Family-Friendly Adventures in Abu Dhabi: Top 10 Places to Visit

Abu Dhabi is the capital city of the United Arab Emirates, but it’s more than an administrative hubs with shiny skyscrapers and fancy boardrooms. In fact, there are plenty of unforgettable places to visit in Abu Dhabi with family. With fewer skyscrapers (and less glitz) than neighbouring Dubai, this coastal beauty is home to the annual Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, world-class theme parks, and relaxed beaches. 
 

You’ll also find cultural landmarks and year-round sunshine that lets you enjoy family activities in Abu Dhabi just about anytime of the year.
 

Food in Abu Dhabi is also next-level – the UAE is famous for its flavours, warm hospitality, and impeccable service, and Abu Dhabi might just be the best place to soak up the Gulf’s beauty without any of the fuss. Also, the UAE’s attention to detail allows you to get the same luxurious experience that you would elsewhere, but in a more relaxed atmosphere.
 

So, whether you’re chasing a thrill on Yas Island, learning about history at Qasr Al Watan, or enjoying a sunset picnic on the prominent Corniche, there are endless family activities to enjoy in Abu Dhabi.
 

These are the best places to visit in Abu Dhabi with family.

Few cities dedicate an entire island to theme parks, but Abu Dhabi has done just that with Yas Island. With bold rides and great water activities. Yas Island has got some of the best family activities in Abu Dhabi.

Your little ones (and possibly you!) will scream on the record-breaking roller coaster at Ferrari World, while younger kids can hop through breezy rides at Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi. And if you want to cool off, Yas Waterworld has water slides, wave pools, and lazy rivers. You can call Yas Island many things, but you can’t call it boring — it’s packed with thrills and is amongst the best places to visit in Abu Dhabi with family.

Beyond the rides, the island is home to Yas Marina Circuit, which hosts the best motorsport events and activities in Abu Dhabi. You can go karting, drifting (with a safe, professional driver), or enjoy other activities on the circuit.

There’s also Yas Mall, which is one of the biggest in Abu Dhabi. It’s a perfect spot for dining and shopping, of course. There are plenty of places to grab a family meal - even the food court here serves tasty, quality dishes. Yas Mall on its own needs a full day (or two).

For a complete itinerary of what to do on Yas Island, check out our go-to guide here.

Even if you're not the type to be impressed with modern architecture, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque might just change your mind.

This is one of the most elaborate modern mosques in the world - and probably the most Instagrammed, too. With sparkling white domes, intricate mosaics, and more chandeliers than you can count, this is a landmark that easily impresses.

Families and couples love wandering through its vast and peaceful courtyards, making it one of the most wholesome family activities in Abu Dhabi. Just remember: it’s a spiritual centre in the city and a source of cultural pride for Emiratis, so modest dress is required, and no shoes inside the mosque.

Also, make sure to visit on any other day than Friday, which is when Muslim worshippers hold their weekly congregational prayers. 

The Louvre Abu Dhabi is designed to make art and history engaging for everybody. It’s home to ancient Egyptian artefacts, Andalusian history, as well as Greek and Roman Antiquities, including the Venus de Milo and Winged Victory of Samothrace. With its sleek architectural design, the Louvre itself is an artistic masterpiece with an edgy Arabic touch.

There are also interactive displays, family-friendly workshops, and even a section that houses a Children’s Museum, so young ones can explore in their own way. Plus, the seaside location makes it one of the most picturesque places to visit in Abu Dhabi with family.

Qasr al Watan – which literally means Palace of the Nation in Arabic – is aptly named because it’s considered a national treasure. This is the presidential palace of the UAE, and it's filled with dazzling interiors and golden details that make it look like it’s straight out of a storybook.

Families can explore the Great Hall, browse rare manuscripts, and enjoy light shows in the evenings that bring the palace to life.

Right on the Arabian Gulf, the Abu Dhabi Corniche is a beautiful coastal stretch with wide promenades, eateries, and sandy beaches where you can tan and enjoy a beachfront breakfast or brunch. 

