DXB Family Zone – Dubai Airport Terminal 3 Kids Play Area & Family Facilities Guide 2026
Your complete guide to the DXB Family Zone and kids play area at Dubai International Airport Terminal 3 — location, everything inside the play zone, nursing rooms, stroller rental, Game Space for older kids, family-friendly dining, baby care facilities, and top tips for stress-free family travel through Terminal 3.
DXB Family Zone at Terminal 3 — Overview
Travelling through Dubai Airport Terminal 3 with young children is a genuinely comfortable experience — Dubai Airports has invested significantly in purpose-built family facilities throughout the terminal. The centrepiece is the DXB Family Zone, a dedicated kids play area and family space located in Concourse B’s Zen Gardens between Gates B7 and B8, designed specifically to keep children entertained and give parents a proper rest before boarding.
Beyond the Family Zone kids play area, Terminal 3 offers complimentary strollers from check-in, 24/7 baby care rooms in Concourses A and B, nursing suites, family-friendly dining throughout all three concourses, Game Space DXB for older children and teens, and dedicated family lanes at check-in and security. Dubai Airport has been recognised as one of the world’s most family-friendly airports — including the World Travel Awards 2024 Best Family-Friendly Airport.
💡 All completely free: The DXB Family Zone kids play area at Terminal 3 is free to use for all passengers — no ticket, no booking, no charge. Simply walk in with your boarding pass. The same applies to the strollers and baby care rooms. Only Game Space DXB has a usage fee for adults — children can join parents who have purchased access.
DXB Family Zone Kids Play Area — What’s Inside
The DXB Family Zone kids play area at Terminal 3 was designed and built by Dubai Airports and is one of the most thoughtfully conceived children’s spaces at any major international airport. The entire area takes its design inspiration from the Arabian Desert — the floor topography mimics rolling sand dunes, encouraging children to walk, run, and explore. Traditional Arabian patterns are featured throughout all areas.
The floor of the kids play area is shaped like sand dunes — gently undulating surfaces for toddlers and young children to walk on, climb over, and explore. Traditional Arabian design patterns decorate all surfaces. A genuinely creative and culturally immersive play environment unlike any other airport kids zone.
A dedicated climbing area with rope-style structures — described by parents as “similar to spider webs” in design. Ideal for burning off the excess energy that builds up during long flights and layovers. Popular with children aged 3–10 and one of the most heavily used features of the kids play area.
An interactive games section within the kids play area featuring computer-animated activities and floor projection games. Includes a children’s security machine where images are projected onto the floor — helping younger children feel relaxed and familiar with the airport screening process before their flight.
Multiple television screens throughout the Family Zone showing dedicated children’s programming. A welcome distraction for toddlers and young children between active play. Helps keep younger children calm and settled during the final waiting period before boarding.
Dedicated baby changing rooms directly within the Family Zone kids play area — equipped with changing tables, a preparation counter for baby food and milk, 2–3 private breastfeeding cabins each with a crib, hot water dispensers, and full hygiene facilities. Cleaned regularly throughout the day.
Specially designed “conversational-style” seating for families — both individual seats and group seating configurations allowing parents to sit together and watch their children play. Placed throughout the Family Zone so parents always have a line of sight to the play equipment. More comfortable than standard airport seating.
What the Kids Play Area is Suitable For — By Age
Breastfeeding cabins
Sand-dune floor exploration
Children’s TV screens
Stroller-friendly layout
Small slide
Floor projection games
Interactive zone
Children’s TV
Climbing structures
Interactive games zone
Computer animated activities
Floor projection games
Game Space nearby (paid)
40 gaming stations
PlayStation, PC, VR
Fortnite, FIFA, COD
Priority Pass accepted
DXB Family Zone Location — How to Find the Kids Play Area
The main DXB Family Zone kids play area is located in Concourse B — the largest and most central of Terminal 3’s three concourses. It sits within the iconic Zen Gardens area of Concourse B, between Gates B7 and B8.
📍 Exact location: Concourse B, Zen Gardens, between Gates B7 and B8
🚶 From the main Terminal 3 building: Concourse B is directly connected — no train needed. Follow signs for “Concourse B / Gates B1–B32” from the main terminal building. Once in Concourse B, follow signs for “Family Zone” or “Kids Play Area” — also signed as “DXB Family Zone”
🕐 Open: Daily, approximately 06:00–23:00. Baby care rooms open 24 hours
💳 Cost: Completely free — valid boarding pass required to access Concourse B (airside area)
🧭 Landmark: The Family Zone is located next to the Zen Gardens — the beautiful koi fish garden in Concourse B. If you find the Zen Gardens, you are immediately adjacent to the Family Zone kids play area
💡 Secondary Family Zones: While the main DXB Family Zone kids play area is in Concourse B between Gates B7 and B8, family-friendly facilities including baby care rooms, nursing suites, and stroller-friendly areas are also available in Concourse A and Concourse C. There are reportedly 5 play zones across T1 and T3 in total. If you are boarding from Concourse A or C, ask any airport staff member to direct you to the nearest family facility.
