- On 03 Jul 2022
- In Travel
Famous Parks in Dubai
Dubai has green spaces all over the city. The city`s parks have a strong focus on family-friendly activities and offer plenty of facilities and activities for smaller family members.
Additionally, Dubai authorities are also paying attention to meeting sports needs, and many parks have excellent running and cycling paths, as well as group sports areas, playgrounds, and playgrounds. During the hot summer months of June to August, Dubai`s green spaces are rarely used during the day. But after dark, when temperatures drop a little, local families, walkers, and runners head to the park to spend some time outdoors.
Moreover, Dubai Parks get crowded during the cooler months (around October to April), as they become the best places for weekend picnics and barbecues. The most popular theme parks could get crowded this sunny weekend.
Some parks, such as Zabeel Park and Burj Khalifa Park, are also home to Dubai`s top tourist attractions, and the Dubai Miracle Garden is a tourist attraction in itself.
Parks managed by Dubai Municipality usually charge a small entry fee, usually between Dh3 and Dh5. Payment can only be made with the Dubai NOL Card (Supplementary Urban Transport Card, also used by all public transport in Dubai).
Types of Parks in Dubai
- Themes Parks in Dubai
Dubai is famous for its theme parks. There are more than 35-40 parks in the city. Dubai`s most famous theme parks include Bollywood Parks, IMG World of Adventures, Motiongate, and Aquaventure. Zabeel Park is currently the largest theme park in Dubai, but Dubai is building the largest urban theme park in Dubailand, which will be comparable in size to London`s Hyde Park. The park will span 350 acres, three times the size of Zabeel Park. You can enjoy many activities at these theme parks, such as boating, adventure, and water sports.
- Amusement Parks in Dubai
There are a lot of amusement parks in Dubai, in which many attractions such as rides and games and other activities for recreational purposes. Some are themed parks that included recreational and amusing activities for the visitors and offer multiple gaming zones for young to adults.
- Water Parks in Dubai
As a major tourist city in the United Arab Emirates, Dubai has many wonderful water parks sure to delight families, friends, and people of all ages. They include huge slides, wave pools, and small rides for kids. From Arabian-themed water parks to Legoland, there`s something for everyone. However, waterparks in Dubai are favorite among the young lot.
List of Famous Parks In Dubai
Zabir Park
This massive 51-hectare park in downtown Dubai has become a weekend favorite for local families after the summer heat dissipates.
Younger family members can indulge in the Dinosaur Park (complete with animated dinosaur models and a small museum dedicated to dinosaurs) and glowing gardens illuminated by twinkling lights to create a fairytale garden after dark, all in South Park. There is play equipment for children in many other designated areas throughout the park.
While local families come here for picnics on the expansive lawns and local runners use the Zabeel Park`s track, for visitors to the city, the park`s main attraction is Dubai Tire in the northeast corner. Shaped like a picture frame, this observation tower zooms you 150 meters to the surface of the sky for panoramic views across the city and offers galleries that guide you through the history of Dubai.
Entrance fee: There is a minimal entrance fee park.
How to get there: the nearest metro station is Al Jafiliya so travelers can reach there easily.
Where it is: Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai
Safa Park
Two blocks from Jumeirah Beach, Al Safa Park is a very popular green space with Dubai Creek meandering through the park`s lawns and landscaped gardens.
Dating back to 1975, Al Safa Park is one of the oldest designated parks in the city. When it was first established, it was located outside the city limits - a fact that visitors can now appreciate as the city has long revolved around it and has since moved steadily southwest along the coast, making Al Safa Park now at the heart of the city. Known for its excellent team sports facilities, Al Safa Park has tennis, volleyball, and basketball courts, as well as running tracks, and you can rent bikes on-site to ride the park`s trails.
The artificial lake in the center of the park has boating facilities and pedal boats can be rented. For families with young children, there are plenty of areas with rides throughout the park. If you want to spend a lazy day just enjoying the greenery, there are lawns suitable for many hikers and there is a dedicated BBQ area. There are also cafes and restaurants in the park if you don`t want to prepare your food and take it with you.
Entrance fee: The entrance fee to the park is small.
How to get there: Business Bay is the nearest MRT station.
Where it is: Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai
Creek Park
Stretching along the west bank of Dubai Creek, Creek Park is the second-largest park area in the city. For many visitors, the promenade overlooking the creek is the main reason to visit; whether it`s for a walk, enjoying the view overlooking the water, or photographing the creek.
Moreover, displays of manicured flower beds are scattered across the expansive lawn area, and families come for picnics and hangouts when the weather is nice on weekends. Plus, there is a BBQ area for families and groups looking to experience a more serious picnic, and there are many cafés and restaurants in the park.
However, if you want to explore the park`s winding paths by bike, there are rental courses on site. For kid-friendly theme park activities, the Children`s Science Activity Center is located in the southern half of Little Creek Park. Inside there is a planetarium, a theatre, and several interactive science exhibits.
Entrance fee: There is a small entrance fee to Little Creek Park.
How to get there: The nearest MRT station is Oud Metha.
Where is it: Riyadh Street, Dubai
Mushrif Gardens
The 13-acre Mushrif Park on the city`s eastern edge is a favorite for families looking for a green space to get their kids out of trouble, offering a range of activities for young and old alike.
Aventura is Dubai`s treetop adventure course with multiple rope swings and ziplines, located in the northern part of the park, and Mushrif also has a public pool complex, including a children`s pool.
Furthermore, there is also a riding school in the park, which offers one-time rides and regular lesson packages, and there are designated bike paths and rental bike paths in the park, as well as running tracks. With team sports facilities including football, basketball, and volleyball courts, Mushrif is a prime destination for local teams and groups of friends who just want to play.
