17-Day Epic Family Adventure & Cultural Journey in the United Arab Emirates
The United Arab Emirates is much more than just gleaming skyscrapers; it is a playground for families that blends ultra-modern convenience with rich Arabian heritage. This 17-day journey is designed with a 'slow travel' philosophy, ensuring you have ample time to explore without the stress of a rushed schedule, focusing on stroller-friendly paths and engaging activities for all ages.
Navigate through the neon lights of Dubai, the cultural heart of Sharjah, and the rugged mountains of Ras Al Khaimah. With world-class infrastructure, the intercity travel is seamless, allowing your family to transition from metropolitan hubs to quiet desert retreats in total comfort.
Day 1: Dubai, United Arab Emirates - Arrival & Coastal Breezes
Arrival at Dubai International Airport
Clear customs and head to your family-friendly hotel in the Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) area. The airport is highly efficient with dedicated family lanes.
Check-in & Relax
Settle into your accommodation and let the kids burn off some post-flight energy in the hotel pool.
The Beach at JBR
Stroll along this pedestrian-friendly waterfront. It features wide wooden boardwalks perfect for strollers and a large 'Splash Pad' for children.
Dinner at Bluewaters Island
Cross the pedestrian bridge to Bluewaters Island for a quiet dinner with views of the Ain Dubai observation wheel.
Day 2: Dubai, United Arab Emirates - Downtown Icons
Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
Located inside the Dubai Mall, this is a hit for kids. The tunnels are wide and fully accessible for strollers.
Lunch at Dubai Mall
Choose from hundreds of family-friendly dining options with high chairs and kids' menus available.
At The Top - Burj Khalifa
Take the world's fastest elevator to the 124th floor. The observation deck offers stunning views and is fully accessible.
Dubai Fountain Show
Watch the choreographed water dance outside the mall. It’s free, outdoors, and mesmerizes children of all ages.
Day 3: Dubai, United Arab Emirates - Old Dubai & Culture
Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood
Wander through the narrow lanes of Old Dubai. The area is largely pedestrianized and offers a glimpse into the city's pearl-diving past.
Abra Ride across Dubai Creek
Take a traditional wooden boat (Abra) for just 1 AED. It's a short, breezy ride that kids find thrilling. Note: Strollers need to be folded.
Dubai Frame
Visit the massive golden frame at Zabeel Park. The glass walkway at the top provides a unique view of both 'Old' and 'New' Dubai.
Zabeel Park Playtime
Spend the afternoon in one of Dubai's largest parks, which features extensive playgrounds and green spaces.
Day 4: Dubai, United Arab Emirates - Theme Park Fun
LEGOLAND Dubai
Located at Dubai Parks and Resorts, this park is specifically designed for families with children aged 2-12.
Lunch at Riverland
The themed dining area between the parks offers various global cuisines in a charming riverside setting.
LEGOLAND Water Park
Cool off in the LEGO-themed wave pool and toddler-friendly slide areas.
The Outlet Village
A short shuttle ride away, this indoor mall is modeled after a Tuscan village and offers great deals and quiet dining.
Day 5: Dubai, United Arab Emirates - Flowers & Global Flavors
Dubai Miracle Garden
Explore the world's largest natural flower garden. The paths are flat and paved, making it very stroller-friendly.
Dubai Butterfly Garden
Located right next door, this indoor facility allows children to interact with thousands of colorful butterflies.
Global Village
An enormous multicultural festival park with pavilions from around the world, street food, and carnival rides.
Cultural Performance
Catch a live dance or music show on the main stage at Global Village before heading back.
Day 6: Dubai to Abu Dhabi - Capital Transition
Private Transfer to Abu Dhabi
The drive takes about 90 minutes. Intercity taxis or private vans are the most comfortable options for families with luggage.
Check-in at Yas Island
Staying on Yas Island places you within walking distance (or a free shuttle) of the major theme parks.
Yas Marina Circuit Walk
When there are no races, you can often walk or cycle the track for free in the evenings. Great for burning energy.
Yas Bay Waterfront Dinner
A beautiful new promenade with plenty of space for kids to run around while you wait for your food.
Day 7: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - Grand Mosque & Peace
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
One of the world's largest mosques. It is incredibly welcoming to families and provides golf carts for those with young children or mobility needs.
Wahat Al Karama
Located across the street, this memorial park offers a quiet space for reflection and an incredible view of the Mosque.
Umm Al Emarat Park
One of the oldest and largest parks in Abu Dhabi, featuring a petting zoo, botanical garden, and an outdoor 'Wisdom Garden'.
The Corniche
Enjoy a sunset walk along the 8km long manicured waterfront which features dedicated cycling and pedestrian paths.
Day 8: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - Warner Bros. World
Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi
This is the world's largest indoor theme park, making it perfect for avoiding the midday heat. It has many sections for toddlers.
Lunch in Bedrock
Eat lunch with the Flintstones in a themed restaurant that is always a hit with the little ones.
Cartoon Junction
Spend time in the soft play areas and low-intensity rides designed for younger children.
Evening at Yas Mall
Connected to the theme park, the mall offers a massive food court and air-conditioned shopping.
Day 9: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - Art & Nature
Louvre Abu Dhabi
The stunning architecture is worth it alone. There is a dedicated 'Children's Museum' inside that is highly interactive.
Saadiyat Beach
Visit the public beach on Saadiyat Island for pristine white sand and turquoise waters. It’s very quiet and clean.
