Get the Ultimate Family Guide to Abu Dhabi

Parents and kids on vacation in dunes in big sand desert

Ultimate Family Guide to Abu Dhabi

Things to do in Abu Dhabi as a family

With its amusement parks, family-friendly resorts and thrilling attractions, holidays in Abu Dhabi offer plenty to do for all ages. Experience skydiving in the world’s largest wind tunnel or scale rock faces in the world’s largest climbing gym. Cool off at Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi with thrilling water rides and roller coasters, or stay at a beachside resort with everything you need right at your doorstep. Find all this and more in our Ultimate Family Guide to Abu Dhabi.

Yas Island

When it comes to the best things to do in Abu Dhabi for you and your kids, Yas Island has no shortage of family-friendly attractions and hotels. From the Yas Waterworld theme park to the motorsports circuit at Yas Marina, Yas Island is packed with tonnes of activities. So if you want to tick off all the things on your holiday “to-do” list, consider staying here!

You can still reach Yas Island from downtown Abu Dhabi using the Yas Express free shuttle service. The Blue Route stops at the Yas Plaza hotels, the W Abu Dhabi hotel, Yas Central, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, and Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi. The Red Route also stops at the Yas Plaza hotels and the W Abu Dhabi, and continues on to Yas Beach, Yas Marina, and the Yas Links golf course.

Yas Marina

Dine and dock at Abu Dhabi’s superyacht marina. Restaurants and cafes cater to all budgets. Take the kids to the playground or to cool off at the musical water fountain. During Race Week, Yas Marina turns into a celebrational epicentre with parties, fireworks and world-class live entertainment for all to enjoy.

Location: Yas Island – Abu Dhabi

ABU DHABI - DECEMBER 2016: Yas Island panoramic aerial view. Yas Island is famous for Formula 1 Circuit

Yas Marina Circuit

Ready to live life in the fast lane? Yas Marina Circuit hosts premier motor sporting events including the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Take the family on a tour of the racetracks or get behind the wheel of an amazing sports car. The Yas Kartzone also invites guests ages 13 and up to take on the twists and turns of the tracks in go-karts.

Location: Yas Island – Abu Dhabi

Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi

The weather in Abu Dhabi goes from hot to hotter. Beat the heat with this family-friendly attraction for all ages. The park boasts 40 roller coasters and water rides plus playgrounds, pools and events. Imagine getting funnelled in the centre of a tornado! That’s what it feels like in Dawwama, the world’s largest hydromagnetic-powered water slide. Surfs up at Bubbles Barrel, the world’s largest sheet wave! You’ll find all that and more at Yas Waterworld.

Location: Yas Island – Abu Dhabi

Yas Mall

Clothing, swimwear, toys and jewellery—spend the afternoon getting your retail fix. Yas Mall offers much more than just shopping, so if you need something to satisfy the kids, gather the whole family together for an adventure at the world’s largest indoor skydiving funnel or the 140 feet tall indoor climbing wall at CLYMB Abu Dhabi. Experience “edu-tainment” at KidZania Abu Dhabi or Fun Works. After all that, you can grab a movie at the on-site cinema.

Location: Yas Island – Abu Dhabi

Galleria Mall

For shopping, dining, and entertainment all in one, head to another one of Abu Dhabi’s top destinations, the Galleria Mall. Shop for everything from designer threads to world-renowned brands. See the latest films at the 3D IMAX cinema. Sip coffee or do yoga in the clouds at the outdoor Sky Park. Bring the kids to the Caboodle play world. Or, test your athletic abilities (and fear of heights) at the Xtreme Zone climbing wall.

Location: Al Maryah Island – Abu Dhabi

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi

Take the entire family to a theme park dedicated to the world’s most famous red sports car. Learn all about the story of Enzo Ferrari and how he turned his motoring dreams into reality. The theme park holds the record for the largest space frame structure ever built. Buckle up and hold on tight while zooming to high speeds on the world’s fastest roller coaster. Then get hands on with pizza making classes and painting, Italian-style.

Location: Yas Island – Abu Dhabi

Louvre Abu Dhabi Children’s Museum

The Children’s Museum at Louvre Abu Dhabi promises an interactive learning experience with regular child-friendly exhibitions dedicated to young minds in particular. The former costume adventure explored the history of fashion and let children create their own very-own avatar. The museum also runs family-friendly workshops to create and learn about the world of art.

