Surviving the heat might be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of activities – summer in Dubai. Imagine stepping into an oven where the sun dances atop ultramodern skyscrapers—that’s what the next three months in the metropolis will feel like. At the same time, the months of June, July, and August are a season of opportunity, with the city rolling out deals, festivals, and indoor escapes that even the harsh heat can’t spoil. Because when it’s 45°C outside, Dubai practically begs you to hit its air-conditioned malls, theme parks, and water parks.
What’s more, starting in late June, the city launches its famous Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS)—a 65-day mega-festival with shopping bargains, concerts, and family fun that runs deep into September. That means your family might enjoy things like free buffet breakfasts and hotel activities just by virtue of arriving. In short, yes, it is worth visiting Dubai in summer if you time it right: the savings on hotels, activities, and dining can easily offset the heat.
Read on to discover some activities – summer in Dubai, whether you’re seeking air-conditioned thrills, family-friendly fun, or just somewhere to cool off without melting your bank account. This is your ultimate guide to things to do in Dubai in summer and the best places to see in Dubai in summer.
Consider this your go-to guide for the best summer vacation in Dubai.
Activities – Summer in Dubai
Water Parks and Indoor Fun
If you’re wondering “What to do with kids in Dubai this summer?”, the quick answer is: let them splash and run in air-conditioned joylands. Waterparks and mall play areas are obvious fun things to do in Dubai during summer.
Water parks like Aquaventure in Atlantis and Wild Wadi are probably on every list. With multi-story slides, wave pools, and lazy rivers that feel like a summer dream, you’re going to want to spend all day here. (Pro tip: book tickets online for discounts and avoid long lines.) They’re the ultimate Dubai places to visit with family in summer.
For theme-park thrills, indoor worlds like Motiongate Dubai, Bollywood Parks, and LEGOLAND Dubai stay open all summer. In fact, LEGOLAND Dubai Resort has even offered a “Kids Stay & Play FREE” package—one free child’s room and park access for each paid adult during summer stays. It’s an example of summer offers in Dubai hotels: expect kids-eat-free deals, coupons, and “staycation” extras in many resorts. Here are some top Dubai attractions in summer and tourist places in Dubai in summer to check out.
Aquaventure World
Situated on Palm Jumeirah, Aquaventure World is a colossal 22+ hectare splash zone brimming with over 105 record-breaking slides and rides. Daredevils speed down the Leap of Faith– a 34m near-vertical slide through a shark tank– or cruise a 2.3 km tidal river. There are gentle splash pools and a kids’ adventure area, too. Recent expansions added an epic zipline tower and water coasters. Summer in Dubai at Aquaventure often brings combo deals (like two-day passes including Lost Chambers Aquarium) plus beachside chill-out spots, making it easy for families to get soaked and save.
Wild Wadi Waterpark
Next to the Burj Al Arab, Wild Wadi is Dubai’s ultimate splash playground. The park is themed on the Arabian tale of Juha and has 30+ rides for all ages. Brave souls take on Jumeirah Sceirah– a 120-meter, 80 km/h drop– while families relax in the Middle East’s largest wave pool. Littler kids love Juha’s Dhow & Lagoon, an entire play ship with mini slides and water cannons. Wild Wadi also has two artificial surfing machines and lots of traditional slides.
Motiongate Dubai
Motiongate Dubai at Dubai Parks & Resorts turns Hollywood into a theme park. Spread across DreamWorks, Columbia Pictures, Lionsgate and Smurfs zones, it has 12 “movie magic” rides. Shriek down Zombieland’s Blaster Frenzy, race through Madagascar hippo-themed waterslides or join the Scooby-Doo chase. There are family coasters based on Kung Fu Panda and interactive dark rides from The Hunger Games and more. High-tech 4D cinemas and daily stunt shows add to the fun. Seasonal events like Halloween Horror Nights often pop up in summer, making Motiongate a year-round blockbuster adventure and must-visit during summer in Dubai.
Bollywood Parks
This colorful park has six themed zones packed with 26 rides and attractions (from zippy family coasters to simulators) inspired by Bollywood blockbusters. Get swept up in a live Sholay stunt show, see dazzling dance musicals on the big stage, or ride the Bollywood SkyFlyer– the world’s tallest swing ride– with views over the resort. Every corner is decked out with film-set facades, so it feels like you’ve stepped onto an actual Bollywood movie lot. For fans of dancing, drama or just family thrills, it’s a uniquely festive experience.
