Dubai Airports with Kids: Family Guide DXB & DWC

Taming the Terminal: Dubai Airports Made Easy for Families

April 22, 2025

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Traveling with children can be an adventure in itself, filled with excitement but also potential challenges, especially when navigating busy airports

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. Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) are major global hubs, and thankfully, they recognize the unique needs of families on the move

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. Both airports offer a surprising range of facilities designed to make your journey smoother, from play zones where little legs can stretch before a flight, to essential baby care rooms, handy strollers, relaxing lounges, and kid-friendly dining

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. This guide pulls together the key information based on available services, aiming to help you navigate DXB and DWC with your family, reducing stress and maybe even adding a little fun to the airport experience

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Keeping Little Travelers Entertained: Play Areas & Kids' Zones

Let's be honest, waiting for a flight with restless kids isn't always easy. Dedicated play areas are lifesavers, allowing children to burn off that pre-flight energy in a safe environment

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. DXB, in particular, offers several fantastic options. In Terminal 3, Concourse B, you'll find the "DXB Family Zone" near Gate B28, a space designed for kids to play and families to relax together

. Also in Concourse B, nestled within the Zen Garden between Gates B7 and B8, is a creatively designed family area inspired by the Arabian Desert, complete with climbing structures, interactive games, and TVs showing kids' programs

. Terminal 3's Concourse A also boasts an indoor Play Room with slides and games

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. Even Terminal 2 provides child-friendly play areas and dedicated family zones with toys and games

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For older kids or teens needing a different kind of distraction, DXB Terminal 3, Concourse B features "Game Space," the region's first airport gaming lounge, open 24/7 with numerous gaming stations

. And don't forget the fun retail distractions like the massive LEGO store or the Candylicious outlet, both in Terminal 3

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. Over at DWC, dedicated family areas and play zones are also available, though perhaps currently on a smaller scale than DXB

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. You might find a small play area within the McDonald's there

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. Keep in mind that DWC is undergoing significant expansion, so expect family facilities to grow alongside it

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Caring for Your Youngest Flyers: Baby Care Facilities

Traveling with infants and toddlers comes with its own set of needs, and having access to clean, private facilities for feeding and changing is paramount

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. Both DXB and DWC understand this. At DXB, you'll find dedicated baby care rooms conveniently located across all three terminals

. These rooms offer privacy and are typically equipped with a changing table, a chair (often suitable for nursing), and a wash basin with hot and cold water

. Some might even offer complimentary essentials like diapers or wipes

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. Look for the standard baby changing icon on signage, head to an Information Zone, or simply ask any of the helpful "May I Help You?" staff to find the nearest one

. Specific locations include the Zen Garden area in T3 Concourse B and near Gate 10

Terminal 2 at DXB also features larger family restrooms equipped with changing stations and sometimes child-friendly sinks

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. While you can breastfeed discreetly, using the dedicated baby care rooms is generally recommended for comfort and cultural sensitivity

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. DWC also provides dedicated baby care rooms or family restrooms, ensuring clean and private spaces for changing and feeding your little ones

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. As DWC continues to develop, the specifics and number of these facilities are likely to increase

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Navigating the Terminals: Stroller Policies & Options

Dubai's airports, especially the vast DXB, can mean a lot of walking. Strollers are often essential for navigating the terminals comfortably with young children

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. Good news – DXB offers complimentary strollers, primarily in Emirates Terminal 3

. You can usually pick these up after passing through security, often near check-in areas or departure gates

. Feel free to use them throughout the terminal and simply leave them at the designated stroller parks near your boarding gate before you fly

. Emirates ensures these strollers are regularly sanitized, and twin strollers might also be available, though it's first-come, first-served

If you're flying through DXB Terminal 2 or DWC, stroller rental services are available, offering lightweight and well-maintained options

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. Alternatively, external rental services like "The Stroller Spa" can deliver and collect strollers or car seats directly at DXB or DWC, though this requires advance booking and incurs a fee

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. Of course, bringing your own familiar, foldable stroller is always a reliable option too

