10 Best Places to Visit in Abu Dhabi With Family: Kids & Parents Guide

Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, is one of the most family-friendly destinations in the Middle East. It’s a place where families can explore crazy theme parks, clean beaches, and cultural landmarks, all within a clean, well-organized, and most importantly, safe city.

For Indian families, Abu Dhabi feels especially welcoming. It’s just a short flight from India, offers an easy-to-get visa, and has a lot of Indian restaurants serving everything from dosas to chicken tikka masala. Plus, the city’s family-oriented attractions make it easy for parents to see their kids have the time of their lives.

That’s what makes Abu Dhabi a perfect destination for a memorable family vacation. In this guide, we’ll explore the top places to visit in Abu Dhabi with family and how to make the most of your trip!

10 Best Family Places to Visit in Abu Dhabi

The best time to visit Abu Dhabi is between November and March, when the weather is pleasant for outdoor activities, such as sightseeing, beach time, and desert safaris. 

Here, you can find the list of places to visit in Abu Dhabi with family that offer amazing activities to keep you and your kids entertained!

Yas Ferrari World

Located on Yas Island, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is one of the city’s most famous attractions and a must-visit for car lovers. With its massive, bright red roof, visible on satellite images, the park features over 40 rides and attractions, including the Formula Rossa, the fastest roller coaster in the world.

Other top rides include Flying Aces (the world’s tallest loop), Mission Ferrari (a 5D roller coaster with a sideways drop), and Turbo Track, which launches riders 200 feet into the air. 

The park also offers race simulators, test drives, and live racing shows, along with elegant restaurants that bring a fancy French touch to your dining experience.

Ghar Ka Halwa, lasagna, chicken strips or anything you want is available in Yas Ferrari World. It has around six restaurants to satisfy your taste buds!

 Tip: Visit on Wednesdays and get a FastPass to avoid the 20 to 40 minute queues for popular rides.

• Prices (approx): Adults: 345 AED, Kids (Under 1.3 ft tall): 295 AED 
• Timings: 10 AM – 8 PM (Sometimes, 7 pm. Do check the Ferrari World website before going.)

Yas Waterworld

If you’re looking for a full day of fun under the Abu Dhabi sun, Yas Waterworld is the place to be! Located on Yas Island, this award-winning waterpark with over 60 rides is themed around a legendary tale known as “The Legend of the Lost Pearl Sea”. 

The park is dedicated to this story and has been designed thoughtfully with thrilling rides, fun slides, comfortable cabanas, clean washroom facilities, and other amenities. The feeding/diaper changing area is most loved, which consists of a kids’ area, microwave, feeding bottle heater, and more!

• Al Raha River: a lazy river perfect for a relaxing float. Loved by adults!
• Bubble’s Barrel: the world’s largest surfable sheet wave, perfect for bodyboarding and flowboarding. Perfect for surf enthusiasts!
• Dawwama: The world’s largest tornado-style waterslide.

These are some of the people’s favourite rides. 

Talking about food, there are around 6 eatery joints throughout the park. If pizzas, sandwiches, lemonades, and BBQ are what you crave, they will be taken care of.  

 Tip: Wear water shoes, as the ground can get hot, and remember that outside food isn’t allowed, except baby food.

• Prices (approx.): Adults: 295 AED (7058 INR), Kids (Under 1.1 ft tall): 250 AED  (5981 INR) 
• Timings: 10 AM – 7 PM

Note: Some days, the park closes for private events, and Fridays are reserved for Ladies’ Night. Check the official Yas Waterworld website for the latest schedule before booking.

Yas Warner Bros. World

Located on Yas Island, Warner Bros. World in Abu Dhabi is one of the world’s largest indoor theme parks. 

The park is separated into six zones: Warner Bros. Plaza, Gotham City, Metropolis, Cartoon Junction, Dynamite Gulch, and Bedrock, each based on famous superhero and cartoon worlds. And with 29 rides and attractions, there’s fun for every age. 

