Looking for the best places to visit in Sharjah with family? From a beautiful mosque to lush islands, art spaces, and traditional heritage areas, the city offers something for everyone. The city offers a perfect mix of culture, nature, and fun for all ages, reflecting the true essence of family-friendly travel and highlighting its most attractive Sharjah tourist places and well-known tourist attractions.
Looking for the best places to visit in Sharjah with family? From a beautiful mosque to lush islands, art spaces, and traditional heritage areas, the city offers something for everyone. The city offers a perfect mix of culture, nature, and fun for all ages, reflecting the true essence of family-friendly travel and highlighting its most attractive Sharjah tourist places and well-known tourist attractions.
Looking for the best places to visit in Sharjah with family? From a beautiful mosque to lush islands, art spaces, and traditional heritage areas, the city offers something for everyone. The city offers a perfect mix of culture, nature, and fun for all ages, reflecting the true essence of family-friendly travel and highlighting its most attractive Sharjah tourist places and well-known tourist attractions.
1. Al Noor Island and Butterfly House
If you need a gentle start to the day, Al Noor Island is a suitable option. The walk over the water sets a softer pace. Once inside, the trees and art pieces make the place feel calm without being mellow, making it a lovely stop for art lovers who enjoy serene, creative spaces and nearby cultural centres, making it a perfect stop for nature lovers.
Children will love the Butterflies inside Al Noor Island Butterfly House in Sharjah; its warm indoor setting and tropical plants create a gentle atmosphere. It enables the butterflies to glide freely, often stopping near visitors.
Kids will also enjoy observing the colors closely, while the seating around the island lets parents unwind. The Literature Pavilion adds a quieter stop for those who prefer reading or sketching outdoors.
Nearby, the striking Al Noor Mosque adds a cultural touch to the visit and offers families a chance to appreciate Islamic architecture and elements of Islamic culture.
2. Al Majaz Waterfront
Al Majaz Waterfront is familiar to most UAE residents, as it suits almost any family. You get wide paths, open lawns, a splash park, and cafés in the nearby commercial complex that stay busy at all hours. The pedal boats are an easy win with children, and the little train ride is a nice bonus.
In the evening, the lights from the musical fountain become the backdrop, creating a peaceful evening for families. They tend to stay longer than planned here, simply because it’s comfortable and everything feels conveniently close by.
3. Al Qasba
Stretching along a scenic canal, Al Qasba invites families to enjoy a relaxed, leisurely pace and discover the charm of Old Sharjah and its heritage areas through art centers and traditional arab architecture. This area reflects Arab culture through its architecture, art spaces, and walkways that lead toward the wider Sharjah heritage area.
Parents can pause at charming cafés while children choose their favorite spots to explore. A short boat ride under the canal’s bridges delights younger visitors, and the nearby Emirates Ferris wheel offers simple but fun overhead views. The art centre in the same area often hosts exhibitions that capture the curiosity of older children and adults alike.
4. Rain Room
The Rain Room is one of Sharjah’s most memorable interactive experiences. Controlled sensors stop rainfall as visitors walk across the space, allowing families to wander through falling water without getting soaked. Children often enjoy moving slowly to see the pattern change around them. It is a fun way to introduce young travelers to creative installations and technology-driven art.
5. Al Hefaiyah Mountain Conservation Centre
Set in Kalba against a rugged mountain backdrop, the Al Hefaiyah Mountain Conservation Centre offers an engaging mix of indoor and outdoor experiences. Inside, children can get up close to smaller desert creatures, similar to displays found in a natural history museum.
Outside, spacious enclosures showcase Arabian wolves, gazelles, and leopards, giving families plenty of room to observe these majestic animals in a naturalistic setting.
6. Mleiha Archaeological Centre
Mleiha is an inspiring mix of desert adventure and archaeological learning. Families can dive deep into ancient sites, explore interactive exhibits, or join guided drives to Fossil Rock. Mild hikes lead to viewpoints overlooking the orange dunes.
The centre complements visits to places like the Sharjah Archaeology Museum, helping children and adults understand how early communities lived and adapted to the region’s landscape.
7. Al Khan Beach
Al Khan Beach is perfect for families, thanks to its shallow waters that are ideal for younger swimmers. Nearby, the Sharjah aquarium adds extra fun, featuring well-lit walkways and predictable paths that make exploring easy.
Children will love discovering the tunnels filled with local marine species, turning a simple beach visit into an engaging learning experience.
8. Al Heera Beach
Al Heera Beach has a long, open coastline with a mix of cafés, cycling paths, and shaded seating. You can walk, sit, or let children try the play areas.
