Things to Do in Desert Safari Dubai With Family

Desert safari in Dubai is one of the most unforgettable experiences you can enjoy with your family. It is a combination of thrilling adventure, cultural exploration, and peaceful relaxation in the golden sands. Families love it because it offers a mix of activities that suit children, teenagers, and adults alike.

From dune bashing and camel rides to enjoying live shows and dining under the stars, there is something for everyone. The desert safari is not only about adrenaline-filled fun but also about connecting with the culture and traditions of the UAE. It is a perfect way to step away from the busy city life and spend quality time with your loved ones.

This guide covers all the exciting things you can do in a desert safari in Dubai with your family. We will also talk about the best times to visit, different safari options, and tips to make your trip safe and enjoyable.

Why Desert Safari is a Family-Friendly Adventure

The desert safari is designed to entertain people of all ages. For children, there are activities like camel rides, henna art, and sandboarding. Adults can enjoy dune bashing, quad biking, and live cultural performances. Everyone comes together to share meals and experiences in a warm and friendly environment.

Families love desert safaris because they provide a balance of excitement and relaxation. While adventure lovers can go for thrilling rides, others can simply sit back and enjoy the scenery. This makes it a trip where no one feels left out.

It is also an educational experience for children. They get to learn about Bedouin life, traditional dances, falconry, and the importance of camels in Arab history. It’s a fun way to mix learning with travel.

Best Time to Go on a Desert Safari in Dubai

Weather in Dubai plays a big role in planning your family desert safari. The best months are from October to March when the evenings are cooler and the desert becomes more pleasant. Families find it easier to enjoy outdoor activities in these months.

Summers can be extremely hot, so if you plan your visit between April and September, you may prefer morning safaris. Morning safaris are shorter and usually finish before the heat gets intense. This makes them more comfortable for children and seniors.

Evening safaris are the most popular because they offer the complete package. You get adventure, sunset views, dinner, and live entertainment all in one trip. Overnight safaris are also great if your family enjoys camping under the stars.

Things to Do in Desert Safari Dubai with Family

Dune Bashing – The Ultimate Family Thrill

One of the most exciting parts of the desert safari is dune bashing. Families are taken in a 4×4 vehicle across the rolling sand dunes. The driver speeds up, slows down, and makes sharp turns, creating a rollercoaster-like experience in the desert.

Dune bashing is suitable for children above six years, making it a great family adventure. The thrill of sliding up and down the dunes makes everyone laugh and cheer together. It’s a bonding activity where the whole family enjoys the ride.

For families with very young kids or elderly members, a softer ride can be requested. This ensures that everyone feels safe while still experiencing the magic of the desert.

Camel Riding – A Traditional Desert Journey

Camel riding is another favorite activity for families in Dubai desert safaris. Camels, known as the “ships of the desert,” offer a slow and steady ride that is safe for all ages. Kids especially enjoy sitting on camels and experiencing how people traveled in the past.

Camel rides usually cover short distances, making them suitable for beginners. It’s a peaceful experience compared to the thrill of dune bashing. The rhythmic walk of the camel allows you to relax and take in the desert landscape.

Families often take pictures during camel rides because it creates beautiful memories. The desert backdrop with golden sands makes it a perfect photo opportunity.

Sandboarding – Fun for Kids and Adults

Sandboarding is one of the easiest adventure activities in the desert. Just like snowboarding, you slide down the sand dunes using a board. It is safe, simple, and enjoyable for both children and adults.

Kids love sandboarding because it feels like playing in the sand with an added thrill. It doesn’t require any special training and boards are provided by safari operators. Parents can join in the fun or cheer from the sidelines.

Since the dunes are soft, falling while sandboarding is safe. Families find it a great activity to try together and laugh at each other’s attempts.

Quad Biking and Buggy Rides for Adventure

If your family loves adventure, quad biking and dune buggy rides are a must-try. These activities give you the chance to drive your own vehicle across the desert. It’s exciting and makes you feel more connected to the wild landscape.

Teenagers and adults usually enjoy quad biking the most. Safety equipment like helmets is always provided, and a guide ensures you ride in safe areas. It’s a great activity for families who want a mix of thrill and independence.

You can also choose dune buggies which are larger and more stable. Families often ride together in a buggy, making it a shared experience instead of an individual one.