Popular rides of Yas Warner Bros

• Batman: Knight Flight
• Tom & Jerry: Swiss Cheese Spin
• The Flintstones Bedrock River Adventure
• Justice League: Warworld Attacks

You’ll also find themed cafés and restaurants such as Bedrock Café and Justice League Diner, along with gift shops selling exclusive merchandise. Definitely one of the best places to visit in Abu Dhabi with kids.

 Tip: Some rides don’t allow flip-flops or Crocs for safety reasons. Wear closed shoes when you visit.

• Prices (approx.): Adults: 345 AED (8340 INR). Kids (Under 1.1 ft tall): 295 AED  (7131 INR) 
• Timings: 10 AM – 8 PM (Sometimes, 7 pm. Do check the Warner Bros website before going.)

Louvre Abu Dhabi

Set on Saadiyat Island, the Louvre Abu Dhabi is one of the UAE’s most impressive cultural landmarks. Opened in collaboration with France, it showcases masterpieces and artefacts from across the world under one roof. 

The museum is famous for its massive silver dome that filters sunlight to create the magical “rain of light” effect.

The dome is said to be an ‘inspiration of palm trees’. We already know that palm trees are in abundance in the Middle East. The dome feels unique and connected to nature by the ‘shade of moving trees’. 

Must-see pieces include a 6th-century BC Grecian sphinx, a bronze Oba head from Benin, and artworks representing ancient civilisations, religions, and global empires. Also, in addition to its permanent galleries, the museum regularly features temporary exhibitions that bring new stories and perspectives to the space. 

 Tips:

• Opt for a guided tour to get more context about the artwork and museum design.
• Download the Louvre Abu Dhabi app for an interactive map and exhibit details.
• Prices (approx.)
  • Adults (18+): AED 63 (1522 INR)
  • Free entry for children under 18, UAE senior nationals and residents, and certain other categories.

• Timings:
  • Tuesday to Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
  • Friday to Sunday: 10:00 AM – 8:30 PM
  • Closed on Mondays

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

The biggest mosque in the UAE, the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, took 11 years to build! The materials used in its construction were sourced from around the world. Marble from Greece and Italy, hand-woven carpets from Iran, and crystal chandeliers from Germany. 

The mosque looks stunning during sunset or moonlight, when its white marble glows beautifully.

Both men and women must dress modestly. And women should wear a scarf. Abayas are sold at the Souq Al Jami for around AED 45 (₹1,087). That is the mall people cross through before reaching the mosque.

Visitors experience a symphony of Islamic art styles with influences from Moorish, Mughal, Persian, and Arab traditions. Representing the unity between all these Muslim countries.

A wall in the mosque that’s known as the ‘Qibla wall’ displays 99 names of Allah, written in classic Kufic calligraphy.

Free guided tours are available daily at 11 am, 1 pm, and 5 pm (except 1 pm on Fridays). These tours explain the mosque’s architecture, calligraphy, and cultural details.

• Price: Free (Online booking is needed)
• Timings:  9:00 am – 10 pm (Saturday to Thursday), 9:00 am – 12:00 pm & 3:00 pm to 10 pm (Friday) 

Emirates Park Zoo and Resort

Emirates Park Zoo is one of the best family-friendly attractions in Abu Dhabi with kids. It’s not just a land of cages but a lively world where conservation, education, and fun come together.

Apart from that, as a visitor, you can have a great time with all the things to do here. All the attractions and packages have been thoughtfully designed to make it come true. 

For a truly unforgettable visit, Emirates Park Zoo offers exclusive VIP experiences where you can dine alongside some of the most majestic animals.

The VIP experiences include 

• Breakfast with giraffes: 2205 AED for 4 people
• Breakfast with sea lions: 2205 AED for 4 people
• Dinner with the big cats: 300 AED/person
• Dinner with elephants: 262.5 AED/person

Note: Prices are based on the official Emirates Park Zoo website and may vary seasonally.

Beyond the VIP experiences, you can also enjoy feeding sessions with giraffes, koi fish, baby goats, elephants, and many more. In the evenings, catch the Sea Lion and Elephant Shows that are crowd favourites for both kids and adults!

