Entertaining children can be expensive if you let it be. But don’t despair, as it can also be super cheap and even free! As my own will soon be turning 16, we have plenty of experience finding and visiting cheap things to do with family in UAE. And, of course, we still have younger family members to cater for too.
Some of these are great for intergenerational outings for when grandparents are going along and I’ll highlight the ones that worked well for Granny, who had mobility issues, too. Some of the paid activities are free for resident seniors over 60, plus one carer. (Non-resident seniors usually just enter free too.)
I’m not going to be talking ‘see the dinosaur in Dubai Mall’ type things. I’m giving you activities that will fill a reasonable amount of time, be fun and/or educational and create quality family time too.
So, let’s get started on our choice of budget-friendly places to visit with family in UAE!
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Free and Cheap Things to Do with Family in UAE
Sharjah Desert Park
I’m starting with Sharjah Desert Park because it has to be the best value for money. It has five centres within the park and is free for children up to 12 and resident seniors 60+ plus one carer. (This is where the grandparents come in handy! 🤣) I can’t tell you how many hours we’ve spent there, but it’s been a hit from babyhood through to teenage years.
To get the full benefit of your AED 21 adult ticket and the trip there, plan to go early as there’s lots to see and do. While most people just go to the Wildlife Centre, there is also the Natural History Museum complete with dinosaurs and fossilised animals, and the Botanical Museum. Both have loads of interactive displays and activities.
The Islamic Botanical Museum was Granny’s favourite while the Petting Farm is always a hit with the little ones. See more of Sharjah Desert Park.
Accessible by intercity bus.
Shees Nature Trail and Shees Park
Next up on our list of things to do with family for free in UAE is Shees Nature Trail, perfect for a short, relaxing, walk with opportunities for learning along the way. The path takes you first up lots of steps to the old village, then through the village itself where you can see the falaj (irrigation system) complete with tunnels.
The trail then continues through the lush greenery of working farms, with display boards by WWF to learn about local flora and fauna along the way. After that, you can continue with a walk or drive further down Wadi Shees and maybe find a picnic spot, making this a perfect day out for families wanting to enjoy the outdoors without shelling out a load of money.
You could also stop by Shees Park, which has a small entrance fee of just AED 5 (free for kids under five). The park has playgrounds, picnic areas and even a waterfall, making it a great place to relax. It can get very busy at weekends and holidays though, especially later in the day.
Al Wathba Lake Park
If you’re looking for a free, family-friendly outing in Abu Dhabi, Al Wathba Lake Park is a fantastic choice. It’s a great spot for a relaxed day of camping, barbecuing or just enjoying nature. There’s plenty of space for picnics and you can make use of the barbecue pits for a delicious family cook-out.
While the kids play in the wooden play area, you can enjoy the peaceful surroundings with views of the lake and the local birdlife. The park also has plenty of areas for camping if you fancy an overnight stay – just bring your tent and make yourself at home. The park has several public toilets.
The best part? It’s all completely free. So pack a picnic, gather the family and enjoy a day at Wathba Lake Park.
RAK Nature Treasures
RAK Nature’s Treasures is a hidden gem in the heart of Ras Al Khaimah’s farming region. For just AED 20 for adults and AED 10 for children, you can explore a private farm that’s more like a museum, showcasing everything from fossils and gemstones to coral and herbs.
The real highlight is wandering around the farm, where you’ll find animals like flamingos, tortoises and donkeys. The goats even have a climbing frame! There’s a cactus house and a greenhouse where you can pick fresh produce, and don’t forget to check out the honey for sale.
RAK Nature’s Treasures often hosts free events and activities, making it a perfect place to spend a few hours with family.
Hiking and exploring nature at Wadi Ghuna, Fujairah
Hiking is a great activity to do together as a family, nurtures a love of the outdoors in children and is completely free! Wadi Ghuna is a fun hike to do with children as it usually has a few water pools and a small waterfall. In the pools, you can see toads and sometimes tadpoles, depending on the season as well as bugs that live in or near pools.
It’s a pretty easy hike as it’s flat most of the way but it does have large pebbles and some rocks to climb over so make sure everyone has decent shoes on and not flip-flops. The beginning is a sharp descent but you can take the offroad track instead. The start of the trail is right next to the road so it’s accessible by any car.
