10 Best Family Things to Do in Abu Dhabi

Ferrari World is a massive indoor theme park in Abu Dhabi with over 20 high-octane rides for just about everyone in the family. It was established on Yas Island as the world’s first Ferrari-themed amusement park in 2010.

Expect plenty of thrilling experiences throughout the day at Ferrari World. You can experience intense speed at Formula Rossa, a rollercoaster that goes from 0 to 240 km/h in 4.9 seconds. Flying Aces takes you up to 63 metres at a 51-degree incline and speeds of up to 120 km/h. Families with toddlers can enjoy live shows featuring gravity-defying acrobats and optical illusions, or spend time at the theme park’s soft adventure play area.

Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi comprises 6 fun-filled zones over more than 35 acres, all inspired by some of Warner Bros’ iconic films and cartoons. You can find around 29 rides within the theme park, including carousels, bumper cars, rollercoasters and simulator rides.

Warner Bros. Plaza is the theme park’s epicentre, where you can find a wide range of dining and shopping options. The Starlight serves classic American cuisine like steaks and lamb chops, while Celebrity Scoop offers decadent sundaes, malts and milkshakes. You can also purchase mugs, hats and t-shirts as mementoes of your visit. If you’re lucky, you might meet Batman, Scooby Doo or Wile E. Coyote. If you’re planning on visiting other theme parks on Yas Island, consider a multi-park ticket to save money. 

Yas WaterWorld is an award-winning theme park in Abu Dhabi. It has around 45 water-based rides and attractions that suit just about everyone, making it one of the city’s most popular family attractions. Toddlers can enjoy slides, geysers and water cannons at Marah Fortress, while parents can relax on sunbeds by the manmade Amwaj Beach.

Thrill-seekers can enjoy Dawwama, one of the largest hydromagnetic-powered waterslides in the world that takes you and 5 companions through a series of twists and turns. Jebel Drop sends you down a 10-storey vertical slide, while those looking for an adventure can free dive for treasure. Don’t miss stopping by Gahwat Nasser for authentic Arabic souvenirs like dates and camel-milk chocolate.

Yas Kartzone is a high-speed outdoor centre with 3 configurations along a newly revamped 1-km-long track. You and your kids can get behind the wheel of a go-kart and race against each other for the fastest time.

Sessions are categorised by age range: 5 to 7, 8 to 12, 13 and above, with safety briefing, racing gear and 1-year membership included. Everyone also gets a printout of their driving performance at the end of the session, which makes a fantastic souvenir to commemorate a big win. Parents can watch their kids in action at the Yas Kartzone Box Park. You’ll find Kartzone at the prestigious Yas Marina Circuit, so stick around for more exciting races and experiences.

Khalifa Park is worlds away from Abu Dhabi's modern landscape. It serves as a recreational spot for families, with pretty flowerbeds, a manmade lake, miniature waterfalls and playgrounds for little ones.

Ride the charming train along the perimeter of Khalifa Park and stop off at various onsite attractions. Get a taste of Arabic culture at the Khalifa Park Library, cool off at the Murjan Splash Park and check out ocean wildlife at the Maritime Museum. The park is busiest on weekends, when families enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities, have BBQ picnics and simply relax together. If you’re looking to play some football, it’s best to email in advance to reserve a pitch.

A'l Bahar is a prominent gathering spot on the Abu Dhabi Corniche. This 500-metre-long promenade has ample family-friendly entertainment outlets, restaurants and shops overlooking the Arabian Gulf.

The beach is a beautiful spot to enjoy a swim in the turquoise water, lounge on the sand or take part in some beach games. Basketball courts, football fields, badminton courts and an outdoor boxing gym are just some of the many sports facilities at A'l Bahar. Why not pick up some treats from a farmers’ market or snacks from the many eateries and have a fun, family picnic on the beach?

The Emirates Heritage Village is an open-air museum offering an immersive look into the UAE’s traditional desert life. The recreated complex has all the elements you’d find in a traditional village, including a mosque, a souq street market, an irrigation channel named a falaj and several barasti houses.

The village is a world away from Abu Dhabi’s modern landscape, making it a great place for families and those who want to see a different side of the city. You’ll find craftspeople working on ancient practices like pottery, metalwork and glassblowing, and their wares make for excellent souvenirs. Let the kids try weaving on a loom or participate in special cultural events.

CLYMB Abu Dhabi appeals to thrill-seekers with its indoor climbing wall and skydiving flight chamber, both of which are among the largest in Abu Dhabi. It occupies a silvery futuristic-looking building on Yas Island, near Ferrari World and Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi.

Aspiring climbers, kids and adults alike, can take part in hands-on bouldering and auto-belaying group courses. The indoor climbing wall stretches up to 42 metres, with 13 routes to suit all levels. If you’re interested in skydiving, head to CLYMB Abu Dhabi’s state-of-the-art flight chamber. At 32 metres, it’s one of the world’s tallest vertical wind tunnels.

Marina Mall is a 4-storey complex near Abu Dhabi’s sea-facing Corniche Road. It has over 400 stores carrying upmarket and main street brands, including Gucci, Aldo, Dior, H&M and Mont Blanc. One of the centre’s standout features is its observation deck, which offers expansive views of the Corniche, Arabian Gulf and Emirates Palace.

Families can find plenty of things to do at Marina Mall. There’s an ice-skating rink, a 10-pin bowling alley and a cinema showing the latest blockbusters. Kids can spend hours at Bounce, an indoor trampoline park with slides, slacklines, dodgeball courts and fast-track trampolines. Check the website before you visit for details about any special events, including character meet and greets, egg hunts and theatre shows.

KidZania Abu Dhabi is a prominent edutainment centre on the first floor of Yas Mall. This interactive miniature city provides 40 realistic yet playful depictions of careers in medicine, construction, retail, media and more. Most activities are suitable for children between 2 and 16 years old.

Your kids can become surgeons, nurses or paramedics at the Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, join a sports team at the Stadium or create a stop-motion short film at the Majid TV Animation Studio. Costumes and equipment are provided for added realism. Don’t forget to take your camera for plenty of cute photographs.