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Relaxing Before Your Flight: Family-Friendly Lounges

Sometimes, escaping the terminal buzz for a calmer space can make all the difference. Airport lounges offer a quieter environment, refreshments, and often, specific amenities for families

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. Access usually depends on your travel class, airline loyalty status, or through paid entry or lounge pass programs

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. At DXB, several lounges cater well to families. The Emirates First and Business Class lounges in Terminal 3 are renowned for their dedicated kids' play areas featuring video games and toys, alongside mother and baby care rooms

. Marhaba Lounges, accessible in all terminals via payment or passes, offer comfortable seating and refreshments, with the Terminal 1 lounge even having a children's playroom

The Ahlan Lounges in Terminal 1 and 3 also offer paid access and feature a kids' play area in Terminal 1

. Plaza Premium Lounge in Terminal 3 boasts a dedicated children's area and even private family suites for an extra cost

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. For families needing a proper rest, Sleep 'n Fly lounges in Terminal 1 and 3 offer private YAWN Family Cabins

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. At DWC, the main option currently is the Marhaba Lounge, located upstairs after security

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. While smaller and perhaps lacking dedicated kids' zones compared to DXB lounges, it provides a quieter space with basic refreshments, accessible via passes or payment

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Meal Times & Snacks: Family Dining Choices

Keeping little tummies happy is key to a smooth journey! Finding food options that appeal to kids without sacrificing adult tastes is important

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. DXB offers a wide array of choices. Giraffe World Kitchen, found in Terminal 1 and Terminal 3, is often highlighted as a great family spot, offering a specific kids' menu with familiar favorites alongside a diverse main menu for adults, and it's open 24 hours in T3

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. Of course, you'll find reliable choices like McDonald's across multiple terminals

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. For a fun treat, check out the Nutella Cafe in Terminal 2 and 3, or the Candylicious store in Terminal 3

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. Hard Rock Cafe DXB in Terminal 3 offers American classics and even a special "Captain Messi Kids Menu"

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Conveniently, several outlets like Starbucks and Paul are located near the T3 Concourse B family zone

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. You can generally expect high chairs to be available in most DXB restaurants

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. At DWC, the dining selection is currently more limited but growing

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. You'll find a McDonald's (which might have a small play area), Caribou Coffee, and Olives Restaurant among the options

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. Standard amenities like high chairs should be available

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. As DWC expands, expect more dining choices to become available

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Top Tips for a Smoother Airport Experience

A little preparation goes a long way when traveling with kids through busy airports like Dubai's. Firstly, always allow plenty of extra time – DXB is huge, and check-in, security, and walking to gates can take longer than you think, especially during peak times

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. Look out for and use dedicated family lanes at check-in and immigration where available; some airlines like Emirates offer priority services for families

. Take advantage of convenient check-in options like online check-in or early bag drop offered by airlines like Emirates

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. Grab an airport map or use the airport app to easily locate play areas, baby care rooms, restaurants, and your gate

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Pack your carry-on wisely with essentials: entertainment (books, tablets with downloaded shows), snacks, drinks, a change of clothes, any necessary medications, and chargers

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. Make use of the complimentary airport strollers in DXB T3 or the free airport buggies (subject to availability) to ease navigation

. Prepare for security by having liquids and electronics easily accessible

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; DXB has even trialed child-friendly scanners to make it less daunting

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. If your child is anxious, DXB offers familiarization tours

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. Keep everyone hydrated and fed to avoid meltdowns

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. Don't hesitate to ask for help – airport staff and airline crew are there to assist

. Also, note that DXB Terminal 2 offers designated family parking spots

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, and medical facilities/pharmacies are available 24/7 in both airports

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. For children traveling alone, comprehensive Unaccompanied Minor services are available

Dubai's airports genuinely strive to support families, offering a wealth of facilities from play areas and baby care rooms to strollers and dedicated services

. By knowing what's available and using these tips, you can significantly reduce travel stress

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. Here's wishing you and your family a pleasant and smooth journey through DXB or DWC!

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