Boredom busters: Great parks to visit with the kids this half term

Slides, barbecues, tennis courts and more from the best parks of Abu Dhabi.

Who doesn’t love a relaxed stroll through one of the parks of Abu Dhabi?

The kids are off and you’re looking for something to do. Why not head to a park to take in a breath of fresh air and enjoy the great outdoors.

Here are some the best parks in Abu Dhabi to enjoy.

 

SHEIKHA FATIMA PARK

 

 

Love art and parks? Then you are in the right place. Sheikha Fatima Park showcases an array of stunning murals all created by the community.

From Jack Lee’s dog mural in celebration of Abu Dhabi’s first Pet Zone to the iconic Mother Portal mural which was featured on Yalla – Abu Dhabi Life’s front cover of Edition 11, the 46,000 square metre park on Al Bateen Street is a haven of peace and tranquillity for not only those who adore works of art but also live music, skateboarding, movies and cuisine.

For more information visit Sheika Fatima Park

 

UMM AL EMARAT PARK

 

 

This manicured park is a beauty and is choc-full of activities for families to enjoy. Petting a camel at Animal Barn, exploring some 200 regional plant species at the Botanic Garden to Friday night movies at the Children’s Park and free-to-attend fitness sessions are just some of Umm Al Emarat Park’s enticing entertainment options.

But if you fancy taking it slow and simple, enjoy a picnic on the lawn or coffee at one of the chic cafés at the entrance.

For more information visit Umm Al Emarat Park

 

YAS BAY SKATE PARK

 

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Demonstrate your mastery of the skateboard at this newly opened skatepark located in the stunning Yas Bay area on Yas Island.

Offering an active and fun environment for skating, you can practice your heelflips and kickflips in the heart of Yas Island.

But should you prefer a stroll or cycle, the park also is fully accessible for pedestrians and cyclists.

For more information visit Yas Bay

 

FAMILY PARK

 

 

This delightful park running parallel with Abu Dhabi’s beautiful Corniche is located at the eastern end of the Corniche.

The park is ideal for evening strolls along paths that wind through lush green spaces and past picturesque fountains and monuments.

And as the sun goes down, you will find yourself at the perfect spot from which to watch the most glorious sunset, which is when many families gather here to fire up their barbeque in the designated built-in grills.

 

AL FAY PARK

 

 

This one is all about the nature with no less than 2,000 types of local flora including the UAE’s national tree, the ghaf, spread out over 27,500 square metres on Reem Island.

There is nothing better than walking under a canopy of green while listening to the songs of wild birds. It is not just about the nature, though.

There is also an impressive range of sporting facilities including basketball, badminton and football courts where you can showcase your skills.

For more information visit Al Fay Park

 

DELMA PARK

 

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According to our editor, this little inner-city park is well worth a mention.

Located on the corner of Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Street (Late Delma Street) in Al Nahyan, the park is packed with all manner of amenities from a running track, tennis court and various outdoor gym equipment, not to mention lots of cosy areas in which to gather with your family to drink tea and picnic.

There are two food kiosks too. And if you are an early bird and head there at around 7am, you may catch our editor running a few rounds around the track.

 

KHALIFA PARK

 

 

This is behind Abu Dhabi’s TwoFour54 area so that means Team Yalla have had a bird’s eye view of this park from our offices and we have to tell you that it looks great.

There is lot to do from a visit to the park’s maritime museum, cultural library and Murjan Splash Park to hopping on the miniature train.

And there are even barbecue spots to fire-up the grill.

For more information visit Khalifa Park

 

DOLPHIN PARK 

 

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This is a popular park with picnickers and those looking to barbeque.

It is Immediately recognisable thanks to its striking dolphin water fountain (hence the name), the popular green spot beside the magnificent Eastern Mangroves is an ideal location to fire up the grill for an evening underneath the stars.

However, if you do not feel like cooking, enjoy a dish from the food truck park located within metres of the fountain.

 

For more great things to do in Abu Dhabi, follow Yalla – Abu Dhabi Life

 

Image source Canva, Sheikha Fatima Park

Matt Cassidy

When he is not hunting for the latest piece of Abu Dhabi news, Matt is ticking off his UAE bucket-list experiences (although he does love to take a break to test out the fine restaurants and bars of the capital). An armchair sports lover, he is on a personal mission to attend every sporting event in the UAE to make out for most likely missing the big one in Doha in November.