In Dubai, we stayed at Atlantis! Un-freaking-real! Waking up to that view each morning was something that could have convinced me to never go home.
The hotel was about 15-20 minutes from all the attractions, so we just took an Uber + didn’t rent a car!
How’s that aquarium for a hotel lobby?! 🙂
One of the number one questions I got asked while there + now that we are back, is if I “felt safe.”
100,000% YES! Dubai is one of the cleanest places we’ve ever been + it was totally family/kid friendly. I was nervous right when we landed because I’m anxious like that, but one of the security guards let me us his phone to connect to wifi! Seriously everyone was so nice + helpful! I felt safe + confident that I could get around until Jon got there! I don’t have an international phone plan, but I was able to connect with Wifi on my phone most every place we went!
I promised several of you that I’d create a recap post with an itinerary with the things we did:
1. Legoland Dubai + Legoland Waterpark
Make sure you go early! We got up + got out.
It closes at 6 pm, so you’ll want to take advantage of the whole day.
This was #1 on the boys list + we had such a fun first day.
They have 40 lego themed rides, a full waterpark + 6 themed lands! #WOWZA
I’d recommend booking your tickets early online, you’ll most likely score a discount!
There was a little district around Legoland that was so fun + even though I was sooo tired (#singlemom + #jetlag),
2. Seawings Dubai:
Jon was MEGA bummed he missed this sea plane tour! This was his activity of choice, but he didn’t make it in time.
We tried to tell him he didn’t miss out to make him feel better, but between us, HE MISSED OUT.
You guys, this was unreal. I felt like I was on the bachelor (only with 3 kids + no boo).
I’ve never done anything like this before.
You can choose different tours, ranging from 20-45 minutes, Seawing Dubai.
We got to see the beautiful aerial view of all of Dubai+ the Burj from the sky!
We did the 45 minute Signature tour. The boys did incredible.
You take off + land in the water. (Rigg’s fave part)
Each boy had their own seat + Jack fell asleep to the hum of the engine. Watch our video here.
3. Atlantis Aquaventure:
They even offer sting ray feedings on the property!
Jonah was brave enough for every single water slide + Rigg wanted to be but couldn’t get them to buy his tall hair do like they do at Lagoon.
But the waterpark at Atlantis was pretty remarkable. Just as I pictured it being.
The lazy river has a conveyor belt that takes you to the top for even more speed. They have double tubes, but no lap riders. We couldn’t find a leg cast cover for Jack so we wrapped it in 2 towels + crossed our fingers. He had the time of his life + by some miracle we kept the cast dry.
Jonah talked me into going down THE slide – – – straight down, through a tunnel of sharks.
You can get tickets to Atlantis Aquaventure park, even if you’re not staying at Atlantis + I would highly recommend it.
4. Desert Safari + Camel ride with Platinum Heritage:
This was one of the most magical nights we spent in Dubai. We really got to immerse ourselves in the beautiful culture.
We went on a desert safari, had dinner + rode camels under the moonlight with Platinum Heritage.
We booked in the hotel. They came + picked us up (make sure you request car seats) + brought us back afterwards.
This was the longest to + from of all our activities. Platinum Heritage was all around amaaaazing with the kids.
There are several different experiences you can choose from on their website. Most of our group stayed the night.
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They focus on creating an authentic experience by: meeting with local Bedouins, learning the ancient art of Falconry, stargazing with a professional Astronomer to discovering the native desert wildlife riding in the world’s largest collection of open topped 1950’s Land Rovers still in active service.
We loved Platinum Heritage because they choose a gentle wildlife drive over the dunes, which was perfect for kids + spotting wildlife.
5. Al Seef District:
Al Seef District was sooo family friendly + loaded with shops, restaurants + located right along the creek! It was beautiful + so clean! There are so many museums + things to do in this area. Rides for the kids, boat tours, etc. You could spend the whole day here! Look at that dunkin donuts, the cutest ever!
6. Green Planet indoor rainforest:
The Green Planet was Rigg’s favorite activity! It had over 3,000 plants + animals to see/interact with!
There are so many things to do including: a sloth adventure, holding a python, visiting the bat cave.
The natural light bridge was a photographers heaven.
Too bad I dropped my camera down the marble stair case the day we got there.
Wondering if we can have a rope bridge in the new house. The Green Planet is a must see + tickets start at only $24 a person!
I love the “neighborhood” The Green Planet is in!
We hit up the arcade right across the street + the boys played with their new toys while we waited for our uber back to Atlantis.
We also went to the CANDY LAB.
7. Skiing indoors at the Mall of Emirates:
We’re from Utah so we love the mountains + we love to snowboard.
But doing it indoors (when it was hot outside) was completely new to us.
It has been on my bucket list foreverrrr.
We flew out the same night so we didn’t have quite enough time to meet penguins.
We rented all of our gear there, they even give you socks, you just have to purchase gloves! So you could bring your own if you’d like to pack them.
You’ll find 5 slopes, with varying difficulties. Perfect for all ages + skill levels.
Ski Dubai was the first indoor ski resort in the Middle East.
You can enjoy the winter wonderland, without the cold temperatures.
It’s located inside the Mall of Emirates. Oh, + there is a shake shack right up the escalator to the left.
8. Shopping + eating at Dubai Mall:
Dubai has a lot of biggest + best + their mall is no exception!
The food court alone had the best line up I’d ever seen.
There’s a full grocery store as well as every store I’ve ever heard of.
We ate dinner on the patio of SOCIAL HOUSE with a front seat view to the Dubai Fountain.
GET THE CHEESECAKE DESERT + imagine Tom Cruise scaling the Burj as you watch the light show!
It’s the largest mall in the world (+ i’ll also say cleanest). Can you tell I was mind blown over the cleanliness of the city yet? 🙂
There are over 1200 stores + they have every store you could think of.
Even if your not a shopper, you have to see it!
There are 2 malls! See if you can spot SKI DUBAI from the regular freeway from the slanted rooftop! We spent plenty of time at both malls!
The other one is in the same vicinity as Dubai Fountains + Burj Kahlifa!
9. Burj Kahlifa:
The Burj is the T A L L E S T building in the world. . . THE WORLD!
There’s 2 different views you can puchase/choose from.
They are both pretty incredibly breathtaking.
Both stops will take professional pictures for you if you’d like them to!
Am I scared of heights. uhhhhhhh deathly! We went all the way, to the top observation deck at 148 stories + had the best view of Dubai!
You can enjoy views from a few of the levels + then head all the way to the top to the Observation Deck!
10. Museum of Illusions:
This museum is in Al seef District! It offers interactive, immersive + fun experience for children, parents, couples, grandmothers and grandfathers – a perfect, unusual and exciting place for all generations! I think this is where Jack picked up the phrase “for real?” We learned about vision, perception, the human brain + all the science to back it up. You are able to walk around freely + stay at each exhibit however long you’d like to! I love mind riddles + found it interesting to discover why your eyes see things when your brain just cannot understand.
Few more things to note:
1. Bring a stroller, they do have complimentary golf cart shuttles that take you to the waterpark, it’s just nice to have!
2. @mydubai is a great account to look to to pull inspiration!
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