Dubai Water Parks

When deciding what to see and do in Dubai, don't miss the city's impressive water parks. The city has something for everyone, from parks full of family-friendly activities to those with adrenaline-fuelled rides for the more adventurous.

These destinations offer not only fun in the sun, but also top-quality scenery and services, making every visit an unforgettable day out. In this article, I will share with you a guide to the best water parks in Dubai with their addresses, advantages, disadvantages and tips for you to choose the option that best suits you and your group.

Located in the iconic Atlantis Hotel on The Palm, known as one of the best underwater hotels in the world, the Aquaventure Waterpark is one of Dubai's most famous water parks. The park offers a combination of extreme water slides, private beaches and a shark lagoon.

Among its main attractions is the "Leap of Faith", a near-vertical slide through a glass tunnel surrounded by sharks. In addition, Aquaventure has a lazy river that runs through much of the park, perfect for relaxing after an adrenaline-filled day.

Aquaventure not only stands out for its thrilling water rides, but also for its private beach and cabana lounge areas, offering a luxurious experience. Whether you're looking for a thrill or a relaxing day on the water, this water park has something for everyone. Plus, if you visit The Lost Chambers Aquarium, you can discover the marine world, one of the best things to see and do in Dubai Marina.

Interesting details

• Duration: 4-6 hours, depending on which attractions you want to try. Actually one day is ideal, especially if you buy the Dubai Theme Park Pass.
• Address: Atlantis The Palm - Crescent Rd - Dubai.
• What you should know: queues can be long in high season, so it's advisable to arrive early.
• What your ticket may include: access to the park, towel and sun lounger hire, entry to The Lost Chambers Aquarium.
• Pros: Combination of shark experience as you slide down one of the underwater slides, a dozen other slides with dizzying rides, areas for all ages, private beaches.
• Cons: Can be expensive if tickets are not purchased in advance.

This unique water park is located above the water at JBR Beach and is undoubtedly one of the most original in Dubai. The adventure begins when you reach the entrance, located about 15 metres from the shore. Of course, it's important to know how to swim, otherwise you'll miss the first part of the experience.

Aqua Fun is a floating park whose attractions form the word "DUBAI" and boasts the Guinness World Record as the largest physically challenging floating park in the world, ideal for those looking for an outdoor activity and enjoy the waters of the Dubai Sea.

Its impressive 42,200m2 are filled with bouncy castles, walkways, slides, climbing walls and a variety of attractions designed to challenge you as you float through the water. You can buy your tickets for the Aqua Fun water park and start your adventure.

Interesting details

• Duration: between 2 and 4 hours, depending on your skill and personal taste.
• Address: The beach, opposite - Jumeirah Beach Residence - Dubai.
• What you should know: all persons with a minimum height of 110 cm are welcome. You need to be able to swim to join in the fun at this park.
• What your ticket may include: access to the park, life jackets, use of beach facilities.
• Pros: This park is designed to offer fun in the sea in a completely different way. With a series of inflatable obstacles, it invites visitors to run, jump and climb over the water, creating a thrilling experience for those looking for a more dynamic activity. Whether you go solo or in a group, the Aqua Fun experience is an alternative to traditional water parks.
• Cons: Not recommended for those who prefer to relax; it can be tiring.

LEGOLAND Water Park is one of 8 parks that the world famous construction game has around the world, and this particular venue is ideal for families looking for a fun and safe water experience.

Located in the Dubai Parks and Resorts complex, just 20 minutes drive from the Palm Jumeirah, Dubai's iconic man-made islands, this park is designed especially for children aged 2-12 years old. Children can enjoy age-appropriate slides, interactive water play areas and the opportunity to build their own boats with LEGO pieces.

Among its most popular attractions is theBuild-A-Raft River, where kids can build their own LEGO raft before taking to the water. In addition, the park offers parents' lounge areas, a dozen family slides and other activities, making it the perfect place to enjoy a family day out.

Interesting details

• Duration: around 3 to 4 hours.
• Address: Sheikh Zayed Road, between Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
• What you should know: ideal for young children; adults may not find as many exciting attractions.
• What your ticket may include: park access, children's waistcoats, private cabin rentals.
• Pros: safe environment for children, lots of interactive and imaginative areas, plus can be combined with a visit to Legoland Dubai.
• Cons: Not suitable for teenagers or thrill-seeking adults.

MOTIONGATE™ Dubai is one of Dubai's most impressive movie-themed theme parks, with a water section for cooling off while enjoying the magic of Hollywood, and is listed among the best things to do in Dubai with kids by the Times.

This park combines rides from three major movie studios: DreamWorks Animation, Columbia Pictures and Lionsgate. Although not a water park in its entirety, MOTIONGATE™ includes water play areas perfect for beating the Dubai heat, such as thrilling Splash Bash zones and themed slides based on movies like Kung Fu Panda, Madagascar, The Hunger Games and Shrek. Like this or more varied?

With rides for both adults and children, MOTIONGATE™ offers memorable experiences for the whole family, from rollercoasters to live shows, all set to the most beloved movie franchises. For the little ones, there are areas designed specifically for their enjoyment, such as water play areas featuring characters from animated films. In addition, the attention to detail in the theming of each attraction makes the experience completely immersive.

