Now that the kids are back at school, it means that they need entertaining at the weekends. Thankfully, there are plenty of things to do with kids in Abu Dhabi.
When it comes to keeping kiddos amused, Abu Dhabi is your oyster. Whether we’re talking high-concept adventure parks, superior soft play centres, immersive learning experiences or adrenalised days out, there are incredible things to do with kids in Abu Dhabi.
You might also like: 12 best things to do with toddlers in the capital
The city is jam-packed with fantastic activities for Abu Dhabi’s youth, many of them surprisingly budget-friendly.
Looking for things to do with kids in Abu Dhabi that’ll keep them entertained for hours on end? Read on for our best things to do with kids in Abu Dhabi to entertain, amaze, inspire and even tire out your offspring.
Burn off energy at Bounce
At Bounce, age is just a number which is why it’s one of the best things to do with kids in Abu Dhabi. Kids and adults alike can have an absolute blast at this gigantic indoor playground designed with jumping in mind. From mastering moves in the free-jumping zone to navigating The Wall, this is the place for high-octane, adrenaline-fuelled fun.
From Dhs75. Sun-Thu 10am-10pm, Fri-Sat 10am-12am. Marina Mall, Abu Dhabi, bounce.ae.
Embrace all the theme park fun on Yas Island
No round-up of the best things to do with kids in Abu Dhabi would be complete without mention of Yas Island’s triad of fantastic theme parks (that’s Yas Waterworld, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi and Ferrari World). Whether your kid is a flume-riding water baby, a roller coaster-loving mini petrol head or is never happier than when immersed in a cartoon character-filled world of make believe, these parks are not to be missed.
For information and prices visit: yasisland.ae
Explore the mangroves at Jubail Mangrove Park
One of the most stunning spots in Abu Dhabi, Jubail Mangrove Park is one of the best things to do with kids in Abu Dhabi. Hit the reset button and immerse your kids in back-to-nature vibes with a wander along the sanctuary’s meandering boardwalks, where the lush greenery, abundance of wildlife and lapping water all create a welcome sense of tranquility. Fancy adding to the experience? The guided kayaking and dragon boat trips and sunset abra tours are great too.
Dhs15 (adults), Dhs10 (children under 18), free (children under seven). Open daily 8.30am-6pm. jubailisland.ae.
Go camping or glamping
Looking for one of the best things to do with kids in Abu Dhabi? With the desert right on our doorstep it would be a shame if those kiddos of ours weren’t well accustomed to the delights that a night spent out under the stars delivers. Just don’t forget those marshmallows for toasting.
For more information on desert camping, click here and for our round-up of top UAE glamping spots click here.
Have a blast at Air Maniax
Just the place for burning off the excess of energy that only kids seem to possess, this should be on your list for the best things to do with kids in Abu Dhabi. This inflatable indoor adventure park boasts super-fun zip lines, laser tag games, a warrior assault course, ninja warrior zone, gravity-defying arial Zip Zag arena and dedicated toddler area. If a few hours here don’t tire your kids out, we genuinely stumped as to what will.
From Dhs85. Open Sun-Thu 10am-10pm, Fri-Sat 10am-12am. Marina Mall, Al Marina, Abu Dhbai., airmaniax.com (04 348 8981).
Inspire the next generation of artists at Louvre Abu Dhabi
Covering three interactive floors and several immersive zones plus an outdoor area, the brilliant Children’s Museum at Louvre Abu Dhabi encourages hands-on learning through playing, drawing, listening and acting. Running until May 2023, the ‘Emotions! The new art adventure’ exhibition just adds to the family-friendly appeal and is ideally suited to youngsters aged 4 -10 years old. This is one of the best things to do with kids in Abu Dhabi.
From Dhs63, free for under 18s and over 60s. Tue-Sun 10am-6.30pm. Saadiyat Island, louvreabudhabi.ae (600 565 566).
Introduce them to brunch
Pick the right venue to introduce kids to the UAE institution that is brunch and they’ll have (almost) as much fun as the adults. Our favourite family-friendly options include Khayal at the Marriott Al Forsan where kids can enjoy arts and crafts and the brunch package covers access to the Olympic-sized swimming pool and Sidekicks at The WB Abu Dhabi Curio Collection, where VIP guests Tom and Jerry, Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck often make an appearance. This is one of the top things to do with kids in Abu Dhabi.
