Planning a holiday that keeps every family member engaged and happy can be challenging. Fortunately, Ras Al Khaimah makes it easy. With gorgeous beaches, rugged mountains, cultural treasures and world-class hospitality, the emirate offers something for all ages to enjoy.
Ready for a stress-free and unforgettable trip with the whole family? This guide will help you choose one of the most family-friendly resorts in Ras Al Khaimah and balance downtime with discovery with your partner and kids.
Why Ras Al Khaimah Is Perfect for a Family Getaway
Ras Al Khaimah is a smart pick for families because it pairs easygoing beaches with big-ticket adventures and authentic cultural experiences.
Take the emirate’s family-friendly resorts, for instance. They offer organized kids’ clubs, supervised activities and beachfront pools that make downtime genuinely restful for adults while keeping the little ones entertained.
Have an outgoing family who loves the great outdoors? You’ll absolutely enjoy Ras Al Khaimah’s most iconic high-altitude playground: Jebel Jais. Experiences here range from kid-friendly activities like hiking and viewing decks to high-adrenaline options that older children and teens can safely explore.
Looking for hands-on cultural learning? The Suwaidi Pearls farm and similar attractions let kids see pearl-diving traditions up close.
Between resort water sports, desert evenings with family-friendly entertainment and organized outdoor camps, Ras Al Khaimah offers kids activities suitable for toddlers and teenagers alike.
Your 4-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary
For this four-day family itinerary, your base will be the all-inclusive Rixos Bab Al Bahr, one of the top family-friendly resorts in Ras Al Khaimah. From there, you will explore the region’s best kid-approved activities, including water sports, desert adventures, mountain thrills, and cultural experiences.
Day 1: Check In and Get Settled
Arrive at Rixos Bab Al Bahr and get acquainted with your home base for the next four days. This beachfront resort offers a private beach, a kids’ club, pools and on-site dining, so you’ll have no trouble slipping into vacation mode right away.
After checking in, you can explore the resort’s facilities and let the kids enjoy the supervised play areas or splash around in the dedicated children’s pool. In the meantime, you and the other adults order a refreshing drink while relaxing on a lounge chair. You can also take a walk along the beach to work up an appetite before dinner.
In the evening, dine in one of the resort’s themed buffets or à la carte restaurants. Many offer children’s menus, so even the pickiest eaters will find something they like. If your arrival day is a Friday, you might even catch the resort’s live entertainment, which is family-friendly and finishes early enough for a good night’s rest.
Here is some practical information you can use to plan the first day of your trip:
- Check-in time: 3 p.m.
- Family-friendly dining:
- The resort’s all-inclusive package includes Seven Heights (an all-day buffet), Toast ’n Burger (fast food), and Meat Point (a steakhouse).
- Family-appropriate bars like Aisha Lobby Lounge & Terrace, Isla Beach Bar, and Su are also available.
- Fine-dining options such as L’Olivo (Italian), Fishbone (Seafood), and Lalezar (Turkish) are suitable for families with older kids for their quieter, more upscale dining experience.
Pro Tip: Pack swimsuits in your carry-on so the kids can head straight to the pool or beach while the resort staff prepares your room.
Day 2: Gear Up for Some Water and Desert Fun
Start your morning with some splash-filled fun right at Rixos Bab Al Bahr. The resort features water activities that everyone can enjoy, like paddleboarding, kayaking, and beach games organized by the animation team.
Looking for things to do in Ras Al Khaimah with kids? The youngest of the family can stick to the children’s pool or supervised water play areas, while older ones may enjoy trying beginner-friendly water sports — all available at the resort.
After lunch, you and your family can spend an afternoon in the desert at Bassata Village. This Bedouin-inspired camp offers a variety of family-friendly activities, like:
- Camel rides
- Henna painting
- Falcon photo opportunities
- Sandboarding
As the sun sets, gather around for a buffet dinner featuring Middle Eastern dishes while enjoying live performances that often include traditional music, belly dancing, and fire shows.
When planning the day, keep in mind that:
- Bassata Village timings are between 4 p.m. and 10 p.m.
- Book in advance, especially during peak season.
- Camel rides and certain activities may have age restrictions, so be sure to check when booking.
Pro Tip: Bring a jacket for cooler desert evenings, especially if visiting between November and March.
Day 3: Go on a Jebel Jais Adventure
Today is all about exploring the highest peak in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and enjoying the mountain’s mix of adventure and scenic views.
Start your morning at the Bear Grylls Explorers Camp. Join guided activities like rock climbing, hiking, and survival skills workshops. Many of these programs are tailored for beginners, making them suitable for older kids and teens.
Next, head to the Jais Sky Tour. This multi-zipline experience takes you gliding over the Hajar Mountains, offering a bird’s-eye view of the rugged landscape. Note that there are age, height, and weight requirements, so be sure to confirm those before booking.
After working up an appetite, you and your family can refuel at 1484 by Puro. As the highest restaurant in the country, it offers panoramic mountain views alongside a menu with international and kid-friendly dishes.
Finally, end your adventure at the Viewing Deck Park. Here, you can take in the cool mountain breeze while the kids explore the walkways and observation areas, perfect for capturing photos before heading back to the resort.
Here are a few reminders to make your day much more enjoyable:
- Advance booking is required for Bear Grylls Explorers Camp, 1484 by Puro, and Jais Sky Tour, especially on weekends.
- Wear comfortable shoes and bring sun protection.
- Mountain temperatures can be cooler than the city, so bring a light jacket.
Pro Tip: Pack snacks and water for the day, as food options are limited outside the main attractions.
Day 4: Join Enriching Cultural Activities
Spend your fourth and final vacation day immersing in Ras Al Khaimah’s rich heritage with a visit to the Pearls farm. Located in Al Rams, this immersive experience begins with a boat ride, followed by a guided tour of the heritage-style floats and farming operations.
Your family can watch a live oyster-opening demonstration, learn about traditional pearl-diving techniques and sustainable pearl farming, and get some souvenirs before heading back.
Some things to bear in mind:
- Tours typically run from about 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the last pearl-tour slot around 3 p.m.
- All ages are welcome, but dress modestly as you’re visiting a local area. Sunscreen is encouraged.
After the tour, you can enjoy relaxed beach or pool time back at the resort and relish a gentle close to your adventure-packed holiday before departure.
Pro Tip: Ask your hotel to help arrange a private transfer so your family can travel comfortably and stress free.
On to Your Next Family Adventure
Beach days, mountain adventures, and cultural treasures — Ras Al Khaimah delivers experiences every generation can enjoy. Create your own itinerary or simply follow this four-day guide to explore this quiet, hidden gem of the UAE. Check out family holiday packages in Ras Al Khaimah and make memories your kids will talk about for years.
