Abu Dhabi offers a range of family-friendly activities suitable for first-time visitors. Here are some top recommendations:
1. Yas Waterworld
Description: A large water park featuring thrilling water rides, wave pools, and a lazy river.
Location: Yas Island
Highlights: Over 40 rides and attractions, including the world’s largest surfable wave.
Website: Yas Waterworld
2. Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
Description: An indoor theme park themed around Ferrari, with rides and attractions for all ages.
Location: Yas Island
Highlights: The world’s fastest roller coaster, Formula Rossa, and various Ferrari-themed attractions.
Website: Ferrari World
3. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Description: One of the largest and most stunning mosques in the world, known for its architectural beauty.
Location: Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Street
Highlights: Free guided tours available, a chance to admire the grand domes and intricate designs.
Website: Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
4. Louvre Abu Dhabi
Description: A museum featuring art and artifacts from around the world, housed in a striking building.
Location: Saadiyat Island
Highlights: Exhibitions from ancient to contemporary art, and a stunning domed roof that creates a “rain of light” effect.
Website: Louvre Abu Dhabi
5. Abu Dhabi Corniche
Description: A picturesque waterfront area with parks, beaches, and recreational facilities.
Location: Along the northwest coast of Abu Dhabi Island
Highlights: Safe, family-friendly beaches, bike rentals, and playgrounds.
Website: Abu Dhabi Corniche
6. Emirates Park Zoo
Description: A zoo that offers an interactive experience with various animals.
Location: Al Bahia
Highlights: Animal encounters, a petting zoo, and educational programs.
Website: Emirates Park Zoo
7. Qasr Al Hosn
Description: The oldest stone building in Abu Dhabi, now a cultural site and museum.
Location: Downtown Abu Dhabi
Highlights: Historical exhibits about the city’s development and traditional architecture.
Website: Qasr Al Hosn
8. Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital
Description: A specialized veterinary hospital for falcons.
Location: Mohammed Bin Zayed City
Highlights: Guided tours showcasing falconry traditions and the care of these birds.
Website: Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital
9. Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi
Description: An indoor theme park featuring characters and attractions from Warner Bros. franchises.
Location: Yas Island
Highlights: Rides and attractions themed around DC Comics, Looney Tunes, and Hanna-Barbera.
Website: Warner Bros. World
10. Kidzania Abu Dhabi
Description: An interactive city where children can role-play various professions.
Location: Yas Mall
Highlights: Kid-friendly activities designed to be educational and fun.
Website: Kidzania Abu Dhabi
These activities offer a mix of entertainment, education, and cultural experiences suitable for families visiting Abu Dhabi.
Abu Dhabi offers a wide range of family-friendly activities that cater to all ages. Here are some top options:
1. Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
Location: Yas Island
Highlights: Ferrari World is the world’s first Ferrari-themed park, featuring more than 40 thrilling rides and attractions. It includes the world’s fastest roller coaster, Formula Rossa, and family-friendly attractions like Junior Grand Prix and the Ferrari-themed play area. The park also offers entertainment shows and dining options.
Best For: Thrill-seekers, car enthusiasts, and families with older children.
2. Yas Waterworld
Location: Yas Island
Highlights: Yas Waterworld is a massive water park with over 40 rides, slides, and attractions. It caters to all age groups, with adrenaline-pumping rides for teens and adults, as well as gentle water play areas for young children. The park’s unique pearl diving experience offers a glimpse into the UAE’s cultural heritage.
Best For: Water lovers, families with children of all ages.
3. Louvre Abu Dhabi
Location: Saadiyat Island
Highlights: Louvre Abu Dhabi is a stunning museum that offers a rich collection of art and artifacts from around the world. The museum’s “Children’s Museum” provides interactive exhibits designed for kids, making it both educational and fun. The architecture of the museum itself is a sight to behold.
Best For: Art enthusiasts, families looking for educational experiences.
4. Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi
Location: Yas Island
Highlights: This indoor theme park features six immersive lands based on iconic Warner Bros. characters like Batman, Superman, Bugs Bunny, and Scooby-Doo. It offers a wide range of rides, shows, and attractions suitable for all ages. The park is fully air-conditioned, making it a great option year-round.
Best For: Families with children of all ages, fans of Warner Bros. characters.