LEGOLAND
Nothing screams “Activities – Summer in Dubai” like an amusement park. LEGOLAND Dubai is built just for families with young kids (ages 2–12) and LEGO®-lovers. It’s actually two parks: a theme park with 40+ rides and shows, and a water park with 20 slides and splash zones. Experience LEGO driving schools, Duplo playtown and Merlin’s Apprentice spinning rides. A highlight is Miniland – the world’s first indoor, air-conditioned LEGO mini city built from over 20 million bricks. Kids can build creations at every turn while parents relax in shaded areas. LEGOLAND often runs summer promotions or combo tickets, so keep an eye out for family deals before you visit.
OliOli
OliOli (pronounced “oh-lee-oh-lee”) is Dubai’s beloved hands-on children’s museum in Al Quoz. Its name means “joy” in Hawaiian, and it lives up to that with 8 imaginative galleries spread over two floors. Each room is a learning playground. Splash in the Water Gallery, soar on Toshi’s Net aerial climb, experiment in the Energy Lab, or build in the Art Park. There are 45+ playful exhibits designed by educators and artists, so kids naturally learn about science and art through free play. Even grown-ups get to play! Summer at OliOli often brings special workshops (like mini-camps) and events. The on-site café and parental seating make it an easy all-day outing for families.
KidZania
KidZania is a 7,000 m² mini-city run by kids inside Dubai Mall. Here, youngsters (2–16 yrs) earn “KidZos” and role-play over 40 real-world jobs– from firefighter to flight attendant to TV news anchor. Each profession has a fully designed set (like a kid-sized hospital or bank) where children dress up and perform tasks to earn currency. With that play-money they shop in miniature stores or try other activities. It’s equal parts fun and learning: kids pick up life skills like teamwork, money management and confidence while imagining grown-up life. KidZania also hosts themed camps and workshops during the summer in Dubai to make this interactive city even more exciting.
Quiz Room Dubai
Located in Al Quoz, Quiz Room Dubai is the UAE’s first immersive game show experience where groups of 4 to 54 players compete in rapid-fire quiz rounds across themes like general knowledge, music, and social deception. With party packages, kids’ quizzes, and customizable games, it’s perfect for birthdays, bachelor parties, or just escaping the heat during summer in Dubai. Sessions are available daily through the Fever app, making it a fun, fast-paced indoor fix for trivia buffs and chaos lovers alike.
Escape Hunt Dubai
Located in The Galleria Mall on Al Wasl Road, this immersive escape room experience offers a variety of themed challenges, including “Prison Breakout,” “Jack the Ripper,” and “Journey to Atlantis,” where teams must collaborate to solve puzzles and escape within 60 minutes. With rooms designed for 2 to 5 players, it’s an ideal activity for friends, families, and corporate groups. During summer in Dubai, Escape Hunt provides a thrilling indoor retreat from the heat, combining entertainment with mental stimulation. Open daily, it’s a must-visit for those seeking a unique and engaging experience.
Shopping Malls
In Dubai, shopping malls have transformed into playgrounds: Dubai Mall has its famous Ice Rink and Dubai Aquarium to goggle at sharks, while Mall of the Emirates has Ski Dubai, the indoor mountain where kids can toboggan, build snowmen, and even have breakfast with penguins (costs around AED 200 per person for a few hours of snow play). Younger teens and gamers will love the futuristic VR Park too. If you’re looking for free things to do in Dubai summer, these public attractions often host free entertainment as part of DSS.
Dubai Mall Ice Rink
Chill out at Dubai’s Olympic-sized Dubai Ice Rink beneath the Mall’s souk. This multi-level rink welcomes all ages for public skating sessions and ice hockey leagues. Bring the kids to meet “penguins” (wheeled skate aids) on ice, or take lessons from pro coaches. The venue also hosts iceshows and themed events year-round. (Visitors often note how surreal it is to skate indoors with palm trees and skyscrapers towering outside!) Afterward, warm up at one of the mall’s cafes overlooking the rink. It’s a cool escape from the heat that accompanies summer in Dubai– and one of the city’s most popular spots for year-round chill.
Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo at Dubai Mall
Step into one of the world’s largest aquarium-tank tunnels right in Dubai Mall. The Aquarium has an enormous 10-million-liter tank wall with hundreds of sharks, rays and massive fish gliding overhead. Walk through the 48m tunnel and feel surrounded by marine life. Upstairs, the Underwater Zoo lets you get even closer to slithery eels, piranhas and a colony of African penguins. The Dubai Mall Aquarium’s viewing panel is one of the world’s biggest acrylic windows. For a summer treat, check if combo passes are available: ticket packages often include the Lost Chambers Aquarium at Atlantis or other Dubai attractions.
Ski Dubai at the Mall of the Emirates
Snow in the desert? Yes! Ski Dubai is an indoor winter wonderland in Mall of the Emirates. The resort holds real snow year-round, with five slopes of varying steepness, including a steep black run and gentle beginner slopes. Guests gear up and ski or snowboard down 400m of snow at up to 80 km/h, or zoom on a mountain tube. There’s a 22°C temperature chill (anytime!), a Snow Park zone with tobogganing and snowball fights, and even a chance to hand-feed friendly Gentoo penguins. Ski Dubai offers lessons for first-timers and penguin encounters for animal lovers– an unexpected snowy escape in the summertime heat.
VR Park at Dubai Mall
Dive into a virtual universe at VR Park (also called Play DXB) on the top floors of Dubai Mall. This indoor VR/AR theme park has over 30 experiences that blend real motion with virtual reality. Ride a simulator through Hollywood-style adventures (including a Bangkok car chase and Jurassic jungle run), test your courage on a haunted mirror maze or a ski jump simulator, or play interactive games like football with AR graphics. The park uses motion seats, haptic feedback vests and 4D effects so you feel every twist and turn. It’s a futuristic mashup of video games and rides.
Summer Camps and Courses
Older kids can also find camps: summer programs in Dubai like Green Planet Ecology Camp or Science Workshops at the Museum of the Future give teens a brainy break from the heat. Browse local listings or schools like Dubai British School or the British Council—many run summer courses in Dubai and summer camp activities for youth in Dubai for youth in coding, robotics, sports, or arts to keep youth busy. These are ideal fun summer activities for teens that blend learning with adventure.
Green Planet Summer Camp In The Rainforest
Inside City Walk’s lush bio-dome is The Green Planet, a towering indoor rainforest. For summer camp, kids step into this 60-foot-high ‘vertical jungle’ to meet sloths, parrots, turtles and over 3,000 exotic plants and creatures. Campers learn about ecology through up-close animal sessions (e.g., feeding rain-forest birds or reptiles) and nature crafts, all in air-conditioned comfort. Each day feels like a wild adventure: children might zipline among the foliage, explore hidden secret gardens or investigate how a real ecosystem works. It’s a hands-on green getaway that emphasizes conservation, making biology as exciting as a jungle safari (just without the heat!).
Future Heroes Summer Camp
Future Heroes Camp turns kids into mini innovators. Geared for Gen Z techies and creators, these camps mix science, coding and creativity. Think simple robotics projects, beginner coding games, science experiments (like making slime or launching DIY rockets) and even filmmaking activities to spark imagination. Each day is themed– e.g., “Space Explorers” or “Junior Engineers”– and led by enthusiastic instructors. The goal is playful learning: kids earn badges as they tackle challenges, kinda like real-life video game quests. At the same time, they build teamwork and problem-solving skills.
OliOli Summer Blast Camps
Held at the OliOli play museum, these multi-day camps pack each morning with creativity and discovery. Campers (typically ages 3–7) rotate through the eight indoor galleries: they might paint pet projects in the Art Park, experiment with flying bubbles in Air space, or explore water physics in the Water Gallery. Special workshops (like mini-science shows or international art themes) keep things fresh. Outdoor field trips or guest speakers sometimes supplement the fun. By the end of camp, kids take home crafts they made themselves– proof that a little playtime can turn into lots of learning.
Adventure Deals
If freefall and ziplines are more your speed, check out summer bundles like Skydive Dubai’s combo pack — skydive plus the Downtown XLine zipline — for about AED 2,599 with a code. Even novice scuba divers can get in on the action; one deal bundled a Deep Dive Dubai—boasting the deepest indoor pool in the world— intro scuba session with a complimentary XLine ride for AED 1,800. These are perfect activities to do in Dubai in summer if you’re craving adrenaline.
