A Family Desert Safari Dubai adventure is an unforgettable experience that combines excitement, culture, and natural beauty. While adults may enjoy dune bashing and sunset views, kids need activities tailored to their age and energy levels. Fortunately, Dubai’s desert safaris offer plenty of child-friendly fun, ensuring the whole family has a fantastic time.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best activities for kids on a Family Desert Safari Dubai tour, ensuring your little ones stay entertained, engaged, and safe throughout the journey.
1. Gentle Dune Bashing (For Older Kids)
Dune bashing is one of the most thrilling parts of a desert safari, but standard rides can be too intense for young children. Many tour operators offer family-friendly dune bashing with experienced drivers who adjust the speed and bumps for younger passengers.
Why kids love it:
Feels like a rollercoaster on sand
Safe yet exciting adventure
Older kids (ages 6+) can enjoy the adrenaline rush
Parent Tip: Check with your tour provider beforehand to ensure they offer mild dune bashing suitable for families.
2. Camel Rides – A Fun Safe Desert Experience
No Family Desert Safari Dubai is complete without a camel ride! These gentle giants move slowly, making them perfect for kids. Most tours provide short camel rides where children can sit safely with an adult or in a guided caravan.
Why kids love it:
Feels like a real-life adventure
Unique way to explore the desert
Great photo opportunity in traditional outfits
Parent Tip: Some operators offer baby seats or allow parents to hold toddlers securely.
3. Sandboarding – A Desert Version of Snowboarding
If your kids love sledding or skateboarding, they’ll adore sandboarding! This activity involves sliding down dunes on a board, and it’s safe for children as young as 5 (with supervision).
Why kids love it:
Easy to learn and super fun
No prior experience needed
Can be done sitting or standing
Parent Tip: Bring sunglasses and a scarf to protect against sand.
4. Quad Biking (For Older Kids Teens)
For families with older kids (usually ages 12+), quad biking is an exciting way to explore the desert. Many desert camps have kid-sized ATVs or allow teens to ride with parents.
Why kids love it:
Feels like driving their own mini adventure vehicle
Controlled speed for safety
A thrilling way to explore the dunes
Parent Tip: Always ensure your child wears a helmet and follows safety instructions.
5. Falconry Shows – A Glimpse into Bedouin Culture
Dubai’s desert heritage comes alive with falconry shows, where trained birds swoop and dive in mesmerizing displays. Kids are often allowed to hold a falcon (with supervision) for unforgettable photos.
Why kids love it:
Close-up encounter with majestic birds
Educational and interactive
Learn about UAE’s cultural traditions
Parent Tip: Encourage kids to ask questions—most handlers love sharing fun facts!
6. Henna Painting – A Fun Temporary Tattoo Experience
Many desert camps offer henna painting, where artists create beautiful, temporary designs on hands and arms. Kids love choosing their own patterns, from flowers to camels.
Why kids love it:
Feels like getting a “tattoo” (but safe and painless)
Beautiful designs that last a few days
Connects them to local traditions
Parent Tip: Check if the henna is natural (some synthetic dyes can cause allergies).
7. Desert Wildlife Encounters (Meet the Local Animals)
Some desert camps have mini petting zoos where kids can interact with desert animals like:
Baby camels (for feeding and photos)
Desert foxes (in safe enclosures)
Arabian horses (for short rides)
Why kids love it:
Hands-on animal interaction
Learn about desert wildlife
Great for younger children
Parent Tip: Supervise little ones to ensure gentle handling of animals.
8. Traditional Dance Performances (Tanoura Belly Dancing)
Evening desert safaris often include live performances like Tanoura (whirling dervish) shows and belly dancing. The colorful costumes and spinning moves captivate kids.
Why kids love it:
Bright, spinning costumes are mesmerizing
Some shows invite kids to dance along
A fun cultural experience
Parent Tip: Sit closer to the stage for better engagement.
9. Stargazing – A Magical Desert Night Experience
After sunset, the desert sky transforms into a starry wonderland. Some tours include stargazing sessions where guides point out constellations.
Why kids love it:
See more stars than in the city
Learn about planets and galaxies
Peaceful and magical experience
Parent Tip: Bring a small telescope or download a stargazing app for extra fun.
10. Kids’ Buffet BBQ Dinner (Yummy Desert Feast)
Desert camps serve delicious BBQ dinners with kid-friendly options like grilled chicken, fries, and sweets. Many have special kids’ buffet sections with smaller portions.