5. Emirates Park Zoo
Location: Al Bahia, Abu Dhabi
Highlights: Emirates Park Zoo is home to a variety of animals, including lions, tigers, giraffes, and zebras. The zoo offers interactive experiences like animal feeding, petting sessions, and even breakfast with parrots or giraffes. There’s also a dedicated play area and educational programs for kids.
Best For: Animal lovers, families with young children.
6. Corniche Beach
Location: Corniche Road
Highlights: Corniche Beach is a beautiful, family-friendly beach with clean, safe swimming areas and stunning views of the Abu Dhabi skyline. The beach is divided into sections, with some areas dedicated to families and children. There are plenty of facilities, including playgrounds, cafes, and shaded areas for picnics.
Best For: Relaxation, beach outings with young children.
7. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Location: Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Street
Highlights: The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is one of the largest mosques in the world and a must-visit landmark in Abu Dhabi. Families can explore its breathtaking architecture, beautiful gardens, and serene atmosphere. Guided tours are available, offering insights into Islamic culture and traditions.
Best For: Cultural experiences, educational visits with older children.
8. Qasr Al Watan
Location: Al Ras Al Akhdar
Highlights: Qasr Al Watan, the Presidential Palace, offers a glimpse into the UAE’s rich heritage and governance. The palace features stunning architecture, a grand library, and exhibits on the UAE’s history and contributions to knowledge. The evening light show is a spectacular event for families.
Best For: Cultural learning, families interested in history and architecture.
9. Kayaking in the Mangroves
Location: Eastern Mangroves, Abu Dhabi
Highlights: Explore the natural beauty of Abu Dhabi’s mangrove forests on a guided kayaking tour. It’s a peaceful, educational experience where families can learn about the local ecosystem, spot wildlife, and enjoy the calm waters. Some tours are designed specifically for families, including children.
Best For: Nature lovers, families looking for outdoor activities.
10. Al Ain Zoo and Al Ain Oasis
Location: Al Ain, Abu Dhabi
Highlights: A short drive from Abu Dhabi, Al Ain Zoo offers a wide variety of animals, along with engaging experiences like feeding giraffes and walking with lemurs. Nearby, Al Ain Oasis provides a tranquil environment with lush date palms and shaded walkways, perfect for a leisurely family stroll.
Best For: Day trips, families interested in nature and wildlife.
11. Bounce Abu Dhabi
Location: Marina Mall, Abu Dhabi
Highlights: Bounce Abu Dhabi is an indoor trampoline park offering fun for all ages. It features a variety of activities like free jumping, dodgeball, and slam dunk basketball. There’s also a dedicated area for younger kids.
Best For: Active families, kids who love to jump and play.
12. Desert Safari
Location: Abu Dhabi Desert
Highlights: Experience the beauty of the Abu Dhabi desert on a family-friendly safari. Activities typically include dune bashing, camel riding, sandboarding, and a visit to a Bedouin camp where you can enjoy traditional food and entertainment. Evening safaris offer the chance to watch the sunset over the dunes.
Best For: Adventure seekers, families looking for unique experiences.
13. Heritage Village
Location: Near Marina Mall, Abu Dhabi
Highlights: Heritage Village is a reconstructed traditional desert village where families can learn about the UAE’s Bedouin past. The village features traditional houses, workshops demonstrating crafts like pottery and weaving, and a small museum. It’s an educational and cultural experience for all ages.
Best For: Cultural learning, families interested in history.
14. Yas Marina Circuit
Location: Yas Island
Highlights: For families with older children and teens, the Yas Marina Circuit offers unique experiences like go-karting and driving experiences on a Formula 1 track. There are also behind-the-scenes tours of the circuit, making it an exciting destination for motorsport enthusiasts.
Best For: Racing fans, families with older kids.
15. Wahat Al Karama
Location: Across from Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Highlights: Wahat Al Karama is a war memorial that honors the UAE’s soldiers. The site features a series of monumental sculptures and reflective pools, offering a peaceful place to learn about the country’s history and pay respects. The site is also known for its beautiful views of the Grand Mosque.
Best For: Educational visits, families interested in UAE history.
These activities offer a mix of adventure, culture, relaxation, and entertainment, ensuring that families visiting Abu Dhabi have a memorable experience.