Dubai Parks & Resorts is full of surprises and one area that captures our attention is Legoland waterpark, sister to Legoland Dubai. The park is renowned for it's uniqueness targeting families with children aged 2-12 years old. So, what makes the park so unique you ask? Read on!
What to Expect
Rides & Slides
Isn't rides and slides what waterparks are all about? But wait, there's something that sets this waterpark apart from typical ones. There are up to 20 waterslides to choose from. Some can be done in pairs allowing you to accompany your kid on the ride whereas others the kid rides solo. Some of these include:
Build-a-raft: It's found at the lazy river and a winner for families. It's packed with many ride combinations for kids to try out on their own. Some of the double boats here feature double seats to allow small kids hop in.
Joker Soaker: Feel like cooling down, this is a must try! This is the kind where a bucket is filled to the brim with water and smashes you with it. Like isn't that so cool on a really hot day? I think so. And by the way, the water here is colder than anywhere else. For small kids over 91cm, they're well allowed to ride slides found in the lower level of this ride independently. To ride in upper levels, you'll need to be over 102 cm
Duplo Splash Safari: The shallow, warm water pool is designed for toddlers. It features four small slides and a large Duplo animals with water features. There are also water fountains for the young guests to enjoy.
Lego Racers: How about a competition against another family member on this ride? It features six parallel racing slides that speed you down on mats.
The Wave Pool: The large pool area is a mix of many rides including two tube rides, one-twin tube ride and single rides. The steepest ride is wave rider and slides you 73 metres down and straight into the water.
Red Rush: To experience the full thrill of this ride, at least have a group of three. The gigantic 95 meter long slide in a round raft takes you on a thrilling spin as you hold tight onto its edges. The spin is actually the thrill element because you don't even get to know where you're going. You find yourself there. Totally fun!
Helpful Tips
Arrive early. With the temperatures heating up, you'll be lucky to get a spot in the public car park which has undercover parking. However, it's only enough to accommodate at least the first thousand or so cars of the day. If you miss it, well, you'll have no option but to park in the heat. The VIP and Valet areas attract an extra fee.
The weekends are busy. Consider checking out local school holiday times and remember, Friday/Saturday mark the weekends in UAE. Weekdays are much quieter and especially in the morning where you can literally have the park for yourselves.
You could rent a cabana for a group. There are only a few in the park and unfortunately can't be booked in advance so if you get there first, you'll be lucky to have your cabana. The cabanas are wonderfully shaded spots with fridge and extra service.
If you think your kids will nag you for a souvenir water drinking bottle, consider getting it at the start of the day before things heat up!
Consider taking your shoes around the park with you. Although some services are heat treated, others are not. Even late in the afternoon, everything might feel like it's burning. Note, there are shoe racks near all rides so have something distinguishing your pair from the rest.
Bring towels with you, but if you happen to forget, you can rent or buy one.
There are shops selling single swimming nappies
The park features two distinct locations. A more child friendly area which has got the lazy river around it, and the more adventurous wave pool area.
There are up to 14 different attractions with 20 slides to keep the little ones fully entertained.
There's dining available in the park at Waves Bistro & Brick Bites. Here you can opt for chicken & fries or pizza (you only bring baby food)
Seats are scattered throughout the park, but they're predominantly next to joker soaker and wave pool
Change rooms are only found near the entrance and lockers can be rented here.
Book your tickets online in advance
When booking your ticket online on itickets.ae, you can combine your experience with Legoland Dubai. But if you've got small kids, one park might be enough.
Getting to the WaterPark
Legoland waterpark is located at Dubai Parks & Resorts situated in Jebel Ali. It's about a 40 minutes drive from Abu Dhabi and Downtown Dubai. Arrange for a taxi from these locations or use a private car.
Dress Code to the Water Park
In UAE, the dress code question can be as tricky as it sounds. With various cultural interpretations, swimwear is a gray area. But having been around for awhile below are a few tips:
For kids, not a big issue. They can rock any sort of bathers, rashies and sunsuits. But an obvious consideration is to arm yourself with hats, sunscreen and any other sort of protection from the scorching sun.
For gents, longer board shorts are perfect. The point is to avoid anything clingy and topless is okay for guys too.
Ladies, full body bikinis would do compared to the skimpiest ones. I think it's only okay not to show too much flesh in a family park. By the way, no one will kick you out for wearing less but expect some disapproving looks 🙁
The park has an onsite Bricks Beach shop with emergency clothing options.
A day at Legoland WaterPark Dubai is one the little kids will absolutely love. Besides it being appropriate for smaller kids, it's packed with plenty of lifeguards, and since there are no thrill rides other guests are young families too and no teenagers. The patrons here are also very kind and considerate. If you have a mixed group of kids though who expect more from their rides, they might be disappointed. All in all the brightly colored lego theme park is age appropriate for family to keep you fully entertained.
Martin Wynn
Priya
