๐ In this guide
๐ This page may contain affiliate links. If you book through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It keeps LittleMiles free. Learn more
โ๏ธ Arriving: Zayed International (AUH). About 20 minutes to Yas Island and 30 minutes to the city.
Abu Dhabi: A
Scored across 7 things that matter when you travel with babies and young kids. How we grade
Last reviewed November 2026
Abu Dhabi is the calmer, quieter sister to Dubai, and a brilliant family destination. Yas Island packs several world-class theme parks into one place, Saadiyat Island has calm beaches and world-class museums, and everything is spotless, safe and step-free.
Where to stay in Abu Dhabi with kids
- Yas Island: walk or take a free shuttle to the theme parks. Ideal for a park-focused trip.
- Saadiyat Island: calm, natural beaches, the Louvre Abu Dhabi and family beach resorts.
- The Corniche: city hotels along a long waterfront with beaches, playgrounds and cycle paths.
The best things to do in Abu Dhabi with kids
- Warner Bros. World. An indoor theme park with a Cartoon Junction area thatโs great for toddlers. Fully air-conditioned.
- SeaWorld Abu Dhabi. An indoor marine-life park with themed realms and shows.
- Yas Waterworld. A huge water park with toddler pools and slides for every age.
- Ferrari World. Famous for record-breaking coasters, with gentler rides for younger kids. Check height limits.
- Saadiyat Beach. Calm water and soft sand. Turtles nest here in season, so follow beach signs.
- Louvre Abu Dhabi. A stunning building with a childrenโs museum. Short visits work well.
- Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. One of the worldโs most beautiful buildings, free to visit. Book a time slot.
Getting around Abu Dhabi
- Taxis & apps (Uber, Careem): affordable and easy. Ask for a child seat when booking.
- Car hire: roads are excellent. Child seats are required for young children.
- Shuttles: many Yas Island hotels run free shuttles to the parks.
Where to eat with kids
- Mall and park food courts: easy, varied and air-conditioned.
- Emirati and Levantine dishes: grilled chicken, hummus, flatbreads and rice.
- Family brunches: many hotels run weekend brunches with kids zones.
Parent tips for Abu Dhabi
- Dress modestly in malls and cultural sites; swimwear is for the beach and pool only.
- Baby-changing rooms and family rooms are standard in malls.
- Combine with Dubai, about 90 minutes away by car.
Read more in our UAE with kids guide and on the official Visit Abu Dhabi site.
Abu Dhabi with kids: a 3-day family plan
One main outing a day, a nap window and a playground stop. Swap days around for weather and energy levels.
- Day 1
Grand Mosque and the Corniche
- Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque early (free; book a slot, modest dress)
- Lunch and a nap
- Corniche beach and playgrounds
- Sunset at Qasr Al Watan gardens
Book ahead:๐๏ธ Grand Mosque guided visit
๐ก Parent hint: Bring long sleeves and trousers for everyone, and a headscarf for women and older girls.
- Day 2
Yas Island theme parks
- Warner Bros. World (indoor, great for toddlers)
- Lunch at Yas Mall
- SeaWorld Abu Dhabi or Yas Waterworld
- Evening at Yas Bay waterfront
Book ahead:๐๏ธ Yas Island multi-park pass
๐ก Parent hint: Multi-park tickets save money, but one or two parks a day is plenty with little ones.
- Day 3
Saadiyat beach and the Louvre
- Morning on calm Saadiyat Beach
- Lunch
- Louvre Abu Dhabi and its Childrenโs Museum
- Mangrove walk or kayak at Jubail or Eastern Mangroves (older kids)
Book ahead:๐๏ธ Mangrove kayaking
๐ก Parent hint: Turtles nest on Saadiyat in season, so follow the beach signs and roped-off areas.
Tours worth booking in Abu Dhabi
Hand-picked experiences that work with kids. Free cancellation is usually available, which matters when naps and moods change.
Grand Mosque guided visit
Entry is free; tours add transport and stories.
See tour optionsYas Island multi-park pass
Warner Bros. World, SeaWorld, Ferrari World and Yas Waterworld.
See tour optionsMangrove kayaking
Calm water and wildlife. Double kayaks for a parent and child.
See tour optionsKid-friendly restaurants in Abu Dhabi
Places that are relaxed with children, quick to serve and have something for picky eaters.
- ๐ Google Mapsโญ Tripadvisor
- ๐ Google Mapsโญ Tripadvisor
- ๐ Google Mapsโญ Tripadvisor
- ๐ Google Mapsโญ Tripadvisor
Showing: Al Fanar Restaurant. Tap a place to move the pin.
Opening hours and menus change. Check Google Maps or Tripadvisor before you go, and book ahead for popular spots.
More of United Arab Emirates with kids
Frequently asked questions
Is Abu Dhabi good for families?
Yes. It's very safe and clean, with indoor theme parks for hot days, calm beaches, excellent family hotels and baby facilities everywhere.
Can children visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque?
Yes, families are welcome and entry is free with a booking. Everyone should wear modest clothing covering arms and legs, and women need a headscarf. Check the mosque's official visitor rules before you go.
Abu Dhabi or Dubai with kids?
Dubai has more variety and nightlife; Abu Dhabi is calmer, often better value, and has the theme parks of Yas Island close together. Many families combine both, as they're about 90 minutes apart by car.