Location: Saadiyat Island – Abu Dhabi

Desert Safari SUVs bashing through the arabian sand dunes; Shutterstock ID 401671129

Desert Safari Tours

Take the whole family on the adventure of a lifetime, surfing sand dunes, riding camels, and speeding off road in a hummer. Get the Bedouin hospitality with a barbeque beneath tents complete with grilled meats, fresh salads, music, and belly dancing. Nuzhath Ideas runs both day tours and overnight camping excursions into the desert from Abu Dhabi.

Location: Near Marina Mall – Abu Dhabi

Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi

Beat the heat at this indoor amusement park, perfect for the whole family. Enjoy entertaining shows featuring iconic Warner Bros characters and join them on all the 29 rides and attractions dedicated to them.

Location: Yas Island – Abu Dhabi

Al Ain Zoo

Founded by the late Sheikh Zayed in 1962, the Al Ain Zoo brings together all ages to appreciate wildlife from around the world. Feed the giraffes. Admire a blue-necked ostrich. See an Arabian leopard up close. Or, go underwater to see the hippos swimming and playing in the tanks. The Al Ain Zoo also hosts live entertainment and interactive exhibits daily.

Location: Al Ain

Yas Beach

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy a day of relaxation at Yas Beach. This pristine white beach overlooks crystal blue waters. Kids can go play at the pool or shaded splash pad and waterfall. Yas Beach has plenty of restaurants for everyone to grab a bite.

Location: Yas Island – Abu Dhabi

Falcon Hospital

Witness the country’s national bird up close and personal at this vet hospital for falcons. Hunters in the region have used falcons for centuries thanks to their keen senses and speedy skills. Demonstrations showcase the amazing talents of this iconic bird of prey up close.

Location: Near the Abu Dhabi International Airport – Sweihan Rd St – Abu Dhabi

Best Abu Dhabi Hotels for Families

When travelling with the kids, it is best to look for hotels that accommodate all ages. Swimming pools, playgrounds, child-friendly events and on-site restaurants are all part of the essential amenities you ought to consider when choosing your Abu Dhabi family hotel.

Travelling as a family doesn’t mean giving up on quality. This five-star resort showcases Arabian architecture along a 5 mile stretch of white sandy beaches Parents can play a round of golf on the on-site course or spend the morning on the tennis courts. The resort has a fitness centre, outdoor pool, spa and hammam. As for the kids, Aladdin’s Cave club features a lazy river, splash pool, cinema zone and water slide.

Location: Saadiyat Island – Abu Dhabi

Book Now

Guests at the Ritz Carlton can expect the level of luxury associated with this world-famous resort group. Located on the Grand Canal, the Ritz Carlton Abu Dhabi gives breathtaking views of the Grand Mosque. Children get their own special treatment at the Ritz Kids club with full and half day programmes filled with food, arts projects, sports and films, giving parents the chance to soak up the sun by the beach or book a spa treatment on site.

Location: Al Maqta Area – Abu Dhabi

Book Now

A part of the Marriott hotel group, The St. Regis Abu Dhabi on Abu Dhabi Corniche gives access to a private beach club, health and fitness centre and lots of exclusive on-site restaurants. The child-friendly resort gives the little ones the chance to meet and greet each other at the children’s pool, pirate-themed water park, playground and at the kids club. Meanwhile, the neighbouring Nation Towers Mall has over 60 retail shops, a cinema and plenty of family-friendly entertainment.

Location: Abu Dhabi Corniche – Abu Dhabi

Book Now

This all-inclusive luxury-style resort offers something for everyone. Adults can lounge by the pool or relax at the spa, while the younger ones play together at the Rixy Kids Club. The club hosts a full holiday adventure, with water slides, pools, art workshops, a disco, and a children’s cinema. The Rixy Kids Club also provides sports training and excursions.

Location: Saadiyat Island – Abu Dhabi

Book Now

This page references to other third party brands and/or websites. KAYAK has no control over any third party websites, and KAYAK is not responsible for, nor does KAYAK endorse, sponsor, or have any affiliation with any third party brands/websites. You acknowledge and agree that you will be bound by the terms of service or terms of use of the respective third party websites when redirected to the third party websites.