Dubai Summer Bucket List 2026: The Coolest Family-Friendly Things to Do This Season

Ain Alalam – Rashad Iskandrni

From new attractions and waterfront experiences to exciting restaurants and family-friendly entertainment, Dubai has introduced plenty of new experiences for visitors this summer. Whether you’re travelling for a few days or a longer holiday, here are the places and experiences worth adding to your Dubai summer bucket list.

1. Make a Splash at Dubai’s Newest Waterpark

The city’s newest water attraction has officially arrived. Spanning 20,000 sqm, the Grand Hyatt Dubai Waterpark features 16 attractions, including thrilling slides such as the Drop Loop, Aqua Twist, a wave pool, a lazy river and a FlowRider surf simulator.

It’s an ideal full-day outing for families, with plenty to entertain toddlers, teens and adults alike, without leaving the city.

Perfect for: Families with children of all ages.

1. Experience Dubai’s Reimagined Beach Destination

Dubai’s coastline has a new highlight. Khor Al Mamzar Beach has reopened following a major upgrade and now boasts the region’s first floating walkway, a dedicated 24/7 night beach and 5.5km of walking, running and cycling tracks.

The best times to visit are early in the morning or after sunset for cooler temperatures and the best scenic waterfront views.

Don’t miss: An evening swim followed by a sunset stroll along the floating boardwalk.

1. Step Into Dubai’s Most Immersive New Entertainment Experiences

Dubai continues to blur the line between gaming, entertainment and social experiences.

This summer, add these to your itinerary:

• House of Hype at Dubai Mall Chinatown, where more than 100 interactive experiences combine gaming, digital art and Instagram-worthy installations.
• SOCO at City Centre Mirdif, a “social jungle” packed with bowling, karaoke, arcade games, motorsport simulators and multi-sport challenges.
• Black Bunny Dubai in Al Quoz, one of the city’s newest immersive indoor entertainment venues.

These indoor, air-conditioned attractions are perfect for keeping every member of the family entertained.

1. Sweeten Your Day at HARIBO Happy World

The world’s favourite gummy bears now have a permanent home in Dubai.

Located at Dubai Festival City Mall, HARIBO Happy World combines colourful play zones, interactive exhibits, themed shopping and a family café into one sugar-coated adventure. There’s even a dedicated birthday room for special celebrations.

It’s an easy addition to a family shopping day, especially when paired with Festival Bay’s other outdoor entertainment attractions.

1.  Turn Mall-Hopping into an Enjoyable Experience

Dubai’s malls continue to evolve beyond shopping.

This summer, keep an eye out for:

• The newly opened Nad Al Sheba Mall, adding another community-focused retail destination to the city
• Primark‘s newest Dubai location at Mall of the Emirates for affordable fashion, accessories and homeware.
• Ulta Beauty, now welcoming shoppers at both Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates.
• Major expansions underway at both Mall of the Emirates and Dubai Mall, promising hundreds of new retail and dining experiences in the coming years.

1. Rediscover Atlantis’ Legendary Aquarium

The Lost Chambers Aquarium at the iconic Atlantis, The Palm has undergone an exciting transformation and is now called The Lost World Aquarium. The attraction transports visitors through 14 themed chambers showcasing more than 65,000 marine animals. The journey is brought to life with cutting-edge technology including massive LED panels, projectors and dramatic soundscapes that merge ancient myths with marine exploration. Don’t miss the daily mermaid shows in the Ambassador Lagoon.

1. Add a Little Learning to Your Holiday

For families looking to mix fun with meaningful experiences, the new Jumeirah Eco Village at Madinat Jumeirah offers an engaging introduction to sustainability.

Interactive exhibits showcase biodiversity, food security and marine conservation through beehives, hydroponic farming, coral restoration and turtle rehabilitation projects,making it both educational and entertaining.

1. What’s new to eat

• From the team behind Saddle and Feels, Cherry House is a new neighbourhood dining concept where roasting and brewing take place openly, allowing guests to experience the craft behind their coffee while enjoying a relaxed dining atmosphere.
• ONA Coffee in Jumeirah is the speciality coffee brand’s first international flagship, adding to Dubai’s reputation as a destination for innovative cafés and coffee culture.
• Gymkhana Dubai, the internationally acclaimed Indian restaurant has arrived in Dubai, bringing its celebrated approach to modern Indian cuisine and adding another globally recognised name to the city’s impressive culinary line-up.

From brand-new attractions and transformed destinations to family adventures, immersive entertainment and unforgettable dining experiences, Dubai continues to offer new ways to explore the city together. Whether it’s your first visit or your family’s annual summer escape, this season is the perfect opportunity to discover what’s new in Dubai.