Falcon Photography – Capture a Royal Moment

Falconry has been part of Arab culture for centuries, and in desert safaris, families can enjoy falcon photography. A professional handler allows you to pose with a falcon on your hand or shoulder. It’s a unique cultural experience that kids and adults both enjoy.

Falcon photos are often taken at sunset when the desert background looks stunning. Families cherish these photos as souvenirs from their trip. It’s not just about holding the bird, but also about understanding its importance in Emirati heritage.

This activity also adds an educational element for children. They get to see how falcons were once used for hunting and why they are considered royal birds.

Desert Sunset – A Family Memory

One of the simplest yet most magical experiences is watching the sunset in the desert. Families gather together to see the sun slowly dip below the horizon, painting the sky in shades of gold and red.

It is a peaceful moment where children stop playing and adults pause their conversations. Everyone comes together to admire nature’s beauty. It becomes a highlight of the trip for many families.

Most safari operators arrange stops at scenic points for sunset photography. It’s the perfect time to capture family pictures with the desert as the background.

Traditional Camp Experience

After the outdoor fun, families are taken to a Bedouin-style desert camp. The camp is designed to give you a taste of Arab hospitality and traditions. You are welcomed with Arabic coffee, fresh dates, and refreshments.

The camp becomes a place where the family relaxes after adventure activities. Parents can sit back while kids explore the entertainment options. The atmosphere is friendly, colorful, and full of energy.

Camps also provide areas for families to sit together. The mix of carpets, lanterns, and traditional décor makes it feel like a cultural escape.

Henna Painting for Women and Children

One of the favorite activities for women and kids is henna painting. Skilled artists draw beautiful designs on your hands or arms using natural henna paste. The designs are temporary but leave a lasting memory of the safari.

Children love henna because it makes them feel part of the cultural experience. Mothers and daughters often sit together while artists decorate their hands. It becomes a fun bonding activity within the camp.

Henna is safe and painless, making it suitable for all ages. Families often take photos of their designs to remember the moment.

Live Entertainment for the Whole Family

Evening desert safaris include live performances that bring the camp alive. Families can watch belly dancing, Tanoura shows, fire shows, and sometimes even puppet shows for children. These performances add excitement to the evening.

Kids enjoy the colorful costumes and music, while adults are fascinated by the skill of the performers. The shows are interactive, keeping the whole family engaged.

This entertainment is one of the reasons evening safaris are so popular. It gives families a chance to relax after dinner and enjoy cultural art.

Barbecue Dinner Under the Stars

The highlight of the desert safari is the delicious barbecue dinner. Families enjoy a buffet with Arabic dishes, grilled meats, salads, and desserts. Vegetarian options are also available, making it suitable for everyone.

Dining under the open sky adds to the magic. The stars twinkle above while families share stories of their day. It becomes a meal that everyone remembers.

Food is served in a family-friendly way, so children and adults can eat comfortably. It’s more than just a dinner – it’s part of the whole desert safari experience.

Overnight Desert Safari – A Magical Family Experience

For families who want a longer adventure, the overnight desert safari is perfect. After the evening fun, you stay in Bedouin-style tents and sleep under the stars. It feels like camping but with modern comfort.

Kids love the idea of staying in the desert overnight. Parents enjoy the peace and quiet, far away from the noise of the city. It creates a deeper family connection.

In the morning, you wake up to a beautiful sunrise and traditional breakfast. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience that families treasure forever.

Tips for Families on Desert Safari Tour

• Carry hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen for protection.
• Wear comfortable clothes and shoes suitable for sand.
• Keep water bottles handy to stay hydrated.
• Inform the safari operator if you have young kids or elderly members.
• Always follow safety instructions during adventure rides.

Final Thoughts

Desert safari in Dubai is one of the best family adventures you can experience. It combines thrill, culture, food, and nature in a way that keeps everyone happy. Whether it’s dune bashing, camel rides, or dining under the stars, every moment creates a new memory.

Families from around the world choose desert safari as a must-do activity in Dubai. It gives children stories to tell, parents moments to treasure, and everyone a chance to enjoy the desert together.

So, if you’re planning a trip to Dubai with your family, make sure to book a desert safari. It’s not just an activity, it’s a full-day celebration of adventure and culture in the heart of the desert.