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20 Things To Do In Abu Dhabi With Kids
Abu Dhabi is a city in the UAE (United Arab Emirates). This city is a place that has many things for kids to do. It may not be as big as Dubai, but it still offers plenty of fun activities for both adults and children. From sand dunes to boat rides, Abu Dhabi is an exciting mix of attractions just waiting to be explored!
We visited Abu Dhabi in August for 3 days and loved it. I wish we had more time as there were jus too many things to do here. Although it was enjoyable, it was extremely HOT! I recommend visiting from November to February when the weather is cooler. If you visit in the summer like we did, stick to indoor activities.
How To Get To Abu Dhabi With Kids
We flew to Abu Dhabi from Washington DC on Etihad Airways. It was a 12.5hr flight and time went by really fast. Our flight was at 9pm, so A and Hubs slept most of the way. I don’t sleep well on planes, but I enjoyed watching them sleep, haha.
The service on Etihad Airways was amazing, and the flight was smooth, however we didn’t enjoy the food very much. Other than that, everything else was great!
Traveling with kids and looking for tips, then make sure to click the links below and read more:
- Best Travel Gear For Kids
- How To Travel With Kids Internationally Alone
- Best Countries To Visit In The World With Kids
- Top Must Have Items When Traveling With Kids
- How To Keep Your Kids Entertained & Happy On Flights
- Everything You Need To Know About Traveling With A Car Seat
Where To Stay In Abu Dhabi With Kids
We stayed at two hotels in Abu Dhabi and I really liked both of them as they each had something else to offer.
Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island
This Hilton Hotel is fairly new, so it is a really nice property with very beautiful rooms. My favorite thing about this hotel is that for every night that you stay, you get complimentary access to one park per day for the whole family in Abu Dhabi.
The options are Warner Brothers, Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi and Ferrari World. It is very well worth it to stay here just for this perk alone. They have an amazing and fresh breakfast selection as well.
Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers
This is a very beautiful property as well as located in the perfect area. The views from our room were stunning. If you want to visit the Corniche, the Conrad is very close to it – walking distance.
This hotel also has a beautiful infinity pool as well as a man-made beach access that your kids will enjoy playing in.
Things To Do In Abu Dhabi With Kids
Check out these 20 places that are great for families with kids in Abu Dhabi!
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
Also on Yas Island, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is not just a gallery of incredible cars. It’s also a theme park with plenty of rides and attractions for all ages, including thrilling roller coasters as well as kid-friendly ones that are perfect for the little thrill seekers in your group!
It has several family-friendly rides and shows, so there’s something fun to do at every age level. They offer single-day tickets as well as family passes that give a discount on the single-day ticket price. Check their opening times before you go through as they change throughout the year.
Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi
Another Yas Island feature, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi is an indoor theme park with plenty of attractions for the whole family! If the heat is getting to you, this is the perfect place to spend the day. Their opening hours are subject to change so make sure you check in advance to avoid disappointment.
Emirates Park Zoo
Another great place to visit in Abu Dhabi with kids is the Emirates Park Zoo. It’s a bit smaller than most zoos, so you could probably see everything in half a day if you’re short of time.
Otherwise, as well as seeing all the animals, take it easy and enjoy the restaurant options too! It’s not just animals either: there’s an aerial play park spanning the Petting Zoo & Bird Park with a zip line for the more adventurous kids.
Action Zone
Action Zone has several locations across town. They have trampoline parks, video arcades, theme park rides and bungee jumping. They can also organise themed parties in their party rooms. There’s something for all ages here! They’re indoor centres so this is another suitable option for cooling down a little.
Mangrove National Park
The Mangrove National Park is a great place to visit in Abu Dhabi with kids. It’s located just outside the city centre and offers an up-close experience of the mangroves, as well as plenty of family-friendly activities.
If your kids love nature, this is the ideal place to visit. The park is free to get in but you might want to pay for a boating excursion. You can rent kayaks or take a little cruise. Open every day, this is definitely a place to take kids in Abu Dhabi.
Arabian Wildlife Park
Another natural attraction, the Arabian Wildlife Park has over 17000 animals roaming free. The park has special viewing platforms so you might even find yourself face to face with the giraffes.
You can also take guided tours in 4×4 vehicles around the park. This beautiful park occupies half of Sir Bani Yas Island.
Umm Al Emarat Park
One of the best things to do in Abu Dhabi with kids is to go to the Umm Al Emarat Park. For toddler activities Abu Dhabi parks like this one have a variety of really cool kids’ options.
There’s an outdoor cinema, a train tour of the park, an animal barn, as well as a beautiful botanical garden. There are pony rides for children, as well as an interactive children’s garden. They also hold outdoor events there so check to see what’s on during your visit. It’s open daily till late.
https://www.ummalemaratpark.ae/
Observation Deck at 300
For stunning views across the city, head for the Observation Deck at 300, in the Etihad Towers. This observation deck has a 360-degree view over all the city, As well as its fantastic view, it’s famous for its afternoon teas.
There’s an entry fee which includes credit you can use in the cafe. Although there are no kid-specific activities here, your children will be amazed by the view and the afternoon tea is highly recommended!
https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/auhetci-conrad-abu-dhabi-etihad-towers/dining/
A Desert Safari
Numerous tour operators and hotels offer visits to the desert. You can be collected from your hotel in a comfy 4×4 and be in the desert less than an hour later.
