Discover why Atlantis, The Palm is the ultimate family holiday resort for children of all ages

Best for: all ages, but those over 1.2 metres will get the most out of the park

Commonly referred to as the best waterpark in the world, Aquaventure Waterpark is a playground for the entire family, showcasing an amazing array of more than 79 slides and attractions that will entertain both the young and the young at heart.

The nitty gritty
Many of the rides in the park require children to be over 1.2 metres tall, this means on average those aged eight and over are generally able to enjoy the majority of the rides on offer. The park also asks that all children under 13-years’-old ride with an accompanying adult to ensure the safety of all guests. 
 

Best for: all ages but those aged eight and over can enjoy more water-based and interactive activities with the dolphins.

Dolphin Bay is a gold standard accredited, state-of-the-art education and conservation centre where you can interact in a range of exciting ways with its residents: a pod of intelligent bottlenose dolphins. Each experience begins with an incredible introduction into the importance of marine conservation, before you will be invited to the lagoon and introduced to your dolphin and trainer who will lead the session. All meetings consist of approximately 30 minutes of interaction with the dolphins, where you can build a relationship and take away memories that will last a lifetime. 

The nitty gritty
On all experiential activities, children under 12 years old must be accompanied by a participating adult who is over 18, with a minimum of one adult present per three children taking part in the interaction. The possibility of meeting a pod in private and enjoying a range of activities with just your friends and family is an exclusive option and if you have members of your group who just wish to watch, a Dolphin Bay Beach Observer Pass will give them the best seats in the house.

Dolphin Meet & Greet (for all age groups). This is a dry experience where you can meet the resident dolphins and sea lions from the edge of the lagoon without having to get wet or in the water. This is a fun way to get up close to these beautiful creatures, learn more about their behaviours and how to care for them.

Dolphin Dip & Play (for all age groups). Similar to the Meet & Greet, in these sessions you can enjoy an unforgettable educational and playful experience with dolphins in the shallow water of the lagoon, without stepping out of your depth.

Dolphin Snorkel (for confident swimmers aged eight and over). This activity presents the incredible opportunity to witness the charm of these animals from a new perspective underwater. A dolphin trainer will lead you into the middle of the lagoon where you can float and enjoy looking down on the dolphins’ playful interactions.

Dolphin Swim & Explore (for confident swimmers aged eight and over). In this experience you can enjoy a magical one-on-one interaction with the dolphins, where they will glide or pull you across the water using all their strength.

Dolphin Dive & Discover (for those aged eight and over). Adventure-lovers can explore one of the world’s most sophisticated dolphin habitats from below the surface. No swimming is required in these sessions, those taking part can breathe easy while wearing a high-tech sea-trek helmet and walk around the base of the lagoon.

Best for: all ages but those aged eight and over can enjoy getting in the water with the sea lions.

Sea Lion Point is home to a playful family of friendly South African Fur Seals. The centre boasts two lagoons and one outdoor area in which you can meet and interact with these charming marine mammals, who take pleasure in showcasing their exciting collection of entertaining skills. Sea Lion Point aims to raise awareness about these remarkable creatures, teach all visitors about their unique physiology and leave all guests with an amazing lasting impression. 

The nitty gritty
Children under 12 years old participating in any interaction must be accompanied by an adult who is at least 18 years old. Children 2 years and younger can enjoy complimentary access to the centre.

Sea Lion Meet & Greet (for all age groups). Connect with one of these fascinating animals and learn all about their exceptional skillset, individual quirks and how the team at Atlantis, The Palm takes care of them. At the end of the interaction, you will also come home with a souvenir photo, capturing the experience forever.

Sea Lion Dip & Play (for those aged eight and over, with a minimum height of 1.2 metres). In this exciting encounter you can get into the water up to waist height with the sea lions and take part in a playful session where they show-off their natural strength and agility as part of their daily exercise.

Best for: all ages

Embedded throughout all the entertainment at Atlantis, The Palm is a strong focus on education. The resort enjoys teaching the younger generation an important message about conservation and animal welfare but also raising awareness with families who can carry that message home together. Animal-lovers of all ages will be enthralled by the behind-the-scenes opportunities available, a chance to get close to a variety of animals and see how they are cared for by Atlantis, The Palm. These sessions are an amazing thing to do with a multigenerational family who are on holiday together. Visitors of all ages can take something away from the shared fascinating facts and incredible work that goes on behind closed doors. 

Dolphin Tales Tour (for all age groups). Take a tour with Atlantis, The Palm’s marine experts and learn how the specialists care for all the sea life creatures in their care, from dolphins, sharks, sea lions and more. You will have the exclusive opportunity to see the medical laboratory usually closed to the public, where veterinarians and expert engineers provide consistent care around the clock for all the animals.

Fish Tales Tour (for all age groups). On this tour you will get an enormous insight into the back-stage operations and how a team of more than 45 people at Atlantis, The Palm take care of over 65,000 marine animals in The Lost Chambers Aquarium. You will also be welcomed to have a look around the fish hospital and nursery, where you may witness new-born jellyfish, seahorses and even sharks – and maybe even get the opportunity to interact with them.