Other hiking trails to consider are Wadi Arar, which often has water, and my teen likes to climb over the rocks there, and the lower part of Wadi Naqab (ground level), where my teen and her friends like to climb up the rock faces. Both of these are on off-road tracks.
See my Wikiloc of Wadi Ghuna or my Facebook post or Instagram post. See more family hiking trails to try with your family or friends.
Wasit Wetlands
Wasit Wetlands is a protected area for both native and migratory birds as well as gazelles. The Visitor Centre is small but is home to many species of birds, such as avocets, pelicans and my favourite, the Goliath Heron.
Outside you can take a buggy ride around the lake, stopping off to look for birds. There is also an option to walk around but this is only for those aged 14 and over.
As this is free for children up to the age of 12 and just AED 15, it’s one of the great, cheap things to do with kids in the UAE. It’s also free for 60+ plus one carer.
You could combine this with a trip to Sharjah Science Museum or Sharjah Archaeology Museum.
Tayyibah Heritage Museum, Fujairah
Tayyibah Heritage Museum is a lovely hidden gem in Fujairah for families to explore. This private museum is in a village in the Hajar Mountains and has artefacts from Bedouin and mountain lifestyles, like water carriers, shields and weapons. It also has more modern ones like old TVs and gramophones that children often find fun.
As you wander on winding paths through lush green grounds, peek inside the scaled traditional houses, see the falaj and look out for birds in the trees. Afterwards, you can enjoy a walk around the village, stopping at Bait Al Mutawwa, the old shop and Flag Fort, then take a gentle hike through the green area.
A trip to the Tayyibah Heritage Museum helps you learn about the cultural heritage of the UAE and enjoy green surroundings at the same time and is one of our favourite things to do with family for free in UAE.
Al Ain Palace Museum and Al Ain Oasis
One of the best places to visit in Abu Dhabi with family for free is Al Ain Oasis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The lush oasis is home to over 150,000 palm trees and is a peaceful escape despite being in the city.
Wander along the shaded paths lined with palm trees or take a stroll along the traditional falaj irrigation system that has been used for centuries to channel water through the oasis.
The tranquillity and beauty of the surroundings make it a perfect spot for a relaxing walk and the greenery is always a welcome sight in the desert.
Nearby, Al Ain Palace Museum gives an interesting insight into the local history and how the former residents, Sheikh Zayed and his family, lived not so very long ago. You can tour the palace rooms, including the kitchens and other work rooms, which all have the original furniture and utensils.
Accessible by shuttle bus.
Mushrif National Park, Dubai
If you’re looking for cheap things to do in Dubai with family, Mushrif Park is a fantastic option. Located in the suburbs, the park has activities for all ages. Entrance is just AED 3 per person or AED 10 per car. Inside the park, young children can have fun at the International Village, with its models of traditional houses from around the world and then play in the many playgrounds scattered around the park.
You can enjoy a gentle stroll around the park, or for something longer, go for the park’s 10 km hiking trail through its natural surroundings. Look out for many different types of birds along the way.
If you prefer a swim at the pool, it’s open daily from 8am to 11pm and has a children’s area, making it perfect for a family swim. The entrance fees are AED 10 for adults and AED 5 for children.
To make a full day of it, pack a cool box as there are lots of barbecue areas in the park. Alternatively, you can buy fast food at the reasonably priced kiosks in the park.
Accessible by bus.
Bithna Fort and Heritage Trail, Fujairah
Bithna Fort and Heritage Trail offer a free family activity in Fujairah for a couple of hours. The nature trail starts at the watchtower shortly before the Bithna Fort and takes you along a path with information boards along the way. Learn about the local wildlife and history. The path loops around through the farming area to the fort, which you can explore too.
Older family members who enjoy a more challenging trail can do the longer hike up the mountainside, while others enjoy the leisurely nature trail and fort.
It’s all completely free, and for a longer free day out, combine it with Masafi Fort, Governor’s Palace or Fujairah.
Accessible by Intercity bus.
Al Hudayriat Island Heritage Trail and Beach
If you’re looking for free things to do in Abu Dhabi with family that are close to the city, head to Al Hudayriat Heritage Trail and Beach. The Heritage Trail is a loop of around 2.5km that starts near the beach area and goes along the coast past some archaeological sites, such as shell middens. You can learn more about these and other features from the information boards along the way.
