Dubai Helicopter Ride & Ski Dubai: A Family Half-Day Itinerary
Please note the images within this post were generated using AI for illustrative purposes.
Want to experience Dubai from the sky before swapping the sunshine for snow?
This family half day itinerary combines a 12 minute HeliDubai helicopter ride with snow activities at Ski Dubai, followed by a relaxed meal at the Mall of the Emirates. With just two attractions close to each other, families can enjoy an exciting morning without spending the entire day travelling or rushing between activities.
Start Your Day with a 12 Minute Dubai Helicopter Ride
The highlight of this itinerary is the 12 minute Dubai helicopter experience, giving families the opportunity to see Dubai’s famous landmarks from above.
Depending on the flight route and conditions, passengers can enjoy aerial views of Palm Jumeirah, Burj Al Arab and Dubai’s impressive skyline. For children who enjoy flying and sightseeing, it can be an unforgettable experience.
What Families Need to Know
Details | Information |
|---|---|
Experience | HeliDubai 12 minute helicopter flight |
Flight duration | 12 minutes |
Departure | Dubai Police Academy, Al Sufouh |
Minimum age | 2 years (double check this with your provider) |
Check-in | Arrive at least 45 minutes before departure |
Starting price | Approximately AED 703.87 per person |
Recommended booking | Morning flight |
Prices and booking conditions can change. Check the operator’s latest passenger and safety requirements before purchasing tickets.
Is a 12 Minute Flight Long Enough for Children?
A shorter helicopter flight can work well for families who want the excitement of flying without spending too long in the air. However, it is worth remembering that the entire experience takes longer than 12 minutes once check-in, safety instructions and waiting time are included.
For families with children who are nervous about flying or sensitive to noise, consider whether a helicopter experience is suitable before booking.
Book Your Dubai Helicopter Experience
Ready to see Dubai from above? Check available departure times, compare ticket prices and review passenger requirements before planning the rest of your family day.
Check Helicopter Tickets on Klook →Affiliate link: We may earn a small commission if you book through this link, at no additional cost to you.
Head to Ski Dubai for Some Snow Fun
After your helicopter experience, head to Ski Dubai, located inside Mall of the Emirates. This is a convenient second stop because the helicopter departure point is nearby.
Children can experience real snow in the middle of Dubai, with activities varying depending on the ticket package selected. Depending on age, height and ticket inclusions, families may enjoy snow play, sledging and other winter-themed activities.
Which Ski Dubai Ticket Should Families Choose?
Ticket Type (Prices from AED 176.46) | Best Suited For |
|---|---|
Snow Park entry package | Families wanting general snow activities |
Packages with additional rides | Families with older children who meet activity restrictions |
Skiing or snowboarding packages | Families specifically wanting lessons or slope access |
For this itinerary, I recommend a Snow Park package rather than a skiing lesson, unless your family specifically wants to learn to ski. Allow approximately 1½ to 2 hours for snow activities, or longer if your chosen package includes additional experiences.
Check what clothing and equipment are provided, whether gloves are included, and the age and height restrictions before booking.
Experience Snow Fun at Ski Dubai
After your helicopter adventure, head to Ski Dubai for some family snow fun! Explore available Snow Park packages, check age restrictions and compare ticket options to find the best experience for your family.
Check Ski Dubai Tickets on Klook →Affiliate link: We may earn a small commission if you book through this link, at no additional cost to you.
Finish with a Family Meal at the Mall of the Emirates
After the helicopter ride and Ski Dubai, families can enjoy a meal without needing to travel to another destination. Mall of the Emirates has a wide choice of restaurants, cafés and casual dining options.
For families with younger children, the food court or a casual restaurant may be the easiest choice, particularly after spending time in the snow.
Family tip: Avoid booking a restaurant reservation immediately after Ski Dubai. Give yourselves some flexibility for changing clothes, toilet breaks and unexpected delays.
Suggested Family Half Day Timetable
The example below is based on a 10:00 AM helicopter flight.
Time | Activity |
|---|---|
9:15 AM | Arrive at HeliDubai, check in and attend safety briefing |
10:00 AM | Enjoy your 12-minute helicopter flight |
10:15 to 11:00 AM | Finish at the helipad and travel to Mall of the Emirates |
11:00 AM to 1:00 PM | Enjoy Ski Dubai snow activities |
1:00 to 2:00 PM | Relax and enjoy a family meal |
2:00 PM | Finish your family outing |
This is an example schedule, not confirmed attraction availability. Allow additional time for flight delays, queues and changing clothes. Also the benefit of this itinerary is that the family has experienced two contrasting activities and enjoyed a meal, while still having the rest of the afternoon free.
