Abu Dhabi family holidays: A unique destination for all ages

With its mix of excellent family resorts and hotels, beautiful calm beaches and world-class theme parks, Abu Dhabi delivers the perfect blend of fun, relaxation and adventure for all ages, making it an ideal Abu Dhabi family holiday destination. No wonder many visitors return year after year; parents know that, as their children grow, there will always be new experiences to enjoy.

The travel experts here at Etihad Holidays have years of experience planning tailor-made family holidays to Abu Dhabi. It’s time to make fantastic memories with your children – here are our tips and suggestions for things to do in Abu Dhabi with the kids.

Babies and toddlers (0 – 5 years)

➤ Play areas and paddling pools at the resort and attractions

➤ Sandcastles and shallow waters at Corniche Beach

➤ Petting zoos and animal adventures at SeaWorld and Jubail Mangrove Park

Kids (6 – 12 years)

➤ Theme parks and water parks such as Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World and Yas Waterworld

➤ Interactive exhibitions designed for kids at the Louvre Abu Dhabi

➤ Wildlife encounters during a stay at Emirates Park Zoo

Teenagers (13 – 18 years)

➤ Thrill rides and go-karting at Circuit X, Bounce and Yas Kartzone

➤ Fun on the water learning new skills like surfing or diving

➤ Shopping and exploring Abu Dhabi’s mega malls

With your hotel room nearby and toddler-friendly amenities to hand, you may want to spend a day relaxing by the resort’s pool to soak up Abu Dhabi’s famous year-round sunshine. And we totally understand why. The play areas and paddling pools will keep your little one entertained for hours and when it’s feeding or nap time, your accommodation is just a short walk away.

If you want to venture out to enjoy Abu Dhabi’s beaches, you’ll find immaculate white sand, shallow turquoise water and facilities made with families in mind. Corniche Beach, for example, has a dedicated family section accessed by Gate 2 with very calm, shallow water watched over by lifeguards as well as nearby play areas. Whichever beach you choose, we recommend visiting in the morning or late afternoon as the midday sun can get very strong.

Our tip: Many of the best family-friendly beaches in Abu Dhabi charge a small entry fee for access to facilities such as sun loungers and cabanas. However, some hotel packages include complimentary beach access or look out for family passes, which can offer excellent value for money.

For an experience they won’t forget, take your little one to SeaWorld Yas Island. Here, they can not only explore the eight immersive realms but also enjoy toddler-friendly play areas (minimum height restrictions of between 0.75m and 1.1m apply) as well as presentations and interactive experiences. For toddlers aged over 2, there’s also the opportunity to encounter sea creatures such as penguins, dolphins or sea otters up close.

But families with babies and toddlers in pushchairs aren't just limited to Abu Dhabi’s beaches and theme parks. At Jubail Mangrove Park, you’ll find buggy-friendly boardwalks meandering through Abu Dhabi's beautiful mangrove forests. The 2km boardwalk boasts three unique trails to explore with rest stops along the way. The park’s raised viewing platforms make spotting wildlife such as flamingos, herons, sea turtles and gazelles an exciting experience for the whole family.

Of the many reviews and feedback we get from our clients about Abu Dhabi, “The kids were bored” isn’t one of them. Abu Dhabi is perfect for keeping adventurous kids from 6 to 12 years old excited and engaged. And, dare we say it, the adults in the group usually have just as much fun as the kids.

One of the main reasons Abu Dhabi is so popular with kids is the city’s theme and water parks. On Yas Island alone, there are four to choose from: Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi and SeaWorld Yas Island. Thrilling roller coasters, family-friendly rides, cutting edge simulators, live entertainment – there is so much going on you can easily spend a day at each one.

Our tip: Save up to 10% by buying a ticket in advance online. If you're planning to visit more than one attraction, a multi-park pass can offer even greater savings. Some hotel packages also include park tickets – talk to your Etihad Holiday travel expert for more details.

Experience a more cultural side of Abu Dhabi with your family by heading to the Louvre Abu Dhabi on Saadiyat Island. You can get there easily by car, the free Experience Abu Dhabi Shuttle Bus, or even by boat. The Louvre’s Children’s Museum is an educational, colourful space designed specifically for school-aged children. The exhibitions change regularly, but all are focused on engaging children through immersive experiences, interactive challenges and creative presentations. There’s free admission for visitors under 18 years of age. What’s more, single strollers can be loaned from the museum, free of charge (subject to availability) should you need one.