Prices (approx.)

Emirates Park Zoo offers three main ticket categories

• Zoo Admission (AED 65) – General entry; close animal encounters are charged separately.
• Zoo Plus (AED 85) – Includes general entry + one animal presentation.
• Zoo Explorer (AED 125) – Full access to the zoo + all animal presentations.

Timings: 9 am to 9 pm

Qasr Al Watan (Presidential Palace)

The presidential palace serves as a venue for official UAE government meetings and events, but part of the palace is open to visitors, making it one of the top attractions in Abu Dhabi.

Inside, you can visit the Great Hall, Banquet Hall, and the Qasr Al Watan Library, which has thousands of books on Arab culture and history. The interiors are grand and elegant, decorated in shades of gold, white, blue, green, and sand, with tall domes and sparkling chandeliers.

One of the main highlights of the building is the “Power of Words”, a giant gold-plated sculpture. Arabic words are interlaced to create the big, shiny sculpture. The words represent a quote by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan: “Wealth is not money or oil; wealth lies in people and it is worthless if not dedicated to serve the people.”

Outside the palace, there are two shows worth watching: 

• Horse March Show: Daily from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM, featuring riders in traditional attire.
  
• Palace in Motion Light Show: A colourful light projection held on Thursdays to Saturdays around 7:30 PM.
  

 Note: Dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered). Guided tours are available every 30 minutes in different languages.

Saadiyat Beach

If you’re dreaming of a calm and picture-perfect beach day in Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Beach is the place to be. Located on Saadiyat Island, this beach offers natural beauty, soft white sands, and turquoise waters.

Saadiyat Beach, a private beach, has been listed as #39 in the 50 best beaches in the world! The entry can cost a bit, but remember that it’s a luxury beach.

Cozy cabanas that face the water with no music, no watersports around, and no disturbances. Just you and the beach. You can just chill on the beach while walking on the soft sand, collecting tiny shells and even spotting dolphins.

The beach will be guarded by lifeguards. So, it’s safe to swim there. 

• Price (approx.)

• • Weekdays: Adults- 150 AED (3618 INR) + 50 AED (1206 INR) (Food and beverages, redeemable), Kids (6-12) – 75 AED (1809 INR) + 25 AED (603 INR)
  • Weekends: Adults- 225 AED (5427 INR) + 100 (2412 INR) AED, Kids (6-12) – 100 AED (2412 INR) + 25 AED (603 INR)

Tip: Booking ahead is recommended, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure preferred cabana spots.

Corniche Beach & Promenade

Set along Corniche Road, Corniche Beach is one of Abu Dhabi’s most loved spots for both locals and visitors. Stretching nearly 8 km across the city’s coastline, the beach is known for its calm waters, clean beach, and excellent maintenance. 

The beach is divided into three sections

• Gate 4: Free entry, lively atmosphere, ideal for singles and small groups.
• Gate 2: Family-oriented zone with a children’s play area.
• Gate 3: A fenced area that offers more privacy and safety.

Gates 2 and 3 charge AED 10 (₹240) for adults and AED 5 (₹120) for kids (approx.)

As the heat fades, the Corniche comes alive. In the evenings, people gather with picnic mats, snacks, and books, enjoying the breeze and sea view. Kids will be playing in the water and building sandcastles, having a fun time!

The beach is packed with amenities:

• Showers, restrooms and a changing room to add privacy and comfort.
• Playgrounds to keep the little ones busy and entertained.
• Dining options like food trucks and cafes along the promenade to make sure that nobody goes hungry.

 Note: Pets and alcohol are not allowed, and swimming is permitted only in designated areas. Dress modestly while at the beach.

Yas Marina Circuit

More than an experience, this is a massive opportunity for the F1 enthusiasts! An opportunity to set foot on the same track that you’ve been watching on TV or live!

Yes, you can watch a live Grand Prix at Yas Marina Circuit, but you also have a chance to explore the circuit yourself!

You can either take a general tour or a VIP private tour. Either way, you will have a guide taking you on a 2-hour circuit tour and showing you behind the scenes. 

