Keeping children entertained during Dubai's summer holidays can quickly become one of the biggest family expenses of the year. Between attraction tickets, meals and activities, a single day out can easily add up.
This summer, however, families have a chance to spend far less without giving up some of the city's biggest experiences.
Dubai's citywide Kids Go Free campaign has returned, bringing together several of the emirate's most popular attractions and family destinations. Until the end of the school holidays, participating venues are allowing children to enter free, stay free or enjoy complimentary experiences when accompanied by a paying adult. The initiative forms part of Dubai's wider summer tourism campaign aimed at making family entertainment more accessible during the warmer months.
If you've been waiting for the right time to visit the Museum of the Future, explore immersive digital worlds or book a family staycation, this may be the best opportunity of the season.
Museum of the Future Is Leading the Summer Savings
One of Dubai's most in-demand attractions is also one of the biggest highlights of this year's promotion.
The Museum of the Future is offering one complimentary child ticket with every paying adult ticket until September 15, 2026. The offer applies to children under the age of 12, making it one of the strongest family deals currently available.
Inside, visitors can explore five immersive levels dedicated to space exploration, artificial intelligence, climate innovation, future wellness and emerging technologies. The museum's interactive exhibits continue to rank among Dubai's most popular family attractions.
Expo City Dubai Makes Learning More Affordable
Families looking for an educational day out can also take advantage of Expo City Dubai's summer offer.
Children under 12 receive complimentary admission with a paying adult at both Terra – The Sustainability Pavilion and the Vision Pavilion until September 30, 2026.
Terra combines interactive exhibits with environmental storytelling, while the Vision Pavilion explores Dubai's remarkable transformation and long-term ambitions through immersive displays.
It is an option that blends entertainment with learning, making it especially appealing during the school holidays.
Experience Emirati Culture Without Paying Full Price
For families interested in local traditions, the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU) is offering a special promotion on its popular Cultural Meals programme.
The current offer provides a buy-one-get-one-free deal until August 31, 2026, while children under seven continue to receive complimentary participation year-round.
The experience includes authentic Emirati cuisine, guided discussions about local customs and traditions, and the opportunity to learn more about UAE heritage inside Dubai's historic Al Fahidi district.
AYA Universe Is Still One of Dubai's Most Instagrammable Experiences
AYA Universe remains one of Dubai's most visually spectacular indoor attractions.
As part of the Kids Go Free campaign, one child aged 12 and below can enter free with every paying adult until September 30, 2026.
The attraction features 12 immersive environments filled with interactive projections, digital art, sound installations and futuristic landscapes that have become hugely popular across social media.
Its fully indoor setting also makes it an ideal escape from the summer heat.
Madame Tussauds Dubai Joins the Promotion
Bluewaters Island's Madame Tussauds Dubai has also joined this year's campaign.
Families can receive one complimentary child ticket with every paying adult through September 30, 2026, although visitors should check the attraction's latest terms before booking, as different sources currently list different eligible age limits.
The attraction features more than 60 lifelike wax figures representing international celebrities, sports stars, musicians, royalty and historical figures, making it one of Dubai's most popular indoor family attractions.
LEGOLAND Hotel Offers More Than Just Free Entry
While the LEGOLAND Dubai theme park and water park are temporarily unavailable, the LEGOLAND Hotel Dubai is keeping the family experience alive with its own seasonal promotion.
From July 2 until September 30, 2026, one child can stay and eat free with every paying adult.
Guests can still enjoy LEGO-themed rooms, character appearances, creative building workshops, family entertainment and the hotel's signature themed swimming pool, making it an attractive option for families planning a staycation.
Before You Book, Read the Fine Print
Although these promotions can deliver significant savings, each attraction has its own conditions.
Families should check:
- Eligible child age limits
- Booking requirements
- Promotion end dates
- Blackout periods, where applicable
- Identification requirements for age verification
Some attractions may require online reservations before arrival, while others issue complimentary child tickets on-site alongside a paid adult ticket. Availability may also be limited during weekends and peak holiday periods.
Why This Matters
Dubai continues to expand its family-focused tourism strategy by introducing citywide seasonal promotions that encourage residents and visitors to explore more attractions without significantly increasing holiday spending.
With indoor entertainment becoming especially popular during the hottest months of the year, the Kids Go Free campaign offers families an opportunity to experience premium attractions at substantially lower costs.
For parents planning multiple outings during the school break, these offers can reduce the overall cost of summer activities while still allowing children to experience many of Dubai's best-known destinations.
Several of the promotions end in August or September, meaning families have a limited window to take advantage before standard ticket prices return