After your walk, enjoy time wandering through the plaza at Al Hudayriat Island, where free events sometimes take place and then enjoy some relaxing time on the beach or in the sea. There are also some paid activities to do nearby, such as watesports, banana boats and nearby Circuit X with a splash park, skate park, ropes park and BMX park.
Manar Mall Promenade, Ras Al Khaimah
Manar Mall Promenade offers some relaxed fun as part of your free, family-friendly outing in Ras Al Khaimah. The waterfront area has lovely views of the creek, mangroves, and mountains behind.
Children (and adults, too) can enjoy the fun swings and other features. There are often events at special times of the year, so check out what’s happening on the Manar Mall website. It’s also a great spot for getting some fun family photos with the swings, Think Box, water features and Colour Walk.
Access to the promenade is completely free, but there are also some paid activities like kayaking and doughnut boats too if you’d like to add that in. The mall food court is next to the promenade if you want to pick some food up to take out and it also has some outdoor seating.
So, if you’re in Ras Al Khaimah and looking for a free but fun stop with the family, Manar Mall Promenade is definitely worth a visit.
Accessible by bus.
Kalba Hanging Gardens
Kalba Hanging Gardens make for a great and cheap, family-friendly outing or maybe a stop to combine with one of the other great budget-friendly destinations in Kalba.
This new park has play areas for children, with shaded spots and benches for adults to relax. Families can also enjoy a bit of privacy in the individual landscaped sections.
Other features include an artificial waterfall cascading down several levels into a small lake, a walking track, a skate park and paths going up the landscaped mountainside. If you feel like splashing out, there are two restaurants. Otherwise, pack your picnic and enjoy a low-cost day out at Kalba Hanging Gardens for only AED 5 per person.
Combine this with Al Hefaiyah Lake nearby or any of the other great things to do in Kalba.
Al Ain Zoo
Al Ain Zoo has plenty of animals to see, from penguins to giraffes and pelicans to white tigers. It recently reopened after some redevelopment and some areas may still be closed. Most of the zoo park is outside and it’s quite big, so it involves quite a bit of walking. You can buy a ticket for the shuttle for any family members who may need it.
Zoo entry is usually AED 31.50 for adults and 10.50 AED for children but you can usually find it a bit cheaper if you buy online. The cheapest tickets I saw were on Cobone. (Not a cheap day out, but Cobone also has a great deal on the safari, including zoo entry for only AED 79 instead of 210.)
Accessible by bus.
Khor Kalba Mangrove Centre, Kalba
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly and educational family outing on the East Coast, Khor Kalba Mangrove Centre is a great option. It’s a beautiful and peaceful spot where you can learn about the unique mangrove ecosystem. The centre has interactive exhibits on local wildlife, including turtles, crabs and sea urchins. Outside are bird hides to watch rare, local species like kingfishers.
After learning indoors, you can take a walk along the mangrove trail, where you can see some of the oldest mangroves in the UAE. There’s also a lovely outdoor area to relax and take in the view while the children have fun in the play area.
Entrance is free for children under 13, resident senior citizens and one carer. For adults, it’s AED 15.50.
After you finish, take a walk around Kalba Lake and enjoy a picnic on the grass or visit Kalba Clock Tower.
House of Wisdom
House of Wisdom is especially good during the hotter months or when the children are on holiday but you’re working from home. Children can choose a book from the shelves and curl up in a comfy spot to read by themselves, or you can read together with younger children.
Even if you have a house full of books, there’s always something special about a different book and maybe something they wouldn’t have chosen before. Trips to the library can be a great way to instil a love of reading into younger ones.
There are often events on, and these are usually paid, but look out for free ones, too. There are also art installations outdoors during some of Sharjah’s many art festivals.
You can combine this with the Sharjah Classic Car Museum, which costs AED 10 for adults and AED 5 for children up to 12, or the Holy Quran Museum.
Accessible by bus.
Kayaking on the Lagoon – Sharjah
If you’re taking teenagers out or they’re part of your group, a single kayak costs just AED 20 at Al Majaz Waterfront for 16+. Even better, you can kayak for an unlimited time! Age 2-4 can go along with you in a double kayak for AED 40. Two adults and a child can go in the double kayak.
Unfortunately, those are the only ages the kayaks at Al Majaz cater for, but a pedal boat for four costs AED75 for one hour and is lots of fun.
