Looking for some excitement, the whole family will enjoy? The Dubai Desert Safari is not just a thrill but is also an experience filled with adventure that’s great for kids and adults. Whether it’s hopping on a camel and riding through the desert or lying back and stargazing under the desert sky, there’s never a dull moment. Whether you are traveling with toddlers or teenagers, this family-friendly Dubai Desert Safari provides a safe and fun way to experience the Arabian Desert. This guide will explore the top 10 family-friendly activities that make a Dubai desert safari truly magical.
Why Dubai Desert Safari is Ideal for Families
Yet, more than being a tour, a Family-friendly desert safari in Dubai is the perfect amalgam of fun, culture, and comfort. Providing shaded seating, clean restrooms, and a laid-back vibe, the desert camps are meant to cater to kids in a warm and friendly environment. The vast majority of safari packages will include plenty of kid-friendly activities, such as gentle camel rides, getting henna painted, and even soft dune driving, for little ones.
Parents from the UAE and Saudi Arabia, it turns out, adore these tours because they provide a rare opportunity to bond through local customs and practices. The desert is a Family-Friendly playground, whether it’s telling stories by the campfire or gazing at the stars at night.
Top 10 Family-Friendly Activities in the Desert
A desert safari in Dubai is a great choice for families traveling with kids of all ages. Below are the top 10 experiences that make a desert safari the ultimate family adventure:
1 . Camel Riding
A gentle camel ride is also provided out over the desert bars. It is a popular activity for families, as it is safe, slow going, and allows children to interact with the friendly animals. Suitable for small kids and adults of all ages, camel riding gives you an unparalleled view of the vast desert.
2 . Sandboarding
The more daring may want to try sandboarding, an exhilarating but challenging sport where you can ride the dunes just as you would on a snowboard. That’s much more for older kids and teens who are ready for the thrill of careening down the sandy slopes. Machinery is designed to be user-friendly and operates safely at all times.
3 . Mild Dune Bashing
Although some dune bashing may be hardcore, there are many Family-Friendly activities, safaris where the dune bashing is gentle. A gentle dune bashing drive keeps the thrills down to a Cracking experience with moderate thrills. Perfect for families with young children, allowing everyone to enjoy the excitement without any concerns.
4 . Desert Treasure Hunt for Kids
Most of the desert safari camps also provide the children with a special treasure hunt game to keep them in good spirits. They can trek the dunes and seek hidden objects, and learn about the desert habitat. That’s a great way to make sure kids are engaged and excited on the safari.
5 . Henna Painting
One popular and creative pastime for the kids, the art of henna painting , can be seen as beautiful temporary tattoos. A henna design is done on the hands or arms, and it’s just a fun cultural activity. Kids love picking out patterns and watching the designs come to life.
6 . Storytelling at Desert Camps
At the end of the day, pull up a log around a bonfire and hear incredible Arabic tales and myths, spun by Traditional local storytellers. It’s fun and amazing, a look into some of the cultural heritage of the area. Kids in particular love the gripping stories of desert adventures.
7 . Falconry Shows
A novel desert venture is a falconry show. Trained falcons make impressive flights, illustrating how these magnificent birds were once employed as hunting tools. It’s an educational and captivating activity for animal lovers of all ages.
8 . Stargazing in the Desert
The desert has clear skies free of pollution, so it is one of the best places to stargaze. Once the sun goes down, corral your family-friendly activities for some constellation and planet spotting with telescopes or professional guides. Children will enjoy learning about the night sky in this serene desert location.
9 . Arabian Costume Photography
Dress up in a traditional Arabic costume and shoot your family’s most beautiful portraits. This exercise can produce happy memories of the family-friendly activities, wearing traditional dress against a dramatic desert setting. It’s a great way to document your adventure and take home unique photos.
10 . Mini Obstacle Course for Kids
A few desert camps create a miniature obstacle course for children to explore. These fun and safe courses allow your kids to run, jump, and climb, and each course is a friendly competition. It’s a great way to work off energy while having some family fun.
