Dubai is one of seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The city has grown out of the desert into an ultra-modern metropolis that combines the old with the new and offers adventure around every corner.

As attractions and amenities are spread out, you should consider renting a car for your trip. Fuel prices are low and travelling in your own air conditioned car really is the most comfortable way to get around.

The IMG Worlds of Adventure amusement park is the largest indoor amusement park in the world. Needless to say you will find extreme and not so extreme entertainment and adventure for every member of the family here. From fast and thrilling roller coaster rides to a state-of-the-art 12 screen cinema.

There are 5 adventure zones to discover and rides from the downright terrifying Haunted Hotel, to the more gentle Dino Carousel and everything in between.

A trip to the Al Marmoom Desert is a must for thrill seekers. Here you can enjoy a jeep safari, dune bashing, sand boarding, camel rides and much more. Afterwards enjoy a magnificent sunset and immerse yourself in the local culture with an evening spent dining under the stars at a Bedouin encampment. There are many operators that offer trips to the desert, just pick the one that best suits your family.

For those wanting to have their own family adventure, pack a picnic and drive out to Al Qudra Lake where you can watch birds and other wildlife in their natural habitat.

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How about a skydive? You will certainly get a bird’s eye view of Dubai, that is if you can bear to look! There are several companies offering everything from tandem skydives to individual dives for experienced skydivers.

Alternatively you can try indoor skydiving in a purpose built wind tunnel or take a gyrocopter flight around the city with an experienced pilot. No matter which option you choose, it is sure to get your adrenaline pumping!

Do you want to ride at the speed of a car while dangling from a high wire? At XLine Dubai you will experience speeds of up to 80kms along a 1km urban zip-line. Suspended up to 170m high, you will take off form the Amwaj Tower and fly over land and water before coming to rest on the roof of the Dubai Marina Mall.

Best of all, you can ride the line in tandem with friends and family, as there are 2 lines running side by side. Participants need to be aged 12+ and in good general health.

Although your accommodation will probably come with a beautiful pool area or beach access, for those looking for more fun on the water there are any number of action-packed water adventures to be enjoyed in Dubai.

From wake boarding to hydro-scooter tours, sailing to flyboarding, donut, banana boat, jet-ski and parasailing to diving, cruising and kitesurfing, you’ll be spoiled for choice.

Those from 7 years up can experience the thrill of the race at Dubai Autodrome. Offering both indoor and outdoor tracks, this fast-paced adventure will test the skills of even the most experienced driver.

For early risers, how about a hot-air balloon ride with the family? Travel at a relaxed pace 4,000 feet above the Arabian desert and enjoy breathtaking views of Dubai and the surrounding area.

Often a hot air balloon ride can be combined with other experiences, including quad biking, desert safari and an opportunity to meet and hold a falcon.

For something completely different, consider a trip to Hatta where visitors can enjoy lakes, mountains and wildlife. Adventure is on the doorstep with the opportunity to explore on horseback, mountain bike or from a paraglider!

Water babies can go kayaking in the Hatta Dam or head to the Hatta Water Hub for thrilling water slides, where you can reach heights of up to 15m and speeds of between 40 to 80 kms.

Land lovers can go zorbing, tube sliding or pit their skills against others in zorb football or gel ball (similar to paint balling).

Visitors can learn about the local culture at the Hatta Heritage Village or get up close to honey bees at the Hatta Honey Bee Discovery Centre.

As you can see, Dubai has a breathtaking range of activities and family entertainment to choose from and these are just to get you started!