Top 5 Family-Friendly Malls in the UAE with Indoor Activities (2025)

Tuesday, 20 May 2025

The UAE has redefined what shopping malls mean to families. Gone are the days when malls were just places to shop. Today, they’re fully equipped destinations where kids can learn, play, and explore—while parents relax or get their shopping done. Whether you’re looking for weekend fun, an after-school treat, or a way to beat the summer heat, here are the top 5 family-friendly malls in the UAE in 2025 that offer amazing indoor entertainment.

Table of Contents

• Dubai Mall – Endless Experiences Under One Roof
• Yas Mall – Abu Dhabi’s Ultimate Island Experience
• City Centre Mirdif – Adventure Inside the Mall
• City Centre Al Zahia – Sharjah’s New Family Hangout
• Dubai Festival City Mall – Indoor Thrills by the Creek
• Tips for Visiting UAE Malls with Kids
• Why UAE Malls Are Perfect for Families in 2025
• Frequently asked questions

1. Dubai Mall – Endless Experiences Under One Roof

Location: Downtown Dubai, Dubai

Best For: Full-day family adventures with global appeal

Why It Stands Out:

Dubai Mall isn’t just a shopping center—it’s practically a city in itself. With over 1,200 retail stores, this mall is packed with attractions for all ages.

Top indoor highlights include:

• Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo: One of the world’s largest suspended aquariums.
• KidZania: A mini-city where children take on real-life roles like doctors, pilots, and chefs.
• Dubai Ice Rink: Chill out with skating fun for beginners and pros.
• PlayDXB (VR Park): Augmented and virtual reality experiences for tweens and teens.

Parents Love: The proximity to the Burj Khalifa and dozens of family-friendly dining options.

2. Yas Mall – Abu Dhabi’s Ultimate Island Experience

Location: Yas Island, Abu Dhabi

Best For: A family getaway packed with attractions

Yas Mall is Abu Dhabi’s largest mall and a key piece of the entertainment puzzle on Yas Island—home to Ferrari World, SeaWorld, and Yas Waterworld. Inside the mall, families will find:

• Fun Works: A massive 60,000 sq. ft. kids’ play zone with climbing walls, soft play, and learning centers.
• VOX Cinemas: With family-friendly screens and KIDS theaters.
• Access to Ferrari World and Clymb for adventurous teens

Extra Tip: Combine mall time with a theme park visit for a full day of fun.

3. City Centre Mirdif – Adventure Inside the Mall

Location: Mirdif, Dubai

Best For: High-energy kids and thrill-seeking families

City Centre Mirdif is not just family-friendly—it’s adventure-packed. It’s a favorite among Dubai residents for its manageable size, quiet ambiance, and exciting attractions.

• iFLY Dubai: Experience indoor skydiving in a vertical wind tunnel.
• Little Explorers: Fun, educational activities that teach kids about the world through play.
• Magic Planet: Classic family arcade fun, bumper cars, rides, and more.

Family Advantage: Easier to navigate and park compared to mega-malls like Dubai Mall.

4. City Centre Al Zahia – Sharjah’s New Family Hangout

Location: Al Zahia, Muwaileh, Sharjah

Best For: Convenient family fun in the Northern Emirates

Sharjah’s newest shopping gem, City Centre Al Zahia, combines modern design with a strong focus on families. It’s fast becoming a go-to spot for local parents thanks to:

• Magic Planet: Games, rides, and interactive zones.
• Diverse dining options with child-friendly seating.
• Frequent events, seasonal workshops, and pop-up activities for kids.
• Well-designed family rest areas and baby care zones.

Why Go: Great mix of fun and functionality, especially for families living in Sharjah and Ajman.

5. Dubai Festival City Mall – Indoor Thrills by the Creek

Location: Dubai Festival City, Dubai

Best For: Unique combo of indoor fun and waterfront vibes

This mall blends retail with recreation seamlessly. What makes it stand out is the blend of shopping, attractions, and spectacular outdoor views—all in one destination.

• Bounce-X: Indoor trampoline and freestyle park (fun for teens & adults).
• Fabyland: Perfect for toddlers and younger kids.
• IMAGINE Show: The world’s largest water and light projection show, viewable from inside and outside the mall.
• Water taxi rides and dhow access available for added family fun.

Don’t Miss: Seasonal events and pop-up LEGO or Nickelodeon zones.

Tips for Visiting UAE Malls with Kids

To make the most of your family mall visits in 2025, here are some practical tips:

• Check Booking Policies: Some attractions (like iFLY or KidZania) offer online booking—reserve in advance, especially on weekends.
• Visit During Off-Peak Hours: Weekday mornings or early afternoons are best for avoiding crowds.
• Pick the Right Restaurants: Many food courts and cafes have kid-friendly menus and designated play zones.
• Stay Hydrated: Even indoors, it’s easy to get dehydrated—carry a refillable water bottle.
• Download Mall Apps: Many UAE malls have mobile apps that offer maps, entertainment schedules, and parking assistance.

Why UAE Malls Are Perfect for Families in 2025

The UAE continues to lead globally in family-focused innovation. Malls here are built not just to sell, but to serve as lifestyle hubs—especially in a region where extreme summer heat limits outdoor play. These malls are:

• Safe and clean
• Climate-controlled year-round
• Packed with educational and fun attractions
• Always evolving with new technologies and kid-friendly experiences

Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, these indoor havens provide everything a family needs for a fun-filled day.

The UAE has turned mall culture into an experience that caters to the whole family. Whether you’re planning a birthday surprise, a weekend outing, or a spontaneous escape from the heat, these five malls offer an unbeatable mix of entertainment, safety, and convenience. With new experiences constantly being added, UAE malls remain some of the most versatile family destinations in the world.