1 Animal antics
Fancy stroking a lion cub or cuddling a boa constrictor? If the answer is a resounding ‘yes’ then head to Family & Kids Park Zoo in the suburb of Al Bahia. Even if the answer is ‘no’ (admittedly having a snake slithering around your neck is not everyone’s cup of tea) then it’s still worth a visit if you want to get close to more than a hundred species of animals, birds, fish and reptiles.
Visitor interaction is the key difference at this hands-on zoo. Buy bags of dates on entry and watch the baboons take them from your hand (or grab the whole bag given half the chance), feed goats bundles of grass and even feed their babies (it can turn into a tug of war as your little zoo-keepers grapple to hold onto the bottle), then head off for a camel, pony or donkey ride, milk a cow or goat, or simply play with some phenomenally fluffy cats.
Felines of a less cuddly sort (think lions, tigers and cheetahs) are kept safely behind bars, then there are the zebras and crocodiles to visit. Joining them soon will be kangaroos, giraffes and chimpanzees. In fact, the park is expanding all the time and building work is currently underway on the new reptile and amphibian house. But it remains fabulously compact, so that even the smallest child can easily cover the distance. And while the aim is to teach kids how to interact respectfully with animals and preserve the environment, there’s ample opportunity to play with a miniature train, bouncy castle and swings.
Dhs20 ages 6+, Dhs5 under-sixes, Dhs15 play area entry. Open Sun-Thu 9.30am-8pm; Fri-Sat and public holidays 9.30am-9pm. 35km from Abu Dhabi on E11 highway to Dubai. (www.kidsparkuae.com; 02 5633100)
Like this? Try…
Al Ain Wildlife Park & Resort The UAE’s top game reserve is home to some 4,000 animals, showcasing everything from baboons, bears and birds to gazelle, giraffe and gorillas, not to mention rare white lions and free-roaming wildebeest, as well as playgrounds, a café and plenty of green space for picnics.
Dhs15 adults, Dhs5 kids, under-sixes free. Sat-Thu 10am-7pm, Fri 10am-8pm. (www.AWPR.ae; 03 782 8188)
Abu Dhabi Wildlife Centre A wildlife sanctuary for confiscated and rescued big cats, this conservation centre is brilliant for kids with a fascination for exotic animals. The centre focuses on the breeding of African cheetah, tigers, lions and other large cats and is involved in large carnivore’s conservation programmes.
Guided tours Dhs45pp. Mon-Wed 9am-5pm. Behind Al Wathba Lake on the Al Ain truck road just outside Mussaffah (www.adubdhabiwildlifecentre.com; 050 614 4024)
Petting Corner Find a fun petting corner with plenty of learning experiences at Dhabian Equestrian Club and Equine Rescue Centre.
(www.aldhabian.homestead.com)
2 Discover marine life
Enhance your child’s confidence and introduce them to the beauty of local marine life with scuba diving instruction. Mahara Diving Center in Mussafah offers the PADI Seal Team, where kids eight and above can undertake exciting Scuba AquaMissions and learn underwater photography. (www.divemahara.com). Or book your child into the Youth Diving Programme (under professional PADI instruction) at The Yas Hotel, undertaken from the rooftop pool. Kids learn the basics of scuba from the theory to equipment checks and underwater sign language, before embarking on an exciting scuba aqua mission. From Dhs350 per child (02 656 0700). Novice nippers can get a taste for the underwater terrain with a spot of snorkeling from the coast at Hiltonia Beach Club (Dhs25 per hour, Dhs50 per day). Or make a morning of it with a family excursion: hire the 31ft twin-engine Barracuda boat (Dhs600 for three hours) from which you can mingle with the marine life.(02 692 4205)
3 Camp it up
The peaceful mangrove areas of Abu Dhabi offer unique camping opportunities, perfect for nature lovers, with their abundance of marine and wildlife, including turtles, fish, birds, gazelles and desert foxes. Noukhada Adventure offers overnight camping expeditions here, transporting you and your gear in kayaks to a private beach and helping you set up camp and providing cooking utensils and BBQ equipment. Minimum 10 people, Dhs350pp (050 721 8928). Or de-camp to the desert with Net Tours, which delivers dozens of desert safaris in and around Abu Dhabi, with loads of activities laid on – think camel rides, dune bashing, falconry and barbecues.