You've probably had some memorable days with your kids visiting your local zoo, but have you ever spent the night at one? Just a short ride northeast of the city, you'll find Emirates Park Zoo, home to more than 200 species, including lions, jaguars, elephants, pythons and crocodiles. Naturally, the kids can get involved in firsthand experiences during their visit and learn more about the animals through fascinating and engaging talks from the zoo's animal keepers. But the experience can go one step further thanks to a unique resort located within the zoo’s grounds. Here, you and your loved ones can stay in comfortable chalets and spend the night, or even an entire holiday, sleeping alongside the wildlife.

Holidaying with teenagers can sometimes be problematic. They like to be more independent and do their own thing. So what can Abu Dhabi offer these demanding travellers? Of course, the thrill rides of the Yas Island theme parks are an obvious draw. But there are many more thrills and spills that your teen will want to try:

➤ Skateboarding or BMX enthusiasts should head to Circuit X in the Hudayriyat Leisure and Entertainment District. The site boasts walls, bridge, ledges and handrails for skateboarding as well as one of the best asphalt pump tracks in the UAE and a fun dirt trail for the BMXers.

➤ BOUNCE at the Marina Mall takes trampolining to the next level. Teenagers will love the challenge of the high-speed X run obstacle course, get their adrenaline pumping by leaping from the cliff jump and feel the rush on the speed slides.

➤ Challenge your teenagers to a race at the Yas Kartzone. Situated at the home of Formula 1 in Abu Dhabi, the Yas Marina Circuit, the purpose-built track and pro-spec karts are sure to get everyone’s competitive juices flowing.
Our tip: Over 13 year-olds are classed as adults and as such, they can drive on the main track in a 270cc kart – but don’t worry, they are given a complete safety briefing and wear full driver racing gear.

An Abu Dhabi getaway is the perfect opportunity for your teenager to learn new skills out on the water. There are many operators who offer diving, sailing or surfing courses for beginners. Or, if your teens would rather dive straight into an adventure, a kayak or paddleboard tour offers the chance for everyone to explore the water with an experienced guide leading the way.

With the Abu Dhabi Mall, the Galleria Al Maryah Island, the Marina Mall and so many more on your doorstep, a trip to Abu Dhabi would not be complete without a bit of retail therapy for the family. And of course, there is so much more to Abu Dhabi's mega malls than just international and local brands. With cinemas, arcades, cafés and gaming zones, your teens will find plenty of places to hang out, benefit from a bit of air conditioning and enjoy some freedom away from their parents (while still being in a safe environment).

Abu Dhabi offers everything families need to create lasting memories together. There is a choice of some of the best family hotels Abu Dhabifamily-size rooms, clubs and activities for kids and teenagers as well as children’s pools, waterslides and paddle areas.

Many attractions, such as the theme parks on Yas Island, are very close to each other so there are no long bus rides or unwieldy transfers. Thanks to its modern infrastructure, Abu Dhabi’s public spaces, buildings and transport are easily accessible, even with a pram or pushchair. Many theme parks and malls are also equipped with baby-changing facilities and quiet family rooms for that all-important nap.

The UAE places a strong emphasis on safety and security, making an Abu Dhabi family holiday stress-free and enjoyable. And whether you’re travelling with toddlers or teenagers, you’ll feel comfortable and confident exploring the city’s attractions, beaches and public spaces, buildings and transport are easily accessible, even with a pram or pushchair. Many theme parks and malls are also equipped with baby-changing facilities and quiet family rooms for that all-important nap.

The UAE places a strong emphasis on safety and security, making an Abu Dhabi family holiday stress-free and enjoyable. And whether you’re travelling with toddlers or teenagers, you’ll feel comfortable and confident exploring the city’s attractions, beaches and public spaces.

Whether you're travelling with a lively toddler, energetic school-age kids, or hard-to-please teenagers, an Abu Dhabi family holiday delivers the perfect blend of fun, relaxation and adventure. With its safe environment, outstanding attractions and excellent family facilities, it's a destination where families can spend quality time together.

Here at Etihad Holidays, we can create a bespoke itinerary tailored to your family, making holiday planning simple and straightforward. As travel experts with many years of experience, we’ll help you choose the luxury hotels and resorts in Abu Dhabi that suit you best – all with the ATOL protection you would expect from a trusted, leading brand in the travel industry. By booking flights, private transfers and accommodation together with us, you can enjoy outstanding value and a seamless travel experience.