There’s more than just camels to gaze at here in the desert. From petting zoos to shark tanks, gather up your little critters and explore the amazing variety of family friendly facilities we have access to in the UAE.
Al Ain Zoo
Al Ain Zoo has been entertaining and educating animal lovers since it opened in 1968, and features a large collection of local wildlife as well as giraffes, reptiles and big cats adding up to 184 different species. Located at the foothills of the Jebel Hafeet Mountains, the grounds are huge and the conservation and breeding programmes are impressive, plus the zoo is open late for those wishing to safari in the dark. The petting zoo has Shetland ponies, rabbits and the like for little ones to feed.
Best attractions: African white lions.
Dhs15 (for adults), Dhs5 (kids aged three-12). Kids under three get in for free. Open year round 9am-8pm and 10am-10pm during public holidays. Al Ain City, www.awpr.ae (03 799 2000).
Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo
Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo boasts the Guinness Book of Records largest acrylic panel in the world, and the biggest suspended aquarium, which visitors to Dubai Mall can view freely whilst strolling round the shops. The Underwater Zoo is on three levels and is home to over 140 different species of aquatic animals plus a few creepy crawlies.
Best attraction: Sharks.
Dhs55. Sunday-Wednesday 10am-10pm; Thursday-Saturday 10am-midnight. The Dubai Mall, www.thedubaiaquarium.com (04 448 5200).
Dubai Dolphinarium
Dubai Dolphinarium is the place to go to see dolphins and seals dance, juggle and jump through hoops for entertainment and amusement. If watching isn’t enough, then there’s also the chance to swim, hug, kiss and pose for a photo with these marvellous marine mammals.
Best attraction: Dolphins.
Dhs100-120 (for adults), Dhs50-70 (for kids). Show timings Monday-Thursday 11am and 6pm; Friday and Saturday 11am, 3pm and 6pm. Swimming with dolphins Monday-Thursday at 1pm, 2pm, 3pm and 4pm. Dhs550. Minimum age five years. Childrens City, Bur Dubai, www.dubaidolphinarium.ae (04 336 9773).
Emirates Park Zoo
Emirates Park Zoo has a colourful collection of creatures to see, as well as a family friendly farm for kids to get interactive with all sorts of little creatures. Aiming to raise environmental issues as well as fostering an understanding of all things great and small, kids can learn while still having fun – plus the park has plenty of amenities including cafés, a games centre, mosque and wheelchair access. There are 35 fully equipped chalets should you experience the urge to stay and wake up with wildlife walking past the window.
Best attraction: Sea lion shows.
Dhs30 for adults and Dhs20 for kids 2-5, kids below 2 free. Sun-Wed 9am-8pm, Thu-Sat and public holidays 9am-9pm. Al Bahia, 35km from Abu Dhabi on the Abu Dhabi/Dubai Road, www.emiratesparkzoo.com (02 501 0000).
Exo-Terra
Exo-Terra looks like a cave and is filled with all things slithery and reptilian. Billed as a zoo and educational centre, entrants can gawp at the residents inside their glass cases, and there is an educator on hand to answer any questions. For the non-squeamish types, there’s a chance to stroke, hold and get a photo taken (for a small extra fee) with one of the many snakes, iguanas or chameleons, or there’s a live venom extraction exhibition from the resident cobras, rattlesnakes and vipers every Friday and Saturday between 6pm and 8pm. Thankfully this is performed by the snake master behind a glass partition!
Best attraction: Bearded dragon.
Dhs20 entrance fee. Under threes are free. Open weekdays 10am-10pm; weekends 3pm-11pm. Uptown Mirdiff, near Spinneys, Dubai, www.facebook .com/ExoTerraDubai (04 252 4466).
Posh Paws Animal Sanctuary andPetting Farm
Posh Paws Animal Sanctuary and Petting Farm relies on donations, animal-loving volunteers and the new entrance fee to keep the non-profit home for unwanted and abandoned animals functioning. Inhabitants include everything from porcupines to peacocks, flamingos to ferrets with a few wallabies to watch and Shetland ponies for riding on. For those wanting to adopt, they can leave at the end of the day with their very own rabbit, cat, dog, hamster or tortoise. There are kennels and a cattery for boarding plus a relocation service so the new pet doesn’t get left behind and find themselves back where they started.
Best attraction: Baby pygmy goats.
Dhs20 (for adults), Dhs10 (for two-16 year olds). Under twos are free. Open daily 8am-noon, 3pm-6pm. Al Khawaneej, near Dubai Desert Equestrian Club, opposite Dubai Municipality Veterinary Clinic, www.poshpawsdubai.com (056 604 4091).
Sharjah Aquarium
Sharjah Aquarium spans two floors and has over 20 water aquariums filled with over 250 different species native to the seas of the Gulf. With a diverse variety of marine life to observe, from tiny clownfish to huge moray eels, there are plenty of fishy delights to see. The ticket price won’t break the bank either.
Best attraction: Stingrays.
Dhs20 (for adults), Dhs10 (kids aged six-15). Under fives are free. Dhs50 family ticket for two adults and three children. Saturday-Thursday 8am-8pm; Friday 4pm-10pm; closed on Sunday, www.sharjahmuseums.ae
(06 528 5288).
