Home

Family Parks and Hiking Trails in Dubai – Outdoor Adventures for All Ages

hiking trails
Showka dam

Dubai is not just skyscrapers….

Dubai isn’t just skyscrapers and malls; rather, it is also home to lush parks and scenic trails that families and nature lovers can enjoy together. From stroller-friendly urban oases to rugged mountain routes, Dubai and its neighboring emirates—Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, and Hatta—offer a surprising variety of family parks and hiking trails. For many residents, early mornings at parks like Safa Park or Al Barsha Pond Park become cherished family routines, while, on weekends, families can escape the city to hike in the nearby Hajar Mountains. To help you make the most of these options, we’ve scoured the best spots to bring you an insider’s guide to outdoor adventures in the UAE.

Across the city, Dubai has invested heavily in green spaces designed specifically for families. For example, Safa Park, spanning 64 hectares, is an urban oasis of lawns, lakes, and playgrounds right in the heart of the city. Moreover, its wide, smooth paths are stroller- and wheelchair-friendly, making it easy for parents with young children—or even grandparents—to relax on shady benches or enjoy a picnic by the lake.

Al Barsha pond park

Meanwhile, Al Barsha Pond Park offers a large central lake with pedal boats, jogging trails, and multiple modern playgrounds. As a result, families love strolling around the pond’s boardwalk or picnicking under the trees, while kids enjoy the slides and swings. Similarly, Jumeirah Corniche—the seaside promenade—features wide, paved paths along the Gulf with panoramic city views, making it ideal for a family walk or bike ride. Notably, the corniche is designed for accessibility; in fact, it boasts level, well-paved walkways that ensure ease of movement even for strollers.

Beyond Dubai, Sharjah’s parks and waterfronts also deserve a shout-out. In particular, the Sharjah Corniche and Al Majaz Waterfront feature long, flat promenades with smooth paving, making them perfect for strolling with children. Additionally, Al Noor Island, located in Khalid Lagoon, is a beautifully landscaped art-and-nature island whose winding paved paths are exceptionally stroller-friendly. Even more, Sharjah National Park offers extensive paved trails and open lawns; as a result, it serves as a safe haven for family picnics and relaxing evening walks.

LIST OF PARKS:

  • Safa Park (Dubai): A family favorite with large lawns, a lake, and playgrounds. Fully stroller-friendly with wide paved paths.
  • Al Barsha Pond Park (Dubai): Features a big lake (for pedal boats), jogging tracks, and multiple playgrounds.
  • Jumeirah Corniche (Dubai): Seaside promenade with benches, cafes, and smooth walkways ideal for strollers.
  • Sharjah Corniche & Al Majaz (Sharjah): Scenic waterfronts with wide promenades, fountains, and cafes. Long flat paths suitable for family outings.
  • Al Noor Island (Sharjah): Art and butterfly gardens linked by accessible boardwalks and ramped bridges.
  • Sharjah National Park (Sharjah): Expansive green park with paved walkways and shaded picnic areas.

Scenic Hiking Trails Near Dubai

Scenic mountain valley near Hatta in the UAE—a family-friendly hiking area. For families craving a bit more adventure, the UAE’s mountainous and desert terrain is, in fact, closer than you might think. In particular, Hatta—an exclave of Dubai nestled in the Hajar Mountains—offers a range of gentle trails suitable for all ages. For example, the Hatta Dam Loop is an easy 2 km circuit around the lake with minimal elevation gain. Additionally, other beginner-friendly hikes include the Wadi Hatta Trail (an approximately 4 km loop with mostly flat paths) and the Wadi Hub Trail (a 2.5 km loop). Importantly, all of these routes are graded Easy, meaning they are manageable for children and first-time hikers alike.

RAS AL KHAIMAH

Further north, Ras Al Khaimah emerges as a true hiker’s paradise. At its heart, Jebel Jais—the UAE’s highest peak at 1,934 meters—features a well-developed network of trails. For families, moderate routes such as the 4.5 km Ghaf Summit Trail or the shorter Farfar Trail (0.7 km) provide achievable challenges. Along the way, these paths wind through cooler mountain air and, ultimately, reward hikers with breathtaking summit views. That said, most Jebel Jais trails are not stroller-accessible. Nearby, Wadi Shawka offers another family-friendly highlight; specifically, it features a 5 km loop with gentle slopes and seasonal swimming pools, making it especially appealing for children looking to cool off and explore.

SHARJAH AND DUBAI

Meanwhile, Sharjah’s natural landscapes also host several family-friendly hiking options. Notably, Al Rafisah Dam Park in Khorfakkan, located on Sharjah’s east coast, features gentle and accessible paths around the water, along with pedal boats and shaded picnic areas. Just up the road, the Al Rabi Mountain Trail offers 7.5 km of scenic terrain and sweeping coastal views; however, sections of the trail can be tackled individually, making it suitable for active families who prefer shorter outings.

Finally, for a touch of novelty closer to the city, the Love Lake Trail in Al Qudra (Dubai) provides a relaxed alternative. This approximately 2 km loop, which winds around heart-shaped lakes, is especially popular for its photogenic desert scenery and easy, family-friendly terrain.

LIST OF HIKING TRAILS:

Planning Your Adventure

Whether you’re a weekend stroller-walker or a seasoned trekker, proper preparation is key. To begin with, plan outdoor time outside the summer midday heat; instead, early mornings, late afternoons, or cooler winter days are best. In addition, always carry plenty of water, sun protection, and snacks for the trail. Fortunately, most parks and trails are free to enter and well equipped; moreover, many offer restrooms, parking, and water fountains. In some cases, trailheads—such as those at Jebel Jais or Hatta Dam—even include picnic areas and small cafés, thereby making longer outings more comfortable for families.

At the same time, Dubai and the UAE’s neighboring emirates are steadily improving accessibility. As a result, new parks often include ramps, wide pathways, and accessible restrooms, making outings easier for both strollers and wheelchairs. That said, most natural hiking trails remain too rugged for wheeled access. Finally, always check the latest local guides or park websites before you go.

Ready to get outside? 

We hope this guide helps you plan the perfect family outing. Share your favorite park or trail in the comments, and consider subscribing for more insider tips on Dubai’s outdoor fun. Whether you’re pushing a stroller or lacing up hiking boots, the UAE’s family parks and hiking trails promise adventures for all ages. Happy exploring!

Scroll to Top