Why kids love it:
Unlimited snacks and desserts
Fun outdoor dining experience
Try Arabic sweets like baklava
Parent Tip: Pack extra water and wet wipes for messy hands.
11. Arabic Costume Dress-Up (Fun Photo Ops)
Many camps offer traditional Emirati outfits for kids to try on—think tiny kanduras (white robes) and abayas with cute accessories.
Why kids love it:
Dress like a little sheikh or princess
Great Instagram-worthy moments
Connects them to local culture
Parent Tip: Bring your camera for adorable keepsake photos.
12. Treasure Hunts Sand Play
Some family-friendly camps organize mini treasure hunts where kids search for hidden trinkets in the sand. Others provide sand toys for building castles.
Why kids love it:
Exciting game with prizes
Creative play in the dunes
Keeps them engaged while parents relax
Parent Tip: Bring a small shovel and bucket for extra fun.
13. Sunset Watching – A Beautiful Family Moment
The desert sunset is breathtaking, and watching it together makes for a special family memory. Many tours time dune visits perfectly for golden-hour photos.
Why kids love it:
The sky turns magical colors
Perfect time for family selfies
A peaceful break from activities
Parent Tip: Arrive early to secure the best photo spot.
14. Short Nature Walks (Exploring Desert Plants Tracks)
Guides often lead short walks to teach kids about desert survival, like identifying plants and animal tracks.
Why kids love it:
Feels like a mini adventure
Learn cool desert facts
Burn off energy before dinner
Parent Tip: Wear closed-toe shoes to avoid hot sand.
15. Live Music Drumming Sessions (Interactive Fun)
Some camps invite kids to join drum circles, where they can play traditional Arabic instruments.
Why kids love it:
Make music with real drums
Dance and clap along
High-energy entertainment
Parent Tip: Encourage shy kids to participate—it’s a great confidence booster!
Final Tips for a Smooth Family Desert Safari Dubai Experience
Book a family-friendly tour (look for “child-safe” or “private family safari” options).
Dress comfortably (lightweight clothes, hats, and sunglasses).
Stay hydrated (pack extra water and snacks).
Arrive early to avoid crowds and secure the best spots.
Conclusion
A Family Desert Safari Dubai tour is packed with fun, safe, and educational activities for kids of all ages. From camel rides and sandboarding to stargazing and drumming, there’s something for every child to enjoy.
A Family Desert Safari Dubai adventure is an unforgettable experience that combines excitement, culture, and natural beauty. While adults may enjoy dune bashing and sunset views, kids need activities tailored to their age and energy levels. Fortunately, Dubai’s desert safaris offer plenty of child-friendly fun, ensuring the whole family has a fantastic time.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best activities for kids on a Family Desert Safari Dubai tour, ensuring your little ones stay entertained, engaged, and safe throughout the journey.
1. Gentle Dune Bashing (For Older Kids)
Dune bashing is one of the most thrilling parts of a desert safari, but standard rides can be too intense for young children. Many tour operators offer family-friendly dune bashing with experienced drivers who adjust the speed and bumps for younger passengers.
Why kids love it:
Feels like a rollercoaster on sand
Safe yet exciting adventure
Older kids (ages 6+) can enjoy the adrenaline rush
Parent Tip: Check with your tour provider beforehand to ensure they offer mild dune bashing suitable for families.
2. Camel Rides – A Fun Safe Desert Experience
No Family Desert Safari Dubai is complete without a camel ride! These gentle giants move slowly, making them perfect for kids. Most tours provide short camel rides where children can sit safely with an adult or in a guided caravan.
Why kids love it:
Feels like a real-life adventure
Unique way to explore the desert
Great photo opportunity in traditional outfits
Parent Tip: Some operators offer baby seats or allow parents to hold toddlers securely.
3. Sandboarding – A Desert Version of Snowboarding
If your kids love sledding or skateboarding, they’ll adore sandboarding! This activity involves sliding down dunes on a board, and it’s safe for children as young as 5 (with supervision).
Why kids love it:
Easy to learn and super fun
No prior experience needed
Can be done sitting or standing
Parent Tip: Bring sunglasses and a scarf to protect against sand.
4. Quad Biking (For Older Kids Teens)
For families with older kids (usually ages 12+), quad biking is an exciting way to explore the desert. Many desert camps have kid-sized ATVs or allow teens to ride with parents.
Why kids love it:
Feels like driving their own mini adventure vehicle
Controlled speed for safety
A thrilling way to explore the dunes
Parent Tip: Always ensure your child wears a helmet and follows safety instructions.