Mini Marine Biologist (for those aged three to six years of age). Tailored especially for young animal enthusiast, this activity will present younger children with a unique opportunity to get close to starfish, sea cucumbers and baby sharks, learning first-hand from the Aquarium team about these creatures in a fun and interactive manner. Baby shark do do do do do do…

Best for: all ages, children aged 0-2 years go free.

The Ambassador Lagoon is an 11-million-litre aquarium which is one of the top 10 largest aquariums in the world. Home to approximately 65,000 marine animals, this unique marine exhibit contains several hundred marine species including those you would find in the local waters of the Arabian Gulf, like golden trevally, cobias, crescent angelfish as well as a variety of sharks and rays.

In Poseidon’s Court the enormous viewing panel is 10 meters in length and built from 70cm thick glass. This incredible window into the underwater world that is decorated with the romantic would-be remnants of the lost city of Atlantis gives guests of all ages the ultimate wow-factor. And while for many it is perfectly enchanting to sit peacefully and watch the sea life swim by, there are some amazing opportunities to get much, much closer.

The nitty gritty
Participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult for all dive experiences. If the adult does not wish to participate with the minor, then they must be present upon entry and exit of the water and give signed consent to dive staff ahead of the activity.

Dive Explorer (for those aged 10 and over). A must scuba experience for all certified divers. This 30-minute venture into the Ambassadors Lagoon promises a face-to-face encounter with sharks, fish and rays. It is an incredibly rare opportunity for divers to go on a dive where an array of sea life sightings is actually guaranteed.

Dive Discovery (for those aged 10 and over). Unlike the Dive Explorer experience, this 30-minute activity is especially for non-certified divers who are looking for an introduction into scuba diving. Enjoy the chance to learn the basics while getting a closer look at the marine life within the aquarium. 

Shark Safari (for those aged 10 and over). This is a 20-minute activity which requires no prior swimming experience. Here you can walk through the shark-filled lagoon why wearing a state-of-the-art helmet which will allow you to breathe easy under water. During the activity you will see a variety of species including sharks, rays and exotic fish.

Ultimate Snorkel (for those aged six and over). This might just be the ultimate water-based activity that will have most of the family getting wet and enjoying the awe-inspiring Ambassador Lagoon together, with children as young as six able to get involved in all the fun, too.

Aqua Trek (for those aged eight and over). A walking tour of the lagoon designed for the explorers at heart. Even easier than snorkelling or swimming Aqua Trek is a fun activity for all abilities. The Aqua Trek Helmet receives a continuous supply of air allowing you to breathe as normal. With your head remaining completely dry you are free to explore the underwater environment in the most natural way.

Aqua Trek by Night (for those aged eight and over). By setting out on an exploration at night, the low light levels will bring to life many of the most active predators in the aquarium. With nothing more than an underwater torch you will be amazed by the sea life you witness at dusk.

Aqua Trek Xtreme (for those aged 12 and over). The extreme nature of the experience comes from delving to the very deepest sections of the Ambassadors Lagoon for an underwater walk. Divers will also cover a lot more ground during this activity with participants enjoying up to 30 minutes in the water.

Predator Dive (for those aged 10 and over). An incredible 40-minute experience where you will have the opportunity to hand-feed up to 14 different species of sharks and rays. All participants must have a valid diving certification.

Underwater Yoga (for those aged 16 and over). Set against the mesmerising spectacle of the Ambassador Lagoon, you will have the opportunity to find revitalisation and tranquillity while practicing Hatha Yoga with a qualified instructor. Suitable for all levels of ability, everyone is welcome to join the class and through the discipline of yoga seek out peace and wellbeing for both the mind and body.

Best for: all ages.

At the heart of it, Atlantis, The Palm is a beach resort that attracts sun lovers from around the world. With a climate that promises year-round hot and sunny weather, Dubai guarantees plenty of opportunities to catch some rays, take a dip or cool off in the Arabian Gulf. Boasting an incredible 1.4 kilometres of pristine beaches in total, whether you long for the feel of sand between your toes or would rather lay back and catch a tan, Atlantis, The Palm has plenty of space for you all to explore.

The Royal Beach (for all age groups). Enjoying spectacular views of the Dubai Marina and the city skyline, the resort’s main beach, The Royal Beach is the perfect location to enjoy some fun in the sun with the whole family. Here you have the option to relax on pure white sands or get active with an array of exciting beach and water activities available. 

Aquaventure Beach (for all age groups). Aquaventure is the only water park in the Middle East with a private family-friendly beach. It offers 700-metres of idyllic surroundings in which families can take a time-out with some peace and quiet away from the squeals of excitement in the park. And for the parents of older children, the beach is a picture-perfect and relaxing environment to enjoy some quality time together as your teens get their kicks from the thrills of the rides. 

Family Pool (for all age groups, but tailored for families with younger children). The shallow waters of the Zero Entry Pool provide a child-friendly entry point for young swimmers and splashers. The pool surroundings and facilities create a welcome and fun environment for all families with young children, and offer a schedule of fun activities that everyone can get involved in.

