With year-round sunshine and high summer temperatures, it’s no surprise that water parks in Dubai are a major draw for both tourists and locals. These wet and wild playgrounds, packed with plummeting slides, high-speed rides, lazy rivers and wave pools, are the ideal places to have fun and cool off at the same time.
Dubai’s waterparks are an obvious choice for families, but many have attractions aimed at adults too, including chic, sun-lounger-dotted beach areas, sophisticated restaurants, and extra-thrilling rides.
Most are open daily, year-round, but always check with the park in advance, as they can close or change timings at short notice, especially in the hottest months or during Ramadan.
From massive beachfront attractions to resort-based experiences, here’s our guide to the best water parks in Dubai.
1. Wild Wadi Waterpark
One of Dubai’s oldest and best-loved water parks, Wild Wadi Waterpark sits right next to the iconic Burj Al Arab in Jumeirah and is themed around the adventures of Juha, a character from Arabian folklore. The standout ride is the Jumeirah Sceirah, a 32m-high free-fall slide that’s not for the faint-hearted. There’s also a massive wave pool where you can practice surfing and bodyboarding, as well as dedicated kids' play areas. And for those who just want to chill out, there’s Juha’s Journey, a lazy river that loops through the park.
There are four casual restaurants in the water park, serving burgers, pizza, ice cream and more. If your group is likely to work up a big appetite, it might be worth purchasing the all-you-can-eat passes, which include unlimited food and drinks.
While the park is mostly geared towards families, Wild Wadi also hosts ladies nights every other Friday, for women and children (boys under 8 only), which include live sets by a female DJ, photo booths, temporary tattoos, and hair braiding stations.
Practical info: Wild Wadi is open daily year-round, usually from 10am-6pm. Tickets for non-resident adults start at AED 269.
2. Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis, The Palm
Aquaventure Waterpark is the world’s biggest water park, and one of Dubai’s top attractions. Featuring more than 105 rides, slides and attractions, it’s located at the luxurious Atlantis, The Palm resort and is home to some absolutely terrifying water rides – in other words, this park definitely isn’t just for kids. There’s the Leap of Faith, a near-vertical nine-storey drop that sends riders through a transparent tunnel in a shark-filled lagoon. Poseidon’s Revenge is another plunging ride involving a freefall through a trapdoor, with riders reaching speeds up to 60kph. For group fun, the Aquaconda tube slide is a firm favourite, as is Zoomerango, which combines steep plummets and weightless moments.
Younger visitors can explore Splashers Island, an interactive splash zone designed for kids under 1.2m tall. There’s also a 1km private beach, multiple restaurants, and the lazy river circuit. Guests of Atlantis hotel get complimentary access, but day visitors can buy tickets online.
Practical info: Aquaventure is open daily year-round, usually from 10am-6pm. Tickets for adults start from AED 330.
3. Yas Waterworld (Abu Dhabi)
Yas Waterworld is on Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island, but at just 90 minutes away from Dubai by car, it’s well worth the drive.
There are more than 40 rides and experiences including Dawwama, a six-person tornado raft ride, and the Bandit Bomber, a high-speed rollercoaster. There’s also a chance to learn a little about the UAE’s pearl diving history at the Hairat Yas Pearl Diving experience, where those aged 8 and above can free dive in a purpose-built glass tank to hunt for oysters containing pearls. You can keep anything you find, and there’s the chance to have your pearls set into jewellery as a memento of the day.
Yas Island is also home to Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World and SeaWorld, and it’s possible to purchase a combo pass, to pack in as much action as possible while you’re here.
Practical info: Yas Waterworld is open year-round, usually from 10am-7pm and later at weekends. Tickets start from AED 295 per adult when you book online in advance.
4. AquaFun Dubai
If you want something totally different from the usual water park setup, AquaFun is your answer. It’s the world’s largest inflatable water park, and it floats right in the sea off Jumeirah Beach Residences (JBR). From above, the floating course spells out ‘I *heart* Dubai’ and on the water, it’s a giant obstacle course packed with climbing walls, trampolines, slides, games and challenges.
This one’s more of a physical challenge than a relaxing day out, great for groups of friends or even energetic teens and older kids. There are no shady cabanas or lazy rivers here, just lots of falling in the water and scrambling back up onto the inflatables.
Life jackets are provided, and lifeguards are always on duty. The park is open year-round (weather permitting), and lockers, changing facilities, and refreshments are available on the beach. AquaFun is also one of the cheapest water park experiences in the UAE.
Practical info: AquaFun is open all year round, usually daily from 9am to 6:30pm, but hours vary, depending on the season. Tickets start from AED 150 for a child and AED 200 for an adult.
5. Legoland Water Park
One of the best water parks in Dubai for families with younger children, Legoland Water Park at Dubai Parks and Resorts is a top choice for little Lego fans. Designed specifically for kids aged 2 to 12, the park is full of bright colours, interactive features, and Lego-themed slides and splash zones.
The Build-A-Raft River lets kids customise their own Lego raft before floating down a gentle stream. There are over 20 water slides designed for smaller riders, a Duplo toddler play area, and a wave pool with shallow entries. Everything here is scaled to be accessible, making it perfect for first-time water park visitors.
It’s part of the larger Dubai Parks and Resorts complex, so you can combine your day with visits to Legoland Dubai, Motiongate or Bollywood Parks.
Practical info: Legoland Water Park is open daily from 10am-6pm during the week (except Wednesdays) and 10am-7pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Tickets start from AED 295 per person if you book in advance online.
