20 Best Things to Do in Abu Dhabi with Kids
Yas Island theme parks anchor the list, but the real wins are the ones where nobody checks the time.
September in Abu Dhabi reaches 45 degrees by midday, so the ranking here prioritizes what keeps you indoors and what works outdoors before 9 a.m. or after sunset. Yas Island holds four theme parks within free shuttle distance of each other, so the heavy-hitter attractions come first—the ones where a single ticket carries you through five to seven hours without needing to relocate. Then come the museums and cultural sites where air-conditioning is absolute, the waterfronts where shade and proximity matter, and finally the activities that work best October through April. The beaches, parks and Heritage Village are free, which moves them high for value, but they're outdoor-only. Everything here has been checked against official sites this month. Prices shift with season, so treat the numbers as anchors.
Warner Bros. World
Yas Island · Indoor theme park · AED 295 adults, AED 230 children (3-11), 5-7 hours
The world's largest indoor theme park means Warner Bros. World works year-round, regardless of summer heat. Six themed lands bring DC superheroes, Looney Tunes, and Hanna-Barbera characters to life through 29 rides and attractions. Toddlers gravitate toward Cartoon Junction's gentler rides, while older kids disappear into Gotham City's dark rides and rollercoasters, all under one air-conditioned roof. Book online to skip gate queues; the free Yas Express shuttle connects all four parks.
Yas Waterworld
Yas Island · Water park with 60+ slides and rides · AED 280 all ages (3+), 9 hours daily from 10 a.m.
Cool off at Yas Waterworld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, a one-of-a-kind waterpark inspired by the UAE's pearl-diving heritage and now home to more than 60 rides, slides, and attractions following its expansion. Shaded loungers, splash zones, and cooling stations help families stay comfortable. Yas Waterworld is particularly popular for its wide variety of slides and pools suitable for different age groups. The park generally runs from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily, which gives you a solid nine hours to work through the slides, rides, and rivers.
Ferrari World
Yas Island · Formula 1 themed park with 40+ rides · From AED 295 adults, 5-6 hours
Feel the rush of Ferrari-inspired thrills, family rides, simulators, and racing energy at Ferrari World Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, an award-winning theme park home to over 40 rides and attractions. Ferrari World features the world's fastest rollercoaster with thrilling G-force speeds. The park splits into zones so younger children have Junior GT and family rides while older kids tackle Formula Rossa. A wide choice of dining and shopping options at each park, free transportation to all the island's theme parks and free parking apply across Yas Island.
SeaWorld Yas Island
Yas Island · Marine life theme park, 8 realms · AED 375 adults, AED 290 children (3-12), 4-5 hours
Explore SeaWorld® Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, the World's Largest Indoor Marine Life Theme Park, where the One Ocean story unfolds across eight immersive realms with animal encounters, rides, entertainment, dining, and shopping. Families seeking a mix of entertainment and education should consider SeaWorld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. The park combines marine exhibits with immersive experiences, allowing children to learn while having fun. The indoor setting makes it ideal for September heat.
The National Aquarium
Al Qana · Indoor aquarium, 10 zones with 46,000 animals · AED 65-95, 2-3 hours
The National Aquarium is one of the Middle East's largest and most captivating underwater worlds. Walk through tunnels with sharks and rays gliding overhead, and watch kids press their noses to the glass in wide-eyed wonder. There are 46,000 animals across 10 zones, from playful tropical fish to graceful rays, all looked after by a dedicated team of experts. It houses over 60 attractions and features more than 46,000 animals spread across 10 different zones.
KidZania
Yas Mall, ground floor · Interactive role-play city for ages 3+ · From AED 145, 3-4 hours
Located on the ground floor of Yas Mall, the centre comprises a huge interactive mini-city providing children with more than 40 opportunities to role-play in different professions, from dentistry to window cleaning. In each role, participants earn 'KidZos' – the official currency of Kidzania – which they can then spend on a variety of attractions within the 'city' as well as in the gift shop. This vibrant, interactive mini-city is designed for ages 3+ and it has everything: petrol stations, supermarkets, fast food joints and even crime scenes.
Louvre Abu Dhabi
Saadiyat Island · Museum with family workshops · Under 13 free, AED 63 adults, 2-3 hours
Children under 18 years of age can visit Louvre Abu Dhabi for free. Louvre Abu Dhabi might seem adult-focused, but the museum offers exceptional family programming. The Jean Nouvel-designed building itself fascinates kids with its "rain of light" dome creating moving patterns. Allow at least 3–4 hours to fully appreciate both the galleries and the stunning outdoor spaces beneath the iconic dome.
Bounce Abu Dhabi
Marina Mall · Trampoline park with zones for ages 3+ · From AED 65, 2 hours
Bounce Abu Dhabi can make you leap way, way up high! Kids from ages 3 onwards and adults can really take full advantage of this unique adventure zone located within Marina Mall. There is also an interactive play area for children up to the age of 7 called the Mina Bounce Zone. Air-conditioned relief from the heat with enough energy outlets to tire out the restless.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Eastern city · Free entry with online booking · Free, 60-90 minutes
Entry is free, which explains the queues at the booking page: an online access pass is required, and free guided tours run through the day. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque ranks among the world's most beautiful mosques, and visiting teaches children about Islamic culture and architecture in a welcoming, accessible way. The mosque features superlatives kids find impressive: world's largest hand-knotted carpet, Swarovski crystal chandeliers, marble from 28 countries. Time Needed: 60-90 minutes including time to walk around the exterior reflecting pools.
