Okay, so you’ve had a look to see if Palm Jumeirah is worth going to, and you’ve seen the answer is a resounding YES. But what about for the kids? Will they love it or hate it? Well, we’re not messing around – here’s 8 family-friendly things to do on Palm Jumeirah.

We’re starting this list of family-friendly things to do on Palm Jumeirah with one that happens to be equal parts fun and useful. The Palm Monorail is a nifty, elevated train that runs right up the “trunk” of the Palm. Apart from the stunning views, the Palm Monorail is a mega convenient way to get around the island which, like everything else in Dubai, isn’t on the small side. If you’re with the family, it’s also a bit of an adventure in itself – the kids will love riding above the island, spotting all the landmarks.

On one side, you’ll see the luxurious villas and hotels lining the Palm’s fronds, and on the other, you’ve got panoramic views of the Dubai skyline and the Arabian Gulf. Plus, the ride itself is smooth and air-conditioned – a godsend in the Dubai heat.

It starts at the Gateway Station near the base of the island, which is handy if you’re coming from the mainland. From there, it makes a few stops, including Al Ittihad Park, right in the heart of the Palm, perfect for a wander around the lush park it’s named after, and the Atlantis Aquaventure Station-  this is the station most people are excited about, especially if the kids are itching to get to the world’s biggest waterpark.

The practical bits

You can get a Day Pass ticket for unlimited travel for AED 35 each, or a Family Pass (identification required), valid for one round-trip, for 4 people for AED 99.

You can buy tickets at Palm Monorail stations or through their website.

Stretching along the western side of Palm Jumeirah’s trunk, this beach is all about the laid-back vibe with a touch of luxury – and more importantly, it’s free to use! Okay, so you will have to pick your way around the fancy beach clubs, but there’s plenty of free bits to enjoy too.

Boasting a 1.6-kilometer stretch of pristine, golden sand, the beach itself is clean, well-maintained, and lined with swaying palm trees. Lovely. The waters are calm too, thanks to the island’s protective crescent – ideal for you and the kids to try your hands at various water sports as well, like paddleboarding, kayaking, and wakeboarding.

But one of the main draws of Palm West Beach is its beachfront restaurants and cafes. From more casual bites to more refined dining experiences, you’ll find something to tick all your boxes – and yes, most places will offer a kids menu too.

Like we said, parts of Palm West Beach are completely free to use, but if you do wanna upgrade your experience a lil’, then there’s plenty of upscale beach clubs. Here, you can rent a sun lounger, order cocktails straight to your bed, and enjoy DJ sets as the sun goes down – the sunsets here are stunning, especially across the water to the Dubai Marina.

The practical bits

It’s good to note that Palm West Beach is dog-friendly, unlike many other beaches in Dubai. There’s designated areas where dogs can play and swim, so if any of the kids are a bit nervous around them try to avoid these.

Palm West Beach is easily accessible by car, and there’s plenty of parking available. If you’re staying on the Palm, it’s just a short drive or taxi ride away.

Located on the 52nd floor of the Palm Tower, you’ll find The View at The Palm right in the heart of Palm Jumeirah. Standing at 240 meters (about 787 feet) above the ground, it’s the highest point on the island that’s open to the public.

From this height, you can see the Palm’s iconic design in all its glory – the trunk, the fronds, and the surrounding crescent that protects the island from the sea. And the view of the sea is just as mesmerizing, with its endless blue horizon stretching out into the distance. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the World Islands. Then turn around, and you’ll see the full stretch of Dubai’s skyline, including the Burj Al Arab and the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building. Not too bad.

The experience starts long before you reach the top. As you enter The Palm Tower, you’re taken through a fascinating exhibition that showcases the history and development of Palm Jumeirah. There’s interactive displays, models, and a multimedia experience that tells the story of how this incredible island was built from the sea up. Once you’ve soaked up all that info, you’ll step into the high-speed elevator, which whisks you up to the 52nd floor in just a matter of seconds.