Kayaking around Khalid Lagoon in Sharjah gives you great views of Al Noor Mosque, Al Noor Island, Al Majaz Amphitheatre and the Buhairah Fountain. I haven’t tried kayaking there yet, but we’ve been on the other boats many times, both at night and during the day, and always had fun.
(We also used to rent kayaks for AED 20 on Ras Al Khaimah Creek near Hilton Garden Inn but their prices may have gone up. It’s worth checking though.)
Al Rafisah Rest Area, Khorfakkan
At Al Rafisah Rest Area in Khorfakkan, families can enjoy play areas, walks, hikes, duck-feeding and seating areas with mountain and lake views for free.
Walk down to the hillside to the water’s edge or down The Walk and through the underpass for a view of MIqsar Village. For a challenge, hike up to Suhub Rest Area for more great views over to the ocean and back. The less energetic members of your group can relax back at the rest area.
Kayaking and other boating options are also available. Combine this with other free and beautiful places to visit in Khorfakkan.
Note that parking at Al Rafisah Rest Area is paid. Regular municipality parking fees apply.
The Holy Quran Museum, Sharjah
If you’d like your children to learn more about the history and sciences of the Quran and gain some more knowledge of Islamic scholars, visit the Holy Quran Museum in Sharjah. Although the displays are in Arabic, you can take a tour with an English-speaking guide (usually a graduate of the Holy Quran Academy.) Entrance to the museum is free.
Combine this with a visit to the Islamic World Garden to learn more about Islamic Scholars.
Al Hefaiya Mountain Conservation Centre, Kalba
For a nature-focused family day out, Al Hefaiya Mountain Conservation Centre is a great place to visit. Located in a scenic area of rocky plains and small mountains, the centre provides a chance to learn about and see native wildlife, including leopards, rock hyrax, local reptiles, foxes, scorpions and other creatures that call the mountainous region home. Some of these can no longer be found outside of nature reserves like this one.
Once you’ve explored indoors and had fun with the interactive displays, take a short buggy ride along the observation points to enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding area and to see caracals, Arabian tahrs and more.
Al Hefaiya Mountain Conservation Centre is free for children up to 12 and resident seniors (60+) and 15 AED for adults. You can also visit the nearby Kalba Bird of Prey Centre for 15 AED for adults and for free for children up to age 12 and resident seniors.
Museum of Beautiful Time, Ras Al Khaimah
Museum of Beautiful Time is a fun option for families looking to experience something unique during their trip to Al Rams, Ras Al Khaimah. This quirky private museum is full of surprises. As you drive up, you’ll see replicas of famous landmarks like the Burj Khalifa and the Eiffel Tower.
Inside, you’ll find collections of old cameras, telephones, weapons, photos, coins, and many other items. Amazingly, there are also architectural artefacts like ancient shards of pottery and bronze arrowheads.
The museum is open from 4pm to 8pm, and the caretaker is usually there to let you in. Even if you just drive by, it’s an interesting stop. On Google Maps, it’s listed under Rams Museum.
Buhais Geology Park, Sharjah Central Region
Another great choice for a low-price, family-friendly outing is Buhais Geology Park in Sharjah Central Region. Sitting at the foot of Jebel Buhais, the educational centre offers a mix of indoor exhibits and an outdoor trail where you can see different rock types, fossils embedded in rocks, Bronze Age tombs and stunning views of the surrounding plains.
The first hall of the indoor exhibition explains the region’s geology, including tectonic plate movements and fossil formation. The second has many interactive exhibits to learn more about geology. A third hall shows a documentary that’s well worth watching
Buhais Geology Park is a great spot for kids to learn about geology in a fun, engaging way. Entry is free up to age 12 and for resident seniors with one carer, and just AED 10.5 for adults, making it one of the best budget-friendly places to visit with family in UAE.
Al Zorah Marina 1 Boat Ride plus Birdwatching, Ajman
At Al Zorah Marina 1 in Ajman, you can take a pleasant boat ride around the creek for just AED 5. From the boat, you can see the mangroves and the Ajman skyline. Before or after your boat trip, you can walk or cycle around the marina and look out for birds in the mangroves or birds of prey flying above.
