Family Half-Day: Water Bike & Beach Time at La Mer, Dubai
A relaxed, family-focused half-day at La Mer beach featuring a guided 30-minute water-bike session (briefing + ride), plenty of beach play time, and a family-friendly lunch. Designed for families with older kids (recommended 12+ for the water-bike) — includes stroller- and restroom-friendly breaks and local tips.
In Collaboration with Experiences Portal Co LLC. Updated on February 13, 2026.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Experiences Portal Co LLC, inspired by the tour Water Bike in The Palm Dubai. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Guided 30-minute water-bike session at La Mer (life jackets & instructor provided)
- Family beach play and splash pad time
- Relaxed family lunch at The Cheesecake Factory - La Mer
- La Mer promenade stroll and ice cream
Explore all itineraries in Dubai.
Itinerary
Day 1
Half-day family outing at La Mer (morning water activity + lunch). December is winter in Dubai — mornings are pleasantly cool for kids to enjoy water sports and the beach.
Arrive & check in at La Mer meeting point (safety briefing)
Meet at the La Mer beachfront check-in point 15 minutes before your scheduled water-bike time for registration and a short safety briefing with the instructor.
Tips from local experts:
- Arrive 15 minutes early — La Mer parking fills quickly on weekends; use the public car park entrances near 2 A Street to avoid circling.
- Facilities: La Mer has family restrooms and changing rooms close to the beachfront — rinse off and change before/after the activity.
- Stroller hack: push as far as the beachfront promenade; then park the stroller at the shaded promenade benches while the child joins the briefing (promenade is step-free).
Guided Water-Bike session (30 minutes)
Super-stable water-bike ride with a certified instructor. Includes life jackets, short briefing, and 30 minutes on the water. Operator provides safety equipment — you just bring swimwear and a towel.
Tips from local experts:
- Age & safety: Operator recommends participants be age 12+ (check booking notes if you have younger kids). Make sure children meet the operator's minimum height/weight requirements on booking day.
- What to wear: Swimwear with a T-shirt under the life-jacket is ideal (the operator asks for a T-shirt under the lifejacket). Bring a waterproof phone pouch to capture family photos from the shore.
- Sun & hydration: Even in winter, apply reef-safe sunscreen before the session and bring a water bottle to the shoreline — there's shade on the promenade for waiting family members.
Beach time & rinse — La Mer family-friendly beach
After the water-bike, enjoy free play on the soft sand, paddling near the shore, and the nearby splash-pad/play areas. Time to rinse and change if needed.
Tips from local experts:
- Facilities: The stretch near the water-sports area has public showers and family changing rooms — use these to rinse off sand and salt after the ride.
- Playground options: La Mer has a small splash area and shallow spots ideal for supervised paddling — keep flotation vests handy for younger non-swimmers.
- Pacing: Plan 10–15 extra minutes between activities for bathroom breaks, sunscreen re-application, and snack time — this keeps the day mellow for kids.
Family lunch at The Cheesecake Factory — La Mer
A relaxed, kid-friendly menu with large portions and familiar choices. Good for groups and families (high chairs and children’s options typically available).
- Monday10:00 AM – 1:00 AM
- Tuesday10:00 AM – 1:00 AM
- Wednesday10:00 AM – 1:00 AM
- Thursday10:00 AM – 1:00 AM
- Friday10:00 AM – 2:00 AM
- Saturday10:00 AM – 2:00 AM
- Sunday10:00 AM – 1:00 AM
Tips from local experts:
- High chairs & menu: The Cheesecake Factory typically supplies high chairs and has plenty of child-friendly options — ask for a kids' portion or split plates for picky eaters.
- Timing: Arrive by 12:10 to avoid the post-weekend lunch rush at La Mer; this also gives kids a calmer meal after playtime.
- Dietary needs: Staff are used to family dietary requests — mention allergies up front and they can suggest safer menu choices; desserts are generous for a celebratory treat.
Ice cream & promenade stroll
Finish with a relaxed stroll along the La Mer promenade, grab an ice cream or cold drink, and enjoy the seaside sculptures and shaded benches.
Tips from local experts:
- Ice cream pick: Try one of the beachfront gelato stands near the promenade — portions are family-sized and perfect for sharing.
- Photo spot: The colorful La Mer murals and beachfront sculptures make for quick family photos (choose shaded benches for better light on bright days).
- Wrap-up: Use the promenade's step-free paths to return to your car or taxi; this is stroller-friendly and keeps exits smooth for napping kids.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 4 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Families |
| Transfers | - |
| Restaurants | 1 |
| Total Activities | 5 |
| Total Places | 5 |
| Activities Types | Experience, Sport, Outdoor, Restaurant, Break |
Why this experience
A water bike ride along Jumeirah's shoreline is gentler than it sounds and more engaging than you'd expect. You pedal along the coast, see the beach from the water's perspective, and understand why people live here. Kids like the control—they're pedaling, not just sitting. Parents like the pace—it's active but not exhausting. By the time you reach La Mer beach for the second half, everyone's ready to do nothing: splash in the water, eat ice cream, float in the lazy river, watch the kids navigate the splash park.
This half-day feels complete without dominating your schedule. You get both activity and relaxation, which is the real goal of a family beach day. The beach itself is designed for families—safer than open ocean, with amenities nearby—so you don't spend mental energy on logistics.
Before you go
- Best time: Winter and spring (November to April), when water temperatures are comfortable and air temperatures are mild. Summer is possible but hot; avoid if you have very young children.
- Budget: Check the booking widget for current tour pricing. Half-day water bike and beach packages typically fall in the budget to mid-range family category.
- Difficulty: Easy — water biking requires basic balance and pedaling. Beach time has no difficulty.
- What to bring: Swimwear, a beach cover-up, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and water shoes (helpful for the water bike). Bring cash for beach snacks and the splash park.
- Getting there: Hotel pick-up is often included, or you can meet at La Mer beach directly. Confirm transport details when you book.
- Accessibility: Water bikes require moderate balance and coordination. Beach areas and splash park are accessible. Confirm specific needs with your operator.
Frequently asked questions
How difficult is water biking for kids? Most kids 5+ can handle it with adult supervision. Younger kids may need significant support. Ask your operator about weight restrictions and supervision ratios.
Is the water bike safe? Yes. You're in calm beach waters, not the open sea. Life vests are provided, and guides accompany the group.
Is La Mer beach crowded? Weekday mornings are quietest. Weekends, especially late morning/afternoon, are busier. Book an early time slot if you prefer fewer crowds.
What's included in this itinerary? This itinerary on TheNextGuide is free to read and follow at your own pace. The booked experience includes water bike rental (usually 1-2 hours), guide/supervision, and access to La Mer beach facilities. La Mer splash park entry may be included or paid separately. Food and premium beverages are your own expense.
Complete your trip in Dubai
Complement your beach day with these family experiences.
- Downtown Dubai for Families—Aquarium, KidZania, Burj Khalifa — Move from beach to indoor attractions for a full-day city experience.
- 2-Day Family-Friendly Dubai—Spring, Practical, Caring Plan — Build a two-day family itinerary that balances beach, city, and culture.
- Miracle Garden Ticket Dubai with Shared Transfers — Swap water for flowers and explore a different family-friendly half-day activity.
Browse all Dubai itineraries at TheNextGuide.
Last updated: April 2026
