As Dubai’s summer temperatures soar past 45°C, families are seeking cool, entertaining, and educational ways to spend time together. Fortunately, the city is packed with immersive indoor attractions that offer much more than just air-conditioning. From tropical rainforests to dazzling digital art shows and celebrity wax figures, here are four must-visit indoor destinations in Dubai that cater to all ages.
1. The Green Planet: A Tropical Rainforest in the City
Located in the heart of City Walk, The Green Planet is a fully immersive vertical rainforest housed within a striking glass biodome. Home to over 3,000 species of plants, birds, insects, and animals, it offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity for families to explore the wonders of nature without stepping into the actual wild.
Visitors can explore four levels of this biodome: the Canopy, Midstory, Forest Floor, and Flooded Rainforest. Expect to encounter free-flying birds, sloths, snakes, and even a resident bat cave. Waterfalls, tree trunks, and walkways bring the rainforest alive, while educational programs and guided tours teach kids about sustainability and biodiversity.
Ticket Price: Starting from AED 155
Best For: Nature-loving families, kids aged 4+, and school holiday excursions
2. Dubai Butterfly Garden: A Magical Fluttering Escape
Next to the famous Dubai Miracle Garden, the Dubai Butterfly Garden is the largest of its kind in the region. It features over 15,000 butterflies from more than 50 species spread across 10 temperature-controlled domes.
Families can explore the entire life cycle of these delicate creatures and interact with them as they land on hands and shoulders. The garden also includes a Butterfly and Insect Museum for curious minds, and cafes offering snacks and refreshments.
Ticket Price: AED 55 (Free for children under 3)
Best For: Young kids, photography lovers, and those fascinated by insects and nature
3. Theatre of Digital Art (TODA): A Cultural and Visual Feast
Located in Souk Madinat Jumeirah, the Theatre of Digital Art (TODA) offers a multi-sensory journey into the world of classic and contemporary art. Combining high-resolution digital projections, surround sound, and visual storytelling, this venue redefines the art gallery experience.
Current exhibitions include immersive renditions of the works of Klimt, Van Gogh, Monet, and Kandinsky. TODA also hosts jazz nights, yoga with visuals, and interactive children’s workshops, making it a great cultural destination for the whole family.
Ticket Price: From AED 110
Best For: Art enthusiasts, older children, and families seeking a creative escape
4. Madame Tussauds Dubai: Meet the Stars
Madame Tussauds Dubai, located on Bluewaters Island, is a world-famous wax museum offering families a chance to snap selfies with over 60 lifelike figures from across the globe. Celebrities include Shah Rukh Khan, Nancy Ajram, Huda Kattan, and even global political and sports figures.
Seven themed zones make the experience feel like a world tour, with rooms designed for royalty, fashion icons, movie stars, and more. It’s a fun and light-hearted experience that makes for great social media content and memorable family fun.
Ticket Price: AED 145 (Family passes available)
Best For: Selfie lovers, pop culture fans, and teenagers
Why These Indoor Attractions Matter
As part of the #DubaiDestinations initiative by Brand Dubai, these attractions are more than entertainment spots; they reflect the city’s commitment to year-round family tourism. These spots combine education, fun, and cultural enrichment in climate-controlled environments that are perfect for escaping the intense heat.
Whether you’re a resident or a tourist, Dubai’s indoor attractions ensure that summer is not a time to hibernate but to explore, learn, and create memories. So pack your camera, grab the kids, and dive into Dubai’s coolest family experiences this summer.
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