If you’re looking to have buckets of fun with the kids but don’t want to be outside any longer than absolutely necessary, you’re not alone. Luckily there are loads of awesome indoor play areas for kids in Abu Dhabi.
Edutainment centres are all the rage in Abu Dhabi. Play is how kiddos make sense of the world and there’s evidence to show that play in early childhood can influence the way their brains develop, helping to co-ordinate their mental and physical capabilities. Play helps kids learn and there are plenty of places for them to do just that in Abu Dhabi.
Here are our favourite indoor play areas for kids.
Caboodle
Looking for cute indoor play areas at Galleria? This super cute and colourful venue is both educational and stimulating. Kids can learn through play and exploration and if you want to drop the kids off while you shop, you can book in advance and avail the one-on-one ‘Supervised by Caboodle’ babysitting option. Caboodle also features a kids’ salon, healthy café, crafts and role play areas. There are musical themed mum-and-tot classes filled with activities, crafts, games, stories and sing-alongs.
Two hours: Dhs99 (children 12 months and older), Dhs70 (children under 12 months), 1 adult goes free, additional adults Dhs25. Open Sat-Wed 9am-10pm, Thu & Fri 10am-midnight. The Galleria, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi, www.caboodle.ae (02 679 8019).
Cheeky Monkeys
If you’re a parent you’ve probably heard of Cheeky Monkeys. The soft indoor play areas provide an educational experience that kids won’t even realise they are having. There are innovative neon-lit slides, mini zip lines, a brilliant dressing up area and an enormous ball pit. And on top of that, role play areas with shops, dressing-up and more to give them a day they won’t forget.
Dhs60 (first hour, Dhs33 (subsequent hours). Times vary. Al Forsan Village, Khalifa City A (02 449 3555).
Children’s Museum at Louvre Abu Dhabi
If you’re looking to introduce the kids to some culture, The Louvre Abu Dhabi is an easy choice. We love the Louvre for so many reasons, but one of the main ones is the unique on-site Children’s Museum. All of the artworks are specially designed to be at a child’s eye-level and the vibrant space is home to a host of immersive and interactive zones, featuring hands-on activities and educational workshops.
Museum entry Dhs63, free for under 18s and over 60s. Open Tue-Sun 10am-6.30pm. Closed Mon. Louvre Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, www.louvreabudhabi.ae (600 565 566).
Droplets by Caboodle
Droplets by Caboodle is the perfect indoor play area for younger kids aged three to five years old. It’s just like Caboodle, but tailor-made for tots. Take the little ones for play-based learning activities such as science experiments, music and movement, storytelling, obstacle courses, mascots and more.
From Dhs59 (one year and older). The Galleria Al Maryah Island droplets@caboodle.ae caboodle.ae.
Kidzania
There’s just something fun about pretending to be a doctor, a fireman, a chef or a builder. KidZania has over 40 role playing activities for the little ones to enjoy where they can immerse themselves into a variety of careers. This indoor play area is for kids aged four to 16 years. Once they’ve done each job, they earn their very own salary in KidZania money, which they can then spend on their way out in the on-site shop.
Dhs110 (toddler aged two-three). Dhs195 (economy ticket, children aged four-16), Dhs260 (premium ticket, children aged four-16), Dhs80 (adult aged 17 plus). Open Mon-Sun 10am-10pm. Yas Mall, ground floor, Abu Dhabi, www.kidzania.ae.
National Geographic Ultimate Explorer
If you have a little explorer on your hands, you’re going to want to take them to National Geographic Ultimate Explorer. Little explorers four years old and up are welcome to join for a full day of play-based learning plus activities such as slime making, figurine painting, games and challenges, and more.
The Galleria Al Maryah Island. operations@ip2opsme.com (052 403 7166).
Orange wheels
Little adventurers between the ages of six months to eight years have free rein to run, jump and explore the mega soft play destination where they can burn off energy in a safe environment. Little princes and princesses can book themselves in for a haircut in the on-site hair salon, or get that all-important Abu Dhabi mani-pedi in the spa where a rainbow of nail varnish colours are at their fingertips. Pampered expat kids, much?
Dhs80 (90-minute session), Dhs35 (additional hour), 1 adult free per household, additional adult Dhs25. Open daily 10am- 9pm. Al Raha Mall, Abu Dhabi, orangewheels.com (02 556 2229).
