ferrarieticket.za.com Open in urlscan Pro
2606:4700:3035::ac43:9258  Public Scan

Form analysis
0 forms found in the DOM

Text Content

Lonely Planet
Destinations
Planning
Inspiration
Shop

Search

Saves


Open main menu
 1. Travel Stories
 2. United Arab Emirates
 3. Abu Dhabi

Login Save
Share



VISITING ABU DHABI WITH KIDS: THEME PARKS, SPEED BOATS AND FARMS

Hayley Skirka

Feb 21, 2024 • 6 min read

Login Save
Share


Read on for the best activities and top planning tips for a family trip to Abu
Dhabi Cristian Negroni / 500px

Against a backdrop of golden sand and turquoise-lined islands, Abu Dhabi is
packed to the dunes with kid-friendly adventures. And thanks to the traditional
warm Arabian hospitality afforded to all visitors in this part of the world,
families headed to the UAE capital can expect a warm welcome.

In fact, Abu Dhabi is an incredibly child-friendly destination where most hotels
boast facilities just for little ones, with kids clubs, splash pools and
kid-specific menus more common than not. As well as tons of child-specific
attractions, Abu Dhabi has plenty for families to discover together. The city is
also extremely safe, meaning parents can enjoy peace of mind while exploring
with little ones in tow.


IS ABU DHABI GOOD FOR KIDS?

Abu Dhabi makes traveling with kids easy with family check-in desks at Abu Dhabi
airport, baby changing facilities in most bathrooms and handy breastfeeding
rooms in the city’s malls for nursing moms. Children are also welcome in most
restaurants and bars, although check if there are evening restrictions if the
venue serves alcohol. In fact, the only real challenge families will face in Abu
Dhabi is the heat. How to beat it? Don’t come in summertime – and plan outdoor
activities first thing in the morning or in early evening.


WHERE IS BEST IN ABU DHABI FOR CHILDREN?

Families trying to decide where to stay can consider Yas Island on the outskirts
of the city, which is filled with theme parks galore. The waterfront Corniche is
another good spot with a seemingly endless golden shoreline and plenty of nearby
malls, restaurants and hotels.  


Keep your toddler entertained with these child-friendly distractions in Abu
Dhabi © deveritt / Getty Images


THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN ABU DHABI WITH BABIES AND TODDLERS


GO VEGETABLE PICKING AT MAZARA FARM

It may be the desert, but that doesn’t mean things don’t grow in Abu Dhabi, and
a visit to Mazaraa Farm proves exactly that. The UAE’s first certified organic
farm is perfect for little ones to try vegetable picking and to meet goats,
donkeys, rabbits, horses and camels. Afterwards, enjoy refreshments in the
farm’s boho-style cafe.




SPEND THE MORNING AT UMM AL EMARAT PARK

One of the oldest green spaces in the city, Umm Al Emarat Park has a blooming
botanical garden, water fountains and a music garden – where children can bang
around on glockenspiels and bongos. On warmer days, make a beeline to the
three-floored Shade House, which boasts brilliant views of the park and beyond.
There are plenty of cafes and food trucks inside the park for when little ones
get peckish.


SOAK IN CULTURE AT MANARAT AL SAADIYAT

Museums and galleries may not be traditionally baby-friendly, but there’s no
reason to miss out on culture because you have kids in tow. Manarat Al Saadiyat
hosts a revolving calendar of painting, photography and cinema exhibitions, and
has a permanent outdoor space with a street-art-adorned skate park. The adjacent
garden boasts six colorful public artworks and is a great place for kids to burn
off some steam. Larte – a contemporary Italian eatery – is also located here,
and has a bambino menu for kids and happy hour every weekday for the adults.  


It's best to prepare kids on the etiquette for visiting religious sites like
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque  © Walter Bibikow / Getty Images


BEST THINGS TO DO IN ABU DHABI WITH KIDS


VISIT THE SHEIKH ZAYED GRAND MOSQUE



Sparkling crystal chandeliers, mirror-like pools and the world’s largest
hand-knotted carpet await in the 22,400-sq-meter (241,111-sq-ft)   Sheikh Zayed
Grand Mosque , Abu Dhabi’s most famous landmark. Free to visit, it’s a great
learning opportunity for the whole family and complimentary tours will answer
anything you ever wanted to know about the Islamic faith and Emirati culture.
Unsurprisingly for the UAE, you reach and depart the mosque via a shopping mall
which means there’s plenty of coffee shops around to rehydrate after your visit
– no food or water is allowed inside the mosque.


SPEED THROUGH THE MANGROVES ON A RHINO BOAT

Home to thousands of mangrove trees and over 60 bird species, the Mangrove
National Park is Abu Dhabi’s most impressive natural asset. Head out on the
water on specially modified speed boats known as Rhino Riders  and keep your
eyes peeled for flamingoes, herons and turtles. A stop at a private sandy island
and a dip in the water wrap up this fun experience that’s open to everyone aged
three and older.


GET TO GRIPS WITH ART AT LOUVRE ABU DHABI

France’s largest overseas cultural project can be found at Louvre Abu Dhabi .
Fantastical architecture and a light-filled central dome house an impressive
permanent collection. It’s also where travelers can find the Children’s Museum ,
the capital’s only child-specific museum. Here, little visitors get the chance
to experience art through immersive workshops and activities. Aptitude Café is a
good pick for refreshments afterwards, where the sunset views almost make up for
the steep prices.



