The Best Water Parks in Dubai: Make a Splash (2023)


Estimated reading time: 14 minutes

Experience the ultimate aquatic thrills at the best water parks Dubai has to offer. Dive into a world of excitement, slides, and endless fun for all ages.

girl in blue tank top and blue shorts holding pink inflatable ring on water
Water parks offer a thrilling escape from the summer heat, where you can splash, slide, and make lasting memories with family and friends. Image Credit: Yianni Mathioudakis/Unsplash

Dubai, a city known for its towering skyscrapers, opulent attractions, and a thirst for the extraordinary, also boasts some of the most exhilarating and awe-inspiring waterparks in the world. As the scorching sun casts its golden glow upon the desert oasis, Dubai’s passion for the aquatic has given rise to a vibrant array of waterparks that offer respite, thrills, and an immersive experience like never before. From the architectural marvels reminiscent of ancient Arabian tales to the heart-pounding rides that challenge the boundaries of fun, Dubai’s water parks are a testament to the city’s unwavering commitment to innovation and entertainment. Join us as we dive into the refreshing depths of the best water parks in Dubai, where history, culture, and adrenaline-fueled excitement seamlessly converge to create unforgettable adventures.

Aquaventure Atlantis The Palm

Located at the renowned Atlantis The Palm hotel, Aquaventure provides an epic selection of 105 different slides and rides. With its recent expansion in March 2021, Aquaventure is now the world’s largest waterpark, offering an unparalleled amount of thrilling experiences.

A green water slide.
Aquaventure Water Park, Dubai. Image credit: Wikimedia

The waterpark is divided into three major series of slides: Poseidon Tower, Neptune Tower, and the newly opened Trident Tower. The Poseidon Tower boasts the Aquaconda, one of the largest water slides in the world, where you’ll slide through a twisting dark tunnel before dropping into the world’s largest fiberglass tube. The Neptune Tower features famous rides like the Leap of Faith, a breathtaking 27.5-meter plunge through a clear tube surrounded by sharks and rays, and the “scarier sister,” Blackout. Other exhilarating attractions include the Shark Attack water coaster and the group ride, Zoomerango. Not to mention, the park features the largest kids-only waterparks in the Middle East—Splashers Lagoon and Splashers Cove—offering endless joy for our little adventurers.

For surfers, Aquaventure provides a chance to ride the waves, while river rides, cliff-jumps, and numerous other opportunities await for splashing about. If you’re looking for a family-friendly adventure, the Splashers Kids’ Play Area is the perfect maze of kid-friendly tunnels, tubes, slides, and climbing frames.

Animal lovers will find a treat too, with unique experiences like swimming safely with sharks, hand-feeding friendly cow-nose rays, and the beloved dolphin and sea lion encounters.

When you need a break from the excitement, Aquaventure offers a serene 1-kilometer private beachfront for sunbathing and leisurely walks. With restaurants like Sharkbites, Snappers, and Barracudas, there’s no shortage of delicious options to satisfy your appetite during the day.

While at Atlantis The Palm, don’t forget to immerse yourself in the captivating allure of the Lost Chambers Aquarium. Step into a breathtaking underwater oasis, where you can explore ancient ruins, encounter 65,000 marine animals, and embark on a journey through the mystical secrets of the deep blue.

The dress code for Palm Atlantis Water Park allows swim shorts, bikinis, swimsuits, and burkinis in the water, while thongs, transparent bathing suits, denim, and loose clothing like abayas are not permitted. Navigating the park is a breeze, with plenty of sitting areas and relaxation zones for you to unwind. Access to the waterpark is free for in-house guests of Atlantis The Palm, while daily passes are available for visitors.

