Toddler-friendly
Several reviews find it especially enjoyable for younger children, including ages one to two.
Stay & Play
Dubai Festival City
Stay & Play is an indoor playground in Dubai Festival City, combining a soft play area with arcade-style games for young children. Parents can stay with their children or use the option to leave them while shopping, though supervision and staff communication deserve a careful check.
Reputation Score
3.8
★★★★☆
142 ratings
Source: Google Maps
The Good Stuff
Clean setup
The newer location was described as clean, brand new and well maintained, which suits Dubai’s hotter months.
Shopping break
Parents can watch their children while shopping, and some reviews describe staff-assisted childcare as convenient.
Included arcades
One entrance fee reportedly includes the arcade games, rather than charging separately for each machine.
Varied activities
Reviews mention ball pits, slides, toys and numerous activities, giving toddlers more than one way to play.
Tips for a Better Visit
Confirm rates. Ask for the current hourly price and refund or early-exit policy before paying; reported rates have changed.
Bring socks. Pack socks for every child, as one review says they are mandatory; a loyalty offer was also reported after ten visits.
Check supervision. If you plan to shop while your child plays, ask how supervision works and check the available CCTV screens.
Check zones. Ask about age or height separation before play, especially with toddlers around older, faster children.
Clarify balloons. Ask before buying a balloon: one review says balloons with sticks were not allowed inside the play area.
Plan the visit
Practical details
Dubai Festival City
Al Kheeran - Dubai Festival City, Dubai
| Mon | 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Tue | 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Wed | 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Thu | 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Fri | 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Sat | 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Sun | 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
Popular Mentions
Soft play area
The soft play section is described as a colourful space with ball pits, toys and activities for younger children.
Shop and drop facilities
A review highlights the convenience of leaving children to play while parents finish shopping.
CCTV camera screens
CCTV screens outside reception were mentioned as a way for parents to check in while passing the area.
Common Concerns
Staff conduct
Multiple parents report rude or unprofessional interactions, including harsh treatment of children and poor customer service.
Weak coordination
Reception and floor staff have been criticised for inconsistent communication and for not keeping promised arrangements.
Price concerns
Several visitors consider the hourly charge expensive, with one parent reporting 90 dirhams per hour as too much.
Supervision gaps
Reviews raise concerns about staff capacity during busy periods and children being left without enough attention.
Rules unclear
Parents have reported restricted access and repeated requests to leave without clear explanations, including over a balloon policy.
Customer-reported prices
These are customer-reported mentions, not a current price list. Prices may have changed.
40 aed
30 mins
“Priced at 30 mins - 40 aed,1 hour 45 aed,2 hrs- 90aed they come with good bargain for mothers”Google review · November 2019
45 aed
1 hour
“Priced at 30 mins - 40 aed,1 hour 45 aed,2 hrs- 90aed they come with good bargain for mothers”Google review · November 2019
90aed
2 hrs
“Priced at 30 mins - 40 aed,1 hour 45 aed,2 hrs- 90aed they come with good bargain for mothers”Google review · November 2019
DXB
LOCAL
LOCAL
The Bottom Line
Stay & Play is an indoor children’s playground in Dubai Festival City, with a soft play area, ball pits, slides, toys and arcade-style machines. It is repeatedly described as a good fit for toddlers and younger children, and one review says the entrance fee includes all arcade games. Parents can play alongside their children or use the leave-and-shop option, making it convenient during a mall visit.
Cleanliness is a genuine draw. Visitors have called the area clean, organised and well maintained, while the newer location was described as fresh and brand new. Some parents also liked the variety of activities and the chance to use the space during hot weather.
Socks are reportedly mandatory, and an older review mentions a free visit after ten sessions. The main caution is staff consistency. Several reviews describe rude behaviour, weak reception coordination, unclear restrictions and overly forceful reminders about finishing time.
Supervision has also been questioned during busy periods, including complaints about children being left without enough attention. If you are leaving a child while shopping, ask exactly how supervision works and where CCTV can be viewed. Prices have changed in customer reports, from older figures of 40 aed for 30 minutes and 70 AED for an hour to a later report of 110 dhs for an hour.
Confirm the current rate and exit policy before paying.