With its never-ending array of out-there activities, Dubai itself is one vast adventure playground. But when it comes to theme parks, the Emirate is fast becoming the daredevil capital of the world. From the epic IMG Worlds of Adventure to Wild Wadi Waterpark; thrill seeking families will love the mix of hair-raising rides and aquatic action across the city’s theme parks. Join The Avengers to battle evil, fly your own LEGO plane, or plunge down exhilarating water slides. Hold onto your hats and join us for adrenaline-fuelled fun for all ages as we explore Dubai’s best theme parks.

Best for film-inspired fun: MOTIONGATE

California has Disneyland, Florida has Universal Studios and Dubai has MOTIONGATE. This awesome film-inspired theme park whisks you to Hollywood via family favourite studios, like Dreamworks, Lionsgate and Columbia Pictures. As soon as you step through the reel-shaped entrance, you’re immersed in the sights, sounds and sensations of the silver screen. Join the Ghostbusters in a paranormal battle to save New York City, journey to the magical world of the Smurfs, filled with mushroom-top houses, and find fun with Shrek and Kung Fu Panda-themed rides.

Best for comic book capers: IMG Worlds of Adventure

Dubai has a tendency to do things bigger and better than anywhere else and IMG Worlds of Adventure is no exception. The world’s largest indoor theme park, this titanic playground unites comic strip favourites with prehistoric creatures across four zany zones. Superheroes abound in the Marvel zone, dinosaurs roam the earth in the Lost Valley, the Powerpuff Girls come to life in the Cartoon Network zone and there’s shopping galore at IMG Boulevard. Little adventurers will love the interactive world of Lazy Town while teens can live out their Spiderman and Hulk fantasies.

Best for a toy-tastic day out: LEGOLAND Dubai

What LEGOLAND Dubai lacks in white-knuckle rides, it makes up for in fun and creative activities for pre-teens across six different lands. From Submarine Adventure to Junior Driving School, each of the 60-plus rides are a celebration of those famous tiny coloured bricks. Of course, everything is ultra-interactive and encourages kids to get hands-on. Create and try out your own LEGO race car at Build & Test, ride the Dragon’s Apprentice rollercoaster in the Medieval Kingdom and fire foam balls at your enemies in the Pharaoh’s Kingdom Maze. Tiny tots are free to let their imagination run riot, with building blocks in DUPLO Valley.

Best for aquatic thrills and spills: Wild Wadi Waterpark

As waterparks go, Wild Wadi Waterpark is a crazy tropical paradise, jam-packed with excitement. Located in front of the Burj Al Arab and adjacent to Jumeirah Beach Hotel, the palm-filled park is home to 30 rides where visitors can join the adventures of Juha, a hero from Arabian folklore. Plunge from the top of a 32-metre tower down the nail-biting Jumeirah Sceirah slide, rocket 15 metres in the air riding the Master Blaster jets and go surfing on the Wipeout and Riptide FlowRiders. For a more sedate experience, take a leisurely float along the gentle currents of Juha's Journey river. Parents seeking some chill time should book a VIP cabana and let the kids splash around to their hearts' content.

Best for desert chills: Ski Dubai

Take respite from Dubai’s heat by swapping sand for snow in the ice-cold confines of Ski Dubai. Alpine adventures are the order of the day, and with a wealth of activities to choose from (like skiing, snowboarding and bobsledding), you can take to the pistes for all manner of winter sport entertainment. Whether you’re fresh to the slopes, or a seasoned pro, Ski Dubai has a ski school for all abilities with lessons from world-class professionals. Don’t miss the super-fun rides like Tubing Run and Snow Bumpers, and make friends with Gentoo and King Penguins at Ski Dubai’s Peng-Friend Encounter.

Jumeirah hotels are perfectly situated to help you make the most of Dubai’s wonderful theme parks. Explore our hotel collections to curate your dream trip.