Best Time to Visit the Desert Safari with Children
The Best Season to go for Dubai Desert Safari with kids. It is a great place to enjoy some fun with your children, especially during the cooler months (November-March). Early and late are usually very pleasant times to be outdoors. Daytime highs are typically between 25°C and 30°C (77°F to 86°F), perfect conditions for camel treks or dune bashing.
From a practical standpoint, if you’re doing an evening safari, the desert is cooler in the evenings and for starred night sky gazing and cultural performances. (Who wants to wear a belly dancing costume in the desert if it’s too hot?) And that means your kids can experience the desert when the sun sets. You will need light jackets or sweaters for the evening, as it can get cool after the sun sets.
Steer clear of the hot summer months (June to September), as it can hit upwards of 40°C (104°F) and be too hot for little ones.
What to Pack for a Family Desert Safari
Packing for a family-friendly activities desert safari in Dubai involves some forethought so that you and everyone in the family enjoy a safe and comfortable trip. Here is what you need to bring with you:
Light, Breathable Clothing
The desert of Dubai can heat up, and daily temperatures routinely surpass 100 degrees Fahrenheit, so lightweight, free-fitting clothing is best. Don’t forget to bring a hat or at least a cap to shield yourself from the sun.
Comfortable Footwear
If you’ll be walking through the sand or taking part in activities, such as camel rides, wear shoes more comfortable than flip-flops, such as sandals or sneakers.
Sunscreen & Sunglasses
Use a high-SPF sunscreen to shield sun-kissed skin from harsh desert rays. Bring a pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes from glare. Don’t forget that.
Snacks & Water
While the majority of safari operators offer refreshments. It’s never a bad idea to pack a water canteen and snacks for the little ones, especially during longer excursions.
Light Jacket or Sweater
Desert nights can be cool, so bring a light jacket so the whole family can snuggle up during a night of stargazing or evening entertainment.
Camera for Photos
Capture the moments! Be sure to bring a camera or smartphone to take photos of camel rides and desert sunsets, as well as some fun family moments.
Baby Wipes and Hand Sanitizer
Keep your tots clean with baby wipes or hand sanitizer, especially following activities like henna painting.
Tips for Keeping Kids Engaged and Safe
One of the critical components to having a stress-free experience is to know your kids are going to be safe and having fun on your Family-Friendly Activities desert safari. Here are some strategies for keeping your children engaged and safe:
Stay Hydrated
The desert can also get hot in the off-season months. Make sure everyone, especially the kiddos, is drinking lots of water throughout the day to stay hydrated.
Choose Gentle Activities
As exhilarating as dune bashing can be exhilarating for parents. You may want to pick something less thrilling for younger kids, such as camel rides or henna painting. These activities are less risky and just as fun.
Engage with the Desert Experience
Children enjoy hands-on activities! You could have them be part of a camel feeding, sand art or learning about desert wildlife. A desert treasure hunt is a great way to keep them entertained.
Monitor Kids During Playtime
If you take your kids with you to a running event, it’s the same story. Whether you are there for observing the stars or for a round in a mini-obstacle course, keep an eye on them. The desert is wide, and it’s easy to lose sight of little ones.
Sun Protection
The desert sun can be harsh, even on cooler days. Make sure your kids are wearing hats or scarves to protect their faces and necks from the sun, and slather on the sunscreen.
Take Breaks
Remember to rest in the shade frequently to avoid becoming fatigued. Resting in between activities like sandboarding or watching a falconry show will help everyone stay refreshed.
Top Tour Operators Offering Family Packages
Picking the right tour operator could make all the difference when you are planning a family desert safari in Dubai. Here are just a few of the leading tour companies that provide family-friendly packages:
- Arabian Adventures
By now synonymous with family safaris, Arabian Adventures has a variety of options that feature gentle dune bashing, camel riding, and even star-gazing. Their guides are well-trained, and children’s safety is paramount, which allows them to be a popular option for families. - Platinum Heritage
For families looking for a little more luxury, Platinum Heritage has a luxury desert safari with educational activities including wildlife tours and cultural shows. Their camps are well appointed and child friendly, and they make a point of catering to younger guests. - Desert Safari Dubai
Tailor-made Family packages , this tour operator has packages for different age groups. Offering everything from toddler-friendly camel riding to adrenaline-fuelled sandboarding for teens, Desert Safari Dubai is an absolute child pleaser. - OceanAir Travels
OceanAir Travels Spirits with a focus on family safety and comfort. We tailor-make our family packages. which consists of family amicable-only entertainment, child-safe dune bashing, and cultural education.
