Travel Designers So you only have 72 hours in Dubai and there is so much to see and do, what do you choose to see for your first time to this amazing city. Our Dubai blog today takes you through a few options to consider for your quick stopover on a Dubai family holiday.
Family Fun in Dubai
Dubai was made for families and the choice of what to do is endless so our family 72 hours in Dubai is just one of many itineraries for you to consider.
Day 1 Arrive on overnight flight
Arrive on the overnight flight from London landing at 8am, transfer to the hotel check-in if early checkin available, if not store luggage with concierge. Have a quick change into swimming costumes and a well-earned dip in the pool with the kids to relax and refresh after that overnight flight.
Take time to enjoy the Dubai sunshine and dry off then head to the restaurant for a lunch before going up to the room for a change. Most hotels in Dubai normally have a checkin time of 2-3pm but in quieter times may allow you to check in early, alternatively book upgraded club rooms and benefit from early/late check out policy for guests in these room types.
An Afternoon of Sights
Once changed, head off out to Dubai Mall to see the aquarium and dinner at the Rainforest cafe Dubai Take this opportunity to visit the Kalifa tower at sunset for a view of the city and the dancing waterfalls from 160 floors above the ground. Always advisable to book the Kalifa Tower tour in advance as it will save on queuing for the tickets. 
Make sure you don’t miss the fountains at the mall from above and from the ground below which dance to the music. The show lasts for approximately 5 minutes on the hour and half hour from 6pm until 11pm. These fountains are based on the ones from the Bellagio in Las Vegas BUT go 275 metres high into the sky. The best position to see them is at the Waterfront Promenade outside Dubai Mall.
Kids will also love the Dubai aquarium and underwater zoo as well as watching the light show on the Kalifa Tower which happens just after the fountains dance. Back to the hotel and time for bed.
Day 2 Its all about Waterparks and Boats
It’s up early and out to the waterpark for the best part of the day, choose from Atlantis the Palm or Jumeriah Beach waterparks. Tickets can be prepurchased to save time queueing and is advisable during busy periods. Each waterpark has changing facilities and locker rooms that are charged at 50AED per locker. The waterparks have many areas for sunbathing as well as the many rides on offer.
Its a great family day out but factor in at least 3 to 4 hours at the waterpark as the kids will not want to leave. One cool thing to do is to if you will be in Dubai when it is your birthday is to register your birthday with Atlantis The Palm Waterpark, by doing this you will gain a free entry to the waterpark! Try out the various slides such as shark attack, Leap of faith or 
Poseidon’s Revenge or just watch as others scream their way down the rides.
Night 2 Cruising the Creek
Dinner cruising up the creek. Dinner cruise packages are great value for families and offer a different night out for all to enjoy. See the city buildings from the river as you cruise up the Creek, dancing to music, or just enjoying the ambience. Some cruises even have a magician onboard to entertain the smaller children. A great choice of food and an excellent way to see the city at night.
Good value can be found on the Al Mansour Dhow, operated by the Radisson Blu Deira Creek, Daily 8.30pm-10.30pm approximately Dhs185 per person. If you would like a more upmarket experience consider, Bateaux Dubai, where you will experience freshly prepared 4-course al a carte gourmet cuisine in the comfort of this glass-enclosed, air-conditioned luxury vessel. Summer Prices for food and Soft Drink Package. AED 295 (Usually AED 415) or Unlimited House Beverage Package. AED 395 (Usually AED 520)
Day 3 As Little or as much as you want
Today can be as little or as much as you want to make it and depending on temperature can be indoor or outdoor. When its very hot, a trip to Emirates mall for an indoor ski experience or take to the shops and browse the many fashion, electronics or jewelry stores. If you are looking for some souvenirs of your trip then head out to visit the souk market at Deira, wander through the spice market and take a trip on the water taxis for just 1 dirham to get from one side to the other at Bur Dubai.
Consider lunch on the Creek at Bait Al Wakeel at Souq Al Kabeer which offers traditional food which is not at all expensive. Its a great choice to sit and eat watching all the boats going up and down the Creek, very entertaining.
Chillout at the Beach
If you fancy an afternoon chilling out after all that shopping then consider one of Dubai’s Beach Clubs for the afternoon. These are great if you have chosen to save a little money by staying in a non-beach property for your short stay as you can just visit for the day or afternoon and pay an entrance fee.
Our favourite independent beach club is Riva Beach Resort. A private beach with over 300 sun loungers, a bar restaurant and swimming pool, Entrance is cheaper through the week at AED 100 for adults and AED 50 for children, weekends and public holidays expect to pay AED 175 for adults and AED 85 for children.
As the sun goes down continue with the chill out theme of this afternoon and head to one of the many great burger restaurants in Dubai. 
After an afternoon on the beach we love Salt at Kite Beach a vintage airstream trailer that serves the best burgers on the beach! It has a table tennis table to keep the kids amused and a beach for them to run of the last of their energy.
Head back to your hotel and if you are lucky enough to have a hotel that offers baby sitting service or child care for the evening, take some time out to visit some of Dubais hots spots for dinner and cocktails. We recommend the restaurant Qbara a fabulous restaurant situated next to the Raffles hotel (but moving later in 2016) which has a live DJ, fusion Indian cuisine and excellent service with cocktails to remember. Not the cheapest of restuarants anything from £40 per person without cocktails to £80 per person with a couple of cocktails each.
If you would like more information on holidays to Dubai get in touch with us today as Go Easy Travel would love to book your next Dubai Holiday.
