A family-friendly desert safari in Dubai is an unforgettable adventure for both kids and parents. With gentle dune bashing, camel rides, and cultural shows, it’s a perfect way to introduce children to Arabian traditions while having fun in the sand.
This complete guide covers:
✔ Best kid-friendly desert safari tours
✔ Age-appropriate activities & safety tips
✔ What to pack for children
✔ How to choose the right family package
✔ Money-saving tips for parents
Why Choose a Family Desert Safari in Dubai?
1. Safe & Controlled Adventures
- Operators offer mild dune bashing for families (no extreme driving)
- Trained staff experienced with children
2. Educational Cultural Experiences
- Kids learn about:
- Bedouin traditions
- Camel husbandry
- Falconry (UAE’s national sport)
3. Activities for All Ages
| Age Group | Suitable Activities |
|---|---|
| 2-5 years | Camel rides, henna painting, sand play |
| 6-12 years | Sandboarding, quad biking (small ATVs), cultural shows |
| Teens | Dune bashing, stargazing, photography |
4. Convenient Family Packages
- Many tours offer:
- Discounted kids’ rates (often 50% off)
- Private family vehicles
- Baby seats upon request
Best Kid-Friendly Desert Safari Tours (2024)
1. Morning Family Safari (Best for Toddlers)
🌅 Duration: 4 hours (6 AM – 10 AM)
✅ Activities:
- Gentle dune bashing
- Short camel rides
- Sandboarding lesson
- Breakfast at camp
💰 Price: AED 90-150 per child (AED 120-200 adults)
2. Evening Family Safari (Most Popular)
🌇 Duration: 5-6 hours (3 PM – 9 PM)
✅ Activities:
- Mild dune bashing
- Sunset photography
- Camel rides & sand play
- BBQ dinner with kid-friendly options
- Live entertainment (magic shows sometimes available)
💰 Price: AED 120-180 per child (AED 150-250 adults)
3. Private Family Safari (Best for Control)
👨👩👧👦 Duration: Customizable
✅ Benefits:
- Choose your own itinerary
- Adjust dune bashing intensity
- Special meal requests (allergies, baby food)
💰 Price: AED 800-1,500 total (for 4-6 people)
Top 5 Kid-Friendly Activities
- Camel Caravan Rides
- Short, guided walks (not the bumpy tourist camels)
- Children as young as 2 can ride with parents
- Sandboarding Lessons
- Small boards provided
- Gentle slopes for beginners
- Desert Animal Encounters
- Falconry displays (hold a falcon!)
- Sometimes desert foxes or lizards (viewing only)
- Henna Painting
- Safe, natural dyes
- Simple designs for kids
- Stargazing (Overnight Safaris)
- Guides point out constellations
- Telescope sometimes available
Essential Packing List for Families
👕 Clothing:
- Light, breathable clothes (long sleeves recommended)
- Closed-toe sandals (no flip-flops)
- Sweaters (desert gets cool at night)
🧴 Protection:
- Baby sunscreen (SPF 50+)
- Sunglasses with straps
- Wide-brimmed hats
🎒 Extras:
- Small toys for the ride
- Baby wipes (no showers at camps)
- Ziplock bags (for phones/cameras)
- Favorite snacks (though meals are provided)
Safety Tips for Families
✅ Choose the Right Tour Operator
- Look for:
- Child seats available
- First-aid trained staff
- Good shade at camps
⚠️ Avoid These Mistakes
- Booking extreme dune bashing tours
- Forgetting motion sickness medicine
- Arriving late (misses important safety briefings)
🏥 Health Precautions
- Hydration: 1L water per child minimum
- Heat exhaustion signs to watch for:
- Excessive crankiness
- Pale, clammy skin
- Refusal to drink
FAQs About Family Desert Safaris
❓ What’s the minimum age for desert safari?
✅ Most operators accept children aged 2+, but check policies for infants.
❓ Are there toilets at the desert camp?
🚻 Yes, but they’re basic – bring toilet seat covers for kids.
❓ Can pregnant women join family safaris?
⚠️ Not recommended due to dune bashing vibrations.
Best Family-Friendly Safari Operators
- Arabian Adventures
- Known for: Professional child-friendly guides
- Dreamland Tours
- Special: “Kids Eat Free” promotions
- Platinum Heritage
- Luxury: Private family tents with AC
Money-Saving Tips for Families
💰 Book Directly (cuts middleman fees)
💰 Look for “Kids Discount” promotions
💰 Choose morning safaris (cheaper than evening)
💰 Pack your own snacks (saves on camp purchases)
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