Address: Atlantis The Palm, Crescent Rd, Dubai

Opening hours: Daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Tickets price: Starting from $72

Best time to visit: October to April

Approximate needed time: 6-8 hours

Wild Wadi Waterpark

Located right next to the world-famous Burj Al Arab in Jumeirah, Wild Wadi Waterpark Dubai sprawls across almost 50,000 square meters, surrounding you in the essence of the Arab Middle Ages through its architectural design. Emulating a desert oasis with medieval structures, this waterpark pays homage to Arabian folklore, particularly the tales of the legendary philosopher Juha, also known as Nasreddin, whose wisdom has echoed through countless stories.

A lot of people at a water park.
Wild Wadi Water Park, Dubai. Image credit: Wikimedia

The park has approximately 30 major rides, suitable for visitors of almost all ages. These rides are thoughtfully categorized into four sections: Daring Adventures, Waves of Fun, Relaxing Escapes, and Kid-Friendly Attractions.

One of the park’s most iconic rides is the Jumeirah Sceirah, which boasts the distinction of being the tallest and fastest free-fall water slide outside of North and South America. As you ascend a heart-pounding 32 meters, you’ll relish panoramic views of the park before starting an adrenaline-charged journey down the 120-meter tandem slide, reaching a breathtaking speed of 80 km/h. For even more excitement, head to Tantrum Alley & Burj Surj, featuring two slides and three tornadoes, guaranteed to get your heart pumping.

Families seeking thrilling experiences together will adore Breaker’s Bay, the largest wave pool in the Middle East, featuring waves that can reach impressive heights of up to 1.5 meters. For a more laid-back adventure, you can float along Juha’s Journey, a relaxing and tranquil 360-meter-long lazy river.

Wild Wadi Waterpark also caters to its youngest visitors with a massive interactive play structure designed with over 100 water activities, including slides, water guns, climbing frames, and a delightful dumping bucket – perfect for the little ones to splash around and giggle with joy.

If you find yourself feeling hungry after all the fun, rest assured that a wide range of dining options awaits your selection. Surfer’s Burgers offers mouthwatering burgers and hotdogs, Firecrust Pizza serves up delicious pizzas, and for traditional favorites like shawarmas, fried chicken tenders, and falafel, head to Dhow & Lagoon Kitchen.

To ensure a comfortable experience for female Muslim visitors, the park offers modest swimwear for purchase. Swimsuits should be without abrasive metal elements, and wearing spectacles on rides is prohibited for safety. Transparent bathing suits, underwear, and cotton clothing are not permitted.

Address: Jumeirah St, Umm Suqeim, Umm Suqeim 3, Dubai

Opening hours: Daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Tickets price: General admission 1.1 meter and above $58, below 1.1 meter $53

Best time to visit: Year round

Approximate needed time: 4-6 hours

Legoland Water Park Dubai

Legoland Water Park Dubai  stands out as the first Legoland park in the Middle East and the seventh in the world, bringing the beloved LEGO experience to the region. What sets this water park apart is its exclusive focus on kids aged 2-12 and their families, making it the only UAE water park specifically tailored to cater to young adventurers.

Legoland dubai entrance
Legoland, Dubai. Image credit: Jeremy Thompson/Flickr

With more than 40 LEGO-themed rides and 20 slides to choose from, Legoland Dubai Water Park offers a diverse range of attractions, ensuring endless fun for all ages. As you step foot into the park, you are greeted by six themed lands: Factory, Lego City, Imagination, Kingdoms, Adventure, and Miniland. Each land boasts its unique rides and scenery, all centered around its respective theme. Some rides need your little one to be over 102cm or 107cm tall, but don’t worry, as many of them allow children to ride with their parents or friends.

Legoland Water Park not only offers a haven of fun but also provides educational experiences for kids. They can immerse themselves in exciting roles like becoming firefighters or obtaining a driver’s license, allowing for hands-on learning while enjoying the thrill. There’s also an opportunity to learn about the history and intricacies of LEGO’s meticulous craftsmanship at Factory. Moreover, a delightful detour to Miniland offers a unique experience to step into a world entirely crafted from LEGO bricks, where you’ll feel like giants amidst the intricate creations. To further enrich the educational journey, families can engage in building and racing LEGO cars, and delve into the world of robotics at Mindstorms.