Yas Island's family-friendly theme parks are a hit with teens and parents alike
© Vladimir Zhoga / Shutterstock


BEST THINGS TO DO IN ABU DHABI WITH TEENAGERS AND TWEENAGERS


EXPLORE YAS ISLAND’S THEME PARKS

Yas Island is theme park central and a funnel of fun for kids of all ages. Ride
the world’s fastest roller coaster at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi , or cool down at
Yas Waterworld , where there are rides, slides and rapids galore. Warner Bros
World Abu Dhabi , the world’s largest indoor theme park, is also here and has
captivating themed “worlds” including Bedrock for littles, Cartoon Network for
kids and Gotham City for teens.


VISIT ABU DHABI FALCON HOSPITAL

Specializing in the care of the UAE’s national bird, Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital
welcomes visitors (aged five and over) wanting to find out more about these
storied creatures. A two-hour tour explains the significance of falcons in
traditional Bedouin culture and kids can watch the birds getting their talons
trimmed and flying through an open aviary. If you’re lucky, you might even get
to watch a bird surgery take place.  


GET ADVENTUROUS AT HUDAYRIYAT ISLAND

Connected to Abu Dhabi via a huge suspension bridge, Hudayriyat Island is the
place for outdoor adventures. With cycling and jogging tracks, sports courts,
golden beaches and endless crystal-clear waters, teens can also show off their
skills in the skate park, head out on the ocean via a Jet Ski, whizz across a
mountain bike trail or tackle the largest permanent obstacle course in the UAE.
Younger siblings will love the pirate-themed Splash & Climb park and there’s a
host of cafes here, making it easy to find a place to dine for even the fussiest
eaters.  


PLANNING TIPS FOR TRAVELING WITH CHILDREN IN ABU DHABI

Have a chat with your kids to educate them about the UAE’s Muslim culture,
especially if you plan to visit the Grand Mosque. Children are welcome here but
it’s not appropriate for them to run around and make loud noises. This might not
seem ideal but learning about the expectations of other cultures is a critical
part of travel.

The Entertainer discount app might be worth purchasing if you plan to do lots of
sightseeing as it’s filled with two-for-one offers to the city’s attractions,
restaurants and leisure offerings.
 





EXPLORE RELATED STORIES

Read more articles

Art and Culture

9 things that any visitor to Abu Dhabi should do

Mar 8, 2024 • 9 min read

Abu Dhabi attracts visitors with sites that emphasize heritage and culture, as
well as family fun. Add these essential experiences to add to your list.

 * Fashion & Clothing
   Tania AbuZeid Dahbour: Revelry, romance and family in Abu Dhabi
   
   Sep 9, 2022 • 6 min read
   
   Food
   How to live like a Local in Abu Dhabi
   
   Mar 22, 2018 • 3 min read
   
   Budget Travel
   8 ways to save money in the Maldives
   
   Feb 22, 2024 • 5 min read
   
   Budget Travel
   How to visit Abu Dhabi on a budget
   
   Feb 15, 2024 • 7 min read

 * Activities
   The 13 best free things to do in Abu Dhabi
   
   Feb 12, 2024 • 9 min read
   
   Budget Travel
   How to visit Uzbekistan on a budget
   
   Sep 28, 2023 • 7 min read
   
   Local Voices
   Dubai vs Abu Dhabi: Should you visit the UAE's 'stuffy uncle' or
   'sophisticated aunt'
   
   Nov 4, 2022 • 6 min read
   
   Art and Culture
   Hashel Al Lamki: Creating space for creativity in Abu Dhabi
   
   Aug 19, 2022 • 9 min read

 * Local Voices
   Hala Krunz: Building a vibrant, adventurous community in Abu Dhabi
   
   Jul 25, 2022 • 6 min read


Read more articles

For Explorers Everywhere


FOLLOW US

 * 
 * 
 * 
 * 
 * 


TOP DESTINATIONS

 * New York City
 * Paris
 * Italy
 * Costa Rica
 * Japan
 * USA
 * Amsterdam
 * Portugal
 * Cancún
 * Chicago
 * England
 * Tokyo
 * France
 * Thailand
 * Ireland
 * Rome
 * London
 * Los Angeles
 * Mexico
 * San Francisco
 * Explore More Destinations


TRAVEL INTERESTS

 * Adventure Travel
 * Art and Culture
 * Beaches, Coasts and Islands
 * Family Holidays
 * Festivals
 * Food and Drink
 * Honeymoon and Romance
 * Road Trips
 * Sustainable Travel
 * Travel on a Budget
 * Wildlife and Nature


SHOP

 * Destination Guides
 * Lonely Planet Kids
 * Lonely Planet Shop
 * Non-English Guides


ABOUT US

 * About Lonely Planet
 * Contact Us
 * Trade and Advertising
 * Privacy Policy
 * Terms and Conditions
 * Work For Us
 * Write For Us
 * Sitemap
 * Consumer Health Data Privacy Policy
 * Cookie Settings
 * Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information

© 2024 Lonely Planet, a Red Ventures company. All rights reserved. No part of
this site may be reproduced without our written permission.

Language

English

 * Deutsch
 * Français
 * Español
 * Italiano
 * Česky