Additionally, dense woods (at least for the UAE) cover some areas of the park, so Mushrif is a popular spot for local bird watchers. For hikers, there are abundant lawn areas and BBQ areas with fire pits. In the central area of the park is a typical village, featuring buildings from all over the world in miniature.
Entrance fee: There is a small entrance fee.
How to get there: The easiest way to get to Mushrif Park is by car.
Where is it: Al Khawaneej Street, Mushrif, Dubai
Burj Park
Located in the heart of Dubai, next to The Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa, and Dubai Opera, Burj Park is a green space amidst Dubai`s towering steel and glass skyscrapers. Here you have the best view of the fountain on Burj Lake. The Dubai Fountain is 50 stories wide and is the tallest fountain in the world.
Additionally, Burj Park is also a popular destination for views and photos of the surrounding towers. The park includes a landscaped green space at the base of the Burj Khalifa and an opposite man-made island, accessible by a bridge.
Moreover, the park`s expansive lake-view promenade is popular with strollers, joggers, and cyclists at night, and it`s a particularly good destination after dark if you want to take photos of the lights of downtown Dubai. Furthermore, the contemporary art installations and sculptures are displayed at various points along the promenade.
Entrance fee: There is no entrance fee.
How to get there: The nearest metro station is Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station, so tourists can move easily.
Where it is: Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Street, Downtown Dubai
Dubai Miracle Garden
Wander through the huge and intricate flower display to the privately run Dubai Miracle Gardens. This huge garden covers an area of 72,000 square meters and is filled with more than 150 million flowers.
Above all, the floral displays range from intricate parterre landscapes, complete floral villages, and castles, to surreal 3D designs and the giant floral A380 (the world`s largest botanical sculpture). For younger kids, there are also Disney blocks featuring large flowers and Disney characters. The park also regularly hosts live entertainment specifically for children.
Unlike parks in Dubai, you can`t bring food and drink into the parking area from outside, but there are 30 shops here, ranging from restaurants to simple cafes, food stalls, and refreshment shops. However, The park is open approximately every year from November to April and charges an entrance fee (children under three years old are free). Plus, the park is in Al Barsha to the south, so there is no metro station nearby, although you can get off at the Mall of the Emirates metro station and take the bus from there to Dubai Miracle Gardens.
Entrance fee: Free for under 3 children, with a minimal fee for adults.
How to get there: The nearest metro station is Al Barsha
Where it is: Al Barsha South, Dubai
Al Barsha Pond Park
In the Dubai South area, inland from Dubai Marina and Palm Jumeirah, Al Barsha Pond Park is a landscaped green space centered on a man-made lake. Moreover, the 52-acre park features manicured gardens with plenty of shade trees and a 1.5-kilometer-wide jogging trail that surrounds the lake.
The rubber track is a major calling card for local exercisers in the park and a popular spot for walkers and snowboarders, as well as runners and joggers. There is a separate cycle path by the lake, and the bicycle rental desk at Al Barsha Pond Park rents out bicycles, e-bikes, and karts. Plus, you can rent pedals if you want to get out into the lake instead of hanging around. For local families, there are three play areas for the little ones on site. There are several cafés in the park serving refreshments.
Entrance fee: Entry to the park is free.
How to get there: The most convenient public transport is the local city bus.
Where it is: 329 Al Barsha Street 2, Dubai
Al Mamzar Beach Park
Al Mamzar Beach Park is located on the northern edge of the city and offers double the amount of beach and greenery. The area includes the tip of a small peninsula that extends into the sea, facing Sharjah.
A large number of tourists who come here are concentrated on the beach. There are five sand belts: four on the east side of Beach Park and one on the west side. Between them is a large expanse of manicured lawns (55,000m) dotted with palm trees, and different paths meander through the area for cycling, running, and walking. The garden space has a designated BBQ area and plenty of picnic space. If you don`t bring your food, snacks are available at several food stalls and several cafes in the park.
Entrance fee: There is a small entrance fee.
How to get there: Tourists can easily use a city as public transport.
Where is it: Al Mamzar Beach Park Street, Al Mamzar, Dubai
JLT Park
Located in the residential and commercial JLT district east of Dubai Marina, the park is a landscaped green space adjacent to skyscrapers and a small man-made lake.
For the locals, the large, well-kept gardens here are the perfect place to let the kids get rid of excess energy. There are also two fully equipped children`s play areas and a small football pitch. Furthermore, the parkland is lined with many cafés and restaurants and is a popular place for weekend walks for the residents of the area. The path around the lake is used by many walkers, joggers, and cyclists.
Entrance fee: The park does not charge tickets.
How to get there: The nearest metro station is Dubai Marina.
Where is it: Sheikh Zayed Road, Jumeirah Lake Towers, Dubai
Umm Suqeim Park
Facing Umm Suqeim Beach, this small park is the preferred exercise spot for locals who come here for a run or walk on the jogging track within the park, and can enjoy the mesmerizing sight of the Burj Al Arab Hotel in the distance. For local runners and joggers, this is a good option for a night workout, as the running routes are brightly lit after dark and are especially popular with solo runners in the area.
Although the park is small, it`s great for families and has a large, well-maintained playground and picnic tables for groups who want to spend more time here. Many families spend the day at the nearby Umm Suqeim beach before heading here for lunch. However, if you don`t want to bring your food, there is also a cafe in the park.
Entrance fee: There is no entrance fee for Umm Suqeim Park.
How to get there: The easiest public transport option is the city bus.
Where is it: Al Sharq Street, Jumeirah 3 / Umm Suqeim, Dubai
Final Thoughts
So, what do you think of our list of Famous parks in Dubai? Let us what would you prefer, a theme park, amusement park, or water park in Dubai, we are curious to know.