Half-day desert safari (adults Dhs275, kids Dhs200), plus full-day and overnight safaris. (www.nettoursdubai.com; 04 602 8888)
4 Go Island hopping
Abu Dhabi is the destination for some serious island hopping. For a true wilderness experience, the wildlife sanctuary of Sir Bani Yas Island is a must-visit. Stay at the Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara and take advantage of their nature activities, included a Wildlife Drive, dawn Nature Trail or Kayaking Nature Nature Trail. Three nights for the price of two in a suite or villa. Dhs999 per night. (www.desertislands.com) For a day trip, Belevari Marine offers fun-filled family island trips every Friday to two different islands, either in a traditional wooden Dhow (big groups) or on a yacht (up to 20 people). The four-hour Belevari Island trip takes families to a little- known sand bank claiming the whitest sand in the UAE. Set sail at 2pm, after welcome drinks and snacks, and cruise for 30 minutes, before anchoring up for a swim and splash. At the Sand Bank, there’s a beach barbecue, before departing at 5pm for the sunset return cruise accompanied by DJ lounge music. Dhs350 adults, Dhs299 kids. If you fancy a Robinson Crusoe experience, Belevari can drop you and your family off for a desert island overnighter. Bring all your own camping gear and food or let Belevari take the chaos out of camping: for a fee, they provide firewood, camping equipment and even your very own private chef.
Dhs150pp for return transportation to island. (050 661 2176).
5 Hit the Corniche
The one spot all Abu Dhabians flock to for a bit of respite from honking horns and searing asphalt is The Corniche. Bursting with family-friendly activities, this length of water on one side and green space on the other stretches for six kilometres from The Sheraton down to The Hilton and includes play areas, outdoor cafés and restaurants, plus well-maintained facilities including bathrooms, showers and baby changing stations.
Get active
Join joggers pushing prams, kids on bikes or families taking a stroll on the recreational paths. Bikes and surreys can be rented at the Corniche and 18th St next to the Hiltonia and across from the large Sheikh Zayed sign.
Hit the waves
Kids love carving their own space on the water and the adrenalin-pumping activity of wakeboarding is a great way to get them outdoors and active. The corniche boasts a permanent state-of-the-art wakeboarding ‘Beginners Park’ where tykes can dip into taster sessions and get tips on catching the waves. Open Noon-6pm, Dhs5 for family, Corniche Road West (02 678 8888). Two-seater kayaks and pedal boats are fun for kids to share with a parent and can be rented for Dhs30 for half an hour. Slightly older kids might enjoy ‘walking on water’ with a stand-up paddle board. At Dhs15 for 30 minutes, why not let them go for it?
(050 781 2312 or www.empros.ae)
Family beach
A swathe of golden sand from gates one to three is open to women and families only (which means dads can go, provided they’re accompanied by mum and the kids). Trained lifeguards keep an eye on swimmers, while canvas-topped cabanas provide welcome shade, but they can’t be reserved, so don’t dawdle and get yourself seaside.
Dhs10 for adults, Dhs5 for ages 5-12. No swimming after 6pm. Beach closes at 10pm.
6 Take a tour
Hop on a bus
The Big Bus Company Abu Dhabi offers a hop-on and hop-off tour of the capital, taking in all the capital’s famous landmarks, from the opulent Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque to the traditional Iranian Market, explaining the history as you go. You’ll also get free entry to the Marina Mall Sky Tower, a glass viewing platform with fantastic views over the Corniche and Arabian Gulf. Add on the Shuttle to Yas Island, home of the Abu Dhabi grand prix, and you’ll get to see the race track and Ferrari World.
Tickets from AD Mall or Marina Mall. Buses depart every day from Marina Mall every 30 mins, while the Shuttle Tour departs four times a day from Abu Dhabi Mall, from 9am-5pm, Dhs503 for family day tour. (www.bigbustours.com)
Board a boat
With its own mini marina, Al Raha Beach offers day trips in traditional dhows, speedboats and motor boats. Al Raha Beach, Abu Dhabi-Dubai Road (02 508 0555). For a more five-star affair, Abu Dhabi Marina Charters provide day or evening cruises on a luxury catamaran.
Abu Dhabi Mall and Le Meridien (050 154 5197; abudhabimarinacharter@yahoo.com)
Inflatable action
If you’re looking for a family thrill, hop into the unique and speedy inflatable yellow boats for a front-row seat to some stunning sights. Take the family-friendly 50-minute Lulu Island and Corniche tour, which gets you up-close to Abu Dhabi Corniche (see the Abu Dhabi Heritage Village and the world’s largest flag), followed by an exhilarating trip around Lulu Island, with dolphin spotting en-route. Dhs200 adults, Dhs150 kids (five-12), family package Dhs600. Departs from Abu Dhabi International Marine Sports Club daily and hourly from 8am-8pm (except 1pm and 2pm). For older kids, the fast-and-furious Adventure Ahoy! Tour will introduce them to the thrills of speed on the water, while little ones may enjoy an educational trip: the brand-new Eco-Journey will introduce them to the region’s sealife, with rare access to lovely stretches of untouched coastline.
