Over many months of the year – say from November onwards to end of March, the weather is perfect in Dubai. Depending on who you speak to – April can be okay – in the early mornings and late evenings. This also means Dubai residents spend as much time outdoors as they possibly can before the summer kicks in. We asked a Dubai resident and mum @everyday.wilderness to share her insights on the family-friendly parks and beaches in Dubai.

Here’s a list of the outdoor areas that she loves to go – and hopefully this will come into handy if you’re looking at ideas on where to take the kids this winter!

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Parks

JLT Park

The big JLT park behind Cluster R, Q and P is an easy to get to, free park in the Jumeirah Lake Towers neighborhood. Think kids running around carefree like it’s the 90s, soft sandy playgrounds and a multi-use green field. Love the community vibe. They have just opened a much needed cafe next to the park too called Splendour Fields, for all your lunch, coffee and ice cream needs.

Al Ittihad Park

Al Ittihad Park is my favourite park so far. It’s so peaceful, with the stream running through the middle, surrounded by aesthetically pleasing pebbles, dotted with playgrounds and splash pads for kids. It also has a gorgeous track for runners, joggers and walkers and boasts a separate bike lane – which I really appreciate. The park is lined with cafes to treat yourself, shared by over 100 types of trees and the smooth running monorail.

Editor’s Note : Stop by Organic Foods & Cafe in Golden Mile at Al Ittihad Park for pizzas if you get hungry. It’s Buy 1 get 1 free every promotional weekend! They also stock fresh, organic produce and good. Have a browse on their online shop now, and to find out when their promotional days are. If you find something you like in-store and need to restock when it’s finished? Get it online – Use LILONE15 for 15% off!

Barsha Pond Park

A decent-sized park with a giant lake in the middle. Home to bunnies, ducks and cats as well. Bring a picnic and spend the day playing in the grass, rent bikes and ride the loop, enjoy the sandy playgrounds, while runners and joggers can take to the track. Basketball and volleyball players can also hit the court and find some mates to play with, if you’re so inclined.

The Ripe Market, Academy Park

The Ripe Market at the Academy Park is such a hidden gem, as there is plenty to do. It’s so much more than a local, handmade crafts market (as if that weren’t enough!). There are delicious food stalls to choose from, and many activities for children and families. It could easily be a day out with a good picnic.

The Ripe Market in Academy Park is open every Saturday & Sunday over the winter season, from 9am. Check @ripemarket for details and schedules.

X Park Jr

Going to X Park Jr. is two hours well spent in the shaded calm, next to bustling kite beach. Parking is the hard part, but once you’re in, let your little ones roam carefree, interacting with the resident animals (tortoises, ducks, chickens ponies and goats !) while you sit back and rest. Cafe on site is a bonus too!

Get X Park Jr. tickets here.

Zabeel Park

We came here for a BBQ afternoon and it did not disappoint. Zabeel Park is dotted with BBQ stations of different sizes, plenty of shade, trees and grass. You can also rent bikes to take a tour of the place, with the backdrop of Dubai Frame behind you for plenty of photo ops as well.

More details on dubaipublicparks.ae

Beaches

JBR Beach

JBR Beach is another favourite of mine, as its so easy to get to. We just take the tram and there is no need to drive. It offers a clean beach, many cafe options, Dubai Eye lights and Bluewaters beauty right across the way with many hotels to marvel at. It’s definitely a happy vibe thanks to the JBR walk and tourists who seem so excited to be here. Definitely a must visit.

Editor’s note : If you’re driving – you get 3 hours complimentary parking at The Beach JBR basement if you spend 100AED in one of the participating dining outlets. We recommend Eataly at the Beach for casual italian fare

Jumeirah Beach

Jumeirah beach is a much quieter beach than others in Dubai, but very clean, full of shells and fabulous views.

Kite Beach

Kite Beach is so much more than just a beach! It is such a diverse place with sports facilities of all kinds, bike and walk ways, restaurants and cafes, and of course a gorgeous shell-filled beach.

More details on kitebeach.ae

Community Areas

Al Barari

I didn’t realize that Al Barari was a residential place until I arrived (lucky them), however there is a lovely green area for kids to play, lush stream running along a string of small restaurants and a farm with local restaurant selling fresh produce from the source.

Book tickets to Al Barari Playground

Jumeirah Golf Estates

Jumeirah Golf Estates is a residential area with small collection of shops and restaurants near the golf club, well worth walking or driving through if you can. The roads are lined with bushes and trees that look like they’ve been there for decades. I’m always impressed with what money can do to a desert!

Editor’s Note : Head over on a Saturday. Bussola at Jumeirah Golf Estates does a fabulous classy Italian brunch for adults. Read our review of Brunchissimo by Bussola

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