Coincidently my colleague Hazel has just been to Dubai to inspect the best hotels/ resorts for families for our travel company. Feel free to email her for advice directly, hazel@quovadistravel.co.uk. She is also writing a blog about her findings which will be out soon, have a look at www.familyholidayscompany.com. I'll try and remember to post again when it is published, or sign up to our newsletter (via website) and you will get an email. Enjoy, Jo

Depending on your schedule and whether your children are ok with car rides, I'd suggest doing a couple of days in Musandam in Oman, about a two hour drive from Dubai where you can go dolphin watching. I'm a bit biased because I think Oman is the most beautiful country in the world with the most amazing people. If you fancy a few days away from the glitz of Dubai, Oman is a great place.
http://content.time.com/time/travel/cityguide/article/0,31489,1849667_1849640_1849601,00.html
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g298416-d1084771-r128272342-Oman_Fjords-Khasab_Musandam_Governorate.html

Try Jebel Ali resort, which has a very good creche and kids club, as well as the best watersports in the area.
[url]http://www.totstoo.com/hotel/jebel-ali-beach-hotel/[/url]

Or there's the excellent Royal Mirage which can arrange camel rides and desert safaris.
[url]http://www.totstoo.com/hotel/oneonly-royal-mirage-dubai/[/url]

Definitely do Atlantis. Kids will love it. We have stayed at Atlantis for few nights and then at Palm Tree which is slightly out but has lovely beach, good choice of food and pools. Lots of entertainment for kids as well and it does good value all inclusive. Once you there you won't want to leave!

There's a kidzania at Dubai mall.
Beach(es)!!
Atlantis. Good water fun. You can stay there and then you get free access to all the water rides and slides.

It's very family friendly, I'm sure you'll have lots of fun.

We are planning a trip to Dubai with our children (5 and 3) - does anyone have any recommendations? We are planning on going in October half term. Thanks!