From Al Mamzar to Al Barsha, discover Dubai’s best playgrounds and splash pads for kids.
Dubai: With temperatures finally beginning to ease, park season is returning to Dubai, giving families more opportunities to spend time outdoors.
From sprawling municipal parks with rides, beaches and recreational facilities to free neighbourhood pond parks with children’s playgrounds, families can find outdoor spaces across almost every part of the city. Many are free to enter, while most of those that charge admission cost Dh5 or less.
Here’s an area-by-area guide to where families can head this park season.
A few things to know before you go
Dubai’s major public parks are managed by Dubai Municipality. Most open from 8am until 10pm, with extended opening hours at some locations on weekends.
Timings may change during public holidays and special occasions, so visitors are advised to check the Dubai Municipality app for the latest opening hours before heading out.
Children aged two and under and People of Determination generally receive free entry to Dubai’s public parks. Some parks accept Nol cards for admission, so it is useful to have one with you.
Although the weather begins to cool in October, daytime temperatures can still reach the mid-30s Celsius. For families with young children, late afternoon and evening visits are generally more comfortable.
Bur Dubai and Zabeel
Zabeel Park
One of Dubai’s most popular picnic destinations, Zabeel Park offers expansive lawns, children’s playgrounds and plenty of open space for running around and outdoor activities.
The park is also home to the Dubai Frame, although entry to the attraction requires a separate ticket.
When: Daily from 8am
Where: Zabeel, off Sheikh Zayed Road (nearest Metro: Max, Red Line)
Price: Dh5 per person
Creek Park
Running alongside Dubai Creek, Creek Park combines landscaped green spaces and children’s play areas with waterfront views, making it a popular option for family outings.
The park also houses Children’s City and Dubai Dolphinarium, both of which require separate admission tickets.
When: Daily from 8am
Where: Umm Hurair 2 (nearest Metro: Dubai Healthcare City, Green Line)
Price: Dh5 per person
Deira, Al Mamzar and Al Qusais
Al Mamzar Beach Park
Spread across 106 hectares, Al Mamzar Beach Park combines sandy beaches, landscaped lawns and children’s playgrounds, making it a popular choice for families planning a full day outdoors.
The park also has swimming pools, with entry priced at Dh10 for adults and Dh5 for children, as well as chalets that can be booked for the day.
When: Daily from 8am
Where: Al Mamzar, near the Sharjah border (nearest Metro: Al Qiyadah, Green Line)
Price: Dh5 per person or Dh30 per car
Al Nahda Pond Park
Built around a large central pond, Al Nahda Pond Park is a convenient neighbourhood option for families, with children’s playgrounds, jogging and cycling tracks, and outdoor fitness equipment.
Free parking is also available near the park entrances.
When: Daily from 8am
Where: Al Nahda 2
Price: Free
Al Qusais Pond Park
For a quieter family outing, Al Qusais Pond Park offers a children’s play area, walking tracks and spaces for picnics and relaxation.
Entry is free, with no tickets or advance registration required.
When: Daily, according to Dubai Municipality park timings
Where: Al Qusais
Price: Free
Mirdif and Al Khawaneej
Mushrif National Park
Known for its woodland setting, shaded areas and sandy picnic spots, Mushrif National Park is one of Dubai’s popular outdoor destinations for families. The park also has designated barbecue areas and children’s playgrounds.
Kids can take a train ride around the park for Dh2, while Aventura Parks, an adventure and zipline attraction located within the grounds, requires a separate ticket.
Visitors should also keep a Nol card handy, as it is used for payment at the park entrance.
When: Daily from 8am
Where: Al Khawaneej Street, Mirdif
Price: Dh3 per person or Dh10 per car
Quranic Park
Quranic Park offers landscaped gardens, a lake and children’s play areas, all of which can be explored free of charge.
The park also features two main attractions — the Cave of Miracles and the Glass House — which require a small additional entry fee.
When: Daily
Where: Al Khawaneej
Price: Free; separate charges apply for the Cave of Miracles and Glass House
Jumeirah and Al Wasl
Safa Park
One of Dubai’s oldest and best-known green spaces, Safa Park sits alongside the Dubai Water Canal and offers expansive lawns, children’s playgrounds and a train ride around the park.
It also features a dedicated fenced area for women, with separate entrances for added privacy.
When: Daily from 8am
Where: Al Wasl (nearest Metro: Business Bay, Red Line)
Price: Dh3 per person; free parking
Al Sufouh Park
A smaller and quieter option, Al Sufouh Park is a neighbourhood green space near the junction of Hessa Street and Al Sufouh Road.
The park features two shaded children’s play areas, making it a convenient choice for families looking for a relaxed outdoor outing.
When: Daily
Where: Al Sufouh
Price: Free
Al Barsha
Al Barsha Pond Park
Covering around 20 hectares, Al Barsha Pond Park is centred around a large pond and offers plenty of facilities for both children and adults.
Families can make use of three shaded playground zones, while the park also features cycling paths, sports courts and an outdoor gym. Barbecues are not permitted within the park.
Covering around 20 hectares, Al Barsha Pond Park is centred around a large pond and offers plenty of space and facilities for families.
The park features three shaded playground zones, along with cycling paths, sports courts and an outdoor gym. Barbecues are not permitted.
When: Daily from 8am
Where: Al Barsha 2
Price: Free
Palm Jumeirah, JLT and Dubai Marina
Al Ittihad Park
Stretching beneath the Palm Monorail, Al Ittihad Park combines landscaped green spaces with several children’s play areas and a 3.2-kilometre jogging track.
The park is also home to a variety of labelled native plants, with several cafes nearby. It is also among the few dog-friendly public parks in Dubai.
When: Open 24 hours
Where: Palm Jumeirah
Price: Free; free parking
JLT Park
Surrounded by the towers of Jumeirah Lakes Towers, JLT Park provides a family-friendly green space in the heart of the neighbourhood.
The park is divided into different play zones, including a dedicated area for babies and toddlers, complete with swings.
When: Daily
Where: Jumeirah Lakes Towers
Price: Free
Dubai Hills and Dubailand
Dubai Hills Park
Dubai Hills Park is a large community green space offering shaded children’s play areas, sports courts, running tracks and a dedicated dog park.
Entry to the main park is free, while several attractions — including a splash park, skate park and ice rink — require payment. A day pass provides access to all three attractions.
When: Daily
Where: Dubai Hills Estate
Price: Free entry; attraction day pass costs Dh55 for residents and Dh85 for non-residents
Town Square Park
Town Square Park offers a mix of open lawns and family attractions, including a children’s playground, splash pad, carousel and family train.
Entry to the park itself is free, although individual attractions and the splash pad are separately charged.
When: Daily; attractions generally operate from late morning
Where: Town Square, Dubailand
Price: Free entry; separate charges apply for rides and the splash pad
