A night in the desert is one of the best adventures you can give your kids without leaving Dubai. Sand to run around in, a fire to sit by, a sky full of stars and a tent to sleep in: it is the kind of night they remember for years.

The best part for parents is how little you have to carry or set up. Here is how a family night in the desert works, and how to make it easy for everyone.

Why the desert works so well for families

Your camp is private, so it is just your family and nobody else. Everything is set up before you arrive, so there are no tents to pitch with tired children waiting. And it is close enough to the city that the drive is part of the fun rather than a long day in the car.

Each glamping tent sleeps up to 4 on air mattresses with duvets and pillows, so a family of four fits in one tent. Bigger families or groups of friends with kids can book two or more tents side by side, and every tent is then charged at the weekday rate.

Getting there with kids

The exact meeting point is sent with your booking, and any car can reach it. Your setup leader meets you there and takes you the few hundred metres to your camp. If you do not have a 4x4, the team drives you and your bags across, so there is no carrying gear over the sand.

A portable toilet setup is included free of charge when you camp with children aged 12 or under, which makes the night much easier for younger ones.

How the night runs

Choose an arrival time of 4pm, 5pm or 6pm. Arriving earlier gives the kids daylight to explore and play in the sand before sunset, and gives you time to settle in.

As the sun goes down, the lanterns come on and the camp starts to glow. Light the BBQ, get the fire pit going and let the evening slow down. After dinner, lie back and look for stars: away from the city lights, the sky is full of them.

In the morning there is no rush. You can stay until 12pm, and just let the team know about 90 minutes before you head off.

What kids love most

For children, a night in the desert is one big playground. There is open space in every direction, dunes to climb and slide down, and as much sand as they could ever want to dig in.

The tent is a highlight on its own. With the lights on inside it glows like a den, and the whole family gets to pile in together, which feels like playtime from start to finish. Then, once it gets dark, the stars come out and most kids are happy just lying back and looking up. It is a natural, outdoor experience that keeps them busy all evening without a screen in sight.

Keeping little ones safe

The camp is your family’s private space for the night, so it is up to you to keep an eye on the little ones. A few simple habits keep everyone safe:

• Keep children away from the fire pit and the BBQ, and never leave them alone near either

• Once it gets dark, keep children where you can see them at all times

• If you are coming with very young children, we recommend driving a 4x4, so you can always get straight back to your car and head off if you ever need to

Kids love watching the fire, so it is worth agreeing a safe spot for them to sit before it is lit.

What to pack for the kids

Our full packing list for desert camping covers the basics. For children, add:

• Warm layers and pyjamas for the evening, especially from December to February

• A change of clothes, as kids and sand go together

• Wet wipes for quick clean-ups

• Plenty of water and easy snacks

• Their favourite teddy or blanket for bedtime

• A torch or head torch for each child

• Sun hats and sunscreen if you are arriving in the afternoon

Food is up to you. Burgers, chicken pieces and skewers on the BBQ are always a hit with kids, with bread, hummus and something sweet for afterwards.

The best time of year for a family camp

The cooler months from November to April are the most comfortable for children, with mild evenings and cool nights that are perfect for sleeping under a duvet. December and January nights can drop to around 12 or 13°C, so pack warm layers. February is our favourite month of the season. Early in the season, in late September and October, nights can still be warm, so pack light clothes and plenty of water for the little ones. Our guide to the best time for desert camping goes through each month.

Bringing the family dog

Pets are welcome at camp too. Just bring a bed for them, and they can enjoy the night in the desert with the rest of the family.

Switch off and enjoy it

The one thing we tell every family is to switch off. It is easy to spend the evening on your phones, but you are camping in one of the most beautiful settings in the world. Put the screens away, sit around the fire together and take it all in. A night in the desert brings a family together like very little else, and it is the kind of experience the kids will talk about for years.

Book your family camp

Pick your date on our tent rental in Dubai page. Each tent sleeps up to 4 and your private camp is fully set up before you arrive, from AED 1,297 + VAT per tent on a weekday and AED 1,497 + VAT at the weekend, with a portable toilet included free when you camp with children. For an evening rather than an overnight stay, a private desert BBQ setup is a great way to give the kids a taste of the desert before you head home.