What to Avoid When Bringing Kids on a Safari
Although a Dubai Desert Safari is an incredible experience for families, here’s what to avoid to keep your kids happy and safe:
- Avoid Intense Dune Bashing
For those traveling with younger children or toddlers, it is probably best to avoid the more aggressive dune bashing rides. Opt for milder, gentler desert things to do, such as camel riding or henna painting, which appeal more to children. - Overpacking
Don’t bring too many items. Pack lightly with only the things you need, including water, snacks, and sunscreen. Too much gear can be hot and uncomfortable, and unnecessary, in the desert heat. - Skipping Sun Protection
The desert sun can be harsh, even on cooler days. Always apply sunscreen and ensure your kids wear hats or scarves to protect themselves from sunburn. Neglecting sun protection can make the experience less enjoyable. - Ignoring Kids’ Needs for Breaks
Desert safaris can be full of action, but don’t forget to give your kids time to rest and recharge. Take breaks in shaded areas or in the camp to avoid exhaustion, especially for younger children. - Not Checking for Stroller Accessibility
If you have young children in strollers, make sure to check whether the safari operator can accommodate strollers in their activities or desert camps. The desert terrain can sometimes make it difficult for strollers to navigate.
Tips for a Memorable Family Desert Safari
A desert safari offers several Dubai family activities, provided you make the right choice.
- Go with a trusted tour operator: There are tour operators offering family desert safaris. But don’t choose them without research. Go with a reputable tour operator that is known for conducting the best family safaris.
- Decide the safari schedule: You have two options for safari schedules to choose from. And if you are a morning person. Who doesn’t want to miss the stunning view of the sunrise over the desert? Choose the morning safari. An evening safari is the best for unlimited adventure and fun.
- Carry essentials: For a pleasant and comfortable family desert safari, take a wide-brimmed hat, quality sunscreen, light snacks, and reusable water bottles.
- Clothing: Dress in light, comfortable clothing suited for all the desert activities. The recommended footwear is a closed-toe shoe.
- Safety Standards: You need to be sure that the Tour Operator uses safety measures to keep your family safe. Choose the tour operator with strict safety procedures.
Conclusion
Dubai desert safari is one of the best ways to get in some high-quality family time while enjoying the beauty and adventure of the desert. And with a huge variety of family-friendly activities, from camel rides to stargazing, there’s something for everyone. And, with the right tour operator, packing strategy, and a few safety guidelines, you can see to it that everyone, from the tots to the grandparents, has a blast. That being the case, if you have young ones, youngsters, or even young adults, a desert safari will be something you want to keep in mind for the rest of your lives.
So, why not make the most of it, spending quality time on a desert safari in Dubai with the family, your partner, and you?
FAQs:
There’s no set age limit, but younger kids might need more attention and soothing. Do not choose dune bashing, but go ahead with gentle activities such as camel rides when you’re a tourist with little children or toddlers.
Sort of , but you want a package with child-friendly things to do. Check that the safari operator provides smoothgoing rides and shaded spots for resting, and pack any baby basics such as a stroller and snacks.
Baby strollers are welcome, although it may be worth confirming with the tour operator in advance. Parts of the desert can be rugged, although, so it could make more sense to bring a baby carrier for younger children.
Young children should stay away from dune bashing. If you are with your family, then choose the soft dune bashing, since it is advised that you do not exceed your family by giving the ride a little bit softly. Be sure to always verify with your operator regarding safety precautions for children.
Make sure to pack sunscreen, comfortable clothing, water bottles, and a light jacket for the evening. It’s also good to bring snacks for the kids and a camera to capture those special moments.