At Marina 1, you can also visit Ajman Pygmy Zoo for AED 15 for adults and AED 10 for children. (I haven’t been myself though.) After, you can visit Al Zorah Beach nearby for a walk, swim or picnic.
Dubai Museum, Al Fahidi Historical District and an Abra
Visit Dubai Museum to learn about Emirati history for just AED 3 and AED 1 for children up to age 5, then wander through the narrow alleys of Al Fahidi Historical District, which is fun for little ones before heading to the creek to take an abra for AED 1 each to the other side. You could add in a walk around the souq and a visit to the free museums there.
Aljada, Sharjah
For fun and free things to do with family in Sharjah, head over to Madar Aljada, one of the city’s newest destinations for fun and relaxation. Playscape is a large outdoor play area filled with climbing frames, swings, a splash zone and a skate park, perfect for children of all ages. There are also regular free events, including festivals and open-air farmers’ markets during the cooler months.
Nearby, you can also visit Shajar, Arada tree nursery, which offers educational tours and a short seed-planting workshop for anyone interested in learning more about nature.
If you’re not on a budget, you can enjoy something to eat or drink from the food trucks next to the park or at The Hut, a cosy café tucked away among the trees of Shajar. Otherwise, pack your snacks!
Ajman Fort and Museum and Heritage District
Ajman Fort and Museum was built in the 18th century to defend the town against invaders so it has watchtowers and turrets with loopholes and other features that enabled the guards inside to fend off ambushers.
It later became the ruler’s residence and then later still, the police headquarters for eight years. The fort is now a museum and some of the rooms are dedicated to the history of the police. There are also lots of artefacts in the various rooms, excellent information boards and a replica of a souq complete with vendors with their wares, all making for an educational day out.
Next, wander around the rest of Ajman Heritage District and take time to look at the murals. There are sometimes events such as art festivals, Eid and National Day celebrations, etc.
Admission to the museum is just AED 5.
Quranic Park, Dubai
If you’re looking for cheap things to do in Dubai with family and want to include Islamic lessons in the outing, Quranic Park is a good option. The park is divided into sections featuring plants mentioned in the Quran, such as pomegranates, figs, olives, and herbs. The Miracle of Musa, where you can walk through a lake split in two, is another highlight.
The Glass House is a botanical garden with interactive displays about plants mentioned in the Quran. The best time to visit is early morning or late afternoon, as the park has both indoor and outdoor areas. The Cave of Miracles is where you can learn about the stories of the prophets through videos projected on the walls of the ‘cave’ as you pass through.
Entry to Quranic Park is free while entry to the Cave of Miracles and the Glass House is AED 5 each and free for children up to age 5.
Accessible by bus.
Festivals and Fairs
Festivals and fairs are one the best things to do with family for free in UAE as they usually have entertainment and children’s activities. Look out for heritage festivals, book fairs, children’s festivals, theatre festivals, etc. A few examples are Emirates LitFest (some free sessions but book ahead), Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival, RAK Fine Arts Festival and Abu Dhabi Book Fair.
Camp out!
Ending with something completely free, hit a wadi and camp out! If you don’t want to stay overnight or don’t have already a tent, just set up a picnic with whatever you already have at home, whether it’s a rug or a mat. If you’ve never done this, you’ll be surprised how much fun you’ll have.
If you don’t have a barbecue, pick up a disposable one at the supermarket and take your food and marshmallows from home. Find somewhere with rocks for kids to climb over. They’ll imagine they’re on an adventure! You could take along paper and wax crayons to do rock rubbings and magnifying glasses for them to investigate whatever they see.
Take a light, and if you don’t have one, use a water bottle over the torchlight of a phone. Be sure to turn it off for a while though to lie back and look at the stars and look for the constellations. And pack sweaters as it gets cold at night in winter!
Wrap-up on the Best Free and Cheap Things to Do with Family in UAE
To wrap up, there are plenty of things to do with family in UAE that won’t break the bank. From exploring nature trails and hiking in scenic spots like Wadi Ghuna to visiting educational and interactive centres like the Ajman Fort or the Sharjah Desert Park, the UAE offers many free and affordable activities.
If you’re looking to enjoy the outdoors, learn about the country’s rich history or just spend quality time together, these budget-friendly options provide fun experiences for families of all ages. So, next time you’re planning a family outing, consider these great options for an enjoyable and budget-friendly day out in the UAE!
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