Sick of being indoors? Grab the kids and get them outside to enjoy some fresh air at one of Dubai’s many public parks. Here’s our top ten.
Al Barsha Pond Park
One of Dubai’s newest parks, Al Barsha Pond Park is proving to be very popular with local residents. The large park has giant ponds which have a walking/running/cycling track around them. There are loads of kiddie play areas plus areas for relaxing and simply enjoying the outdoors. That’s not all! There are also tennis courts, volleyball courts, football pitches, basketball courts and fitness machines!
Al Rashidiya Park
This small family park is close to Dubai International Airport, next to Rashidiya Metro Station on Dubai Airport Road. It is a nice, quiet park suitable for family outings. It offers well equipped playground areas for the kids and ample seating in the shade for the grown-ups. Wednesdays and Saturdays are for ladies and children only.
Dubai Creek Park
Dubai Creek Park is in the heart of the old city on the shores of Dubai Creek. It is one of the oldest parks in Dubai but it is still very popular. Open on the weekends and the evenings, this park has such an abundance of plants plus a few mazes, and a nature trail. Throughout the park, you will find barbeque areas, picnic areas, kiddie play areas, a little café and a paved border along the shore of the creek, which is ideal for roller-skating. This park also boasts the Children City Centre, a large stone Amphitheatre and Dubai Dolphinarium. That’s not all! Ride the cable car and the miniature train or rent bikes and take a cycle tour around the immense property.
Mamzar Beach Park
Mamzar Beach Park is one of Dubai’s best beach parks. It is absolutely massive! You can actually drive your car in. It has acres of open grassland and 5 beaches, as well as a huge outdoor swimming pool. It is perfect for barbeques and picnics. It has great facilities including small cafés, small grocery stores, wash facilities, changing rooms, children’s play areas, bikes for hire and amazing views over the Sharjah Lagoons. A bit far out but it is worth the trip! It is popular on the weekends and can be packed over holiday weekends. It will only cost you Dhs 5 per person if you walk in and Dhs 40 per car if you are driving in. The charge to use the pool is Dhs 10. You can also hire chalets for the day which is great if you are a large crowd.
Mushrif Park
Mushrif Park is just past Mirdiff on the Khawaneej Road and is well worth a visit. The park has acres of woodland. It was originally a Ghaf. It has a small zoo with goats and you can ride a camel or ponies. There are also train rides and a swimming pool. Don’t miss the ‘It’s A Small World’ replica house area, featuring mini houses from all around the world! Entry is only Dhs 5 per person or Dhs 30 per car. It is a great place for family picnics and leisurely strolls under the shady trees. There are barbeque areas too so grab your family and friends and make a day of it!
Safa Park
This park has three lakes, over 200 species of birds, and 16,924 different trees and bushes. Grassy lawns cover 80% of the park and there is a little forest and a hill to offer panoramic views. A waterfall flows out of the hill and into the largest lake which contains a fountain and touring boats. There are four entrances to the park, one from each road that borders it.
Safa Park 2
Not to be confused with Safa Park, number 2 is a much smaller and quieter little park. It’s in a quiet, residential area of Al Safa. It’s lovely and green with manicured gardens, benches, picnic tables, walking paths and great play areas for children. There’s ample parking. During the week, it’s only open to women and children, which makes it a favourite for mums and toddlers. Plus, it has miniature basketball, volleyball and football courts, and a small kiosk that sells light refreshments.
Satwa Park
If you don’t feel like trekking out too far then Satwa Park is ideal. It is an inner-city park that is situated behind Al Moosa Towers on Sheikh Zayed Road. The park has many green, shady areas with plenty of places to sit. It has playgrounds for kids, as well as football pitches, basketball courts, volleyball courts, and tennis courts. It also has a 6-metre wide rubber running/jogging track for the fitness fans. The track is slightly elevated so you can enjoy the view of the park while you jog around it. To top it off, it has a central plaza with a fountain that is surrounded by palm trees.
Umm Suqeim Park
Close to Jumeirah Beach Hotel, this quaint little park is a peaceful green space you will enjoy spending time in. Only women and children are permitted during the week but men are permitted with their families at weekends. It is a great place for some peace and quiet, which offers a small beach, little café and play areas for children. It is the perfect place to get away for a few hours in the morning or afternoon.
Za’abeel Park
This is one of the largest parks in Dubai and is located in between Karama and the Za’abeel area. The park is cut in two by Sheikh Zayed Road but has road bridges to get to either side. Along with the StarGate children’s entertainment zone, it has wide open spaces, an adventure playground, kiddie play areas, a lake offering boat rides, sculptures, a large amphitheatre area, and covered areas for barbeques and picnics.