Palm Pool (for all age groups, but more suited to families with older children). In contrast to the Zero Entry Pool the Royal Pool provides a stunning lagoon-style pool that promises a far more relaxing and calm experience.

Beach and Water Sports (for all age groups). Whether you are interested in a burst of adrenaline or a splash of calm, there are a range of engaging water activities for all ages and experiences to try. From fast-paced speed boat and jet ski rides to family favourites like banana boats and donut rides, to activities such as kayaking or paddle boarding, there is something to suit all personalities and satisfy every holiday mood. The Royal Beach also provides the perfect venue for a range of shoreline activities too, like beach volleyball or soccer, just visit the towel hut near the Family Pool to see the schedule of events during your stay.

Best for: all ages.

The Wavehouse is a multifunctional entertainment venue within the resort, offering heaps of family-friendly fun, unique activities and tasty dining experiences for all. Boasting an inclusive and modern gastropub the Wavehouse is a beacon to all families staying in the resort as it offers the perfect blend of grown-up evenings with fun children-friendly activities. In fact, there is nowhere else quite like Wavehouse in all of Dubai, where you can experience live music, gaming, bowling, surfing, delicious food and chilled drinks all under one roof.

Wave Rider (for those over 1.2 metres tall for body boarding and at least 1.3 metres tall for surfing). The Wave Rider is a machine that simulates a real wave, allowing you to enjoy the rush of body boarding, knee boarding and surfing without needing to step foot in the ocean. Conveniently located on the terrace of the beach-themed restaurant and bar, all your family can enjoy watching which members of your party can stay up for the longest wave cruise.

Levels (for kids of all ages, though children need to be at least 1 metre tall to enter soft play). Kids of all ages will love this modern take on the classic arcade. Home to more than 50 games, with a new-age gaming zone that features the world’s first three-axis rotation VR simulator as well as a range of nostalgic entertainment like Pac-Man, Space Invaders and Air Hockey. To burn off a little extra energy before dining as a family, kids will enjoy running free on the obstacle course that spans five levels and letting off some steam in the kids’ soft play area.

Bowling Alley (for all age groups). Atlantis, The Palm has its very own four-lane Ten Pin bowling alley, which is sure to be a crowd pleaser with every member of the family. The very youngest can easily get involved too on a beginner’s game which will give you a 45-minute round with gutter blockers in position.

Best for: children of all ages.

Atlantis, The Palm has an incredible reputation for incorporating multiple kid-friendly attractions into the layout and design of the resort. On top of several play areas and climbing walls, a Creativity Zone, an underwater movie theatre and a Command Centre offering the very latest video gaming technology, Atlantis also provides world-class child supervision at a highly professional Kids’ Club and teen hangout, The Zone Club.

The resort also presents some incredible Summer Camps during the school holidays which are sure to be a blast. Combining the very best of indoor and outdoor pursuits, with activities designed specifically for everyone from tiny tots to mature teens the Summer Camp is certain to keep everyone active, entertained and engaged, both physically and mentally.

Atlantis Explorers Club (for children aged 3 to 12 years old). Atlantis, The Palm’s Kids’ Club provides all children aged 3 to 12 with an activity programme that runs sessions throughout the morning, afternoon and into the evening. Activities include free play at the indoor play area, crafts at the Creativity Zone as well as sporting fun and educational sessions throughout the resort. Every hotel guest that falls into the age range will receive one complimentary visit to the club during their stay and children who are Suite and Imperial Club guests will enjoy unlimited sessions throughout the duration of their visit.

The Zone Club (for children aged 13 to 17 years old). A unique space for teens-only. This is a tailor-made, cool hangout for the older kids in the family who need some time to themselves. Here teens can play musical instruments, experience being a DJ, game, sing and dance or just chill out and make new friends. Teens who are Suite and Imperial Club guests can enjoy unlimited complimentary visits during their stay.

Little Pirates Playground (for children aged 3-12 years old). Located right next to the resort’s family pool the playground is sure to get excitement levels raised as the kids enter a whole other world in their imagination, full of daring pirates and swashbuckling adventure. Designed with the needs and requirements of young children in mind it features a pirate ship, rope climb and tunnels for youngsters to explore.

Mini Atlantis Playground (for children aged 3-12 years old). Located conveniently next to a couple of the popular restaurants within the resort, Bread Street Kitchen and Ronda Locatelli, all guests at the hotel are welcome to enjoy this alternative playground – maybe on the way to dinner? Complete with slides and climbing frames, it is an easy crowd pleaser with young children.

Nanny Services (for all age groups). For an additional charge Atlantis, The Palm can provide professional in-room care or supervision within the resort for kids of all ages, allowing parents to enjoy some alone time to unwind while on holiday.

Command Centre (for all age groups). Comprising the very best in the world of electronic entertainment and gaming, The Command Centre will have kids and teens alike enthralled, with gadgets including the latest Nintendo, Wii, Xbox One, Playstation 4 and 15 PCs reserved solely for gaming.

Underwater Theatre (for all age groups). A reserved space just for kids, the underwater theatre provides a unique environment to learn and get close to the marine animals from the Lost Chambers Aquarium. The space also doubles as an underwater cinema where children can chill out and watch movies.