Dining options are available within the park, including Waves Bistro and  Bricks Bites, offering delicious meals like chicken and chips or pizza to keep energy levels high during the day’s adventures.

To take home a piece of the LEGO magic, multiple shopping outlets await, such as King’s Market, Pick-A-Brick, and Minifigure Market, offering a wide array of souvenirs and keepsakes.

As with any popular attraction, weekends at Legoland Dubai Water Park tend to be busy, especially during the scorching months from April to October. Planning ahead and considering a Cabana rental for a group can provide a shaded retreat, complete with a fridge and extra services, enhancing the overall experience.

For an all-encompassing LEGO-themed holiday, consider a stay at the Legoland Hotel, the first of its kind in the region. The hotel offers 250 rooms, accommodating families of five, providing an immersive and memorable experience.

Address: Parks & Resorts, Sheikh Zayed Rd, Dubai

Opening Hours: Daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Closed on Wednesdays.

Tickets price: Starting from $80

Best time to visit: Year round

Approximate needed time: Full day

Jungle Bay Dubai

Jungle Bay Water Park is the brand new attraction nestled on the picturesque bay of Mina Seyahi, right within the Westin and La Meridien resorts in Dubai. Inspired by the islands of Greece, this water park was meticulously designed with a sleek, minimalist style, offering cool Aegean vibes that will transport you to the breathtaking beaches of Santorini.

a boy on a water slide
Summer is the perfect time to make a splash and create lasting memories at a water park. Image credit: Wikimedia

Jungle Bay Water Park seamlessly combines the best of both worlds – fun and relaxation. As you enter, you’ll be embraced by a lush jungle setting, tranquil lagoons, and thrilling rides, catering to visitors of all ages. The blue and white hues accentuating the water park’s decor, along with the stunning sea views, create a soothing and inviting ambiance that soothes your senses.

Among the plethora of attractions, the Body Slides stand out as one of the most popular rides of the park. With no height restrictions, everyone can enjoy the thrill of these twisting slides that lead to a splash in a refreshing pool. The Whizzard, another thrilling ride, delivers an adrenaline-pumping experience with steep drops and exhilarating twists. As you zoom down the slide, keep an eye out for the jungle-themed decorations along the way, leading to a splash at the end. The Lighthouse is yet another heart-pounding slide, offering the same exciting experience. Its twisting path and steep drop will leave you breathless. The rewarding splash adds to the excitement.

For family fun, the Family Wave pool offers a unique floating sensation with gentle waves suitable for all ages. Young children can also join the adventure at AquaPlay, a jungle-themed play area featuring water slides, tunnels, bridges, and shallow pools, providing endless entertainment and safe splashing opportunities.

Free for guests staying at Westin or La Meridien, Jungle Bay Water Park warmly welcomes outside visitors as well, inviting everyone to experience the blend of fun and relaxation it has to offer.

Address: Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Waterpark, Dubai Marina, Dubai

Opening hours: Daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tickets price: Starting from $54 for adults, and $27 for kids

Best time to visit: October to April

Approximate needed time: 2-4 hours

Splash Pad

Splash Pad Water Park is a family friendly spot in the heart of Dubai’s vibrant entertainment zone, The Beach at JBR. This charming water park is the perfect destination for your little ones to cool off and have endless fun, no matter the season in Dubai.

A man is relaxing in a hammock on the beach.
JBR Beach, Dubai. Image credit: Wikimedia

Splash Pad features a shaded splash park and play area designed to cater to toddlers and kids of all ages. The park is equipped with an exciting array of activities, including fountains, a tipper bucket, and water squirters, alongside climbing frames and high-quality play equipment. Your children will be thrilled as they splash and play under the gentle water jets and exciting features.

The park’s water is heated during the cooler months, ensuring that your little ones can enjoy the water play experience all year round. On the sunniest days, the shade provides a welcome respite, allowing your family to play in comfort without worrying about overheating.

