7 fun things to do in Abu Dhabi with kids

Top things to do in Abu Dhabi with kids

If you’re looking for culture, adventure, year-round sunshine, and family-friendly entertainment, Abu Dhabi is the perfect destination.  Once a small island of palm huts, Abu Dhabi has transformed into the cosmopolitan, high-rise capital of the United Arab Emirates, offering a unique blend of modern attractions and rich cultural heritage.

Abu Dhabi is a brilliant choice for a family holiday.  Just an 8-hour flight from the UK, it boasts warm weather all year round and an array of top attractions for kids.  From the thrills of Ferrari World and Yas Waterworld to pristine beaches and cultural landmarks, there’s something for everyone.  This travel guide highlights the best things to do in Abu Dhabi with kids, ensuring your family holiday is packed with unforgettable experiences.

We spent a week in Abu Dhabi, which was the perfect amount of time to see the top attractions.  We were visiting friends, who helped put our itinerary together and took us to some of the best bars and restaurants.

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Yas Marina is a vibrant destination where families can enjoy waterside dining, exciting events, and scenic views.  For any F1 racing fans, it’s home to the famous racing circuit where the racing season ends each year.  In the evenings, the track is open to the public for guided tours of the track.  My husband is a mega Formula 1 fan, so was really keen to see where all the racing action takes place.

As well as the track, there are many interactive activities to enjoy for all ages, including driving experiences and karting.  For families there are several play areas and opportunities to watch the boats dock.  It’s also a great starting point for exploring things to do in Yas Island and its famous attractions.

One of our favourite attractions on Yas Island is Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, one of the world’s best theme parks.  Famous for its record-breaking Formula Rossa, the world’s fastest roller coaster, it’s the ultimate theme park for thrill-seekers and car enthusiasts alike.

For families with younger kids, or people like me who don’t like fast rides, Ferrari World offers a variety of family-friendly attractions.  Children can enjoy the Junior Training Camp, featuring climbing walls and suspension bridges.  There are also electric go-karts, simulators, zip lines and interactive challenges to engage all ages.

As the first Ferrari-inspired theme park, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, also showcases a stunning collection of Ferraris through the ages, making it a must-visit for car lovers and one of the most iconic Abu Dhabi attractions.

Another of the top things to do in Yas Island is spend a day out at Yas Waterworld, Abud Dhabi’s premier waterpark.

With over 40 rides, slides, and attractions, Yas Waterworld is a paradise for water-loving families.  It’s the perfect spot to cool off and there’s plenty to keep you busy all day.

Our family particularly loved Dawwama, the world’s largest six-person tornado water slide, which was amazing.

Whether you’re exploring all the waterslides or just chilling on the lazy river, Yas Waterworld is one of the top things to do with kids in Abu Dhabi and a must-visit destination.  We loved it and would happily have returned!

Another of Abu Dhabi’s exciting theme parks is Warner Bros. World™, which opened in 2018.  This family friendly attraction has six immersive lands, each featuring rides and experiences inspired by beloved characters like Batman, Superman, and Bugs Bunny.

In addition to roller-coasters, the theme park offers interactive shows and opportunities to meet your favourite characters. Whether you’re exploring Gotham City or Bedrock, there’s something to entertain visitors of all ages.

As the largest indoor theme park in the region, Warner Bros World™ is perfect for escaping the heat while having fun, making it one of the most popular Abu Dhabi attractions.

Although Abu Dhabi is home to incredible theme parks, it can become expensive.  For a more budget-friendly day, head to one of the city’s beautiful beaches.

The Corniche is the promenade that stretches five miles along the Abu Dhabi waterfront.  It is the main beachfront and along the way you will find play areas, cafés and restaurants.  There are three sections of beach, for families, singles and the general public.

We spent a lovely afternoon at Corniche Beach, a long stretch of sandy public beach.  It was immaculately clean, and the water was warm and inviting.  The sections where you can swim have lifeguards, and there is a small section just for families (with entrance fee).  This man-made beach is ideal for swimming and sunbathing, making it one of the best free places to visit in Abu Dhabi.

Another popular spot is Saadiyat Beach, located on Saadiyat Island.  You do have to pay an entrance fee of 25 AED for adults and 15 AED for children, but it has stunning white sands and turquoise waters.

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is one of the most iconic landmarks in Abu Dhabi and a must-see for families visiting the city.  Visitors can take a guided tour to learn about Islamic culture and the mosque’s history.

This architectural masterpiece features 82 domes, intricate marble work, and one of the largest chandeliers in the world.  It is a stunning building and a fascinating experience for kids and adults alike.

As one of the top things to see in Abu Dhabi, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is an unmissable highlight of your trip.

Admission is free.  Non-muslims can visit, but must remember to dress respectfully.

Opening times 9:00-22:00 Saturday–Thursday and 16:30-22:00 on Fridays.

Reaching Abu Dhabi from the UK is straightforward, with direct flights available from major airports like London Heathrow, Manchester, and Birmingham.  Etihad Airways and British Airways offer regular flights, with a journey time of approximately 8 hours.

Once you land at Abu Dhabi International Airport, you’ll easily find taxis and airport shuttles to take you to your destination.

If you are already in the UAE, Abu Dhabi is only a short drive from Dubai, so you could visit on a day trip.

Abu Dhabi’s year round heat makes exploring the city by foot impractical.  We tried doing a short walk to the beach and it really wasn’t ideal for the children.  Luckily, there are several convenient options for getting around.  Many hotels provide complimentary shuttle service to major attractions, such as Yas Island.

Also, taxis are affordable and widely available.  Alternatively, a sightseeing tour is a fantastic choice for families, taking you to key Abu Dhabi attractions like Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Qasr Al Watan in one trip.  We were lucky enough to also get lifts from our friends who live in Abu Dhabi.

Abu Dhabi offers a wide range of family-friendly accommodations, from luxury resorts to budget-friendly hotels.

Yas Island is an excellent choice for families, with its proximity to attractions like Ferrari World and Yas Waterworld.   Other popular areas include Saadiyat Island for beach lovers and the Corniche for those who enjoy waterfront views.  Many hotels offer kids’ clubs, pools, and babysitting services, ensuring a comfortable stay for the whole family.

We stayed at the Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche in a family room.  Facing the Corniche seafront, this 5-star hotel had a great roof-top pool, a spa, fitness centre and six restaurants.  One of the benefits of staying her was the complimentary shuttle service, which took us to the beach and some of Abu Dhabi’s most popular attractions.

Another popular choice for families is the WB Abu Dhabi, located on Yas Island.

Pin for later:  7 fun things to do in Abu Dhabi with Kids

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