The UAE’s best water parks for kids under six

The UAE has loads of cool family-friendly water parks to choose from, but when you’ve got tiny tots, vertical drops, super-fast slides and shark-infested pools won’t be what you’re looking for from a day out.

Never fear because among the hair-raising, thrilling slides and attractions at Dubai and Abu Dhabi’s best water parks, you’ll also find some perfect watery playgrounds where little ones under six can splash around and have fun.

Here are the UAE’s best water parks for kids under six.

Aquaduck

Aimed at kiddos from three to 14 – but we think it’s best for tiny tots under six – Aquaduck offers slides, water cannons, water wheels, flumes, and a tilting bucket – and what little one doesn’t burst into fits of giggles when a load of water is dumped on their head?
From Dhs120. Open daily 10am-8pm. Al Mankhool Road, Dubai, www.aquaduck.ae (050 653 4933).

Aquaventure Waterpark

When it comes to family-friendly water parks, this tops the list for splashing fun for the whole gang. This huge water park in Dubai is perfect for little water babies. You’ll find it at the iconic Atlantis The Palm hotel where a separate area for the youngest family members lets them explore a 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, atlantis.com (04 426 0000).

Dreamland Aqua Park

Pack up the car with the kiddos and the floaties – and don’t forget the factor 50 – because when you have the opportunity to enjoy a day-trip to a waterpark – boasting 15 different exciting rides and attractions, a selection of restaurants, the UAE’s largest pool bar, cabanas for the sun-seekers and even a mini zoo – it would be unwise to pass it up. As well as some seriously thrilling rides and slides for older daredevils, the little ones can splash around and have fun in the splash park. Plus there Dreamland also boasts its very own Dead Sea facility for the entire gang to float around in.
Dhs105 (full day), Dhs75 (sunset access from 5.30pm). Sat-Thu 10am-7pm, Fri 10am-8pm. Kor Al Sharqi, www.dreamlanduae.com (06 768 1888).

Jungle Bay Waterpark

Because the big kids shouldn’t have all the fun, Jungle Bay Waterpark has plenty to keep kids under six happy. As well as a couple of fun slides for little ones – the Body Slide is a must-try for beginner water sliders – there is the brilliant Aquaplay and The Lighothouse, both of which house. A number of tame slides, watery climbing fun and that all-important dumping bucket. The wave pool is also aimed at families with little kids.
Dhs200 (Sun-Thu), Dhs250 (Fri & Sat), Dhs100 (kids four-12 Sun-Thu), Dhs150 (kids four-12 Fri & Sat).

Laguna Waterpark

A tiny tot-friendly water park in a brilliant Dubai location? Absolutely. While this buzzing La Mer waterpark has loads for the daredevils with rides such as the Free Fall, the Constrictor and The Loop, it 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. And when you’re done at the water park, you can take the gang for something to eat at one of La Mer’s numerous eateries.
From Dhs175. Open daily 10am-6pm. La Mer, Jumeirah, Dubai, lagunwaterpark.com (04 317 3999).

LEGOLAND Water Park Dubai

This family-friendly water park is aimed at kids up to 12. But with an entire section dedicated to younger family members, it’s a hit with water babies under six. The Joker Soaker area is ideal for kids up to six with just the right number of slides, tumbling buckets of water and water shooters, while adjacent to the splash park there is a small shallow pool with colourful mini slides that is perfect for tiny tots as young as one. So there really is no excuse for the whole family not to get soaking wet.
Fee (kids under three), Dhs275. Open daily 10am-6pm. Dubai Parks & Resorts, Dubai, legoland.com (04 820 3123).

Splash Island

Housed in the Blue Wave Club – an indoor swimming facility where little ones under six can enjoy some splashing fun whatever the weather – little ones from as young as one (and going up to tweens of 12) can enjoy eight splashtastic 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. Plus, the water park is quite small, which makes it easier for mums and dads to keep an eye on their little tots and ensure they are safe around the water at all times.
Dhs100. Open daily 9am-8pm. Al Safa 2, Dubai, www.splashnparty.ae (04 388 3008).

Wild Wadi

The awesome family-friendly water park in front of Burj Al Arab Jumeirah offers the whole crew around 30 fun experiences and rides that both little kids and big kids alike will love. The littlest ones can keep it calm by floating around the long lazy river of Juha’s Journey while cool dudes can hit the waves at Wipeout and Riptide Flowriders while the littlest thrill-seekers can head to Juha’s Dhow and Lagoon that have more than 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

Themed around an old Emirati legend, the park is divided into four thrill levels catersing to different age groups, but with littlest thrill seekers under in tow you’ll want to make a beeline for The Tot’s Playground, which 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, yaswaterworld.com (600 511 51).