Once there, you’re spoiled for choice as to kid-friendly activities: camel rides, henna face and body painting, sand boarding (like snowboarding, but on sand!). Depending on the package you buy, you can also get evening entertainment and a buffet dinner.
Sheikh Zayed Mosque
Another great place to visit in Abu Dhabi with kids is Sheikh Zayed Mosque. It’s a modern mosque, and it can be seen from all over the city. It’s the largest mosque in the city and it has a very welcoming attitude to visitors. Pre-booking is essential. Dress conservatively.
It’s worth going on a guided tour to really appreciate its architectural beauty. You’ll find that there are several family-friendly activities here: they have tours, art workshops for children of different ages, as well as prayer time.
They also provide a free Children’s activity booklet with history and coloring-in pictures. Download it at https://www.szgmc.gov.ae/userfiles/files/Coloring-Book-EN.PDF
Louvre Abu Dhabi
If you are looking for things to do in Abu Dhabi with kids, a visit to the Louvre is highly recommended. As well as all you’d expect from a Louvre museum, this museum offers a variety of family-friendly activities including the Children’s Museum.
There are art workshops for children and interactive exhibitions. There’s even kayaking around the museum! Entry to the museum is free for children. Book ahead.
https://www.louvreabudhabi.ae/
The Corniche
When visiting Abu Dhabi, it’s worth taking a stroll along the Corniche. The Corniche is a long beach and park area and you’ll find that there are plenty of things to do with kids here. Kick back and watch people rollerblading along or go for a long walk and enjoy an ice cream.
The views are stunning and it’s a family-friendly spot, including family beaches and restaurants. You can also hire bikes and enjoy the many bike paths in the area. If you’re looking for cheap things to do in Abu Dhabi, visiting the Corniche is a good option.
https://visitabudhabi.ae/en/what-to-see/iconic-landmarks/abu-dhabi-corniche
Aqua Fun – A’l Bahar
If you’re visiting the Corniche, combine it with a visit to Aqua Fun, an enormous inflatable water park. With floating obstacle courses, ramps and slides, there’s fun for all the family. You can get floatation accessories there too so if you forget your kid’s armbands, it’s no problem.
http://al-bahar.ae/play/aqua-fun/
Go Shopping
Abu Dhabi is spoilt for choice when it comes to malls. If you’re looking for indoor play areas in Abu Dhabi, the shopping malls are a great option.
Yas Mall – This mall offers lots of stores that kids love, as well as some children-specific entertainment: Kidzania is a mini ‘edutainment’ city for kids, there’s a Lego Pop-In-And-Play, and if your children love adventure, take them to Clymb.
It’s an adventure center with the world’s widest indoor skydiving flight chamber and the world’s tallest indoor climbing wall.
https://www.yasmall.ae/en/home
Madinat Zayed
You can go shopping for Gold at the Gold Souk or even local outfits like we here. This is a mall where you can bargain prices, so keep that in mind.
https://www.madinatzayed-mall.com/
Qasr Al Hosn
Qasr Al Hosn (also known as the Fort) is a great place to visit with kids. It’s the oldest standing structure in the city and was originally built as a fort in the 1790’s.
It offers amazing views across the city from its ramparts. Kids will love exploring around this historic building, including finding out more about Emirati culture at their interactive museum. They offer children’s art and music workshops too.
Heritage Village
The Heritage Village is a great place to visit with kids. This reconstructed village features gardens, traditional houses and souks (markets). You can watch Bedouin people make traditional arts and crafts. If you’re looking for hidden gems in Abu Dhabi, this is a good option.
https://visitabudhabi.ae/en/what-to-see/historical-and-cultural-attractions/heritage-village
Abu Dhabi Children’s Library
The Abu Dhabi Children’s Library would make anyone want to be a kid again. This extensive and interactive library is designed across 3 floors, separated into age-appropriate spaces. There are activities and areas for different age ranges making it perfect for children from preschool up to teens. This truly is a hidden gem for children visiting Abu Dhabi. Note that it’s closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
https://culturalfoundation.ae/en/childrenslibrary
Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi
One of the best things to do in Abu Dhabi with kids is visit Yas Waterworld, on Yas Island. Covering more than 37 acres, this fun theme park has a whole variety of different water slides, wave pools and walk-through attractions that will be sure to keep your family entertained for hours!
There are rides for every thrill level, so whether you’re a daredevil or just looking for some tame fun, Yas Waterworld has something to offer.
Al Ain Zoo
If you’re looking for things to do in Abu Dhabi with kids, a visit to the Al Ain Zoo is highly recommended. With over 4000 animals from around the world and interactive exhibits, it’s fun for all ages. One-hour long safari tours in SUVs take you through the wildlife area. The zoo has large open spaces and parks, perfect for family picnics, though there are restaurants if you prefer.
Yas Marina
Yas Marina on Yas Island has much more than just boats. It’s home to several restaurants, gyms, a children’s playground and even a musical fountain. Visit the sailing and rowing centre or take a boat charter.
Overall Thoughts on Abu Dhabi With Kids
If you are looking for things to do in Abu Dhabi with family as the focus, Abu Dhabi has a lot to offer. Whether you want to enjoy some fun in the sun or take on an adventure up into the desert, from theme parks and zoos to museums and outdoor activities, there are plenty of things that kids will love about this destination.
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