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- Posted: 28/08/2026
The Best Family Hotels in Dubai | 2026 Guide
Jenna Carr
Founder of The Travel Mum
Our 2026 guide to the best family hotels in Dubai
Dubai is a top-tier destination for families who want luxury, adventure, and unforgettable, exciting experiences. From breathtaking skyscrapers and theme parks to pristine beaches and desert safaris, there’s definitely something for all ages. If you are looking for year round sun and tons to do, it is the perfect destination.
The hotel you choose can make or break your family holiday – the right one should provide a stress-free stay with kid-friendly amenities and family-oriented activities. Luckily, Dubai has loads of these for a wide range of budgets.
If you’re searching for the best family hotels in Dubai, our guide will help you find the perfect stay, whether you want a lavish escape or a slightly more affordable alternative. We have more details on planning a Dubai family holiday in another blog.
What Do Family Hotels in Dubai Cost?
Dubai has a reputation for being expensive, and some of the best family resorts absolutely are. But there’s genuinely something for every budget.
- Budget (£): Harder to find in central Dubai, but Ras Al Khaimah resorts like the Radisson Resort Marjan Island offer solid value without sacrificing the beach-resort feel.
- Mid-range (££-£££): Centara Mirage and Al Habtoor Grand sit in this bracket. You get waterslides, kids’ clubs, and beach access without the eye-watering bill of the ultra-luxury options.
- Luxury (££££): Atlantis, The Palm and JA Lake View Hotel. Worth it for a once-in-a-lifetime trip, especially if you’re going all-in on the Aquaventure Waterpark access that’s included.
The cheapest time to book is June to September (summer), when prices drop significantly across all tiers. If you need school holiday dates, booking 4-6 months in advance for the November to March peak season will get you the best rates.
Which Area in Dubai Is Best for Families?
Location matters a lot in Dubai, the city is huge, and staying in the right area saves you money and stress on transfers.
- Palm Jumeirah: The go-to for luxury family resorts. Atlantis sits here, and you get direct beach access, theme parks, and iconic views. It’s pricey but genuinely delivers a resort-within-a-resort experience.
- Jumeirah Beach: A great middle ground. Al Habtoor Grand and Centara Mirage are both here, and the beach strip has plenty of family dining and activities within walking distance.
- Dubai Parks and Resorts (Jebel Ali): If your kids are theme park obsessed, staying here (Lapita Hotel) puts you right next to Motiongate, Legoland, and Bollywood Parks, no long transfers needed.
- Ras Al Khaimah: About an hour from Dubai city centre. Significantly cheaper than Palm Jumeirah resorts, with an equally gorgeous beach. Perfect if the priority is pool and beach time over city sightseeing.
For first-timers, Jumeirah Beach hits the sweet spot: decent value, beach access, and easy reach of Dubai’s main attractions.
Top 5 best family hotels in Dubai
1. Atlantis, The Palm (££££)
One of Dubai’s most iconic hotels, Atlantis, The Palm is a total paradise for families. Located on the famous Palm Jumeirah, this hotel boasts world-class entertainment and direct access to Aquaventure Waterpark. Now let’s not beat around the bush and ignore the fact that this one is pricey, but if you are looking for a once in a lifetime family trip that will be worth every penny, this is definitely the one.
Family-friendly features making this one of the best family hotels in Dubai:
- Complimentary access to Aquaventure Waterpark and The Lost Chambers Aquarium
- The biggest kids club in the world(!) and babysitting services
- Wavehouse family bar with a bowling alley, kid-friendly menu, a soft play, an arcade and a wave rider.
- Dedicated family pool with lots of life guards on duty.
- Two beach side playgrounds
- Watersports on the beach.
- Family suites with stunning views
- Dolphin Bay and Sea Lion Point experiences
2. JA Lake View Hotel (££££)
Located within the huge JA Resort, JA Lake View Hotel is a stylish and modern family-friendly hotel offering a range of activities for all ages.
Family-friendly features:
- Access to JA Resort Facilities including multiple swimming pools, a private beach, and lots of activities like mini-golf.
- A dedicated children’s club, play areas, and family-friendly entertainment.
- Families can enjoy water sports, horse riding, and even a shooting range.
3. Al Habtoor Grand Resort, Autograph Collection (£££)
Situated along Jumeirah Beach, the Al Habtoor Grand Resort offers a perfect blend of relaxation and family-friendly entertainment with stunning views.