Skydive Dubai
For extreme adrenaline, Skydive Dubai is where adrenaline junkies soar. Jump from 13,000+ feet high above Palm Jumeirah and freefall at over 200 km/h toward stunning sea views. Tandem skydives with expert instructors make this bucket-list item possible for first-timers. As you “fly,” you get a panoramic bird’s-eye glimpse of The Palm island’s fronds, Atlantis hotel and the Dubai skyline. It’s a heart-in-throat rush every time. After the jump, customized photo/video packages let you relive your flying moment. (Pro tip: Summer in Dubai mornings are slightly cooler aloft, but check how temperatures affect booking– either way, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime thrill above the Persian Gulf.)
Downtown XLine zipline
Get a bird’s-eye view of Downtown Dubai on the XLine zipline. Launching from a launch pad atop the Address Downtown hotel, you zip 1 km above the city at speeds up to 80 km/h, soaring between skyscrapers. At 170m high, you’ll see the Burj Khalifa and Opera District shrink beneath you. There are two lines for side-by-side “racing” or tandem flights, and the harness lets you fly superman-style. It’s a quick but unforgettable sprint through the skyline– a thrilling, rapid tour of downtown’s famous skyline that’s ideal for teens and adults craving a speed boost with a view.
Deep Dive Dubai
Before you google “Activities – Summer in Dubai” may we suggest Deep Dive Dubai? It boasts a record-breaking 60-meter-deep tank full of fresh water. This megastructure is an underwater city of secrets– walls, sunken cars, even an old sofa lie on the “bottom,” creating a true scuba diving playground. Certified divers can explore the entire depth, while beginners practice skills at shallower levels. Every dive is safe and guided by professionals in this pool, making it unique even for non-experts. It’s essentially an indoor ocean experience. Snorkelers and freedivers can also jump in, and underwater photography courses are offered. Deep Dive Dubai is a cool escape during summer in Dubai.
Outdoor Options (Yes, Really)
So what to do during summer in Dubai if you don’t want to be stuck indoors 24/7? It’s all about timing. Hit the beach at dawn or dusk: a sunrise stroll on Kite Beach or JBR can be surprisingly pleasant, and it’s free—just bring a hat and water. Some public beaches (JBR, Kite, Umm Suqeim) have showers and cafés nearby.
Evening is also prime time: watch the Dubai Fountain show at night (free outside The Dubai Mall) or the IMAGINE fountain-light show at Festival City Mall, a dazzling water-projection spectacular that costs you nothing. These are some of the most popular places to see in Dubai in summer without spending a dirham.
Desert adventures usually happen in cooler hours too. Sunrise or sunset desert safaris can be enjoyed year-round, with dune bashing and camel rides done before the midday meltdown. And don’t forget Hatta—a quick drive out of the city to the Hajar Mountains can shave off a few degrees. Bring swimwear for the Hatta Wadi pools, or rent kayaks on Hatta Dam. It’s not Dubai, but it’s a top pick for an offbeat summer vacation in Dubai.
Activities – Summer in Dubai
What to wear in Dubai during summer?
The basics are light, loose, breathable fabrics—think cotton and linen dresses, T-shirts and skirts—and of course sandals or sneakers. Dubai is relatively liberal, but it’s polite to cover shoulders and knees in public areas (the rule of thumb is: when in doubt, cover up). Slim fits or shorts above the knee are fine at most malls and beaches, but if you plan to visit mosques or older neighborhoods (like Al Fahidi), carry a shawl or wear long sleeves. Swimsuits are totally fine at the beach or pool, but you’ll want to change before hitting cafés or shops. Basically: pack summer staples—loose dresses, tees, sunglasses, a hat, and a strong sunscreen.
FAQs
- How long is summer break in Dubai? Late June to late August.
- When does summer end in Dubai? By late September, though temps start cooling mid-October.
- What is the best activity in summer? Honestly? Skiing indoors at Ski Dubai, or lounging poolside at a hotel with summer offers in Dubai.
- What to do in Dubai during summer? From theme parks and desert safaris to shopping deals and waterparks, the list of fun things to during summer in Dubai is endless.
- What to do in Dubai in summer with kids? Explore indoor parks like KidZania, try skiing in Mall of the Emirates, or check into a resort with child-friendly activities – Summer in Dubai.