You can witness iconic spots like the podium, pit lanes, Turn 5 hairpins, and more! And if you are lucky, you can watch one of the F1 beasts in action on the track!

But Yas Marina is not just about races; the multi-purpose track is also used for athletics. The  YasTrain programme lets you ride a cycle on the track for free! And the TriYas programme conducts multiple sports events like the Trilathon, relay, roller skating, and more!

Just imagine watching an F1 movie and saying, “I’ve cycled that very track!” Truly iconic!

For details on ticket prices, timings, and sports events, head to the official Yas Marina Circuit website.

4N/5D Abu Dhabi Family Itinerary

We saw what the places to visit are and also a few other useful information for the trip. Now, let’s actually start planning, and start with a sample 4N/5D Abu Dhabi itinerary.  

• Day 1: Reach Abu Dhabi, relax and head out to  Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi.
• Day 2: Abu Dhabi sightseeing that includes Heritage Village, Qasr Al Watan & Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
• Day 3: Morning activity: Visit the TeamLab Phenomena & Evening activity: Overnight desert safari
• Day 4: Spend the entire day in Yas Island. Visit Yas SeaWorld & Yas Ferrari World.
• Day 5: Marks the final day of a trip that was packed with culture, tradition, modernity, fun, and thrill!

Budget & Planning Tips for Indian Families

To arrive at the final approximate budget, we’ll go through a few simple steps.

Average Family Budget

Let’s assume you’re a family of four with two adults and two kids aged 10, travelling to Abu Dhabi for 4 nights and 5 days. Based on the itinerary above, we’ll create an approximate budget to help you plan your trip better.

As the first step, let’s calculate the total ticket costs for the attractions mentioned in the itinerary above.

Attractions	Price (for two adults & two kids, approx. in INR)
Warner Bros. World	30,882
Heritage Walk	Free
Qasr Al Watan	5,440
Sheikh Zayed Mosque	Free
TeamLab Phenomena	22,182
Yas SeaWorld	23,256
Yas Ferrari World	30,882
Total	1,11,752

Now that we know the total attraction cost for 4N/5D, let’s take a look at the other major expenses to get a clearer picture of the overall budget.

Expenses	Approximate Price
Accommodation (3-star hotels)	60,000
Attractions	1,11,752
Food	50,000
Transportation	12,000
Total	2,33,752

2,33,752 is the total approximate amount that you might spend in Abu Dhabi with a family of four for 4N/5D. And it will go down to 58,438 INR per person. This calculation excludes the visa and flight charges. 

Indian restaurants & Vegetarian Options

The UAE has a large Indian community, so you’ll find plenty of good Indian restaurants in Abu Dhabi!

• Martabaan – A premium, upscale restaurant located in the Emirates Palace, where food is not just for consumption, but it’s an experience.
• Via Delhi – A restaurant that brings the delicacies of Delhi to Abu Dhabi. Enjoy dishes like momo, chilli garlic noodles, kulchas, and more.
• Punjab Grill – Local’s go-to place for special occasions. If you want to have a tasty butter chicken in a beautiful ambience along with tasty cocktails, this is the place!
• Saravana Bhavan – For anyone craving a nice filter coffee after a 4-5 hour flight. 
• Sangeeta – South Indian vegetarian thali. Best place to have rice with some stir-fried vegetables, sambar & papad. 
• Pyannur – If your vibe is Puttu-Kadala curry and parotta-beef, then it is one of the best Kerala places you can visit in Abu Dhabi.

Dress Code and Local Etiquette for Families

• Modesty is necessary for everybody. Keep your knees and shoulders covered in conservative public places that are not tourist-centric. 
• Women mandatorily wear an abaya or a headscarf while in religious places. Men are supposed to wear trousers and avoid sleeveless. 
• Public display of affection is not appreciated. Don’t touch the opposite gender, even for a handshake, unless they initiate.
• Teach kids to stay silent and respectful in religious and cultural places. Shouting and running in these places are discouraged. 
• Swimwear is allowed only in private areas and in hotels that are lenient with rules.
• It’s appreciated when you say ‘Hello’ and ‘assalamualaikum’ politely.