Game Space DXB — Kids Play Area for Older Children & Teens
For children aged 10 and above, teenagers, and gaming-enthusiast adults, Game Space DXB is the standout activity at Terminal 3. Located in Concourse B near Gate B27 — just a short walk from the main Family Zone — it is the region’s first airport gaming lounge, opened on 21 November 2022.
🎮 Game Space DXB — Key Details:
📍 Location: Concourse B, near Gate B27 — Family Zone area
⏰ Hours: Open 24 hours
🕹️ Stations: 40 gaming stations with 50-inch screens
🖥️ Equipment: High-spec gaming PCs + PlayStation consoles; half the rigs are Republic of Gamers (ROG) gear — 2K 240Hz monitors, RGB keyboards
🎯 Games available: Fortnite, FIFA / EA Sports FC, Gran Turismo 7, League of Legends, Call of Duty, Minecraft, Fall Guys, NBA 2K, Crash Bandicoot, DOTA 2, Netflix, internet browsing
💳 Access: Charged by the hour — Priority Pass cardholders can use lounge visit entitlement for unlimited game time
👨👩👧 Age suitability: All ages welcome — game selection includes family-friendly and age-appropriate titles
🍔 Food & drinks: Available at Game Space — can be delivered to your station
💡 Family tip for Game Space: Game Space is a genuinely excellent way to occupy older children (10+) and teenagers during a long layover. The side-by-side seating allows a parent and child to game together — or a sibling pair to play head-to-head. If you hold a Priority Pass card (often included with premium UAE bank cards), one Game Space visit counts as a lounge visit — giving unlimited gaming for the duration at no extra cost.
Nursing Rooms & Baby Care Facilities at Terminal 3
Terminal 3 has extensive, purpose-built baby care and nursing facilities — not just within the Family Zone kids play area but throughout all three concourses. These are among the best nursing and baby care facilities at any major international airport.
Private, comfortable breastfeeding cabins with seating, cribs, and complete privacy. The Family Zone in Concourse B has 2–3 dedicated breastfeeding cabins. Additional nursing rooms are located in Concourses A, B, and C — open 24 hours in select concourses. Cleaned regularly. Always ask airport staff for the nearest location to your gate.
A dedicated counter within the Family Zone for preparing baby food and milk — with hot water dispensers, clean surfaces, and appropriate facilities. Parents can prepare formula, heat food, and sterilise feeding equipment. No need to carry everything from home — the facilities are there and ready.
Baby changing tables are available in restrooms throughout Terminal 3 — in the arrivals area, departures hall, and all three concourses. The Family Zone in Concourse B has the most comprehensive changing facilities. “Powdering booths” and family toilets are also available in refurbished washrooms throughout the terminal.
Spacious family restrooms with extra-wide cubicles are available throughout Terminal 3. A family restroom is located near Gate B10 and close to the departures entrance. These offer more space for parents travelling with young children, strollers, and changing bags — far more comfortable than standard washroom cubicles.
💡 Nursing room location tip: The primary nursing rooms in Terminal 3 are in Concourses A and B. The fastest route from the Concourse B arrivals area to the nearest nursing suite is approximately 4 minutes / 300 metres. For real-time location of the nearest nursing room to your gate, open the Dubai Airports app and use the interactive terminal map.
Free Stroller Rental at Terminal 3
Emirates Terminal 3 offers complimentary strollers for all passengers travelling with young children — a genuinely useful facility when navigating the vast 1.7 million square metre terminal. You can pick up a stroller near the check-in desks and return it at the gate before boarding.
🛒 Stroller rental at Terminal 3:
📍 Pick-up location: Near the check-in desks in Emirates Terminal 3 (landside). Also available near Gate B22 post-security (Concourse B)
💰 Cost: Complimentary — completely free of charge
🔄 Return: Simply leave the stroller at the stroller park near your departure gate before boarding
🧼 Hygiene: Strollers are regularly sanitised with long-lasting disinfectant spray
⚠️ Note: A refundable deposit of AED 50 may be required at some pick-up points (March 2025 data) — refunded when stroller is returned in good condition
🛡️ Accessibility: People of Determination and families with additional mobility needs can also request electric wheelchair assistance at the terminal entrance
💡 Stroller and boarding: You can use the stroller all the way to the aircraft gate — simply fold and leave it at the gate-side stroller park immediately before boarding. The stroller will be collected by airport staff. You do not need to carry it onto the aircraft. If you have your own stroller, ask at check-in about gate-checking — it will be returned to you at the aircraft door or baggage claim at your destination.
Family-Friendly Dining Near the Kids Play Area at Terminal 3
The Family Zone in Concourse B is surrounded by some of Terminal 3’s best family-friendly restaurants. Several outlets offer high chairs, kids menus, and child-friendly environments within easy reach of the kids play area.
The most family-recommended restaurant at Terminal 3. Giraffe offers a wide international menu with a dedicated kids menu, high chairs, and a relaxed, colourful atmosphere that children love. Healthy options, fresh juices, and quick service. One of the best options for families with young children at DXB.
