Family

Travelling with children can be a full-time job, especially when the little ones get bored. Luckily, Abu Dhabi has all kinds of action-packed, adrenaline-fuelled activities on offer. Here are our favourite things to do with kids in Abu Dhabi:

 

Children’s Museum at the Louvre

Set over two floors in the centre of the Louvre, the Children’s Museum organises exhibitions that introduce young visitors to the core concepts of art and how masterpieces are created. This entertaining learning experience is an excellent way to foster a love of art from an early age. The Louvre’s architecture is also mesmerising, and a kayak tour around the museum — which literally sits on the water — is a great way to keep children engaged while learning about world-class art collections.

 

Ferrari World

Recently voted the best theme park in the Middle-East, Ferrari World has almost 40 different rides and attractions all decked out in the iconic red and yellow colour scheme of the world’s most famous supercar. Kids of all ages will have plenty to keep them occupied, from the twists and turns in the slides at Nello’s Adventureland, to the Formula Rossa — the world’s fastest rollercoaster, reaching 0 to 240 km/h in under five seconds. Other attractions are geared more towards learning, such as “Made in Maranello”, an experiential tour of how a Ferrari GT is made, or the “Tyre Change Experience,” where you'll see the intense world of an F1 crew-pit. And, last but not least, the Karting Academy, a 290-metre-long go-karting circuit fun for children and parents alike.

 

Falcon Hospital

Opened in 1999, the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital is the region’s largest centre devoted exclusively to the care of falcons. Some 6,000 birds come through its doors every year and are treated across 200 air-conditioned treatment rooms. This is a place deeply connected to the sport of falconry that is so loved in the UAE. Tours are given twice daily, with a special focus on families. Visitors can sit in on procedures (did you know there’s such a thing as a falcon pedicure?), feed, and even hold falcons on their arm, all while watching the mesmerising birds swoop through the hospital’s aviaries. It’s the perfect place to nurture children with a passion for nature and for Abu Dhabi’s heritage.

 

Yas Waterworld

Yas Waterworld is Abu Dhabi’s answer to Wild Wadi in Dubai. Situated on the picturesque Yas Island, about 30 mins from the heart of town, Yas Waterworld is everything you could want from a waterpark. Vibrant colours, snaking tunnels to plunge down, and lots more wonderful waterpark attractions. All the favourites are there — wave pools, sheet surfing, and slide racing — but what sets Yas Waterworld apart, is its high-octane show-stoppers. Most popular is “Liwa Loop,” which has a trapdoor that sets you falling pretty much vertically, and the “Falcons Falaj,” the six-seater water coaster perfect for families.