Abu Dhabi | Family

Abu Dhabi for Families

Parents, it's time for you to take a beat and catch your breath - these awesome kids activities in Abu Dhabi are a tried and tested way to keep your toddlers, teens and everyone in between extremely happy and content. Ranging from free family activities to indoor play areas and splash pads, here is a list of things for kids to do in Abu Dhabi.

1. Theme Parks

One of the main features of Yas Island is the super popular Ferrari World Abu Dhabi. Equipped to bring the thrill to every part of your soul, this park sets the bar when it comes to rollercoasters. You and the kids can start nice and easy by jumping on any of the 40 exciting rides and attractions or you can go BIG, by riding Formula Rossa, the fastest rollercoaster in the world.

Where can you go to tackle teenage boredom and excite the little ones at the same time? Warner Bros. World on Yas Island is one of the most fun places for kids in Abu Dhabi and has a great mix of attractions, from thrilling rollercoasters to peaceful kiddies activities perfect for anyone aged 3 and up. You can jump on epic state-of-the-art rides in Gotham City, spend hours of fun at Cartoon Junction and so much more. Plus, your little ones will clap in delight when they get snaps with legendary Warner Bros. characters like Fred Flintstone, Superman and Bugs Bunny!

No vacation or staycation is complete without a day of water play at Yas Waterworld. Bathing suits, sunblock and flip flops are all you need to experience the impressive range of rides that this waterpark offers. The rides are categorised by thrill levels from the extreme (Shaheen's Adrenaline Rush) to low (Sultan's Young Fun). Babies and toddlers don’t have to be left behind - they can have their own splash party with floats and water toys at the dedicated kids' pool area.

Thrilling theme parks

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Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi

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Yas Water World Abu Dhabi

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Ferrari World Abu Dhabi

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2. Animals and friends

Why not toss in a wild encounter while you are exploring Abu Dhabi? Visit the Emirates Park Zoo where you and the kids can casually enjoy dinner time with the elephants or feed the hungry hippos (under careful supervision, of course!). The zoo also operates a large adventure play area where children can zip, swing and slide.

Brighten your children’s day with a visit to the evergreen Al Ain Zoo. Home to a variety of birds, mammals and reptiles, there’s plenty to see and discover. From the swift emu birds to the giant tortoises, get ready for squeals of joy and excitement. The zoo is also responsible for the conservation of endangered animals that range from the Saker Falcon to the Scimitar Oryx. It’s a great way to teach kids about the importance of caring for animals and protecting them for the sake of the planet's well-being.

Opened in 2021, the National Aquarium is the capital’s largest and only public aquarium and a real treat for the eyes and mind! Keep your camera ready (no flash please) to capture the most beautiful creatures of the sea, including the world’s largest living snake - the reticulated python also known as Super Snake - who is about seven metres long. Located in the Al Qana area of Abu Dhabi, you can even hop on a glass dhow tour to get closer or enjoy a fast track ticket through the entire aquarium.

3. Family-friendly beaches

Spend the day building sandcastles and making memories at the turquoise seashore of Abu Dhabi’s Corniche Beach. Thanks to its central location, you can easily find a space here to set up a family picnic or play a game of beach volleyball. You can visit the public beach or opt for the private family beach which is chargeable. The setting is a contemporary mix of beach views in the foreground and skyscrapers in the background, with plenty of spots nearby to grab food and drinks.

Soak up the rays and pack your sunglasses for a sunshine-y day out at the gorgeous Kai Beach on Saadiyat Island. Located just five minutes away from downtown Abu Dhabi, you can really spend hours at this pristine beach and not realise it. Kai Beach and Saadiyat Island in general, are known for their cute inhabitants, the Hawksbill Turtles.

Located alongside Hudariyat Island, Al Bateen Beach is an 800-metre-long scenic shoreline that makes for a memorable family day under the sun. Toddlers can enjoy the well-maintained play areas while parents can take turns taking advantage of the incredible water sports facilities such as kayaking and jet-skiing. The beach can be accessed completely free! There is also a separate area for women and children to enjoy the beautiful and secure beach in peace, which includes female lifeguards, but there is a minimal fee to enter.