Burj Khalifa is family-friendly and well-suited to children of all ages. Children under 3 years old enter free. Children aged 3–12 receive a discounted ticket on the standard At the Top (levels 124 & 125) experience. The observation decks are accessible by elevator with no stairs required. The experience typically takes 90 minutes. For families, early afternoon (1 pm – 3 pm) on a weekday offers the best balance of manageable crowds and reasonable ticket prices.
Visiting the world’s tallest building with children is a genuinely memorable experience — the scale of the tower, the glass floor on level 125, and the aerial views of Dubai’s coastline and desert tend to make an impression on children and adults alike. With the right timing and a few practical considerations, a family visit to the Burj Khalifa runs smoothly.
This guide covers ticket pricing for children, what kids enjoy most, age-appropriate advice, stroller access, and how to combine the Burj Khalifa visit with the nearby family attractions at Dubai Mall.
Top Tickets
# Level 124 & 125 Ticket – At the Top Burj Khalifa
# Level 124, 125 & 148 Ticket – At the Top SKY (Premium)
Table of Contents
Burj Khalifa Ticket Prices for Children 2026
Children under 3 years old enter Burj Khalifa free — no ticket purchase required. Children aged 3–12 qualify for a discounted child ticket on the standard At the Top (floors 124 & 125) experience, priced below the adult rate. Children aged 13 and above are charged the adult rate. For the At the Top SKY (floor 148) experience, children aged 4 and above pay the standard SKY ticket price — there is no child discount at this level.
For a full current price breakdown including child, adult, and prime vs non-prime rates, see our Burj Khalifa ticket prices guide. Always book children’s tickets online in advance to confirm the child discount — walk-up pricing at the venue is higher for all ticket types.
Children’s ticket summary:
- Under 3 years: Free entry — no ticket required
- Ages 3–12: Discounted child ticket (At the Top, floors 124 & 125)
- Ages 13+: Adult ticket rate applies
- At the Top SKY (floor 148): No child discount — standard SKY price for all visitors aged 4+
What Do Kids Enjoy Most at Burj Khalifa?
The glass floor on level 125 is consistently the highlight for children — looking directly down at the streets 455 metres below creates genuine excitement and a memorable photo opportunity. The elevator ride itself (travelling at 10 metres per second, one of the world’s fastest) is thrilling for children. The aerial view of the Dubai Fountain directly below is also a favourite — particularly if timed to coincide with an afternoon fountain show at 1 pm or 1:30 pm.
The Glass Floor (Level 125)
Level 125’s glass floor is the standout feature for children of all ages. The animated ‘cracks’ in the glass that appear beneath visitors’ feet add a playful element that children find hilarious and slightly terrifying in equal measure. Most kids want to photograph each other on the glass floor — budget extra time here.
The Elevator Ride
The double-deck elevator travels at 10 metres per second — one of the fastest in the world. The ascent takes approximately 60 seconds to reach floor 124. The interior features a time-lapse display of Dubai’s growth, which children tend to find fascinating. The descent is equally fast. For very young children who are nervous about enclosed spaces or high speeds, it’s worth mentioning this beforehand.
The Aerial View of the Fountain
The Dubai Fountain runs afternoon shows at 1 pm and 1:30 pm, and evening shows every 30 minutes from 6 pm. Watching the fountain jets from 452 metres directly above — from the outdoor terrace on level 124 — gives children a perspective on the scale of the fountain that ground-level viewing doesn’t convey. The jets reach 150 metres in height; from the deck, you’re looking down on them from 300 metres higher still.
The Interactive Sky Map
The interactive Sky Map touchscreens on level 124 let visitors identify and learn about the landmarks visible from the observation deck. Children who enjoy geography and aviation tend to find these engaging. For more on the exhibits inside the tower, see our Burj Khalifa exhibits guide.
