Experiences that every member of the gang will love
Abu Dhabi certainly lives up to its reputation as a family-friendly city.
Along with being safe, multicultural and blessed with year-round sunshine, it offers tonnes of incredible indoor and outdoor activities that are perfect for family bonding.
From cycling to beach days and trips to the park, these are just some of the many amazing things that families can do together in the UAE capital.
Best things to do with family in Abu Dhabi
Adrenark Adventure
Desperate to get the kids away from their screens? Adrenark Adventure is just the thing. Far more exciting than any TikTok video, the region’s largest indoor adventure park contains a huge climbing wall, a go-karting track, rides, obstacle courses and much more. Plus, with everything from a special toddler play area and adult-suitable rides available, there’s no excuse for any member of the family to be stuck on the sidelines watching.
From AED 141 (six experiences). Open Sunday to Thursday, noon to 10pm, Friday noon to midnight, Saturday 10am to midnight. Al Qana, Al Maqta. For more information, visit adrenark.com.
Corniche beach
We’ve said it countless times and we will keep on doing so. There are few better ways to spend your time in Abu Dhabi than hitting the beaches and parks of the Corniche. A blissfully low hassle and extremely cheap way of spending high-quality time together, just pick a spot on the free stretches of sand (or pay a few dirhams to access the family section), and relish escaping your daily responsibilities with a relaxed day of sun, sea and sand. Manned by lifeguards, you can feel rest assured that your kids will be safe splashing in the shallow calm waters, and there’s many parks, playgrounds and hole-in-the-wall cafes dotted along the waterfront, too.
Free. Corniche Road.
Cultural Foundation Children’s Library
We wish this was our local library when we were growing up. Like stepping into a fairytale, the enchanting three-floor Children’s Library invites you and the kids to explore room after room filled with stories, graphic novels, audio books and various beautifully decorated cosy reading nooks. The desert-themed area (completed with sand dunes) and ‘book mountain’ are just two of the many showstopping highlights, and there’s always lots of arts and crafts workshops, book readings and other activities going on that are suitable for every age, ranging from newborns, up to kids aged 14 and under.
Free (some activities are chargeable). Sunday to Thursday, 9am to 8pm, Friday to Saturday, 2pm to 8pm. Qasr Al Hosn. For more information, visit culturalfoundation.ae.
Fiesta De La Familia Brunch at Barbossa
While heading out to brunch with the family is always tonnes of fun, it’s generally a rather expensive weekend activity. However, Barbossa is a welcome exception. An awesome way of combating the Sunday blues, the Fiesta De La Familia Brunch at Barbossa includes a three-course menu of tacos, fajitas and other Mexican classics (plus a special menu for the kids) all for less than AED 200 per adult and AED 50 per child. Entertainment and face painting for the little ones is also provided, and of course the setting by Yas Bay is absolutely gorgeous.
AED 199, AED 49 (kids 8 years and older). Sunday, noon to 4pm. Yas Bay, Yas Island. For more information, visit barbossa.ae.
You might also like: Louvre Abu Dhabi and Qasr Al Watan officially ranked as top attractions globally
Hudayriyat Island cycling track
Being able to head out for a family bike ride on smooth, scenic and, most importantly, car-free roads whenever the mood strikes you is one of the many privileges of living in Abu Dhabi. Suitable for all ages and cycling abilities, Hudayriyat Island is home to 1km, 3km, 5km and 10km tracks, all available to combine and repeat as many times as you like. The best part is gliding over the blue Arabian Gulf on the overwater bridge, and you’ll pass some stunning photo opportunities of the Corniche skyline as you zoom around, too. Bring your own bikes or rent them from the friendly team at Wolfi’s, and don’t skip stopping by The Service Course cafe for a post-ride refreshment.
From AED 50 per hour (bike rental), free (course access). Open daily, 5am to midnight. Hudayriyat Island. For more information, visit hudayriyatisland.ae.
The National Aquarium
It won’t just be the kids who are left open mouthed in wonder after visiting The National Aquarium and its many thousands of exotic fish and marine species. Home to the longest underwater tunnel in the Middle East, watching sharks, stingrays and enormous fish swirling around you is beyond incredible, while meeting the rescued turtles in the rehabilitation centre is deeply moving, too. Other highlights include the puffins, snakes, lizards and adorable capybara, while diving in the main tank and various other exciting animal encounters are available for an extra cost.
AED 110 (general admission). Open daily, 10am to 10pm. The National Aquarium Abu Dhabi, Al Qana. For more information, visit thenationalaquarium.ae.
Umm Al Emarat Park
You can keep your state-of-the-art theme parks and shiny new attractions. Sometimes there’s nothing like a wholesome family outing to the park. In typical Abu Dhabi style, Umm Al Emarat Park offers far more than just open green spaces. One of the city’s oldest and biggest parks, it has multiple playgrounds, a botanical garden and even a petting zoo. You can also work up a sweat around the jogging track, and enjoy community markets, movie screenings, yoga classes and other cool events most evenings and weekends.
AED 5 (entry). Daily, 10am to 2am. Al Mushrif. For more information, visit @ummalemaratpark on IG.
Yas Island theme parks
If the kids have been particularly well behaved lately, there’s no better way of rewarding them than a day out at one of Yas Island’s many world-famous theme parks. A dream come true for kids of all ages, even the sulkiest teen won’t be able to help cracking a smile on this adventurous island. Choose between superhero-themed action at Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, scream-yourself-silly rides at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi (including the world’s fastest rollercoaster), water-based excitement at Yas Waterworld or the 150 different marine animals at Seaworld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Whichever one you choose, the whole gang is guaranteed to have a day to remember.
From AED 345. Open daily. Yas Island. For more information, visit yasisland.com.
