Desert Safari Dubai with Kids: Age Limits, Safety and Family Tips
- A desert safari is one of the best family activities in Dubai — most children love the camels, sandboarding and campfire dinner.
- For toddlers and young children, ask for a gentler dune drive and bring or request a car seat.
- In summer, the morning safari suits kids best; in winter, the evening safari is the family favourite.
- Tell us every child’s age when booking so we can arrange the right vehicle and activities.
We host families every day of the week, from grandparents to babies in carriers. Our family desert safari was built around what we learned from them. Here is the practical guide we wish every parent read before booking.
Which safari is best for kids?
- Evening safari (October–April): the full experience with dinner and shows. Kids usually fall asleep on the drive home.
- Morning safari (any season, best in summer): shorter, cooler and back by lunch — ideal for nap schedules.
- Private safari: your own vehicle, flexible timing and a driver who adjusts the pace for your children.
- Overnight safari: magical for older kids who can handle a late night and an early sunrise.
Activity guide by age
| Activity | Under 3 | 3–7 | 8–12 | Teens |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dune bashing | Gentle drive or skip | Gentle drive | Yes | Yes |
| Camel ride | With parent | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Sandboarding | Play in sand | Small slopes | Yes | Yes |
| Dune buggy | No | Passenger* | Passenger | Passenger / driver* |
| Quad bike | No | No | Kids’ quad* | Yes* |
| Henna, dinner & shows | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
*Size, height and age rules apply and can vary by vehicle. Share ages when booking and we will confirm exactly what each child can do.
Safety tips for parents
- Car seats: bring your own for babies and toddlers or request one in advance.
- Seat position: put younger children in the middle row with an adult beside them.
- Talk to the driver: ask for a family-friendly drive — our drivers are used to adjusting.
- Hydration: children dehydrate faster; offer water frequently, especially in warmer months.
- Sun: hats, sunglasses and sunscreen even late in the afternoon.
Family packing list
- Car seat (if needed)
- Snacks and a water bottle per child
- Wet wipes and a change of clothes
- Light jacket for winter evenings
- Small toys or a sand bucket — the dunes are the world’s biggest sandpit
- Motion-sickness remedy suitable for children, if they need one
Food at camp
The BBQ buffet includes plenty of child-friendly options — rice, bread, grilled chicken, salads and desserts — plus vegetarian dishes. If your child has allergies, tell us when booking and pack backup snacks.
Travelling with grandparents too?
Multi-generation groups are common. Our senior-friendly safari offers a smoother drive and comfortable camp seating, and a private safari lets everyone travel together at their own pace.
From our camp team
“Kids usually go quiet for the first dune, then shout ‘again!’ for the rest of the drive. The camel ride and sandboarding are always the highlight.” — Dune Bashing Dubai camp team
Frequently Asked Questions
Is desert safari in Dubai good for kids?
Yes. Camel rides, sandboarding, henna and the campfire dinner make it one of the most popular family activities in Dubai. Choose a gentler dune drive for young children.
What age can kids do dune bashing?
Children of most ages can join with a car seat where needed. For toddlers and very young kids we recommend a gentler drive or skipping the dune section. Tell us ages when booking.
Which desert safari is best for families?
The family desert safari or a private safari. In summer, the morning safari is best for children; from October to April, the evening safari is the family favourite.
Can kids ride dune buggies in Dubai?
Children can ride as passengers in a 2 or 4-seater buggy with a parent driving. Driver age and size rules apply.
Do you provide child car seats?
We can arrange car seats on request u2014 please mention it when booking, or bring your own for babies and toddlers.
Planning your desert day? Message our team for today’s availability and pickup time from your hotel.
WhatsApp to bookCall +971 55 450 8825
