The summer is quickly sneaking up on us, and before you know it the school run will seem like a distant memory, replaced instead with questions of “how am I going to keep them entertained today?!” Well, luckily for you, that’s where Yalla comes in! Here’s 15 things to do in Abu Dhabi and fun ways to keep the kids entertained over the school holidays, from theme parks to summer camps.
1. Yas Island
With Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi set to open on July 25 Yas Island is the place to be if you’re looking for family entertainment with added thrills!
2. Louvre Abu Dhabi
As well as the Children’s Museum to keep little ones entertained, Louvre Abu Dhabi have a full programme of tours, workshops, and exhibitions happening throughout the summer.
3. Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital
Discover the fascinating world of falcons and falconry with an interactive tour around the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital.
4. Summer Holiday Camps
Holiday camps are a great place for children to learn new skills and make new friends. To make life simple, we’ve added an extensive list of summer camps to our online directory.
5. Hit the Beach!
One thing we’re definitely not short of in Abu Dhabi is beautiful beaches and beach clubs, most of which have a fun choice of pools to keep children entertained for hours, plus a lot offer day passes at discounted rates throughout the summer.
6. Dubai Parks & Resorts
With a choice of five theme parks, no summer holiday would be complete without a trip to Dubai Parks & Resorts.
7. Wadi Adventure
Wadi Adventure in Al Ain is the Middle East’s first man-made white-water rafting, kayaking, and surfing facility, all with the stunning backdrop of Jebel Hafeet.
8. Indoor Adventures
Indoor adventure centres such as Adventure HQ and Bounce are great ways for kids to burn off steam and stay active, plus most offer promotional rates throughout the school break.
9. Zayed Sports City
Really bring the temperatures down on the ice rink at Zayed Sports City or book a game of ten-pin bowling at their indoor bowling alley.
10. Get Crafty at Art Studio
Art Studio at Manarat Al Saadiyat is a new dedicated art space offering workshops, drop-in sessions, and art classes. You’ll also be able to stock up on art supplies from Art Central, or enjoy a quick coffee break at LARTE.
11. Ready, Steady, Bake!
Days at home don’t have to be boring over the summer holidays. Why not get the kids in the kitchen and have a bake-off! Cupcakes are really simple to make and buying the ingredients won’t break the bank either.
12. DIY Arts & Crafts
Another way to beat boredom at home is to get crafty! DIY arts and crafts are easy to buy and will keep the children entertained for hours.
13. Stay Cool in The Water
Stay cool in the heat and get out in the water. Halla Walla located at Yas Links Golf Club offer a range of different activities, from adrenalin-filled water-skiing to relaxing boat trips.
15. Enter Our Year of Zayed Writing Competition
In celebration of the Year of Zayed, we’re looking for aspiring authors to enter our writing competition with Kip McGrath at Al Raha Mall. There are two age categories, ages 6 – 11 and ages 12 – 18, with prizes of a AED500 Kip McGrath voucher and a AED150 Borders voucher up for grabs in each category.
14. Al Ain Zoo
Ok- so we know that this one is outdoors but it’s still worth a trip and you’ll easily be able to spend an entire day at Al Ain Zoo, set over 900 hectares and home to over 4,000 animals.