While not sprawling in size, Splash Pad is perfectly tailored for the under 6 crowd, though children up to 12 are welcome to join in on the fun. For added safety, the park’s attractions are overseen by vigilant lifeguards.

Address: North side of The Beach, Near Roxy Cinema, Dubai

Opening hours: Daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tickets price: Starting from $13

Best time to visit: Year round

Approximate needed time: 2-4 hours

Yas Waterworld

While not in Dubai, Yas Waterworld unquestionably deserves a place on your list due to its global renown. Situated on Yas Island, one of the best islands in the UAE, this magnificent aquatic wonderland awaits just a 20-minute drive from Abu Dhabi.

A water park with a waterfall.
Yas Waterworld, Abu Dhabi. Image credit: Jeremy Thompson/Flickr

Encompassing an expanse equivalent to 15 football fields, this colossal waterpark embraces an Emirati theme, immersing visitors within the entrancing narrative of ‘The Legend of the Lost Pearl’. This tale traces the journey of a young Emirati girl in pursuit of a fabled pearl, a tribute to the profound pearl-diving legacy of the UAE.

Yas Waterworld stands as a testament to innovative design, having received the prestigious World Waterpark Association’s Leading Edge Award in 2012. With over 40 popular rides and slides, prepare yourself for a mix of laughter, squeals of joy, and even a touch of terror depending on your fright levels.

For an unmatched adrenaline rush, brace yourself for Dawwama, the world’s largest six-person tornado water coaster. This heart-pounding 238-meter-long ride is powered by hydromagnetic technology, ensuring an adventure like no other. Then take on the challenge of Bubble’s Barrel, boasting insane three-meter-high waves and the world’s largest surfable sheet wave for flow boards and bodyboards.

Thrill fanatics will be in awe of the Liwa Loop, the region’s first freefall drop water slide, where you experience an exhilarating freefall sensation down a high-intensity slide. Safety is a priority, and each ride has height restrictions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, especially the little ones.

Speaking of our young explorers, the Tots’ Playground beckons. Here, a charming haven awaits with a paddling pool and three slides, complemented by interactive water cannons at Cannon Point.

Yas Waterworld elevates waterpark experiences to new heights, presenting a one-of-a-kind underwater VR encounter. It allows guests to effortlessly drift through the ocean and engage with friendly seals.

You can also indulge in the excitement of a treasure hunt at Yas Waterworld. Dive in to discover oysters and reveal precious pearls within. Led by expert dive instructors, this one-hour session offers a unique experience, and you can take your newfound treasures home as cherished mementos.

For a touch of luxury, rent private Al Waha cabanas, offering a VIP butler service, a delectable menu, complimentary towels, and more, providing a memorable day with a luxurious twist. Women who visit on Fridays can join the exclusive ‘Ladies Event’ from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m., providing a unique experience tailored for women. And when hunger strikes, you’ll find it easy to satisfy your appetite with five food outlets, including Dana’s Diner, Salma’s Snack Shack, and Skinnys Frozen Treats.

For the well-being and enjoyment of everyone, wearing proper swimwear is essential. As a general rule, refrain from wearing long pants like jeans, slacks, or trousers, as well as transparent attire. Additionally, shirts or jackets with buttons or zippers are not allowed.

Address: Yas Island, Abu Dhabi

Opening hours: Wed-Tue 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Fri 1–10 p.m., Sat 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Tickets price: Starting from $80 for adults, and $61 for kids

Best time to visit: October to April

Approximate needed time: Full day

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Summary of Best Water Parks in Dubai

1.       Aquaventure Atlantis The Palm

2.       Wild Wadi Waterpark

3.       Legoland Water Park Dubai

4.       Jungle Bay Dubai

5.       Splash Pad

6.       Yas Waterland

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ellie Smith

Ellie is an avid traveler, writer, and adventurer, with a passion for exploring the world and sharing her experiences through storytelling. Working for global chauffeur company Blacklane and having lived in cities like Dubai and Berlin, she has gained valuable first-hand experience in uncovering hidden gems worldwide.