Details of interest

• Duration: 4 to 6 hours is recommended, however, if you're travelling as a family, you're likely to spend a day in Dubai here, at the behest of the movie buffs in the house.
• Address: Sheikh Zayed Road, opposite Palm Jabel Ali, Dubai.
• What you should know: The park is not exclusively water-based, and it's just the right mix of Hollywood-themed activities that is constantly being revamped to respond to the latest screen flicks or those almost cult films like Shrek.
• What your ticket can include: access to all the park's attractions, water zones and live shows.
• Pros: Awesome movie themes, great for the whole family, water areas to cool off in.
• Cons: Not a full water park, but makes up for it with other activities. Some water areas are limited to younger children.

Splash 'n' Party Park is the perfect destination for families looking for a fun aquatic experience for the little ones in the house. Not only does this park offer aquatic entertainment, but as the name suggests, it's literally a party for the kids!

Among its main attractions, Splash 'n' Party features slides and water rides in different styles for splashing to your heart's content, as well as a thrilling zip line for the more adventurous. Children can also take part in interactive activities and have fun in the dance area.

This park is not only ideal for a family day out, but also specialises in organising birthday parties, with everything you need for the kids to have a great time while the adults enjoy the peace and quiet of the lounge areas.

Interesting details

• Duration: 2-4 hours, depending on your plans for the day.
• Address: Al Safa 2, Street 8A, Villa no. 1, Jumeirah, Dubai.
• What you should know: The park is designed for young children, specifically between 2 and 8 years old, so adult attractions are limited.
• What your ticket may include: Access to all areas of the park, private cabana rentals and use of event facilities.
• Pros: Ideal for young children, safe and family-friendly environment.
• Cons: Adults attend more as chaperones than participants in the experience, the kids are the focus of attention.

Jungle Bay Waterpark is one of the newest waterparks to open in the cultural melting pot of the Emirates. It is located at the Westin Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, and unlike most of the recommendations on the list where the adrenaline and versatility of the attractions are its forte, the Jungle Bay Waterpark is an exclusive and relaxed oasis.

Inspired by a tropical island theme, the park features waterslides of varying intensity, pools and lounge areas overlooking the Persian Gulf. The combination of water fun and luxury makes Jungle Bay an attractive option for those who want to enjoy the water without compromising on comfort.

Attractions include the**"Whizzard**" body slide, the**"Aqua Loop**" spiral slide and a wave pool where visitors can practice their surfing skills. In particular, although smaller than other water parks in Dubai, its location and concept earn it a place among the most fun water activities for families in Dubai.

Interesting details

• Duration: between 4 and 6 hours.
• Address: Le Méridien Mina Seaside: Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Waterpark.
• What you should know: Access to the park may be included with some Westin Mina Seyahi hotel bookings.
• What your ticket may include: park access, towel rental, use of resort facilities.
• Pros: Exclusive and relaxed atmosphere, ideal for families and adults.
• Cons: Fewer thrill rides compared to larger parks.

Located near the iconic Burj Al Arab, Wild Wadi Water Park is one of Dubai's most famous entertainment venues and, along with its sister Aquaventure, is one of the top water parks in the world.

Its design is inspired by the Arabian legend of Juha, and it offers more than 30 attractions, from thrilling water slides to wave pools. Highlights include the "Jumeirah Sceirah", a 120-metre high free-fall slide, and the "Master Blasters", a water roller coaster that uses water jets to propel you uphill.

Wild Wadi is ideal for all ages, offering everything from play areas for the youngest children to extreme slides for the bravest. It also boasts one of the best views of the Burj Al Arab, making it the perfect place to enjoy a day of adventure and relaxation.

Interesting details

• Duration: 4-6 hours is the official recommendation but one day is ideal for a day at the park.
• Address: Jumeirah St - opposite Burj Al Arab - Umm Suqeim - Umm Suqeim 3 - Dubai.
• What you should know: The park is popular, so queues can be long.
• What your ticket may include: park access, towel and sun lounger hire, family packages.
• Pros: A variety of attractions and stunning views of the Burj Al Arab, with the highlight being the popular Surf Wipeout Riptide attraction, designed for surfers. This experience allows you to glide over waves generated by a system that propels more than seven tons of water per second, creating artificial waves that are perfect for standing, kneeling or lying down. The sensation is so real that you'll feel like you're in the sea.
• Cons: Prices can be high in high season.

• Best time to visit: The best time to visit Dubai's water parks will depend a little on your tastes. During the cooler months, between November and March, temperatures are more pleasant and crowds are smaller. However, Dubai in August and September offers a number of special activities at its water parks in the run-up to summer.
• How to get to the parks: Most of Dubai's water parks offer shuttle services from central locations; however, my advice is to opt for the best tour buses that run all day, and you'll feel confident that you're in your comfort zone.
• How to dress in the water parks: although dress code in Dubai and more generally in Middle Eastern countries is a concern for us women, in the so-called tourist area of Dubai the dress code is relaxed and tends to be flexible, adapting to western culture, so you can wear your regular swimming costume.
• Don't forget: your sunglasses and sunscreen. The sun is really intense in the area, especially if you're travelling during the summer. You'll need these accessories and, personally, even a hat. Consider that Dubai in August and September has been experiencing temperatures as high as 48°C.