Discover the best free things to do, kids-go-free deals and great-value family days out across Abu Dhabi this April
This month brings a strong mix of new openings, free events and genuinely good-value experiences across the city. From outdoor cinema nights and creative workshops to a brand-new beach and the UAE’s first immersive game show experience, there is plenty to explore.
If you’re planning family days out over the next few weeks, this is your definitive guide to what’s worth your time this April.
New things to do for kids and families in Abu Dhabi
Yas Mall free walking club
Yas Island
Just launched, this free walking club is a simple but well-timed addition as families look for ways to stay active before the heat kicks in. Sessions run every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 8–9 am, making it easy to build into a weekly routine. No registration required, just meet at Mezzaluna, Fashion Entrance.
Hamleys Marina Mall
Abu Dhabi’s new Hamleys at Marina Mall is designed as more than just a retail space. With live toy demonstrations, interactive play zones and a Build-A-Bear workshop, it offers enough hands-on engagement to keep younger children occupied for a solid hour or more.
Yas Bay East Beach
Yas Island
A brand-new beach on Yas Island, now open daily from 7 am and already proving popular for early visits. Day passes start from AED 100 on weekdays and AED 150 on weekends, with free access for guests staying at the Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island. The setting and facilities make it well-suited for a good day out.
From AED 100. For more information, visit yasbay.ae
Tufting Time
Al Seef Village Mall
The popular tufting workshop brand has opened its first Abu Dhabi studio, bringing a more creative, hands-on activity to the mix. Guests choose or design their own pattern, receive a full tutorial, and leave with a personalised rug, mirror or cushion. Sessions last around 1.5 to 2 hours, making it a substantial experience rather than a quick stop. With 50% off throughout April, it’s a good opportunity to try something different.
50% off throughout April. For more information, visit alseefmall.com
Quiz Room
Al Wahda City Walk
The UAE’s first immersive game show experience has arrived in Abu Dhabi, combining trivia with buzzers, lighting effects and fast-paced gameplay. Sessions run for 60 or 90 minutes and cater to groups ranging from small teams to larger gatherings. Formats include Original Quiz, Music Quiz, Kids Quiz and The Mole, offering variety depending on age and interest. It’s particularly well-suited to older children, teens and group outings.
From AED 112 per person. For more information, visit quiz-room.ae
Cinemacity Starlight
Marina Mall
Abu Dhabi’s new luxury cinema concept brings together films, dining and live entertainment under one roof. The Art Deco-inspired design and 500-seat Starlight Theatre create a more immersive, event-style experience compared to standard cinemas. Discounts for Esaad and Fazaa cardholders (20%) and Ministry of Education employees (22%) add value for eligible families.
For more information, visit cinemacity.ae
New Reem Saadiyat Bridge
A new pedestrian and cycling bridge now connects Reem Island and Saadiyat Island, adding a scenic route for families. With LED lighting and dedicated lanes, it is designed for both walkers and cyclists, making it accessible across age groups. The setting is lovely in the early evening, when temperatures drop.
Little Scissors Kids Salon
The Galleria, Al Maryah Island
This newly opened children’s salon is designed to make haircuts genuinely stress-free for both children and parents. Features such as car-shaped chairs, a play area and cartoon entertainment help keep younger children engaged throughout. Additional services include braiding, face painting, and natural hair treatments. With prices starting from AED 50, it works well as part of a wider visit to The Galleria.
From AED 50. For more information, visit littlescissorssalon.ae
Khalidiya Park
Al Khalidiyah
Khalidiya Park reopened in mid-March following a major renovation and is well worth revisiting this month. The standout addition is a 660-metre enclosed, air-conditioned walkway connecting different zones, making it far more usable as temperatures rise. Alongside this are five new play areas, sports courts and landscaped green spaces.
Free attractions and activities for kids and families this April
Abu Dhabi Children’s Library
Cultural Foundation, Al Hosn
One of the genuinely strong free family spaces in the UAE, designed around reading, exploration and creative play. Children can move between interactive zones, books and hands-on activities at their own pace. Regular sessions such as Storytime, Baby & Me and Maker workshops for ages 1–14 provide structure for those who want it. The programme changes monthly, so it’s worth checking ahead of a visit.
For more information, visit culturalfoundation.ae
Galleria Al Maryah Island Outdoor Fitness Programme
The Galleria’s spring fitness schedule is free to all and requires no booking. Sessions include yoga, adult and family Zumba, and dedicated kids’ Zumba classes. There is also a Saturday morning running club from 7.30-8.30 am for those looking for something more structured.
For more information, visit thegalleria.ae
Oregano Kids’ Pizza-Making
Al Forsan, Khalifa City A
Oregano’s free pizza-making sessions for children are a reliable family hit. Kids make, customise and eat their own pizza, and often leave with a chef’s hat and certificate. Worth noting: Tuesday deals include buy-one-get-one-free on pizzas and pastas. It’s advisable to check ahead or book, as availability can vary.
Free. For more information, visit @oreganorestaurantsuae
Hudayriyat Island
One of Abu Dhabi’s most versatile free destinations, offering space to walk, cycle or simply spend time outdoors. Families can use the public beach at no cost, with optional paid activities available for those who want to extend their visit. The open layout makes it easy to adapt the day depending on time and energy levels. It’s particularly effective for low-planning, flexible outings.
