Looking for ways to keep cool and have fun as a family in the UAE? This list of the UAE’s best waterparks should help.
Your kiddos will love tackling all of the adventure that awaits at the top waterparks in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. There are scary slides, vertical drops, terrifying twists and turns, plus lazy rivers for the faint of heart.
Aquaventure Waterpark
This huge waterpark in Dubai is splashing fun for the whole family from the tiniest water babies up to thrill-seeking bigger kids – and yes, you too Mums and Dads. You’ll find it at the iconic Atlantis The Palm hotel and there are so many awesome rides and experiences offering various levels of terror , you’ll find something for everyone. We dare you to slide down The Leap of Faith that sees you whizz past sharks in a transparent tube (eek!). There is a separate area for the youngest family members who can explore the giant pirate ship trying to avoid the huge bucket that dunks out water every now and then.
Dhs235 (kids less than 1.2m), from Dhs289. Open daily 10am-6pm. Atlantis The Palm, Crescent Road, Dubai, www.atlantis.com (04 426 0000).
Laguna Waterpark
This buzzing La Mer waterpark caters to the daredevils with rides such as the Free Fall, the Constrictor and The Loop, but doesn’t overlook the little ones with a lazy river and a dedicated water adventure zone called Aqua Play with waterslides and a giant soaker bucket.
From Dhs175. Open daily 10am-6pm. La Mer, Dubai, www.lagunwaterpark.com (04 317 3999).
LEGOLAND Water Park Dubai
Discover a whole world of colourful aqua fun at this brick-tastic waterpark. The Joker Soaker area is ideal for younger kids with just the right number of slides, tumbling buckets of water and water shooters, while elsewhere in the park older (and taller) adrenaline-seekers will find 20 slides to try out. There really is no excuse not to get soaking wet.
Fee (kids under three), Dhs275. Open daily 10am-6pm. Dubai Parks & Resorts, Dubai, www.legoland.com (04 820 3123).
Wild Wadi
The awesome water park in front of Burj Al Arab Jumeirah offers families around 30 fun experiences and rides that both little kids and big kids alike will love. Keep it calm by floating around the long lazy river of Juha’s Journey or ramp the adrenaline up (if you dare) by sliding down Tantrum Alley, Burj Surj and the infamous Jumeirah Sceirah. Cool dudes can hit the waves at Wipeout and Riptide Flowriders while the littlest thrill-seekers can head to Juha’s Dhow and Lagoon with over 100 water activities including five slides, a pair of racing slides, and water guns, but beware of the large dumping bucket that spills over every two minutes dumping its contents on anyone hanging out below.
From Dhs299. Open daily 10am-6pm. Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Umm Suqeim, Dubai, www.wildwadi.com (04 348 4444).
Yas Waterworld
Just like everything on Yas Island, Yas Waterworld makes us very happy indeed. Themed around an old Emirati legend, the park is divided into four thrill levels: Adrenaline Rush, Exciting Adventure, Moving and Grooving and, finally, Young Fun. Each zone caters to different age groups and with 40 slides there literally is something for everyone. The Tot’s Playground is ideal for parents of younger children as they can let them splash around safely in the shade.
From Dhs250. Open daily 10am-5pm. Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, www.yaswaterworld.com (600 511 51).
Three top splash parks for tiny tots
Aquaduck
Aimed at kiddos from three to 14, Aquaduck offers slides, water cannons, water wheels, flumes, and a tilting bucket.
From Dhs120. Open daily 10am-8pm. Al Mankhool Road, Dubai, www.aquaduck.ae (050 653 4933).
Splash Island
Housed in Blue Wave Club – and indoor swimming facility meaning splashing fun whatever the weather – little ones from as young as one (up to 12) can enjoy eight slides, beams, a waterfall, bucket forest and loads more. Kids under five must be accompanied in the water by an adult at all times.
Dhs95. Open daily 9am-9pm. Al Quoz, Dubai, www.bluewaveclub.ae (04 331 6117).
Splash ‘n’ Party
Unlike the name suggests you don’t have to be celebrating turning a year older to enjoy this little splash park – although if you are, they do offer party packages. Expect a combination of water slides, big water buckets, plenty to climb and jump from, and even toddler-friendly pads to frolic around in.
Dhs100. Open daily 9am-8pm. Al Safa 2, Dubai, www.splashnparty.ae (04 388 3008).
