With just a few blissful weeks left before the school term commences after the summer break, it’s the perfect moment for families to enjoy a memorable adventure together. Connector highlights some of Dubai’s top indoor attractions, from snow-covered gaming worlds to rainforest hideaways, sky-high thrills, tech-immersive art and more, to help parents beat the heat and spark joy in their children. Ideal for building excitement ahead of the school year, these cool, air-conditioned escapes provide excitement, wonder and quality family time.
Ski Dubai
Snowball fights in summer? Located in Mall of the Emirates, Ski Dubai is a frosty escape where families can cool off in sub-zero temperatures. Children can zip down the indoor ski slope, explore the vast Snow Park, or even meet real penguins up close in an interactive encounter. From toddlers to tweens, the venue’s seasonal camps and snowy activities promise non-stop fun and learning. Open daily from 10am to midnight, and open from 9am onwards on Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets start from Dhs 240 per person. Adult supervision is required for children aged 2 to 14 years old.
www.skidxb.com
Illusion City
At Illusion City, located at Bluewaters Island, nothing is quite as it seems! This indoor museum dazzles curious minds with rooms that flip, twist and stretch reality, perfect for children who love to explore and discover. From upside-down rooms to mind-bending optical illusions and sensory surprises, the experience will keep children, and adults, guessing and giggling throughout. The installations are sourced from around the world, with some exclusively hand-crafted just for Dubai. Open on weekdays from 10am to 10pm and until 11pm on weekends. Tickets start from Dhs 75.
www.illusioncity.ae
KidZania
Let your little ones take on big responsibilities at KidZania, the miniature city where children aged 2 to 16 years old run the show. Located on Level 2 of Dubai Mall, this 7,000-square-metre indoor wonderland offers over 40 real-world role-play experiences, from piloting planes and fighting fires to reporting news and performing surgery. It’s the perfect blend of fun and learning, helping children pick up life skills and confidence while simply having a blast. Open daily from 10am to 11pm, with ticket prices starting from Dhs 90.
www.dubai.kidzania.com
Escape Hunt
Older children and teens will love the thrill of cracking codes and solving mysteries at Escape Hunt in Galleria Mall, Jumeirah. This immersive escape room experience lets families team up to take on exciting missions, from exploring 'Alice in Puzzleland' and diving into the depths of 'Atlantis' to escaping prison or catching 'Jack the Ripper'. With movie-like sets and challenging puzzles, it's a brilliant indoor option for both children and parents to enjoy together in teams. Open daily from 11.30am to 10pm, with tickets from Dhs 130 per person.
www.escapehunt.com
AYA Universe
Step into a galaxy far, far away, without leaving Dubai! AYA Universe, tucked inside Wafi City Mall, is a fully immersive digital art space that feels like stepping into a futuristic dream. With 12 interactive zones including Luna, Harmonia, Celestia and more, families can stroll through glowing gardens, float through kaleidoscopic tunnels, and play with light and sound in real time. It’s a visually stunning, air-conditioned escape perfect for curious and tech-loving children. Open weekdays from 10am to 10pm, and until 11pm on weekends. Entry tickets start at Dhs 135 onwards.
www.aya-universe.com
Dubai Butterfly Garden
For a gentler, nature-inspired outing, Dubai Butterfly Garden offers a colourful, climate-controlled retreat where children can marvel at over 15,000 butterflies fluttering freely inside ten lush domes. Located in Dubai Miracle Garden, this indoor haven spans 6,673 square metres and showcases over 50 butterfly species. Children can learn about the butterfly life cycle and might even witness a transformation from pupa to winged beauty! It’s a serene, educational escape that delights all ages. Open daily from 9am to 6pm. Tickets cost Dhs 55 for children and Dhs 60 for adults.
@dubaibutterflygarden
Neon Galaxy
Blast off into adventure at Neon Galaxy, an action-packed indoor play zone inside Riverland at Dubai Parks and Resorts. Designed for children from toddlers to tweens, this space-themed wonderland is filled with slides, ninja courses, wipe-out zones, and multi-level climbing structures. Whether zooming through ball pits or tackling obstacles, children can challenge themselves while having a blast, solo or as a group. It’s high-energy fun in a cool, air-conditioned setting. Open Monday to Thursday from 11am to 8pm, until 9pm on Fridays and Saturdays, and until 10pm on Sundays. Admission tickets start from Dhs 60.
www.dubaiparksandresorts.com
The Messi Experience
For young football fans, The Messi Experience at Dubai Festival City Mall is nothing short of legendary. This limited-time indoor attraction spans 2,500 square metres and takes visitors on an immersive, tech-driven journey through the life and career of Lionel Messi. With nine themed zones, interactive football games, and multisensory storytelling, young fans can relive iconic moments and even test their own skills. There’s also a merchandise store and family-friendly dining area. Open daily from noon to 10pm. Entry tickets start from Dhs 119.
www.themessiexperience.com
The Green Planet
Step into the heart of the rainforest, without leaving the city, at The Green Planet in City Walk, Al Wasl. This indoor tropical bio-dome is home to over 3,000 plants and animals, from sloths and lemurs to pythons, porcupines, and toucans. Little explorers can take part in jungle-themed camps, zookeeper-for-a-day activities, and even rainforest sleepovers. With expert guides sharing fascinating facts along the way, it’s a cool, educational escape perfect for curious children. Open daily from 10am to 6pm. Tickets start from Dhs 135.
www.thegreenplanetdubai.com
OliOli
At OliOli in Al Quoz, play meets purpose in the most imaginative ways. This experiential indoor museum offers six interactive galleries and over 40 hands-on exhibits designed to spark creativity, curiosity, and critical thinking in young ones. Children can launch air cannons, climb colourful rope structures in ‘Toshi’s Nets’, race toy cars, or even co-create digital art in the futuristic ‘Future Park’. Every corner offers fun wrapped in learning, making it a favourite among families. Open daily from 10am to 7pm. Entry tickets start from Dhs 139 onwards.
www.olioli.ae