5. Falconry Shows – A Glimpse into Bedouin Culture
Dubai’s desert heritage comes alive with falconry shows, where trained birds swoop and dive in mesmerizing displays. Kids are often allowed to hold a falcon (with supervision) for unforgettable photos.
Why kids love it:
Close-up encounter with majestic birds
Educational and interactive
Learn about UAE’s cultural traditions
Parent Tip: Encourage kids to ask questions—most handlers love sharing fun facts!
6. Henna Painting – A Fun Temporary Tattoo Experience
Many desert camps offer henna painting, where artists create beautiful, temporary designs on hands and arms. Kids love choosing their own patterns, from flowers to camels.
Why kids love it:
Feels like getting a “tattoo” (but safe and painless)
Beautiful designs that last a few days
Connects them to local traditions
Parent Tip: Check if the henna is natural (some synthetic dyes can cause allergies).
7. Desert Wildlife Encounters (Meet the Local Animals)
Some desert camps have mini petting zoos where kids can interact with desert animals like:
Baby camels (for feeding and photos)
Desert foxes (in safe enclosures)
Arabian horses (for short rides)
Why kids love it:
Hands-on animal interaction
Learn about desert wildlife
Great for younger children
Parent Tip: Supervise little ones to ensure gentle handling of animals.
8. Traditional Dance Performances (Tanoura Belly Dancing)
Evening desert safaris often include live performances like Tanoura (whirling dervish) shows and belly dancing. The colorful costumes and spinning moves captivate kids.
Why kids love it:
Bright, spinning costumes are mesmerizing
Some shows invite kids to dance along
A fun cultural experience
Parent Tip: Sit closer to the stage for better engagement.
9. Stargazing – A Magical Desert Night Experience
After sunset, the desert sky transforms into a starry wonderland. Some tours include stargazing sessions where guides point out constellations.
Why kids love it:
See more stars than in the city
Learn about planets and galaxies
Peaceful and magical experience
Parent Tip: Bring a small telescope or download a stargazing app for extra fun.
10. Kids’ Buffet BBQ Dinner (Yummy Desert Feast)
Desert camps serve delicious BBQ dinners with kid-friendly options like grilled chicken, fries, and sweets. Many have special kids’ buffet sections with smaller portions.
Why kids love it:
Unlimited snacks and desserts
Fun outdoor dining experience
Try Arabic sweets like baklava
Parent Tip: Pack extra water and wet wipes for messy hands.
11. Arabic Costume Dress-Up (Fun Photo Ops)
Many camps offer traditional Emirati outfits for kids to try on—think tiny kanduras (white robes) and abayas with cute accessories.
Why kids love it:
Dress like a little sheikh or princess
Great Instagram-worthy moments
Connects them to local culture
Parent Tip: Bring your camera for adorable keepsake photos.
12. Treasure Hunts Sand Play
Some family-friendly camps organize mini treasure hunts where kids search for hidden trinkets in the sand. Others provide sand toys for building castles.
Why kids love it:
Exciting game with prizes
Creative play in the dunes
Keeps them engaged while parents relax
Parent Tip: Bring a small shovel and bucket for extra fun.
13. Sunset Watching – A Beautiful Family Moment
The desert sunset is breathtaking, and watching it together makes for a special family memory. Many tours time dune visits perfectly for golden-hour photos.
Why kids love it:
The sky turns magical colors
Perfect time for family selfies
A peaceful break from activities
Parent Tip: Arrive early to secure the best photo spot.
14. Short Nature Walks (Exploring Desert Plants Tracks)
Guides often lead short walks to teach kids about desert survival, like identifying plants and animal tracks.
Why kids love it:
Feels like a mini adventure
Learn cool desert facts
Burn off energy before dinner
Parent Tip: Wear closed-toe shoes to avoid hot sand.
15. Live Music Drumming Sessions (Interactive Fun)
Some camps invite kids to join drum circles, where they can play traditional Arabic instruments.
Why kids love it:
Make music with real drums
Dance and clap along
High-energy entertainment
Parent Tip: Encourage shy kids to participate—it’s a great confidence booster!
Final Tips for a Smooth Family Desert Safari Dubai Experience
Book a family-friendly tour (look for “child-safe” or “private family safari” options).
Dress comfortably (lightweight clothes, hats, and sunglasses).
Stay hydrated (pack extra water and snacks).
Arrive early to avoid crowds and secure the best spots.
Conclusion
A Family Desert Safari Dubai tour is packed with fun, safe, and educational activities for kids of all ages. From camel rides and sandboarding to stargazing and drumming, there’s something for every child to enjoy.
