016 and remains one of the largest indoor parks in the world. The space is divided into four zones: two based on Marvel and Cartoon Network brands and two original ones, Lost Valley with dinosaurs and Boulevard with restaurants and boutiques. The Marvel zone is dedicated to Iron Man, Hulk, and Spider-Man, while Cartoon Network is given over to five attractions based on its cartoons. In Lost Valley, which covers about 6,500 square meters, you'll find extreme roller coasters, and the air conditioning keeps things comfortable even in the July heat (official IMG Worlds website).

Who it's for: families with teenagers and comic book fans; there's a Haunted Hotel.
Tickets: paid entry; check the price and opening hours on the official website. IMG Worlds tickets.

18. Al Barsha Pond Park

Al Barsha Pond Park spreads around an artificial pond in the city center. Palm trees grow around the water, and people hide in their shade during the hot hours. Visitors run along the paths, rent bikes, and play basketball or tennis, and on weekends locals have picnics. In winter, the park hosts Asian cuisine workshops, and the lake is always full of boats and pedal boats with people (according to the Dubai tourism website).

Cost: free entry.
Who it's for: sports and picnics; kiosks sell drinks and snacks.

19. Ferrari World Abu Dhabi

Red curved facade of Ferrari World at night

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi sits on Yas Island under the largest roof of any theme park. The structure reaches a height of 45 meters, and inside there are about twenty rides for motorsport fans. The main coaster, Formula Rossa, accelerates the car to about 240 km/h, and the G-Force capsule shoots you through the roof to a height of about 60 meters. Beyond the extreme rides, there is a little Italy with its landmarks and a kids' zone with a carousel where an instructor teaches children to drive a car (official website Ferrari World).

How to get there: Yas Island, about an hour from central Abu Dhabi and about an hour and a half from Dubai (by map).
Who it's for: speed lovers; younger children will enjoy the gentler rides.
Tickets: admission is paid, check the price on the official website. Ferrari World tickets.

20. Yas Waterworld

Water slides at Yas Waterworld in Abu Dhabi

Yas Waterworld was built in 2013 on Yas Island, and the park covers about 15 hectares. The design is based on the legend of a girl named Dana who searched for a magic pearl and brought prosperity to her native village. About forty rides are divided into four thrill levels, from the Liwa Loop with its whirlpool to calm pools for toddlers. For kids, there is the Marah Fortress with a shallow pool, and at the Wave Wrangler area you learn to stand on a board under an instructor's guidance (official website Yas Waterworld).

Who it's for: families with children and water slide fans.
Tickets: admission is paid, check the price and opening hours on the official website.

21. Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi

Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi is also on Yas Island. The zones are dedicated to Warner Brothers movie and animated series characters. Under the roof there are about thirty rides in six themed zones (official website Warner Bros. World).

Who it's for: families with children and fans of animated series and movies.
Tickets: admission is paid; it's convenient to combine with Ferrari World and Yas Waterworld in one day on Yas Island.
How to get there: Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, then by taxi or shuttle.

22. Khalifa Park

Flower bed of red flowers and green park hills

Sheikh Khalifa Park is located near Al Bateen Airport in Abu Dhabi. The grounds are lush with greenery, with maze gardens, well-kept flower beds, and fountains. There is a railway and a small Murjan water park with seven slides. A separate area is open only to women with children, with a swimming spot. Kids enjoy the Time Tunnel ride about the life of ancient people, and there are all the facilities for picnics and sports (according to the Abu Dhabi tourism office website).

Who it's for: families with children and picnics on the grass.
Cost: admission is paid; some rides cost extra.

23. Al Majaz Waterfront

Fountain jets in the bay with the city in the background

The Al Majaz Waterfront promenade runs along Khalid Lagoon in central Sharjah. It is the city's most prominent leisure area, with walking paths and cafes. A fountain in the lagoon shoots jets of water a hundred meters into the air. In the evening, the waterfront hosts a fountain show with laser lighting and music, and there are well-equipped playgrounds where teenagers watch performances (according to visitsharjah).

Who it's for: walks with kids and evening shows by the water.
Cost: entry to the waterfront is free.

24. Rolla Square

Green Rolla Square Park in Sharjah with palm trees

Rolla Square is located in Sharjah's business district, next to the bus station. This small, well-kept square with two fountains and a tree monument offers a break from the city bustle. There are swings, slides, and playgrounds for children (according to the Sharjah tourism office website).

Who it's for: a short walk in central Sharjah.
Cost: entry is free.

25. Sharjah Desert Park

Sharjah Desert Park is about 30 km from central Sharjah (according to the map). The reserve was established in 1995 to preserve and protect local fauna. Across roughly one square kilometer, it brings together a natural history museum, a botanical reserve, a children's farm, and a wildlife center. Here you can see rare desert animals: the sand cat, hyena, Arabian leopard, and camel spider, as well as other rare inhabitants of Arabia. In addition to picnic areas, there are cafes and souvenir shops (according to the Sharjah guide).

Who it's for: families with children and anyone interested in the nature of Arabia.
Cost: entry is paid.
Getting there: inconvenient without a car; a taxi from Sharjah or Dubai is easier.

Tours and tickets in Dubai

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UAE parks on the map

Below is a map showing the locations of the parks from this list in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah. Mark in advance which spots you want to combine into one trip and plan your route.

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to enter UAE parks?

Prices vary widely. Creekside, Al Barsha, and Burj parks, Rolla Square, and the Al Majaz waterfront are free, while major parks like Ferrari World charge admission. Always check current prices and opening hours on the parks' official websites before your visit.

Which park should I choose with kids?

For younger children, Legoland Dubai, Emirates Park Zoo, and Sheikh Khalifa Park with the Murjan water park are good options. Older kids enjoy Motiongate and IMG Worlds of Adventure with movie and comic book characters. In the heat, choose indoor venues: Ski Dubai, IMG Worlds, and Warner Bros. World.

When is the best time to visit UAE parks?

The most comfortable time is from November to April, when it is not so hot during the day. From May to September, being outdoors is difficult, so shift your outings to the morning and evening or choose air-conditioned parks. Water parks operate year-round; the water is heated.

Do I need to buy tickets in advance?

Yes, in high season: online tickets are date-specific and let you skip the line at the entrance. No booking is needed for free parks. Combined tickets for several parks in one complex are usually cheaper than individual ones, but they are best bought online in advance.

How do I get to Dubai Parks and Resorts?

A free bus runs from Ibn Battuta metro station to the complex. By car, it is easiest to take the E11 highway southwest of Dubai. The drive from the center takes about 45 minutes, so plan the parks in the complex for a separate day.

In short: what to book

If you have a family with young children, choose Legoland Dubai or Sheikh Khalifa Park. If you want rides and adrenaline, pick Ferrari World on Yas Island. If you want to escape the heat, Ski Dubai, IMG Worlds, and Warner Bros. World are good options. The Wild Wadi and Aquaventure water parks operate year-round. It is convenient to compare tickets and tours on GetYourGuide.

25 UAE parks: from free Dubai squares to Ferrari World