Short trails, pools and mangroves: 7 UAE hikes your kids can actually finish this winter
Dubai: The weather has finally cooled, and that means one thing for many UAE families: getting outside. Hiking season in the UAE runs roughly from October to April, when temperatures drop and the mountains, wadis and mangroves become far more pleasant to explore. You don't need to tackle a summit to enjoy it, either. These trails are short, well marked or gentle enough for little legs, with…
Winter in the UAE is an ideal time for family hikes, with pleasant temperatures and numerous accessible trails. Seven ideal hikes for kids are listed below.
1. In Ras Al Khaimah, Jebel Jais offers four short beginner trails, ranging from 0.7km to 2.2km, with picnic spots and gentle inclines. Families with older children can attempt the Ghaf Summit trail's shorter 2.5km section.
2. A 8km network of trails from Shawka Dam to Shawka Pools in Ras Al Khaimah is easy, with routes varying from quick strolls to full-day walks. Along the way, natural pools provide a great pause for refreshment.
3. Dubai's Hatta has 32.6km of signposted trails, perfect for families to choose from easy routes. Hatta Wadi Hub offers facilities like toilets and showers, and the trails are free to use.
4. Abu Dhabi's Jubail Mangrove Park features three boardwalk routes, each 1km to 2km long, with mangrove wildlife and a children's play area. Ranger-led tours cost Dh50 per person, ages seven and up.
5. Khor Fakkan's Al Rabi Tower trail climbs to a historic watchtower, with a 6km round trip and views of the Gulf of Oman. It's best suited for children aged five and up.
6. Sharjah's east coast offers two gentle options: Al Rafisah Dam's tree-lined walkway and the nearby Shees Nature Trail through a mountain village. Both are suitable for young children.
7. Dubai's Mushrif Park, only 30 minutes from Downtown, offers a 10km flat sandy trail with rest spots. It can be walked in sections, and families can turn back if needed. Remember to stay hydrated, wear protective gear, and carry a map.
Written by urgent.news from Gulf News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