Best Time to Visit Burj Khalifa with Kids
For families with children, the best time to visit is on a weekday between 1 pm and 3 pm. Crowds are moderate — lighter than the sunset peak — and the afternoon Dubai Fountain show at 1 pm and 1:30 pm can be watched from the observation deck. Morning visits (10 am – noon on weekdays) are the quietest but you’ll miss the fountain show. Avoid the 4 pm – 6:30 pm sunset peak if you have young children — this is the busiest and most crowded period.
- Best for families: Weekday 1 pm – 3 pm — moderate crowds, afternoon fountain show
- Quietest option: Weekday morning, 10 am – noon — fewest crowds, lowest prices
- Avoid with young children: Sunset peak (4 pm – 6:30 pm weekends) — most crowded and most expensive
- Evening visits with older kids (8+): After 7:30 pm — cooler, quieter, city lights spectacular
Practical Family Tips
Strollers and Pushchairs
The Burj Khalifa observation decks are accessible by elevator — there are no stairs required. Strollers are permitted in the queuing area and can be taken into the elevator. However, the observation decks themselves can be crowded during peak hours, and manoeuvring a stroller through the crowds is difficult. For very young children, a baby carrier is a more practical option during busy periods. A stroller storage area is available near the entrance inside Dubai Mall.
How Long Does the Visit Take with Kids?
Allow 2 to 2.5 hours for a family visit with children, including the walk through Dubai Mall, security, the elevator, time on floors 124 and 125 (plus the glass floor), and the descent. Children tend to spend more time on the glass floor and at the interactive exhibits than adults do, and the elevator queues during busy periods add time. If you’re planning lunch or a fountain-watching stop at Souk Al Bahar before or after, allow a full half-day.
What to Bring for Kids
- Snacks and water — no food is sold on the observation decks, and young children may get hungry during the wait
- A camera or phone for the glass floor photos — children want evidence
- Comfortable shoes for all family members — the walk through Dubai Mall is long
- A light layer for evenings — the outdoor terrace can be cool between November and March
Combining the Burj Khalifa Visit with Dubai Mall
Dubai Mall is one of the world’s largest shopping centres and sits directly adjacent to the Burj Khalifa — you enter through the mall regardless. For families, the mall offers a full day’s worth of activities before or after the tower visit. The Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo on the mall’s ground floor is consistently popular with children. The indoor ice rink (Dubai Ice Rink) is a 30-second walk from the Burj Khalifa entrance. The Dubai Fountain show runs from the outdoor waterfront terrace at 1 pm, 1:30 pm, and every 30 minutes from 6 pm.
Is Burj Khalifa Suitable for Very Young Children (Under 3)?
Children under 3 enter free and can enjoy the visit, with some practical considerations. The elevator is enclosed and fast — some very young children find this unsettling. The outdoor terrace on level 124 has secure barriers, but parents should keep toddlers close to the perimeter at all times. The glass floor on level 125 is safe but some very young children become distressed by it — have an adult demonstrate first before bringing a toddler onto it. Overall, the visit is manageable with young children if you plan around non-peak hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Burj Khalifa free for children?
Children under 3 enter free. Children aged 3–12 pay a discounted child ticket for the standard At the Top (floors 124 & 125) experience. Children aged 13 and above pay the adult rate.
What is the minimum age for Burj Khalifa?
There is no minimum age restriction. Children of all ages can visit, including infants under 3 who enter free. The experience is suitable for all ages with parental supervision.
Are strollers allowed in Burj Khalifa?
Strollers are permitted and the observation decks are elevator-accessible. However, strollers can be difficult to manoeuvre on the crowded observation floor during peak hours. A stroller storage area is available near the entrance inside Dubai Mall.
How long does a family visit to Burj Khalifa take?
Allow 2 to 2.5 hours for a family visit with children, including the walk through Dubai Mall, security, elevator, time on the observation decks, and the descent.
What do kids like most at Burj Khalifa?
The glass floor on level 125 is consistently the biggest hit with children, followed by the fast elevator ride and the aerial view of the Dubai Fountain. The interactive Sky Map touchscreens are also popular with older children.
