Looking for a fun, interactive family day out in Dubai? The Waterfront Market Dubai, the city’s largest food market, is your go-to destination for a vibrant mix of fresh produce, seafood, spices, and much more. It’s a place where food lovers can explore, taste, and learn together with 800 traders under one roof. Here are six exciting reasons to visit the Waterfront Market with your family:
1. Play the Spot-the-Species Tally Game

Start your adventure at the live fish tanks, where the kids can take part in a fun game of spot-the-species. With over 25 different types of sea creatures on display, from king crabs to candy lobsters, oysters, and prawns. The Seafood & Fish Market boasts over 260 varieties of fish and seafood, including popular options like Hamour, Sheri, and parrotfish, ensuring that the little ones are engaged all day long.
2. From Market to Family Table

There’s something special about enjoying fresh produce directly from the market to your plate. The Market-to-Table experience at Waterfront Market allows you and your family to handpick your seafood. Here you can clean it and prepare, and then relax at a waterfront restaurant as it’s cooked to perfection. This experience is not only a delightful way to enjoy a nourishing meal together. However, it’s also a chance to teach your children about where their food comes from and how it reaches the table in its freshest form.
3. Fresh Finds from Every Corner of the World

Prepare to be amazed by the vibrant, colourful display at the Fruits & Vegetables Market. With over 160 varieties from 80 local farms and imports from across the globe, the market is a feast for the eyes. From the bright pinks of Ecuadorian pitahaya to the golden hues of South African avocados and Colombian baby bananas, every aisle offers something new and exciting for the whole family to discover. Kids will love identifying new shapes, colours, and scents, while you can fill your trolley with the freshest produce available in town.
4. Follow Your Nose to the Spice Trail
Let your senses lead you through the Dry Goods & Spices Market, where over 250 varieties of dates, nuts, grains, and spices await. The rich aromas of saffron, cardamom, turmeric, and sumac create a sensory experience unlike any other. As you walk through, be sure to stop by the Cheese, Dairy & Roastery area to pick up freshly ground coffee beans and an excellent selection of cheeses to take home. It’s a true treasure hunt for food lovers of all ages.
5. Get a Passport to Yummy Town at Waterfront Market
Transform your visit into a mini adventure with the Little Foodie Explorers Passport. This free passport is designed for children to explore the market while interacting with traders, learning about fresh ingredients, and collecting stamps along the way. The passport encourages kids to use their senses, ask questions, and discover new foods. Once they complete their journey, they can hand in their passport for a certificate and prizes. It’s a great way to keep the little ones engaged, build their confidence, and sneak in some learning while you shop.
6. It’s Trolley Time for Tiny Hands

Give your little ones a taste of independence by letting them take charge of the shopping basket. With the Little Roller Trolley, children can have a blast shopping for fresh produce. Whether it’s picking out Ecuadorian pitahaya or local cucumbers, they’ll love the hands-on experience. It’s a fun and educational way to teach them about healthy eating, the importance of colourful fruits and vegetables, and even money management as they compare prices per kilo.
Contact & Location
Time: Open daily; Dry Goods Section from 6 am to 1 am; Supermarket opens at 8 am; Bazaar opens from 10 am to 10 pm & on weekends from 10 am to 12 pm
Images: supplied
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