Family-friendly features:
- Direct beach access, a large lagoon-style pool, and a dedicated kids’ pool with water slides
- A supervised kids’ club for younger children
- Plenty of activities for all ages including tennis courts, water sports, and a fitness centre
4. Centara Mirage Beach Resort Dubai (£££)
Centara Mirage Beach Resort Dubai is a themed beachfront resort designed with families in mind, and offers fun-filled activities and all-inclusive options.
Family-friendly features:
- A lazy river, waterslides, and multiple pools for all ages
- Supervised play areas, an outdoor playground, and daily activities for children
- Several restaurants with child-friendly menus and all-inclusive packages
- Direct beach access with water sports and family-friendly activities
5. Lapita, Dubai Parks and Resorts (£££)
Lapita is a Polynesian-themed hotel located in the heart of Dubai Parks and Resorts, perfect for families wanting to be in the heart of the fun and action!
Family-friendly features:
- Polynesian-themed resort with immersive family experiences
- Easy access to Dubai’s best theme parks including Motiongate, Bollywood Parks, and Legoland
- Kids’ and teens’ clubs, lazy river, and lagoon-style pools
- All-inclusive dining options
Stay in Ras Al Khaimah for lower prices
If you’re looking for Dubai holiday deals and don’t mind staying just outside the city, Ras Al Khaimah offers incredible value for money. It’s about an hour from Dubai and has all the luxury of premium Dubai resorts but at lower prices. A private taxi organised with Suntransfers from Dubai Airport to Ras Al Khaimah costs around £55 each way, making it a great, cost-effective option for families who are on a bit more of a budget.
Best family hotels in Ras Al Khaimah
1. Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island
This hotel is a luxurious 5-star beachfront resort on Al Marjan Island, offering family-friendly amenities, a floating water park, and direct beach access. It provides a mix of relaxation and adventure, ideal for those seeking an all-inclusive escape.
Family-friendly features
- Kids’ club with supervised activities
- Floating water park with slides
- Large beachside pool with a shallow kids’ area
- Chocolate Hour – complimentary chocolates served daily!
- Family spa treatments, including chocolate wraps! (how amazing does this sound!)
2. Rixos Bab Al Bahr
Rixos Bab Al Bahr is a 5-star all-inclusive beachfront resort on Al Marjan Island, offering a premium family experience with unlimited dining, entertainment, and kids’ activities.
Family-friendly features
- Kids’ club with supervised games, and activities.
- Dedicated kids’ pool and aqua park
- Daily live entertainment, including kids’ shows
- Multiple all-inclusive dining options, including family-friendly restaurants
- Private beach access with water sports
3. Radisson Resort Ras Al Khaimah Marjan Island
The Radisson Resort Ras Al Khaimah Marjan Island is a modern beachfront resort that offers family-friendly amenities, multiple dining options, and stunning sea views. It’s a great choice for those looking for a more affordable yet luxurious getaway.
Family-friendly features
- Family-friendly beachfront resort with water activities
- Kids’ club with supervised activities
- Dedicated children’s pool and play area
- Private beach access
- Multiple restaurants to cater for lots of preferences
When to visit the best family hotels in Dubai?
1. Winter (November to March)
Pros:
- Perfect weather – this time of year has comfortable temperatures (18°C – 30°C) for outdoor activities and exploring
- Dubai Shopping Festival takes place in January and February, and there’s lots of festive celebrations for Christmas and New Year
- Best time for theme parks, desert safaris, and beaches
- Many family-orientated attractions, like waterparks and theme parks, are more enjoyable in the mild weather.
Cons:
- Winter is peak season so means higher hotel prices and more tourists
- Attractions can be crowded so you might experience longer queues for popular attractions like Burj Khalifa and theme parks.
2. Summer (June to September)
Pros:
- Our summer is Dubai’s off-peak so you’ll benefit from cheaper flights and hotel deals
- Great for indoor attractions (malls, Ski Dubai, indoor theme parks, aquariums) so you can enjoy the city without melting!