For more information, visit hudayriyatisland.ae
Yas Marina Circuit, TrainYAS
Yas Island
Free cycling and running sessions at one of the world’s most recognisable racing circuits remain a standout offering. Sessions typically run on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6-10 pm, making them accessible after school or work. The scale and setting make it a memorable experience, especially for children.
Free. For more information, visit yasmarinacircuit.com
You might also like: The best things to do this weekend in Abu Dhabi
Kids go free: cultural days out
Louvre Abu Dhabi
Saadiyat Island
Under-18s enter free, with adult tickets priced at AED 70, making this one of the most accessible cultural experiences in the city. The museum regularly runs family-friendly programming, helping children engage with the space more interactively. The architecture alone makes it worth visiting, even for a shorter trip.
AED 70. For more information, visit louvreabudhabi.ae
Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi
Saadiyat Cultural District
Under-18s enter free, with adult tickets at AED 70, offering strong value for families. The museum focuses on large-scale exhibits, including dinosaur displays that tend to resonate particularly well with children. It works well as a structured indoor outing with clear educational value.
AED 70. For more information, visit nhmad.ae
Zayed National Museum
Saadiyat Cultural District
Under-18s enter free, with adult tickets from AED 70. The focus here is on UAE heritage and history, making it better suited to older children who can engage more deeply with the content. The exhibits are well curated and provide useful context for life in the UAE. It’s a good option for families looking to combine learning with a cultural visit.
From AED 70. For more information, visit zayednationalmuseum.ae
Saadiyat Museums Pass
Saadiyat Cultural District
Two museums for AED 120; all three for AED 170. Under-18s, seniors and People of Determination enter free. One of the strongest cultural value propositions in the city.
It’s one of the strongest bundled cultural offers currently available in Abu Dhabi. Ideal if you want to plan a more structured day across the district.
From AED 120. For more information, visit visitabudhabi.ae
Manarat Al Saadiyat, Art Studio Workshops
Saadiyat Island
A wide-ranging creative programme runs through to June 2026, covering pottery, textile art, embroidery, painting, drawing and more. Sessions are available most mornings and evenings, primarily for ages 13 and above, with some workshops starting at 15+. The variety means you can choose something that suits your interests. Ideal for older children and teens seeking more focused creative experiences.
For more information, visit manaratalsaadiyat.ae
Best value activities (free and under AED 150)
teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi
Saadiyat Island
Currently offered at reduced prices: AED 150 for adults (13+) and AED 50 for children aged 4–12; under-4s are free. One of the best large-scale immersive art experiences in the region, well worth the trip for children and adults of all ages.
From AED 150. For more information, visit teamlababudhabi.com
Diya – A Universe of Light
Daily, 9am – 10pm, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
A 360-degree immersive experience inside the Light and Peace Museum, combining light, sound and motion-based effects. The installation explores Emirati landscapes, the Ghaf tree and mosque architecture in a visually engaging way. At AED 25, it’s great value for a large-scale experience.
AED 25. For more information, visit szgmc.gov.ae
Qasr Al Watan
The Qasr Al Watan offers one of the most visually striking cultural experiences in the UAE, combining grand architecture with exhibitions on governance, knowledge and heritage. While not free, ticket pricing remains fairly accessible, with reduced rates for children, making it good value for families. The scale of the interiors and evening light displays make it memorable, even for shorter visits. It works best for children who can engage with the content, but the setting alone makes it worthwhile for most families.
From AED 30 (children). For more information, visit qasralwatan.ae
Umm Al Emarat Park
Al Mushrif
Entry is AED 10, with free access for children under three, making it one of the most accessible outdoor options in the city. The park includes playgrounds, an animal barn and open green spaces for unstructured play. It works particularly well for a few hours in the morning before temperatures rise. A dependable option for families looking for something simple and outdoors.
AED 10. For more information, visit visitabudhabi.ae
Bounce Abu Dhabi After-School Special
This offer includes two hours of jump time, a kids’ meal and 25% off food and beverage, creating a great bundled deal. A solid value option for families with high-energy children.
AED 150. For more information, visit bounce.ae
Cube Challenges
Al Reem Island
This experience includes 32 different physical, mental and skill-based challenges, offering variety throughout the session. Designed for ages 8 and above, it works well for families or groups of friends. It’s a good alternative to more standard indoor entertainment options.
AED 110. For more information, visit cubechallenges.ae
Abu Dhabi Pottery
Al Khalidiyah
Hands-on ceramic sessions allow children to create and decorate their own pieces. The process is guided but still allows for creativity and experimentation, and finished pieces can be taken home. Great for children who enjoy creative activities.
AED 140. For more information, visit abudhabipottery.com
GoGolf Abu Dhabi
Al Mushrif
A tech-enabled driving range designed to make golf more accessible for beginners and families. Interactive formats help keep children engaged while learning basic skills. The per-bay pricing allows families to share the experience. It’s a good option for trying something new in a relaxed environment.
AED 150 per bay. For more information, visit gogolfabudhabi.com
Air Maniax
Teachers receive free entry when purchasing one access ticket for their child, with additional children receiving 20% off. A brilliant high-energy indoor option.
For more information, visit airmaniax.com
Big savings
Yas Island Annual Pass Offer
Buy four Yas Island annual passes for the price of three. The pass covers multiple attractions and allows repeat use over time. It works best for families planning multiple visits throughout the year. A strong long-term value option rather than a one-off deal.
For more information, visit yasisland.com
Follow Yalla for all the latest news