The Yellow Boats, (800 8044; www.theyellowboats.com)
7 Paddle in a kayak
Noukhada offers paddling expeditions in Abu Dhabi’s natural mangroves. ‘Our low-impact kayaking eco-tours of Abu Dhabi city’s mangroves, coastal waters and inland areas are ideal for families who want to get out on the water and experience UAE wildlife,’ says Annie from Noukhada. The Eco Tour is a great educational excursion for kids: exploring the mangroves, spotting birds, crabs and fish. Dhs200 for a two-hour tour. Alternatively, take the BBQ Island Tour, where you’re led in kayaks to your very own private beach for a yummy barbecue. Dhs300pp, bring your own food. Until April, Noukhada also offers kayak fishing trips. For a family of four, this three-hour trip will set you back Dhs400 (www.noukhada.ae; info@noukhada.ae). Novice nippers can whet their water wings with a spot of sea kayaking at Al Raha Beach Hotel, Dhs50 for 30 minutes (02 508 0555).
8 Explore tradition
Visit the Emirates Heritage
Village An authentic replica of a Bedouin encampment, the village provides little ones with educational insights into the lifestyle and traditions of the Bedouin and other local cultures. Watch fishermen crafting nets, enjoy a typical Bedouin meal and see displays or horsemanship and falconry, before hopping on a camel.
Al Kasser, Marina Village, open Mon-Thu 9am-1pm, 5-9pm, Fri 5-9pm. (02 681 4455)
Learn about falcons
See these majestic creatures in action within the atmospheric desert of Pete Bergh’s specially constructed falcon camp Shaheen Xtreme, near Al Ain. Enjoy an early morning authentic experience with breakfast. Dhs1,000 pp. Shaheen Xtreme (www.shaheenxtreme.com). Or visit the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital and take the fascinating three-hour wildlife tour of this falcon hospital and unique falconry museum, where you can see the falcons undergoing manicures, enjoy the large free-flight aviary, and experience these majestic creatures sitting on your arm in the beautiful hospital garden, before indulging in a traditional Arab lunch in the beautiful traditional majilis.
Open Sat-Thu 10am-2pm, Airport Rd, Al Mafraq; book tours in advance. (info@falconhospital.com)
Ride a camel
Try the one-hour sunset camel safari at Hilton Al Ain.
Dhs150 adults, Dhs75 kids (aged 5-12), under-fives free. (03 768 8006)
9 Hop on a horse
Dubbing itself a family-run ‘Bundle of Fun’, the Dhabian Equestrian Club and Equine Rescue Centre offers desert treks and beach rides for experienced riders, with lots of wildlife and sights to see en route and picnics included. For less seasoned riders, there’s pony riding, introducing under sixes to these beautiful animals and developing their balance skills, or for day-long horsing around, little ones (6-16) will love the Dhabian Juniors Club, where they get to muck out, groom and feed the horses, with the afternoon dedicated to playing gymkhana games.
Near Golden Tulip Hotel, Ghantoot. (dhabianequestrianclub@gmail.com; Tina Al Qubaisi on 050 662 0969)
10 Picnic in the park
Pack a picnic and pick out a park
Family Park
Ideal for… variety
This good-sized park offers nine distinct playgrounds. In the toddler area, smaller, simpler play structures in the shapes of boats, cars and trains await navigation to distant lands. Large wooden play structures along with swings and slides aplenty sit atop cushioned surfacing to ensure that little noggins don’t get bruised. There’s a lack of shade, though that’s not a huge problem in the cooler months. Benches encircle many of the play areas so parents can supervise or leap to the rescue if needed.
26th and the Corniche across from Abela’s.
Formal Park
Ideal for… a brain tease
One of the highlights here is an elaborate shrubbery labyrinth with a lookout post at the centre and figuring out this well-executed maze will take your precocious brainiac long enough for you to take a breather. Or, if you like a challenge, you might race your kids to see who solves it first.
Najda/6th/Sir Bani Yas and the Corniche across from the Royal Meridien.
Adventure Area
Ideal for… excitement
Skate park, ball court, climbing net, roller park, a climbing wall as well as a water park with a giant water-breathing dragon, this area is tricky to see from the road, but seek it out and you’ll be rewarded with an afternoon of action-packed fun.
Next to the Family park between Tariq bin Zayed St. (where All Prints art supply is) and Khalidbin Walid St.
Khalidiya park
Ideal for… family bonding
This shady oasis is perfect for a family picnic. Plenty of grassy areas ensure privacy between you and your neighbour, while swings, slides and the like are dotted throughout, ensuring your picnic spot won’t be far from the fun.
30th/Khaleej Al Arabi and Khalidiya/Zayed the 1st. Dhs1 entrance fee.
Khalifa Park
Ideal for… letting off steam
A godsend if you live in the tourist club, the park entrance, flanked by two giant samovars, opens onto a pleasant patch of green where kids can burn off energy while modest play areas are great for letting off steam.
Khalifa St. and Muroor/4th, across from Abu Dhabi National Bank. Dhs1 entrance fee.