It’s a great place to go for a jog or simply stroll while enjoying the fresh sea breeze. The Corniche Beach has designated lifeguards and calm waters, so it’s a safe spot for swimming. Also, you’ll feel at ease knowing that beaches in the UAE are very clean, so you don’t have to worry about pollution or getting plastic in your hair. Consider visiting in winter, fall, or even early spring to be able to enjoy a nice breeze.  

We saved the best part of the Corniche for last: it also has several food stalls and cafés with everything from authentic shawarma wraps to gelato, so you don’t need to go far to satisfy your hunger after a swim. If you feel like indulging, try the Shake Shack for some juicy burgers or Em Sherif Café for local favourites like kebab or beef skewers. 

Just minutes from downtown, you can trade in city views for some greenery at Mangrove National Park. Abu Dhabi’s mangroves aren't just a great place to hang out, they’re basically this desert city’s hidden lungs – a serene tangle of green roots and waterways where flamingos, wildlife, and nature lovers all find their rhythm. 

You can also kayak here with the whole family through calm waterways, where you’ll sometimes spot herons and even the occasional turtle. Best of all, it’s totally free to get in!

Umm Al Emarat, which means the "Mother of the Emirates," is one of Abu Dhabi’s oldest parks, and it's home to botanical gardens, an open theatre, and even a small zoo.

It’s a great place to visit in Abu Dhabi with family, where locals often flock for picnics, weekend markets, and outdoor movie nights.

And yes, there are plenty of food stalls and cafés. Don’t miss Salt, a local favourite serving up some of the tastiest burgers and crispiest fries you’ll ever taste – no contest.

Emirates Park Zoo is a must-visit, especially if you have kids. They can feed giraffes, see lions up close, and pet friendly farm animals. They can even enjoy special animal encounters, like breakfast with parrots or lunch with a leopard – from a safe distance, of course. 

Make sure to book your tickets online in advance so you don’t have to wait in the queues. It’s best to visit early in the morning to avoid the Abu Dhabi sun, especially if you’re visiting in spring or summer.  

Saadiyat Beach is one of the most popular places to visit in Abu Dhabi with family, and it’s no wonder – its calm turquoise waters are perfect for swimming or enjoying watersports. 

With lifeguards, changing rooms, and cafés, parents can relax while kids burn off their energy. If you’re lucky, you might even spot dolphins playing offshore. 

Local tip: Bring a cover-up to throw over your swimsuit when you’re heading home. While Abu Dhabi is a relaxed city, it’s always a good idea to observe local dress codes and cultural norms. 

Although it’s relatively small, Heritage Village is a great place to visit in Abu Dhabi with family if you want to get a glimpse of local history and culture. You can wander through reconstructed Bedouin tents, traditional souks, and workshops where artisans still craft pottery and weave textiles. 

If you have little ones, they'll love the “olden days” vibe and petting the camels. Plus, the on-site café serves Emirati snacks that everyone can try. 

Yes! Abu Dhabi is one of the most family-friendly destinations in the Middle East. From world-class theme parks on Yas Island to safe public beaches and cultural landmarks, there are plenty of family activities to enjoy in Abu Dhabi. 

You won't run out of places to visit in Abu Dhabi with the family. There’s Yas Island, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Qasr Al Watan, and the Corniche — all packed with endless family activities in Abu Dhabi. For outdoor adventures, head to Mangrove National Park and Saadiyat Beach. Families also love Emirates Park Zoo and Umm Al Emarat Park. 

Taxis are plentiful and affordable, making them the easiest way for families to get around. You also have ride-hailing apps like Uber and Careem. Car rentals are another option if you prefer flexibility. Many attractions are clustered, like those on Yas Island, so planning your days around one area cuts down travel time.

Novotel hotels in Abu Dhabi are a top choice for family travel, thanks to their spacious family rooms, on-site dining, and central locations. With child-friendly amenities and warm service, Novotel is the perfect base to relax after a long day of exploring family activities in Abu Dhabi.