Jubail Mangrove Park
Walk along the floating boardwalks through the mangroves. It's a peaceful, educational nature walk accessible to strollers.
Dinner at Mamsha Al Saadiyat
A trendy beachfront community with great pizza and gelato spots for the kids.
Day 10: Abu Dhabi to Al Ain - The Garden City
Drive to Al Ain
Head inland to the UNESCO World Heritage city of Al Ain. The drive is roughly 2 hours through scenic desert landscapes.
Check-in & Lunch
Al Ain offers a much more traditional and relaxed vibe compared to the coastal cities.
Al Ain Oasis
Walk through the shaded palm groves. The ancient Falaj irrigation system is fascinating for kids to see in action.
Al Jahili Fort
A beautiful mud-brick fortress with large grassy areas for kids to run around safely.
Day 11: Al Ain, United Arab Emirates - Wildlife & Heights
Al Ain Zoo
One of the best zoos in the region. It features a large safari area and a very popular giraffe feeding experience.
Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Centre
Located inside the zoo, this interactive museum is fully air-conditioned and very educational.
Jebel Hafeet Drive
Drive up the second-highest peak in the UAE for sunset. There are several picnic spots and playgrounds at the base (Green Mubazzarah).
Dinner at Green Mubazzarah
Enjoy the natural hot springs and a casual barbecue dinner at the foot of the mountain.
Day 12: Al Ain to Sharjah - Culture Capital
Travel to Sharjah
A 2-hour drive north brings you to the cultural heart of the UAE. Sharjah is known for its museums and heritage.
Heart of Sharjah
This restoration project recreates the old city. It's quiet, stroller-friendly, and full of small boutique museums.
Sharjah Rain Room
An incredible art installation where you walk through rain without getting wet. Kids find the sensor technology magical.
Al Majaz Waterfront
Enjoy the fountain show (similar to Dubai but more intimate) and the many playgrounds along the lagoon.
Day 13: Sharjah, United Arab Emirates - Science & Sharks
Sharjah Aquarium & Maritime Museum
A great educational morning. The aquarium is smaller and more manageable for young children than the Dubai Mall version.
Lunch at Al Qasba
A canal-side development with many cafes and a large indoor soft-play area for children.
Sharjah Science Museum
Highly interactive and designed for school-aged children, though toddlers will enjoy the light and sound rooms.
Sharjah Desert Park
A short drive out of the city, this park features a petting farm and a breeding center for endangered Arabian animals.
Day 14: Ajman & Umm Al Quwain - Coastal Exploration
Ajman Museum
Located in an 18th-century fort, this museum is compact and easy to navigate with children.
Ajman Corniche Lunch
A quieter, less crowded version of Dubai's beaches, perfect for a relaxed family meal.
Umm Al Quwain Beach
Drive further north to see the more rugged, natural coastline of the UAE.
Dreamland Aqua Park
One of the oldest water parks in the UAE. It’s very family-oriented and generally less crowded than the big parks in Dubai.
Day 15: Ras Al Khaimah - Mountains & Adventure
Drive to Ras Al Khaimah
The northernmost Emirate offers dramatic mountain scenery. The drive from Sharjah takes about 1 hour.
Jebel Jais Sledder
Take a ride on the mountain bobsled. It’s safe for children (riding with an adult) and offers incredible views.
Manar Mall Promenade
A great place for an evening stroll by the mangroves with plenty of food options and a cinema.
Dinner by the Beach
Enjoy the cooler northern temperatures with an outdoor seafood dinner.
Day 16: Fujairah, United Arab Emirates - The East Coast
Drive to Fujairah
Cross the Hajar Mountains to reach the Gulf of Oman. The landscape change is spectacular.
Al Bidyah Mosque
Visit the oldest mosque in the UAE. It’s small but historically significant and surrounded by easy walking paths.
Snoopy Island Snorkeling
The waters here are calm. Even if the kids are too young to snorkel, they can enjoy seeing the fish from the shore.
Fujairah Fort
A quick stop to see the castle perched on a hill, providing a great backdrop for family photos.
Day 17: Return to Dubai - Last Minute Fun & Departure
Return to Dubai
The drive back to Dubai takes approximately 90 minutes. Head straight to the airport area for convenience.
Kite Beach
One last run around on the sand. There are excellent trampolines and climbing frames for kids here.
Souk Madinat Jumeirah
A beautiful, air-conditioned market with canals. It’s the perfect place to pick up high-quality last-minute souvenirs.
Transfer to DXB Airport
Say goodbye to the Emirates and head to the airport for your evening flight home.
Best Time to Visit United Arab Emirates
The ideal time for a family trip to the UAE is between October and March. During these months, the weather is pleasantly warm (20°C to 30°C), making outdoor parks, beaches, and desert walks very enjoyable. Summer (June to August) should be avoided as temperatures can exceed 45°C, making outdoor activities impossible for children.
Currency & Money
The local currency is the UAE Dirham (AED), which is pegged to the US Dollar ($1 USD = 3.67 AED). Credit and debit cards are accepted almost everywhere, including small cafes and taxis. Tipping is not mandatory but 10-15% is common in restaurants if a service charge isn't already included.
Getting Around United Arab Emirates
For intercity travel, renting a car is the most practical choice for families, offering flexibility and safety. Within Dubai, the Metro is world-class and stroller-accessible, though it can get crowded during rush hour. Taxis are plentiful, affordable, and most can be hailed via the 'Careem' app, which even has a 'Kids' option for cars with child seats.