Travel Essentials

The itinerary is sorted. Now, it’s time to plan the trip. This travel essentials section will guide you through everything you need to know before your trip!

Visa & Travel Insurance

To get to Abu Dhabi, you’ll need a UAE visa. As a visitor, you can get a tourist visa that lasts up to 30, 60 or even 90 days.

Visa Requirements

• A valid passport that has at least 6 months’ validity
• Flight tickets (entry and exit)
• Proof of hotel accommodation
• Bank statement
• Travel Insurance

You can use United Visa Services Private Limited to obtain your UAE visa. 

Note: The exact requirements may differ depending on the type of visa you’re applying for.

Travel insurance, on the other hand, is an important thing to have, even though many tourists think it’s unnecessary.

However, during any health problems, luggage theft, or flight issues, travel insurance is going to come in handy and help you out in a new country. 

Popular travel insurance agents in India include TATA AIG, ICICI Lombard and more.

Local SIM, Cab Apps, and Emergency Numbers

Important things to know when you are in the UAE.

Local SIM

As soon as you land in Abu Dhabi, you’ll need a cab to take you to your hotel and for that, having a local SIM card makes things much easier. Booking your ride, checking maps to making online payments or getting a SIM ensures you stay connected right from the start.

To simplify this, Du offers a free tourist SIM at the airport, or you can opt for an instant tourist eSIM. You’ll receive 1 GB of complimentary data valid for 24 hours, after which you can easily top up as needed. The SIM will automatically deactivate when you leave the country.

Cabs

And for cabs, you can use these apps Uber, Careem, and C2C rides for a hassle-free option. 

And for people who use a wheelchair, these are the options:  Eden Mobility and Tawasul Transport provide wheelchair-friendly rides. 

Emergency Numbers

And in case you are in any trouble, these are the numbers you can call up

• Police: 999
• Ambulance: 998
• Fire: 997

Weather, Clothing, and Essentials to Pack for Kids  

• Summer (June to August): Extremely hot, with temperatures often above 45°C and high humidity.
• Winter (December to March): Mild and pleasant, ranging from 16°C  to 25°C and the best time to visit.
• Rainfall: Very little throughout the year, especially in summer.

Essentials to Pack

• Light, breathable clothes like cotton T-shirts, shorts, and dresses are best for the heat.
• Sun hats and sunglasses.
• Light jackets or cardigans for cooler evenings during winter.

• Sunscreen with high SPF.
• Reusable water bottles to stay hydrated.
• Comfortable footwear for walking and exploring.
• Snacks and toys/books for travel.

Conclusion

Abu Dhabi, the city of dreams, truly has something for everyone. While adults can unwind at luxurious resorts and beach clubs, or experience the thrill of Yas Marina Circuit. Meanwhile, the kids will be truly excited at places like Warner Bros. World and Ferrari World.

With the right plan, your trip can be smooth, enjoyable, and completely stress-free. Let Dimaak Tours handle all the planning according to the places to visit in Abu Dhabi with family. You can focus on what truly matters: spending quality time with your family and making memories that last a lifetime! 

Frequently Asked Questions About Places to Visit in Abu Dhabi

Is Abu Dhabi worth visiting with kids?

Yes, Abu Dhabi is a fantastic destination for families, with most attractions designed to entertain all ages. Yas Island is a must-visit, home to Warner Bros. World, Ferrari World, SeaWorld, and Yas Waterworld, all packed with fun experiences kids absolutely love!

What is famous in Abu Dhabi?

All the sightseeing, including the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Yas Island, and the Louvre Museum, are all world-famous attractions. When it comes to food, falafel, shawarma, and dates are well desired. 

Are 3 days enough in Abu Dhabi?

Abu Dhabi is the biggest emirate in the UAE, with a ton of attractions all over it. Three days is surely a decent amount of time to visit most of the major tourist highlights. However, adding one more day will allow you to experience everything at a more relaxed pace, without feeling rushed.