Summer vacation special: 5 must-visit places in Abu Dhabi with kids

If you thought Abu Dhabi, the beautiful capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), is only about skyscrapers and luxury hotels, then you must check out some of its family-friendly attractions which make for a perfect summer vacation escape. The city is an interesting mix of adventure and culture that can make summer vacation for kids memorable.
Some of the prime attractions include, Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi and Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, among others. But the good news there is that soon Abu Dhabi will get its own Disneyland Theme Park! Yes, you read that right as last week, Disney announced its first Middle East theme park in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
Since then, lovers of Disney have speculated about the attractions and how it will manage the region’s heat. That mystery is now solved. As previously reported, Disney won’t own or operate the park directly. Instead, it has partnered with Miral, the company behind the region’s most-visited theme parks.
But till then, let’s have a look at five places in Abu Dhabi that are a must-visit with kids right now.

This place is a paradise for wildlife lovers and kids too! The zoo is home to an interesting species of wildlife, including giraffes, lions, zebras, and white tigers, among others. One of the prime things here is that kids get a chance to get close to some of the animals. Like kids can feed giraffes, talk with goats, or even swim with dolphins. Sounds interesting! There’s also an area dedicated to exotic birds and reptiles, where kids can learn.

Now you don’t have to travel to Paris to experience the Louvre as Abu Dhabi too has got the iconic museum which is a perfect destination for vacationers. This internationally famous museum is every art and history lover's dream destination! There are interactive exhibits, fun learning opportunities, and stunning visual displays that kids would love. The museum’s architecture is designed by Jean Nouvel and is enough to captivate the imagination of young visitors!

Ferrari World is probably one of the most iconic attractions for families with kids in Abu Dhabi. This place is perfect for people who love fast cars. This indoor theme park offers a range of interesting immersive experiences, and high-speed rides. But the most prominent attraction here is the Formula Rossa, which is the world’s fastest roller coaster touching speeds of 240 km/h! Can you imagine? For younger kids, there is a range of thrilling attractions including the Junior Grand Prix and Karting Academy. Kids can try their hand at go-karting as well.

A recent addition, this immersive art experience was inaugurated on April 18, 2025 only. teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi is a grand 17,000 sq m immersive art museum in the Saadiyat Cultural District. It offers a multi-sensory experience featuring huge artworks that engage sight, sound, and touch. Kids can also interact with the exhibits and enjoy their own experiences. It’s a curiosity-generating, imaginative space that makes for an ideal destination for families with kids.

As the summer heat rises, one of the best places to be in Abu Dhabi is the Yas Waterworld! This water park is a paradise for people looking for a respite from heat. It is set on Yas Island and is a favorite among families. There are more than 40 rides and attractions perfect for all ages. The kids would surely enjoy water slides and wave pools. Not only this, there is an area dedicated for toddlers to keep them entertained.