The skate park stands out as a highlight, featuring a beginner-friendly area where children can safely practice skating away from larger crowds. It’s a great spot for little ones to build confidence and enjoy some active fun.
9. Khorfakkan Beach
Khorfakkan Beach is a must-visit destination for families seeking both relaxation and adventure. Its clear waters and scenic surroundings make it ideal for swimming, paddleboarding, or casual kayaking. Families can also enjoy a leisurely boat ride or try snorkeling to explore the vibrant marine life.
10. Al Rafisah Dam
Located on the road to Khorfakkan, Al Rafisah Dam offers a peaceful lakeside escape surrounded by mountains. Families can enjoy scenic walking paths, try pedal boating, or go kayaking, making it a perfect spot for both relaxation and light adventure.
11. Wadi Shees
Wadi Shees offers a refreshing setting with date palms, mountain views, and cooler air than the coast. The nature trail introduces families to the ancient falaj irrigation system that still runs beside the path.
Its scenery makes the experience pleasant even at a slow pace. Many families continue to Shees Park from here, which has shaded seating and a small waterfall.
12. Children’s Farm
Inside Sharjah Desert Park, the Children’s Farm offers young visitors an up-close look at a variety of domestic animals, with feeding sessions adding extra fun. Just next door, the wildlife centre showcases endangered regional species, including the Arabian oryx, providing a mix of interactive and educational experiences for the whole family.
Families can also extend their visit to the Sharjah Discovery Centre, where hands-on exhibits keep curious minds engaged.
13. Al Montazah Parks
Al Montazah Parks has many water slides, family rides, and quiet lawns. The water park is popular in the cooler months. Its gentle attractions lure younger children. Older children and adults can try the faster rides. The park also has many food outlets.
14. Date Souq
Sharjah’s Date Souq is small but full of energy and one of the city’s prominent heritage areas. Stalls display different date varieties, and vendors usually offer a quick sample. Nearby, preserved family houses and markets such as Souq Al Jubail give visitors a glimpse into the daily lives of past generations.
Children enjoy tasting the softer, sweeter dates. It’s a short stop, but a nice way to introduce families to the fruit that holds a long-standing place in regional culture. Families enjoy tasting the softer, sweeter dates and exploring nearby markets such as Souq Al Jubail for a more traditional shopping experience.
15. Skate Gate Ice Rink
Skate Gate in Al Shaab Village offers a welcome change from outdoor heat. The rink has instructors who help beginners get comfortable on the ice, and families often book short sessions between other activities.
16. Sharjah Equestrian and Racing Club
The Sharjah Equestrian and Racing Club is a great spot for families to enjoy the region’s equestrian culture, with buildings and facilities reflecting design rooted in Islamic culture. Children and adults alike can watch thrilling horse races, explore the stables, or even try riding lessons under supervision.
The spacious grounds and well-maintained facilities make it a safe and engaging destination for families seeking a mix of excitement and hands-on experiences.
Explore Sharjah Easily with Hertz Car Rentals
Renting a car helps families move smoothly between attractions and explore the top Sharjah places, especially when traveling with young children or planning visits to both the city and the eastern region.
Hertz UAE offers a range of spacious vehicles ideal for longer drives, along with booking options suitable for visitors arriving in the UAE. They have cars from all popular brands like Volvo, Jeep, Kia, Toyota, and more.
When planning family travel in Sharjah, choosing the right vehicle matters. If you’re unsure whether an SUV, MPV, or seven-seater suits your trip best, this guide on car body types helps you understand different car styles and their suitability for family travel across the UAE.
And, if you’re driving between attractions or travelling across emirates, understanding local parking rules is essential. Before heading out, read this complete guide on how to pay parking in Sharjah to avoid fines and manage parking smoothly during your family outings.
FAQs
Where can I go in Sharjah with kids?
Sharjah is full of family-friendly destinations suitable for children of all ages. You can spend the day at its sandy beaches, wander through lush parks, or explore interactive museums and art spaces designed for young minds.
For a dose of adventure and nature, visit the emirate’s wildlife centres and nature reserves, where children can see local animals up close and enjoy outdoor activities in a safe environment.
Which area is best for families in Sharjah?
Several areas in Sharjah are perfect for family outings. Al Majaz offers waterfront promenades, parks, and dining options suitable for all ages. Al Khan is ideal for beach activities and visits to the nearby aquarium.
Al Heera provides a quieter, relaxed environment with parks and open spaces where children can play safely. Each of these areas combines convenience, entertainment, and family-friendly attractions.
What is the best time to rent a car in Sharjah?
The best time to rent a car in Sharjah is during the cooler months, particularly January, when rates tend to be lower and driving is more comfortable. Planning ahead and booking in advance can also help you secure the most convenient vehicle for your family adventures.