Top 7 Reasons that Make Mushrif Park an Ideal Family Spot

7 min read

Dubai’s known for many things. When people think of Dubai, most can only picture the modern structures of the megalopolis – the breathtaking skyscrapers! But the city has come far from being regarded as a desert land, to being one of the most visited tourist destinations in the Middle East and globally.

While the city’s home to some of the greatest architectural masterpieces in the world, such as the Burj Khalifa, the Princess Tower, Burj Al Arab, and many others, it’s made significant efforts to preserve some natural landscapes and create more green havens where necessary.

One of such popular and well-preserved outdoor landmarks is Mushrif National Park. If you and your family are always looking for a one-stop natural haven for activities like barbecue, cycling, swimming, and hiking, consider going to Mushrif Park. It’s the ideal outdoor destination with activities for everyone to enjoy.

7 all-inclusive Mushrif Park activities to enjoy alone or with family & friends

Picnic with Loved Ones

Sharing and spending time together are ways to show family and friends that you value them. Nothing beats digging into a delicious spread outdoors under the gentle morning sun with the cool breeze blowing over your face and hair. Looking to enjoy snacks, breakfast, or even lunch outdoors? Pack a basket of your favorite food, snacks, and drinks, and choose a great spot at Mushrif Park. Don’t forget to take a blanket too.

Explore the International Village

While you can get great pictures of the park from every angle, the most Instagrammable spot is the international village. With traditional houses from across the globe, including Asia, German Hausbarns, and others, it’s the perfect place to get an insight into what life is like for other natives around the world.

mushrif national park dubai

Cool off at the Pools

You’re hot and need to cool off. There are public pools at the Mushrif National Park in Dubai for that. Separate pools are available for women and men, and children also have their own pool. The pool fee is AED5 for kids and AED10 for adults, and it opens from 9 am to 9 pm daily.

Stargaze at Al Thuraya Astronomy Center

If taking a walk and looking around isn’t something you really fancy, then how about you try stargazing at Al Thuraya Astronomy Center? Learn more about space with cool documentaries at the Planetarium, observe the planets and stars at the Telescope Observation area, catch astronomy and non-astronomy-related flicks at the Astronomy Cinema, or take a full tour of the spacecraft-themed center.

It costs AED20 per activity. The center opens between 1 pm to 9 pm Monday through Thursday and 1 pm to 9 pm on Saturday. It’s closedon Friday and Sunday.

Take a Hike

Enjoy a long walk or exercise while soaking up nature. Lace-up your boots and take a hike with your friends. The Dubai Municipality launched a 9.7 km hiking trail in Mushrif Park earlier this year, featuring multiple tracks for beginners and professional hikers. It includes an 8.3 km yellow recreational track and a 1.4 km orange sports track, along with plenty of resting spots. Kids aged 12 to 15 can join the hike if they are accompanied by an adult.

mushrif park activities

Zoom Across Dubai’s Longest Zipline

Nestled within Dubai’s Mushrif Park, Aventura Parks is the ultimate zone for adrenaline-pumping activities. It contains a number of circuits, including the ‘Thriller’ circuit, featuring a 166-meter zipline, the longest in Dubai. You’ll zip across nine consecutive lines before ending with the longest one. Bring the kids along to try the ‘Ranger’ zip line circuit that’s perfect for little beginners.

Activities at Aventura Parks cost AED149 per person and opening times are between 12 noon to 6 pm Monday through Thursday, and 10 am to 9 pm Friday to Sunday.

Heart-Pumping Horse Riding

If you’re feeling adventurous and would like to test your courage, head on to Winners Equestrian Club, where you can learn about horse riding techniques and horsemanship from talented trainers. The club is beginner-friendly and also caters to seasoned riders.

A one-hour forest ride costs AED150. The club opens daily between 5:30 am to 7:30 am and 5 pm - 9 pm.

Key Things to Know About Mushrif National Park

While there are plenty of activities that are free at the Mushrif Park, there’s still a standard entry fee of AED3 per person or AED10 per car.
Mushrif Park Rides - To enjoy the scenery and commute to the park and back, going in your personal car or a car rental in Dubai from Beno is often best.
You can pay the entrance fee in cash or with a Nol Card. The Nol card can also be used across the park to pay for entry to most activities, including swimming.
The park is open daily from 8 am to 10 pm

How to Locate Mushrif National Park Dubai

Personal or Rental Car: To get to Mushrif Park Dubai on Al Khawaneej Road if driving your personal car or with car hire in Dubai, take the E311 heading towards Sharjah. Continue on the same road and take a right turn after passing the Mirdif City Centre exit. Look out for the signboards from there on and follow them to reach your destination.
Bus or Public Transport: The 11A bus route goes to Mushrif National Park and the closest bus stop is at the Mizhar 2, turnoff 1, about an eight-minute walk away.

The nearest metro stations are the Etisalat Metro Station (green line) and Centrepoint Metro Station (red line). You’ll need to take a taxi from either stop, which will take about 10 minutes to reach the park.