Click here for more family-friendly brunches in Abu Dhabi.
Keep cool in the pool
As the temperature drops and we all remember just how wonderful al fresco living in the UAE can be, it’s time to embrace the joys of a day spent by – or more accurately when kids are involved, in – the water. This is one of the best things to do with kids in Abu Dhabi.
Take them to the flicks
The ideal way to introduce little people to the big screen, VOX Cinema’s KIDS concept features brightly coloured, smaller than average screening rooms that show all the latest age-appropriate blockbusters in a family-friendly environment. If that goes down well, do note that Cinemacity Al Qana is now open and has its very own Kids Cinema (there are VIP and 3DMax screening rooms, too) and Yas Movies in the Park is set to return to Yas Island in November, with a stellar line up of classic movies planned. This is one of the best things to do with kids in Abu Dhabi.
Cinemacity Al Qana, alqana.ae/en/cinemacity.
Treat them to an out of this world time at National Geographic Ultimate Explorer
One for the science-loving mini adventurers in the clan, this is one of the top things to do with kids in Abu Dhabi. Thanks to a clever blend of AR, VR and 3D technology kids can man a space shuttle, programme a robot, go white water rafting the virtual way, chat to animals and more at National Geographic Ultimate Explorer.
From Dhs40 (adults), Dhs80 (kids). Open Sat-Wed 10am-10pm, Thu-Fri 10am-12am. The Galleria, Al Maryah Island (052 4037 166).
Nurture a budding nature lover at The National Aquarium
From unearthing a shipwreck to venturing through a volcanic cave, experiencing life in a submarine and making friends with Khalid the cartoon pearl diver, a trip to The National Aquarium (AKA the largest aquarium in the Middle East) is right up there when it comes to treat day experiences. Adding to the allure for little ones, the new Bella and Rio Playground kids’ zone in the Flooded Forest offers a fab opportunity for children to learn all about the rainforest the super-cool, interactive way. This is one of the best things to do with kids in Abu Dhabi.
Dhs105, children under three go free. Open daily 10am-10pm. Al Qana alqana.ae, (02 418 6666).
Plan a trip to Al Hudayriat Island
Hands down one of our favourite wintertime destinations, there’s something for every member of the family to enjoy on Al Hudayriat Island. Why is it one of the best things do in with kids in Abu Dhabi? Hit the beach, get busy playing tennis, football or basketball, head for the BMX or skate parks, rent a bike and cycle along the 5km and 10km tracks, navigate the OCR park, cool off in the kid’s water playground and more.
Al Hudayriat Island, hudayriyatisland.ae.
Spend the day at Al Ain Zoo
Animal fans young and old are no doubt already be well acquainted with this huge wildlife park, which is why this is one of the best things to do with kids in Abu Dhabi. The vast space is home to some 4,300 animals – leopards, tigers, hippos, crocs and rhinos included – and offers loads of fun things to do, think giraffe feeding, penguin encounters, lemur walks, educational talks, bird shows and explorative safari drives.
Dhs30 (adults), Dhs10 (children). Open daily 9am-8pm. Nahyan The First St, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, alainzoo.ae (800 966).
Take a fun day out to new heights at CLYMB
Billed as the region’s ultimate adventure hub, if your daredevil offspring is never happier than when the adrenalin is pumping, CLYMB Abu Dhabi is a must visit and one of the best things to do with kids in Abu Dhabi. With the biggest indoor skydiving flight chamber in the world on site, as well as The Summyt, the region’s tallest climbing wall, this place delivers high-octane fun in spaces.
From Dhs120 (climbing), Dhs 235 (skydiving). Sun-Thu noon-9pm, Fri and Sat noon-11pm. Yas Island, clymbabudhabi.com.
Visit the coolest library in the UAE
Dedicated to fostering an early love of literature, art and technology, the state-of-the-art Children’s Library at the Cultural Foundation is an absolute gem. The colourful, community-driven space has something for every little (and not so little) learner: reading and movie watching (head to Book Mountain), a Creature Space where kids are taught all about animals, the environment and nature, an Art Workshop area where they’re encouraged to get creative, special Studio Space for practising coding, film and podcast making and a designated chill out zone.
Open Sat-Thu 9am-8pm, Fri 2pm-8pm. Children’s Library, Cultural Foundation, Al Hosn. culturalfoundation.ae