Plan Your Dubai Family Day Around Your Schedule
Every family has a different routine. Choose a helicopter departure time that suits your children, then plan your Ski Dubai experience and family meal around it. The itinerary below is just an example, so there's no need to follow the exact times.
| Experience | Available Times |
|---|---|
|
HeliDubai 12-Minute Helicopter Ride
Arrive at least 45 minutes before departure. |
09:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00 13:00, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00 |
|
Ski Dubai
Snow Park activities and family experiences. |
10:00 AM – 11:59 PM* |
*Times are indicative and may change depending on the date, weather, operating hours and ticket availability. Ski Dubai's last admission may be earlier than closing time. Always confirm both attractions' schedules before booking.
Check Tickets & Plan Your Visit
We recommend booking your helicopter flight first, as your departure time will help determine when to visit Ski Dubai. Leave enough time for check-in, travelling between attractions and a relaxed family meal.
The suggested half-day timetable in this guide is an example, not a fixed schedule. Choose the times that work best for your family, and allow some flexibility for breaks, queues and travel.
Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission if you book through our links, at no additional cost to you.
How Much will This Family Half Day Cost?
The helicopter flight will account for most of the budget. HeliDubai currently advertises its 12-minute shared flight from AED 703.87 per person, while Ski Dubai lists its Snow Base ticket from AED 176.46 per person.
Expense | Family of 4 |
|---|---|
HeliDubai flight | From AED 2,815.40 |
Ski Dubai Snow Base | From AED 705.84 |
Family meal (example allowance) | From AED 800 |
Transport (example allowance) | From AED 300 |
Estimated total | AED 4,621.24 |
Dubai Family Half-Day Budget Calculator
Calculate your family budget for the helicopter ride, Ski Dubai and a meal. Choose AED, GBP or USD to view all costs in your preferred currency.
Your Estimated Family Costs
| Helicopter Tickets | AED 2,815.48 |
| Ski Dubai Tickets | AED 705.84 |
| Food & Drinks | AED 180.00 |
| Transport | AED 80.00 |
| Additional Expenses | AED 0.00 |
Estimated Total Family Budget
Exchange rates are estimates based on reference rates from 10 November 2026. They do not update automatically. Ticket prices may change. Always check the final booking price and any currency conversion fees.
Explore More Dubai Family Adventures
Dubai Hot Air Balloon & Fountain Lake Ride: A Family Day Itinerary
Looking for another memorable Dubai experience? Discover how to combine a hot air balloon attraction with a relaxing Dubai Fountain Lake ride. Our family itinerary helps you plan your day, organise your activities and enjoy two different Dubai experiences without overcomplicating your plans.
Explore the Dubai Family Itinerary →More family-friendly Dubai itineraries from Fun Across the World.
Important Tips Before Booking
Book the helicopter first. Your flight time will determine the rest of your itinerary.
Bring identification. HeliDubai requires a valid passport or government-issued photo ID for passengers.
Consider the weather. Helicopter flights can be delayed or rescheduled due to weather or operational conditions.
Check Ski Dubai age restrictions. Children must be at least 2 years old, and younger visitors need an accompanying ticket-holding adult.
Pack sensibly. Ski Dubai supplies winter clothing and equipment with its Snow Park passes, but check the exact inclusions.
Don’t rush lunch or dinner. Leave enough time for children to change, rest and eat before heading back to your accommodation.
Is this Dubai Family Itinerary Worth it?
If you’re visiting Dubai for a special occasion or want a memorable family experience, combining a helicopter flight with Ski Dubai can make an exciting half-day outing. The helicopter flight is undoubtedly the expensive part. However, Ski Dubai offers additional entertainment nearby, while Mall of the Emirates provides a convenient place to finish with a meal.
For families travelling on a smaller budget, it may be better to enjoy Ski Dubai on its own rather than stretch the budget for a 12-minute flight.
Our recommendation: Book a morning helicopter flight, enjoy up to two hours at Ski Dubai, then finish with lunch or dinner. There’s no need to add another attraction.
Plan Your Dubai Family Experience
Ready to plan your family adventure? Start by checking available helicopter departure times, then explore Ski Dubai Snow Park tickets to complete your half-day itinerary. Choose the times and experiences that work best for your family.
Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a small commission if you book through these links, at no additional cost to you.