Located directly adjacent to the Family Zone kids play area near Gate B8, The Daily DXB is ideal for a quick family breakfast, lunch, or snack while keeping an eye on children in the play zone. Healthy wraps, salads, sandwiches, and fresh juices. The AED 45 healthy kids chicken wrap is one of the highest-rated kids meals at DXB.
Children’s favourite — waffles, crêpes, and pastries all loaded with Nutella. A guaranteed hit with children of all ages. Located in arrivals (near the taxi exit) and also in Concourse B near Gate B28. One of the first treats families can enjoy immediately after landing at Terminal 3.
Both Five Guys (Concourse B — largest in UAE) and Shake Shack (Concourse A — inaugural worldwide airport location) are popular with older children and teenagers. Reliable, familiar food that even fussy eaters enjoy. Five Guys is a short walk from the Family Zone.
For a complete list of all 60+ restaurants at Terminal 3, see our full restaurants guide.
Family Check-In & Security at Terminal 3
Terminal 3 has specific provisions to make check-in and security faster and more manageable for travelling families:
🍼 Baby liquids and formula through security: Baby milk, formula, and baby food are exempt from the 100ml liquids rule at Dubai Airport — you can carry as much as is reasonably required for your journey. You will be asked to declare it at the security tray. Staff are trained to handle this quickly and without fuss. Always declare baby liquids proactively to avoid delays.
🛡️ Children’s security machine: The children’s security experience at Terminal 3 includes floor projection images designed to make young children feel relaxed and comfortable during the screening process. This was introduced as part of the Family Zone development and is genuinely effective in reducing anxiety for first-time young flyers.
Family Layover Plans at Terminal 3 — By Duration
| Layover Length | Recommended Plan for Families |
|---|---|
| Under 2 hours | Kids play area (Family Zone, Concourse B). Quick snack at The Daily DXB or Nutella Café. Nappy change / nursing if needed. Stay near your departure gate. |
| 2–4 hours | Full kids play area session — climbing, interactive games, TV screens. Sit-down family meal at Giraffe. Browse Dubai Duty Free (kids section). Baby care / nursing rooms. Stroller pickup for tired toddlers. |
| 4–8 hours | Full Family Zone + Zen Gardens visit. Giraffe or Five Guys meal. Game Space DXB for older kids (1–2 hours). Sleep ‘n Fly YAWN Bunk Cabins (family pods with pull-out kids bed — pre-book). Dubai Duty Free shopping. |
| 8+ hours (overnight) | Dubai International Hotel — hourly family room booking (pool, kids playground, 9 restaurants, in-room dining). Sleep ‘n Fly overnight slots. Game Space for older children. Consider transit visa to visit Dubai city if eligible (Dubai Mall, Aquarium, Burj Khalifa viewing). |
Top Tips for Families at Dubai Airport Terminal 3
💡 Tip 1 — Head straight to the Family Zone after security: After clearing security into Concourse B, head directly to the Family Zone between Gates B7 and B8. Let children burn energy in the kids play area first — they will be calmer and easier to manage for the rest of the layover and the flight itself.
💡 Tip 2 — Collect stroller at check-in: Pick up a free stroller at the Emirates Terminal 3 check-in desks before heading through security. Even if your child usually walks, a stroller is invaluable for navigating Terminal 3’s vast distances — Concourse A to Concourse C is over 1.5 km on foot.
💡 Tip 3 — Gate B22 for post-security stroller: If you have already passed through security and need a stroller, there is a stroller loan point near Gate B22 in Concourse B. A refundable AED 50 deposit may be required — return it at the gate before boarding.
💡 Tip 4 — Pre-book Sleep ‘n Fly for overnight layovers: For families on long overnight layovers, the Sleep ‘n Fly YAWN Bunk Cabins in Concourse B have pull-out kids’ beds — making them the only proper overnight rest option for families at Terminal 3. Pre-book online at dubaiairports.ae to guarantee availability.
💡 Tip 5 — Game Space for the 10+ age group: The Family Zone kids play area is primarily designed for children under 10. For older children and teenagers, Game Space DXB near Gate B27 is the better option — 40 gaming stations with PlayStation, PC, VR, and high-spec screens. It is a short walk from the Family Zone and the two together cover all ages comprehensively.
💡 Tip 6 — Allow time to reach Concourse A: If your Emirates flight departs from Concourse A (an A380 flight), you need to take the Automated People Mover (APM) train from the main terminal — allow an extra 10–15 minutes. The Family Zone is in Concourse B so plan your gate departure time accordingly.
💡 Tip 7 — Family dining near Gate B8: The Daily DXB near Gate B8 is the best-placed restaurant for families using the Concourse B kids play area — it is close enough that you can see the play zone from the seating area. Perfect for a meal where parents can keep an eye on playing children without leaving the restaurant.
Frequently Asked Questions — DXB Family Zone & Kids Play Area
Quick answers to the most common questions about the family zone and kids play area at Dubai Airport Terminal 3.