Qasr Al Watan
Presidential Palace grounds, next to Emirates Palace · Presidential palace with light show · AED 65 adults, AED 30 children, 2 hours
Qasr Al Watan is the UAE's presidential palace, a stunning cultural landmark open to the public, showcasing Emirati heritage, architecture, and history. At night, the palace is transformed by a light and sound show that makes the gardens and grand halls feel magical. The UAE's presidential palace, open to visitors since 2019. Adults pay AED 65 and juniors AED 30 for the grand halls, the library and, after dark, the Palace in Motion light show.
Corniche Beach
Waterfront promenade, central location · Family beach sections with lifeguards · Free, open daily
Stretching for eight kilometres along the waterfront, it's clean, well-maintained and divided into separate family sections with lifeguards on duty. The water is calm and shallow, ideal for children and the beachfront promenade has cafés, cycling paths and play areas running alongside it. A beach trip to Abu Dhabi doesn't need to mean a resort beach; the Corniche is one of the city's greatest free attractions. Hit it early before the heat peaks.
Eastern Mangroves Kayak Tours
Eastern Mangroves, Al Qana · Guided kayak tours through protected waters · AED 170 per person, 2 hours
Guided kayak tours through Abu Dhabi's Eastern Mangroves reveal wildlife—herons, crabs, fish—while teaching about this critical ecosystem. The calm, protected waters suit beginners. Best Time: October-April. Summer mornings possible but quite warm. Active adventure with likely animal sightings, plus the independence of paddling their own kayak (or sharing with a parent).
Al Bateen Beach
Al Bateen, near Hudayriyat Island · 800m family-friendly shoreline, free access · Free plus water sports rentals, open daily
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.
Snow Abu Dhabi
Reem Mall, Reem Island · Indoor snow park and sledding · From AED 185, 2-3 hours
Snow Abu Dhabi at Reem Mall (AED 185+) for indoor snow fun offers a completely climate-controlled escape where children slide and play in real snow. During hot summer months (May-September), the best indoor play areas in Abu Dhabi include Snow Abu Dhabi at Reem Mall (AED 185+, includes winter gear). All are fully climate-controlled. Book ahead in peak season.
CLYMB Abu Dhabi
Yas Island · Indoor climbing and skydiving · Climbing from AED 95, skydiving from AED 275, varies by activity
While primarily known for its indoor climbing and skydiving facilities, Clymb features outdoor adventure zones suitable for older children and teens. CLYMB Abu Dhabi is an adventure destination with indoor climbing centre and skydiving flight chamber. The climbing wall suits ages 4+; indoor skydiving requires age 5+ minimum. Fully air-conditioned and an alternative to screen time.
Umm Al Emarat Park
Central Abu Dhabi · Large park with train, aquarium, playground, maritime museum · AED 5-10 entry, half-day visit
This large park combines green spaces with attractions including a small train, aquarium, and maritime museum. The extensive playground equipment caters to various age groups, from toddlers to pre-teens. Wide walking paths make it suitable for families with strollers, and the abundant shade from mature trees provides relief during hotter months. Best visited before 9 a.m. in September.
Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital
Al Ain road, east of city · Behind-the-scenes falcon care tours · AED 270 adults, AED 115 children (under 12), 2 hours
The world's largest falcon hospital offers behind-the-scenes tours showing how these birds—central to Emirati culture—receive medical care. Kids hold a falcon (with gloves) and learn about falconry's heritage role. Educational Value: Combines animal education, cultural heritage, and conservation in one unique experience you can't replicate elsewhere. Booking: Advance booking essential, tours limited to small groups.
Fun City
Marina Mall and Abu Dhabi Mall, multiple locations · Indoor play centre for ages 1-12 · From AED 35-50, 2-3 hours
If you are looking for indoor activities for kids in Abu Dhabi, an option is Fun City. They describe themselves as an indoor play centre for 1-12 year olds. It's located in both the Marina Mall and Abu Dhabi Mall so this is also something you could combine with shopping. Budget-friendly and within reach when energy is low and the mall provides air-conditioning breaks.
Desert Safari with Dune Bashing
Abu Dhabi desert, pickup from city · 4-6 hours, BBQ, camel rides, sandboarding · From AED 150-200 per person
Not all desert safaris are made equal, especially with kids in tow. Choose one with gentle dunes, short drives and time for sandboarding rather than white-knuckle thrills. Watching the sun dip below the sand never loses its power. Book family-focused operators who offer shorter drives and activities geared to younger passengers. October through April only; September heat makes this punishing.
Heritage Village
Near Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, waterfront · Traditional UAE architecture and crafts · Free entry, 1-2 hours
Free attractions: Corniche Beach, Heritage Village, parks, and mosques cost nothing. The open-air village reconstructs traditional Emirati life with heritage buildings, craft demonstrations and cultural exhibitions. Qasr Al Hosn fort is the oldest stone building in Abu Dhabi. This is where Abu Dhabi's story begins. The exhibitions are thoughtful and accessible, making history feel close rather than distant. Kids get context, parents get perspective. Visit in early morning or evening when it's walkable.
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