The practical bits

The View is open daily from 9 AM to 11 PM.

You can buy tickets online or at the venue. It’s a good idea to book in advance, especially if you’re planning to visit at sunset, as that’s the most popular time.

The View is also fully accessible, with facilities to accommodate guests with disabilities.

Next on our list of family-friendly things to do in Palm Jumeirah is The Pointe, and it’s got a bit of everything, really. This open-air entertainment complex sits right at the end of Palm Jumeirah’s trunk, so you’ve got front-row seats to Atlantis, The Palm just across the water. There’s a lovely promenade for a stroll too, with the sea on one side and all the action on the other.

One of the main highlights is The Pointe Fountain, and it’s not just any old fountain – it’s the world’s biggest dancing fountain. Stretching over 14,000 square feet, it puts on a show every evening with water jets shooting up to 105 meters. It’s all set to music, from Arabic tunes to international hits, and it’s a proper spectacle, free for all to enjoy.

The Pointe is a food lover’s paradise too, with more than 80 places to eat and drink. And a lot of them have outdoor seating too, so you can dine with those stunning views. The Pointe has loads of entertainment options too. There’s Reel Cinemas for when you fancy catching a film (and heading to the shade for a bit!) and if you’ve got little ones in tow, they’ll love the Cheeky Monkeys play area. You’re good for shopping too – whilst not a massive shopping centre, there’s a selection of nice little boutiques for you to have a rummage through

We meant it when we said it has a bit of everything, ‘cos The Pointe even has its own little beach area too. Look, it’s not the biggest beach in Dubai, but it’s a lovely spot for a bit of relaxation with a view.

The practical bits

Getting to The Pointe is a doddle really, whether you’re driving or grabbing a taxi. If you’re staying on Palm Jumeirah, it’s just a short hop away, and there’s a shuttle service from the major hotels. You can also reach The Pointe via the monorail – there’s a dedicated stop for it along the route.

The Boardwalk at Palm Jumeirah is a top-notch spot for a leisurely stroll with a dash of luxury thrown in. Running along the outer crescent of the Palm, The Boardwalk is a 11-kilometre stretch of walkway over the rocks that make up the island’s breakwater – wide, well-paved, and perfect for a gentle walk, a jog, or rental bike ride. The path is lined with palm trees, and the views are something else – you’ve got the Arabian Gulf on one side and the Dubai skyline on the other. It’s extra lovely at sunrise or sunset when the sky’s painted with those gorgeous colours.

You won’t go hungry or thirsty either – there’s plenty of food trucks and kiosks dotted along the way, serving up everything from ice creams and coffees to more substantial snacks.

Despite being in one of the busiest parts of Dubai, the Boardwalk has a surprisingly chilled-out vibe, making it one of the best family-friendly things to do on Palm Jumeirah. Safe and spacious, the kids can run around without you worrying too much.

The practical bits

Getting to the Boardwalk is easy-peasy. If you’re staying on the Palm, it’s just a short drive or taxi ride away. It’s also accessible if you’re taking public transport, with the Palm Monorail getting you pretty close – get off at the Aquaventure Waterpark stop, right at the very end of the palm tree, and then make your choice: left or right?

If The Pointe’s boutiques don’t quite scratch your shopping itch, you could always head to Nakheel Mall too – it’s pretty much the crown jewel of shopping on Palm Jumeirah. It’s smack bang in the centre of the island too.

Because this is Dubai, Nakheel Mall isn’t just your run-of-the-mill shopping centre. It’s a swanky, five-storey complex with over 300 shops, restaurants, and attractions. You’ve got your high-street favourites, and then there are the high-end brands if you’re in the mood to splurge.  Spacious and with a relaxed vibe to it, it’s great for a general wander around and window-shopping.

