Top family activities in Dubai

As bewitching as it is over-the-top, Atlantis the Palm is an incredible luxury resort located on the exotic island of Palm Jumeirah. The style of the building is directly inspired by the legend of Atlantis, the lost city, and benefits from an ideal location on the Persian Gulf. A sumptuous setting in the colours of the Orient. Much more than an architectural feat, the establishment offers activities to suit everyone.

Just a few metres from the hotel is the huge Aquaventure Waterpark, a place designed for all the family. For thrill-seekers, try one of the world's highest water slides. For an immersive experience in the underwater world, head to The Lost Chambers aquarium, home to over 65,000 species to admire, some of which can be fed or stroked. Aquatic life dances before your eyes like an orchestrated ballet.

Set in a snow-covered mountain village, Ski Dubai offers a unique experience in the Middle East. A real winter sports resort reproduced identically, where you can ski or snowboard for the more adventurous.

More simply, other activities accessible to all are on offer, such as sledging or making a snowman, and even an even more unusual attraction... a meeting with the resort's inhabitants, the little penguins, to the delight of the children. To spice up the outing, there's also a bobsleigh run; take one of the mattress ramps and the attraction is accessible to children aged 3 and over.

A keen skier, Jules enjoyed a session on the slopes while little Paola and her mum enjoyed the rest of the resort. After playing in the snow, it's time to climb a few metres higher, to the top of the mountain where an authentic wooden chalet proudly stands, for a warm snack.

Now a staple of Dubai evenings, the Perle Show is the city's first permanent show. With its magical backdrops, vertiginous stunts and 3D projections, the show is a total immersion in a magical world that will delight young and old alike. The dynamic staging and captivating acrobatics make it hard to get bored. Despite being tired after a day spent exploring the city, the children are still amazed and don't want to miss a moment of the show. Agathe Trass found the entertainment particularly well-suited to children.

The little tribe stayed at the Sofitel Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa, a magnificent seafront complex on the Palm Jumeirah archipelago. With the blue lagoon water and typical straw huts lining the beach, it's like being on a Polynesian island. An idyllic setting for a relaxing break in the sun and chilling out on the deckchairs.

Special attention is paid to children, as the hotel has a kids club with a wide range of activities. The programme includes arts and crafts, singing and wild dancing, all supervised by a team of professionals.