Living in Dubai with young children, especially during the scorching summer months, can feel like an overwhelming task. Trust me, I’ve been there, and as a mom of two little ones—my lively five-year-old Ava and my energetic two-year-old Liam—I’ve learned a lot about how to survive (and even enjoy) the intense heat here. I’m all about finding simple, practical solutions to keep them cool, safe, and happy. So, if you’re a parent here in Dubai, don’t worry! I’ve got you covered with some of my top tips on how to manage the heat and keep your kids comfortable.

Hydration is Your Best Friend

When it comes to the Dubai heat, the first and most important thing to remember is hydration. It’s not just about giving them a sip of water every now and then—it’s about making sure they’re consistently staying hydrated throughout the day.

For Ava, I always make sure we have a water bottle with us at all times. She loves to drink from a bottle with a fun design, so I let her pick one out every few months. I’ve noticed that if the bottle is something she finds exciting, she’s more likely to drink from it without me constantly reminding her. As for Liam, he tends to forget to drink, so I make it part of his routine. We have a “drink break” after every activity, whether we’re playing indoors or out. And don’t forget to offer them electrolyte drinks or coconut water, especially after they’ve been running around or playing in the sun—it helps replenish lost fluids and keeps their energy up.

Keep Them Indoors During Peak Hours

It’s no secret that the Dubai heat can be brutal, especially in the middle of the day. We all know it’s best to avoid the midday sun, and this is something I’ve learned the hard way. After a few too many occasions where Ava and Liam would get fussy or overheat, I started sticking to an indoor routine during the hottest parts of the day, usually between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m.

Instead of battling the heat, I plan for indoor playtime, where they can enjoy activities like puzzles, crafts, or watching a movie. I also make sure we go to indoor play areas like KidZania or Bounce Dubai—places that are cool and offer tons of energy-burning fun. When we’re indoors, I keep the AC running at a comfortable temperature, but not too cold to avoid them catching a chill.

https://dubai.kidzania.com/en-ae

Dress Them in Light, Breathable Fabrics

It’s tempting to dress kids in cute outfits for photos or outings, but when you’re dealing with the Dubai heat, comfort is key. For me, the best option for Ava and Liam is lightweight, loose-fitting clothes made from breathable fabrics like cotton or linen. These materials help keep their bodies cool and allow sweat to evaporate, which is essential in preventing overheating.

I’ve learned that lighter colors are also a must. Dark colors tend to absorb more heat, while whites and light shades reflect the sun’s rays. And don’t forget the hats! A wide-brimmed hat not only helps shield their face from the sun but also keeps them cooler. I personally love getting their hats from local stores like Carrefour or Babyshop, where they have stylish yet practical options.

https://www.babyshopstores.com/ae/en/

Use Sunscreen and Reapply Frequently

I can’t emphasize this enough: sunscreen is an absolute must when you’re out in Dubai’s sun. Even on a short walk to the park or a quick outing, UV rays can cause damage. So, for both Ava and Liam, I apply sunscreen with at least SPF 50 every morning before we go out, even if we’re just running errands.

Ava, being older, has started to take responsibility for applying her sunscreen (with a little help), and Liam gets his in the form of a spray, which is quicker and easier for me to apply. I make sure to reapply every two hours if we’re out for longer periods of time, especially after swimming or sweating.

Seek Shade and Cool Areas

As much as I’d love to spend the day at the park or beach, the heat in the middle of the day makes outdoor activities a bit tricky. I’ve learned that finding shaded areas or cooler spots is essential when we’re out and about. We often head to Jumeirah Beach in the early morning when it’s still cool or visit some of the shaded parks like Mushrif Park, where there are designated spots with shelter from the sun.

On super-hot days, we explore indoor destinations like Dubai Mall or Mall of the Emirates, where we can walk around, grab a bite, and even visit indoor attractions like the Dubai Aquarium or Ski Dubai, which are not only great for beating the heat but also provide a fun escape for the kids.

https://www.skidxb.com/en-ae/ski-dubai

Take Advantage of Water Play

Kids love water—so why not use it to our advantage? Since Dubai’s summer heat can be intense, we love making trips to the pool. We have a membership at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel, which has a gorgeous pool that’s perfect for the whole family. Liam loves splashing around, and Ava enjoys practicing her swimming skills. Water play keeps them cool, entertained, and happy for hours.

If you don’t have access to a pool, another great option is visiting water parks like Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis The Palm. It’s a fantastic way to let them burn off energy and have fun without worrying about the heat. You can also find smaller splash pads or fountains around the city that are perfect for a quick cool-off.

Have a Cool-Down Kit on Hand

I’ve learned that when you’re dealing with the heat in Dubai, it’s always a good idea to be prepared. That’s why I always carry a “cool-down kit” in my bag. It includes wet wipes, a small fan, and a cooling towel. I also keep baby powder to help absorb sweat and keep them feeling fresh. If you’re in a car, it’s a good idea to keep the AC on for a few minutes before you get out to avoid a sudden temperature change, which can be uncomfortable for the kids.

Ava loves the cooling towel—whenever she starts feeling too hot, I wrap it around her neck, and it instantly cools her down. These small things can make a big difference when you’re dealing with Dubai’s intense heat.

Embrace the Nighttime Fun

When the daytime heat is just too much, I’ve started to take advantage of the cooler evenings. After a long nap (or if they’ve had a relaxing indoor day), we head out in the late afternoon or early evening when the temperature is much more manageable. Dubai’s nightlife is bustling, but there are plenty of family-friendly activities that are perfect for kids.

From evening visits to the Dubai Fountain to exploring the Dubai Marina, where we can walk by the water and enjoy a relaxing atmosphere, the cooler nighttime air is the perfect time to spend quality time with my family. It’s a great way to beat the heat while still getting out of the house and making memories.

Final Thoughts on Surviving Dubai’s Heat with Kids

Surviving Dubai’s heat as a parent with young children is all about preparation, flexibility, and staying cool. I’ve found that keeping my kids hydrated, dressing them appropriately, and planning our outings carefully makes all the difference. Yes, the heat can be tough, but with the right mindset and a few strategies, you can make it work and still enjoy everything that Dubai has to offer.

For me, it’s all about finding balance—while I make sure my kids stay cool, I also make sure we make the most of living in this incredible city. Whether it’s a trip to the mall, a day at the pool, or a visit to an indoor park, there’s always something fun to do. And after all, it’s all about creating memories together as a family, no matter the temperature!