It’s got food options coming out of its ears too. A quick bite, a coffee break, a full-on meal – you’re sorted here. You’ll find everything from fast food favourites to sit-down restaurants serving up a range of cuisines. But for something a bit special, head up to the rooftop, where you’ll find some swish dining spots with stunning views of the Palm and beyond.

Nakheel Mall is home to a VOX Cinemas, so if you fancy catching the latest blockbuster, you’re in luck. The cinema’s got all the mod cons—comfortable seats, great sound, and a good selection of films. There’s Trampo Extreme if the kids need to burn some energy off too – an indoor trampoline park, it’s a right laugh.

The practical bits

You can have a twofer if you also fancy The View at The Palm – you can access it from Nakheel Mall.

It’s dead easy to get to on the Palm Monorail – get off at the dedicated Nakheel Mall stop.

So, imagine this: you’re stood on the ground in Dubai, looking up at this massive tethered balloon, all set to take you 300 feet up in the air. It’s like a fairground ride meets a sky-high adventure, and it’s perfect for those who want a bit of a thrill without straying too far from the city comforts.

Once you’re up there, the views are mega. You’ve got the sprawling Dubai skyline directly opposite you, the glistening waters of the Arabian Gulf behind you, and Palm Jumeirah looking like something off a postcard beneath you. Unlike a traditional hot air balloon ride where you’re floating off into the distance, the Dubai Balloon is tethered, so you’re up and down in about 10 minutes. It’s perfect if you fancy a taste of the high life but aren’t too keen on spending hours floating around.

The practical bits

Because it’s tethered and right in the city, the Dubai Balloon is a quick experience you can easily fit into your day. Take the Palm Monorail to the Aquaventure Waterpark stop.

Tickets at the time of writing are AED175 for adults and AED75 for children.

Number 1 on our list of family-friendly things to do in Palm Jumeirah had to be Aquaventure Waterpark. Located at the famous Atlantis, The Palm resort, it’s not just any old waterpark—it’s one of the biggest in the world. It definitely has the highest number of rides – a whopping 105! There’s way too many to chat about here, but here’s a quick rundown on some of the greats:

The Leap of Faith is a proper heart-stopper. You climb up this massive Mayan-style tower, take a deep breath, and then plunge down a near-vertical slide that’s nine storeys high. As if that wasn’t enough, you shoot through a clear tunnel surrounded by sharks and rays. It’s over in seconds, but it’ll leave you buzzing for hours.

Poseidon’s Revenge is where you step into the capsule, cross your arms and wait for the floor to disappear beneath you. You’ll drop straight down and loop around at breakneck speed. It’s the kind of ride that’ll have you screaming your head off and then running back to do it all over again.

Aquaconda claims to be the world’s largest waterslide, and is a beast of a ride. Grab your mates, jump in a big inflatable tube, and get ready for twists, turns, and some seriously big drops.

Zoomerango is a mix of big drops and massive vertical walls that give you a feeling of weightlessness. It’s perfect for a group ride and guarantees plenty of thrills without being too terrifying.

Of course, there’s the Lazy River and the Rapids too. Plus, there’s Splasher’s Children’s Play Area. It’s got smaller slides, water cannons, climbing frames, and tipping buckets. Kids can run wild while the parents keep an eye out and maybe grab a moment to relax. Speaking of relaxing – Aquaventure has its own private beach where you can stretch out on the sand, have a paddle in the sea, or just chill under a parasol with a good book.

The practical bits

You can rent lockers and towels on-site, so no need to lug around all your gear. The park takes safety super seriously, too, with lifeguards all over the place and clear signage on all the rides.

It’s worth booking your tickets in advance, especially during peak times. If you’re staying at one of the Atlantis resorts, entry is usually included, which is a nice little perk. You’ll get early entry too.

Aquaventure is open year-round, but times vary with the season, so best to check ahead. Going early can help you beat the crowds and the midday heat.

Fancy Palm Jumeirah? You’ll need some cheap flights to Dubai first