From gloriously green big hitters to old favourites and secluded spots
Whether you’re seeking out a pretty place to unwind, want to soak up some rays in the shade of a tree, fancy getting fit for free or need to entertain the kids outdoors on a weekend, there are plenty of parks in which to do so in Dubai.
Here’s our round up of some of the best parks to enjoy in Dubai right now.
Al Barari Playground
Any parent who has taken their offspring to Al Barari Playground will instantly know why it warrants a spot on this list. The sandy outdoor play area with its suspended-over-water floating bridges, giant wooden pirate ship, treehouses, cargo nets and slides is, quite simply, a little adventurer’s dream. Adults meanwhile will love the tranquil Al Barari atmosphere (can you visit this area of Dubai without being engulfed in a sense of serenity?) and everyone will enjoy an ice cream from The Dairy Shed.
Weekdays: Dhs25 for 2 hours. Weekends: Dhs35 for 2 hours. Open Tue-Thu 10am-8pm, Fri-Sat 8am-8pm (closed Mon). Al Barari. albarariplayground.com/ (056 686 7439).
Al Barsha Pond Park
While not exactly small, Al Barsha Pond Park is certainly more low-key than some of the others on this list (and all the better for it). Fresh date palms, flower-lined hedgerows and a pretty central lake complete the charming, escape-the-city feel in this park that has something for everyone. In need of some chill time? Kick back with a good book, feel the warmth of the sun on your face and let nature revitalise you. Up for something sporty? Hit the cushioned 1.5 km running track, go for a spin along the cycle trail or have a game of tennis, football or volleyball. Got the kids in tow? Fear not, there’s a children’s play area and option to hire a pedalo, solar powered boat or Go-Kart.
Free. Open Sat-Wed 8am-11pm, Thu-Fri 8am-11.30pm.
Al Mamzar Park
A combination of landscaped greenery, unspoilt sand and clear blue sea mean that it’s well worth making the journey out to the Dubai-Sharjah border to soak up the joys of this particular park. Al Mamzar is nothing if not vast: once you arrive you’ll find not just one beach but four, large stretches of grass, bicycle paths, football and volleyball pitches, basketball courts, more barbecue areas than you can shake a sausage at and a small skate park. There’s also a scattering of kiosks for stocking up on park day essentials (read: ice cream) and the snorkelling from the shallows is pretty good to.
Dhs5. Sun-Wed 8am-10pm, Thu-Sat (and official holidays) 8am-11pm. Al Khaleej Street, Al Mamzar.
Al Sufouh Park
Those in the know flock to this well maintained, family-friendly spot to while away weekend mornings and after school hours flying kites, sun worshipping, playing football, shooting hoops on the full-sized basketball court, picnicking in the shade and drinking in the awesome Burj Khalifa views. You should too.
Free. Open Sun-Wed 8am-10pm; Thu-Sat 8am-11pm.
Dubai Creek Park
An oldie but a goodie. No round up of the best parks in Dubai would be complete without mention of the grassy stalwart that is Dubai Creek Park. We love it for its pleasingly old school feel, botanical gardens and fabulous views out over the water. Kids meanwhile adore exploring the various mini playgrounds, scooting, cycling or running through the acres of green space and hurtling around on those pedal-powered Go-Karts. The Dolphinarium, interactive Children’s City and 30-metre-high cable car also deserve an honourable mention.
Dhs5. Open Sun-Wed 8am-10pm, Thu-Sat 8am-11pm. Um Hurair 2.
Dubai Hills Park
Just the place for a fun family outing, the relatively new (it opened to the public in early 2021) Dubai Hills Park boasts all the attractions of a traditional park and then some. By that we mean there’s enough verdant greenery and billowing, palm-tree fringed walkways to please the adults, while the splash and skate parks, ice rink and adventure playground complete with cargo nets, rope swings and monkey bars will keep the younger generation amused for hours.
Dhs85 for non-residents and Dhs55 for residents for a day pass allowing entry to all attractions (alternatively pay per attraction). Open 24 hours. dubaihillsestate.ae (04 567 2030).
