Top 25 Places to Visit for Free in Dubai with Family [2025 Guide]

Dubai is famous for its luxurious lifestyle, world-class attractions, and futuristic skyscrapers. While it may seem like an expensive city to explore, there are countless places you can visit for free with your family, enjoying its cultural beauty, modern architecture, and natural landscapes without spending a dirham.

Whether you are a resident planning a budget weekend or a tourist wanting to stretch your travel funds, here is your ultimate guide to the top 25 places to visit for free in Dubai with family that will leave everyone with lifelong memories.

1. JBR Beach

JBR Beach (Jumeirah Beach Residence) is a bustling public beach lined with restaurants, cafes, ice cream kiosks, and outdoor gyms. Families can enjoy sunbathing, sandcastle building, or simply walking along The Walk, which is filled with shops and street entertainment.

Best time to visit: early morning for peace or evenings for lively street performances and market stalls.

Extra tip: there’s a splash pad and inflatable water park (charges apply) if you wish to extend your visit.

2. Kite Beach

Kite Beach is Dubai’s favourite spot for kite surfing enthusiasts, but families love it for the jogging track, skate park, and kids play area. It has food trucks offering budget bites with a sea breeze.

Kid-friendly activities: Climbing structures, swings, and trampoline zones (some have small entry charges).

Don’t miss: Cycling tracks with bike rentals available nearby.

3. Al Mamzar Beach Park (Public Beach Side)

While Al Mamzar Park charges a minimal AED 5 fee, the public beach area is completely free. It is quieter compared to other beaches and has shaded spots, showers, and clean changing rooms, making it ideal for family picnics.

Why visit: Less crowded, safe swimming zones, and stunning views of Sharjah coastline.

4. Zabeel Park (Outer Areas)

Zabeel Park, home to Dubai Frame, has vast outdoor areas accessible for free. While entering the park has a fee, the surrounding green areas are perfect for family walks, jogging, and taking photographs with Dubai Frame in the backdrop.

Family tip: Visit during Ripe Market (weekends) for free entry to the market area featuring local food and craft stalls.

5. Dubai Creek Park Corniche

The Creek Park’s corniche is a long promenade offering panoramic views of old Dubai’s skyline. It is stroller-friendly, has shaded benches, and children can watch traditional dhows sail by.

Evening delight: cool breezes and golden sunset views reflecting on the creek water.

6. Al Barsha Pond Park

Located in Al Barsha, this park revolves around a giant pond with a 1.5 km running track, outdoor gym, pedal karts, bike rentals, and free entry lawns. Families spend hours here relaxing under palm trees or enjoying evening walks.

Kids love: Dedicated playgrounds and skating tracks.

7. Quranic Park (Garden Areas)

This unique park in Al Khawaneej is inspired by Islamic heritage. Entry to the park gardens is free, featuring plants mentioned in the Quran and beautiful landscaping.

Note: Glass House and Cave of Miracles inside have a minimal ticket cost, but the main garden and picnic areas remain free.

8. Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood

Explore the roots of Dubai at Al Fahidi, with its restored wind-tower houses, art galleries, museums, and cafes. It’s like stepping into the 1900s, offering perfect Instagram shots for your travel diary.

Recommended: XVA Café for an authentic cultural ambiance (food and drinks cost apply).

9. Dubai Creek

The heartbeat of old Dubai, Creek offers free waterfront strolls with views of bustling souks, cargo boats, and traditional abras. It’s a refreshing change from the city skyscrapers.

Optional: Take an Abra ride across for just AED 1 to experience Dubai’s classic mode of transport.

10. Camel Museum

Hidden in Al Shindagha, this museum offers free entry and educates visitors about camels’ role in Emirati culture, its physiology, and racing history. Kids enjoy seeing life-size camel models here.

11. Coffee Museum

Explore coffee’s journey from Ethiopia to Arabia and beyond. Entry is free for viewing collections of coffee pots, grinders, and roasting techniques. You pay only if you buy their artisan coffee.

12. Gold Souk

Dubai’s glittering Gold Souk is an experience even if you don’t intend to buy. Stroll through lanes lined with shop windows showcasing heavy necklaces, bangles, and bridal sets.

Fun fact: The world’s largest gold ring (Najmat Taiba) is displayed here.

13. Spice Souk

Adjacent to Gold Souk, immerse yourself in the aromas of cardamom, saffron, dried lemons, and rose petals. Vendors happily let you sniff samples while explaining their benefits.

14. Al Seef

Al Seef blends Dubai’s old heritage with modern waterfront dining. The pedestrian-friendly area has traditional wooden boats on display, shaded walkways, and stunning night lights along Dubai Creek.

15. Dubai Fountain Show

This world-famous dancing fountain is a must-watch. Shows run every 30 minutes from 6pm onwards, choreographed to music and lights. Families gather early to grab front-row spots near the lake promenade.

16. Dubai Mall Aquarium (Outside View)

Dubai Mall Aquarium can be viewed free from outside its giant glass panels. Watch sharks, rays, and hundreds of colourful fish swim around as you shop.

For more: entering the tunnel or underwater zoo requires tickets.

17. The Pointe Fountain Show

Located on Palm Jumeirah, The Pointe features the world’s largest fountain show with choreographed music and LED lights. Entry is free; dine at waterfront cafes if you wish to extend your visit.

18. Jumeirah Mosque

One of UAE’s most beautiful mosques, non-Muslims can view it from outside anytime, while guided cultural tours are held on specific days, allowing a deeper understanding of Islamic traditions.

19. Iranian Mosque, Bur Dubai

This mosque’s stunning Persian tilework in blue and turquoise is worth admiring from outside. Visitors often photograph its unique architectural details.

20. Alserkal Avenue

Dubai’s contemporary art district in Al Quoz hosts galleries, installations, and pop-up exhibitions with free entry. Attend their cultural events and workshops to enrich your family’s creative side.

21. Dubai Design District (D3)

D3 is a creative hub with public art installations, murals, sculptures, and design stores. Stroll through to see Dubai’s modern art scene in a peaceful, pedestrian-friendly environment.

22. Dubai Shopping Festival Street Performances

Held annually (January-February), DSF brings outdoor concerts, street performances, parades, and fireworks across Dubai. You can enjoy these free public events without shopping.

23. Expo City Dubai Public Areas

Post Expo 2020, the site has been converted into Expo City, with free outdoor areas showcasing futuristic architecture, sustainability pavilions (exterior viewing), and beautiful landscaping.

24. Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary

A hidden gem just 10 minutes from Downtown Dubai, this wetland reserve is home to thousands of flamingos and migratory birds. Entry is free, with designated viewing hides for birdwatching.

25. Love Lake Al Qudra

This heart-shaped lake in Al Qudra desert is ideal for sunset picnics. Entry is free, and families love taking photos along pathways lined with trees forming the word Love when seen from above.

Tip: There are no shops nearby, so carry water and snacks.

Conclusion

Dubai offers endless experiences that don’t always require spending money. From pristine beaches and peaceful parks to cultural neighbourhoods and spectacular shows, your family can explore Dubai’s diversity without worrying about your budget.

Bookmark this list, pack your essentials, and plan your upcoming weekends or trips with this free guide to the best family-friendly attractions in Dubai. You can visit Touristaguru for more guides.

Final Tips for Visiting Free Places in Dubai

• Always check opening hours and dress codes (especially for mosques)
• Carry water bottles and sunblock for outdoor spots
• Respect local culture and maintain cleanliness in public places
• Combine nearby attractions to make the most of your day