- Less crowded tourist attractions
Cons:
- Extremely hot (40°C+) and high humidity
- Because of the temperature, some activities may be uncomfortable or unsafe
- Many outdoor attractions close or offer limited hours, which can be disappointing
3. Shoulder Seasons (April to May, September to October)
Pros:
- Moderate and pleasant weather (25°C – 35°C) makes it much more comfortable to explore
- A good balance – less crowded than winter but not as quiet as summer. And you’ll get a lower hotel rate compared to the winter months
- Good mix of indoor and outdoor activities to enjoy
Cons:
- Temperatures can rise in late April and October
- If you visit in late April or October, the afternoons can still be too warm for long outdoor activities, so you might have to adjust your schedule
Key Takeaways
- Atlantis, The Palm: includes Aquaventure Waterpark access.
- Centara Mirage: waterslides, all-inclusive options, mid-range price.
- Ras Al Khaimah: 5-star beach resorts at lower prices than Dubai.
- Best time to visit: November to March for outdoor activities.
- Summer (June-September): lowest hotel prices, but extreme heat.
- Jumeirah Beach: best all-round family location in Dubai.
- Lapita Hotel: ideal for theme-park families, on-site at Dubai Parks.
Why you should consider booking a Dubai holiday deal
Dubai is an excellent destination for families, offering a mix of luxury, adventure, and kid-friendly activities. Whether you choose a top-tier hotel in the city or a more affordable retreat in Ras Al Khaimah, there are Dubai holiday deals to suit every budget. Plan your trip wisely based on the season, and enjoy a memorable family getaway in one of the world’s most exciting cities.
I’d love to know if you’ve been to Dubai and what your recommendations would be? Head over to instagram and check out our Dubai story highlight. Check out our complete guide to organising a family holiday in Dubai. If you’ve never been before, I hope this blog helps you choose between the best family hotels in Dubai!
For more holiday ideas, check out our all inclusive family resorts in Europe recommended list!
Links in this post are affiliate links. All opinions are our own. 🫶🏻
Which hotels in Dubai have family rooms or interconnecting rooms?
Atlantis, The Palm offers dedicated family suites. Al Habtoor Grand Resort, Centara Mirage Beach Resort, and Lapita Hotel all cater specifically to families and typically offer family rooms or interconnecting options. Always contact the hotel directly or use the room filter when booking to confirm interconnecting availability for your dates.
Are there all-inclusive family hotels in Dubai?
Yes. Centara Mirage Beach Resort Dubai and Lapita both offer all-inclusive dining packages. In nearby Ras Al Khaimah, Rixos Bab Al Bahr is a fully all-inclusive 5-star resort with unlimited dining, kids’ entertainment, and a private beach.
Is Dubai a good holiday destination for families?
Dubai is an excellent family destination. It combines world-class theme parks, waterparks, desert safaris, indoor ski slopes, and beach resorts in one place. The hotel infrastructure is purpose-built for families, with kids’ clubs, shallow pools, and child menus standard at most 4 and 5-star properties. The best time to visit with kids is November to March, when temperatures are comfortable for outdoor activities.
Is Ras Al Khaimah worth it compared to staying in Dubai?
Ras Al Khaimah is absolutely worth considering for families on a tighter budget. It’s roughly an hour from Dubai city centre, and 5-star beachfront resorts like Rixos Bab Al Bahr and Mövenpick Al Marjan Island typically cost significantly less than comparable Dubai properties. A private taxi from Dubai Airport to RAK costs around £55 each way. If your priority is beach and pool time over city sightseeing, it’s brilliant value.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Dubai with Kids?
November to March is the sweet spot for a family trip to Dubai. Temperatures sit between 18°C and 30°C, comfortable enough for outdoor theme parks, beach time, and desert safaris without anyone overheating. It’s peak season, so hotel prices are higher, but the experience is well worth it. If budget is the priority, June to September brings the cheapest hotel deals across all tiers, just be prepared to stick largely to indoor attractions during the hottest part of the day.
What Is the Dubai Shopping Festival and Is It Good for Families?
The Dubai Shopping Festival takes place in December and January and is a brilliant bonus if you’re visiting during peak season anyway. Beyond the shopping deals, it brings live entertainment, fireworks, and family-friendly events across the city. Combine it with the already-comfortable winter weather and you’ve got a really strong reason to book a December / January trip with the kids.
Written by: Jenna Carr
Founder of The Travel Mum
Our family is passionate about helping you save money. We are real people who understand the need to make your budget go further. With The Travel Mum we have created a vibrant community of over 700k savvy travellers who want to travel more while spending less. No problem is too big or small, together we will do everything in our power to make sure you are making the absolute most of your well earned budget!
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