JLT Dog Park
As canine owners well know, not all of Dubai’s parks are pooch-friendly. On those days when taking your four-legged pal for a lengthy wander in the open desert is off the cards, JLT Dog Park is a great option. Open to dogs of all sizes and breeds, the 475 sq m park provides a clean, safe space for dogs to get their daily exercise, thanks to sand pits, open grassy areas and shaded spots, play equipment and a gated off-leash section. It’s a dog’s life? Not here.
Open daily 8am-9pm (cleaning hours 3pm-4pm). Cluster H, JLT, dmcc.ae/free-zone/life-in-jlt/jlt-dog-park.
Khazzan Park
Overlooked by an iconic old white and blue water tower, Khazzan Park might be pint-sized compared to some of the others on this list, but it has mighty credentials: this is the UAE’s first ‘zero energy’, solar powered park, no less. With just the right amount of space for lounging, a smattering of wooden tables and a decent-sized play area for children, this place is a low-key, urban sanctuary. Pro-tip: forgo the faff of packing up a picnic for once and pass by City Walk on your way to the park to pick up snacks instead (opt for a burger from An/Other by Pickl and you’ll have zero regrets).
Free. Open Sat-Wed 8am-10pm, Thu-Fri 8am-11pm. Al Safa Street, Satwa (800 900).
Mushrif Park
When we say Mushrif Park is large, we mean it. Covering some five sq km and encompassing a lush Ghaf-tree lined forest teaming with wildlife, this place is a nature-loving, bird spotters dream. That’s not to say there isn’t something for everyone though; we’re talking equestrian centre, running tracks, swimming pool, sports courts, kids play areas, mini global village with traditional houses and more. And by ‘and more’ we mean the super-fun, high rope, zip lining adventure course that is Aventura Park and a really rather epic mountain bike track that opened late last year.
Dhs10 per car, Dhs3 per person. Open Sun-Wed, 8am-10pm, Thu-Sat, 8am-11pm.
Safa Park
Despite being significantly smaller than it once was, Safa Park more than retains its appeal. A playground for picnickers, nature-lovers, exercise enthusiasts and families alike, this tree-lined park offers a real sense of tranquillity in the middle of the city, as well as top-notch views of the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Water Canal.
Dhs3. Open Sun-Wed 8am-10pm, Thu-Sat (and public holidays) 8am-11pm. Al Wasl.
Town Square Park
Although well known and loved by Dubailand residents, Town Square Park doesn’t always get the attention it deserves from those living a little further afield. A gem of a hangout for families, the park site encompasses a large field for running about in, excellent playpark, spacious splash pad area, mini choo choo train, old fashioned carousel and a range of dining options, from pop-up stalls and street food trucks to the Mediterranean-style caya with its appealing outdoor terrace.
Free entry. Open daily 10am-9pm. Al Quadra Road, nshama.ae/town-square-park
X Park JR
X Park JR delivers old-fashioned, back-to-nature, forest-inspired fun in abundance. In short, when tempers are frazzled and the kids have had too much screen time, this is the place to take them. The pleasingly mud-heavy wonderland features tree houses, climbing bridges and wooden forts, as well as splash areas and meandering streams, sandpits and climbing nets. Not only that, there’s a scattering of farm yard animals (be sure to say hello to the resident goat) and an on-site café (hello, coffee).
Dhs80 (two hours, one child and two adults). Open daily (8am-6.30pm). 35A Mizmelah St, just off Kite Beach. Bookings must be made online at xparkjr.com
Zabeel Park
Sprawling Zabeel Park has so much going for it that it runs the risk of putting Dubai’s other park in the (metaphorical) shade. As well as being home to all the usual park amenities – vast areas of grass, picnic and barbecue areas, a running track, playgrounds, restaurants, boating lake and the like – this technology-driven green space brings us three kid-focused, interactive ‘edutainment’ centres, the eco-friendly luminescent wonderland that is Dubai Garden Glow, a totally roarsome (sorry) Dinosaur Park and the glittering, gleaming, just generally awe-inspiring Dubai Frame.
Dhs5. Open Sat-Wed 8am-10pm; Thu-Fri 8am-11pm. Zabeel District.
