Interactive learning
Hands-on exhibits cover subjects such as the human body, space and nature, giving children something to explore rather than simply observe.
Children City
Umm Hurair
Children City is a science-based learning centre in Umm Hurair, with hands-on galleries, a planetarium, theatre and nature-focused exhibits. Families come for interactive learning, toddler play and indoor activities that work well during Dubai’s hotter months.
Reputation Score
4.3
★★★★☆
2,815 ratings
Source: Google Maps
The Good Stuff
Planetarium shows
The planetarium is repeatedly highlighted as a standout, with scheduled shows that introduce children to planets, stars and space.
Indoor escape
The entire centre is indoors, making it a practical summer outing when outdoor park activities are uncomfortable.
Toddler facilities
The soft-play section is designed for smaller children and includes a child-sized toilet and nursery for mothers and babies.
Family value
Several visitors describe the admission as budget-friendly, including a reported AED 40 family ticket for two adults and two children.
Clean facilities
Reviews mention clean washrooms, changing space for toddlers and vending machines selling cold water and snacks.
Accessible parking
Free parking is reported outside the centre, and one visitor noted ramps for people of determination.
Tips for a Better Visit
Check timings. Check the planetarium schedule on arrival; shows run through the day but have specific times.
Allow time. Set aside roughly two and a half hours, and arrive early enough to fit in the shows and activity areas.
Bring layers. Pack something warm for children because the indoor air-conditioning may feel very cold after extended time inside.
Mind height limits. Check your child’s height before planning around soft play: several reviews say the area is limited to children under 120cm.
Plan parking. Parking can be harder to find on weekends, so allow extra time if visiting then.
Bring snacks. Since there is no café and eatables may not be allowed inside, check the food rules and plan refreshments before entering.
Plan the visit
Practical details
Dubai Dolphinarium Children's City
Umm Hurair Second, Dubai
| Mon | 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Tue | 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Wed | 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Thu | 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Fri | 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Sat | 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM |
| Sun | 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM |
Popular Mentions
Science on a Sphere
Science on a Sphere is one of the named interactive experiences visitors recommend checking during the day.
face painting
Face painting is one of the creative activities available alongside the science and learning exhibits.
Flying carpet
The Flying carpet is mentioned as a family ride worth trying during the visit.
Common Concerns
Safety concern
One recent review reported pins, needles and other sharp objects scattered in the play area, raising a serious safety concern.
Small play area
The toddler playground is described as basic, apartment-sized and crowded, so older or energetic children may outgrow it quickly.
Needs renovation
Some exhibitions were considered interesting but dated, with a reviewer saying they need renovation to reflect modern technology.
Cold air-conditioning
The air-conditioning can feel excessively cold after an hour indoors, particularly for young children.
No café
Food is not sold in a café inside; reviews mention vending machines only, and one says eatables are not allowed.
Customer-reported prices
These are customer-reported mentions, not a current price list. Prices may have changed.
AED 40
family ticket (2 adults + 2 kids)
“The value is incredible: a family ticket (2 adults + 2 kids) is only AED 40, plus AED 5 per person for park entry”Google review · June 2026
5AED
Creek park entrance fee
“My kid really enjoyed the playground! Creek park entrance fee is 5AED, and 15AED for the children city”Google review · June 2026
15AED
children city
“My kid really enjoyed the playground! Creek park entrance fee is 5AED, and 15AED for the children city”Google review · June 2026
15 AED
Children’s City ticket
“The park entry ticket is only 5 AED and Children’s City ticket is 15 AED, so total 20 AED which is definitely value for money”Google review · May 2026
DXB
LOCAL
LOCAL
The Bottom Line
Children City is an indoor science and learning centre in Umm Hurair, located inside Creek Park. Children can investigate hands-on exhibits about the human body, space and nature, then catch a planetarium or theatre show. There is also a soft-play area for smaller children, making the centre more useful for families with mixed ages than a museum built around displays alone.
The planetarium is the clearest visitor favourite, while the interactive galleries, library, face painting and creative activities help fill out a longer visit. Reviews suggest allowing around two and a half hours, although one family returned after arriving too late to fit in everything. The nearby park and Dolphinarium make it possible to build a fuller day around the visit.
Value is a major draw. Customers report prices including AED 15 for Children City, AED 5 for Creek Park entry and AED 40 for a family ticket, though other reviews quote different admission amounts, so check current fees before going. Free parking is reported outside, but weekends can be difficult.
Bring a light layer because the air-conditioning may feel very cold, and check the 120cm height limit before promising toddlers the play area. One recent review also raised a serious concern about sharp objects in the playground, so inspect conditions on arrival.