Travel
5 Days of Family Adventures in Abu Dhabi
Joanna Horanin
Hi, I'm Joanna, the author of The Blond Travels. In the worlds of Thailand and Portugal, I feel like a fish in water - and it's no coincidence! I've been exploring Thailand for over a decade, and I've settled in Portugal for 6 years now. My mission is to support Dreamers - just like you - in discovering these fascinating countries and helping those in love with them find their own place on Earth, preferably for good! Let's uncover these unique corners of the world together.
Looking for sunshine, fun and adventure for all the family? Then why not make Abu Dhabi your next destination? Abu Dhabi is safe, easy to reach and get around, and known for its hospitality.
What’s more, you and your family can enjoy all the best theme parks in the UAE, culture and heritage, adventure sports, and excellent dining and shopping within less than a week in Abu Dhabi.
The UAE looks forward to welcoming you. Here’s an idea for a five-day itinerary.
Day 1: Wild Times at Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi
Start your week off as you mean to go on and head to Yas Island.
Maximum fun for all the family can be found at Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi. This is a park dedicated to celebrating the wonderful world of Warner Bros shows and movies with over twenty thrilling rides and attractions to choose from.
Who is your child’s favorite character? Batman, Tweety or Scooby Doo? All their (and your) favorite Warner Bros. characters are here. Why not take a boat tour with the Flintstones, experience the thrill of the chase aboard the Tom and Jerry: Swiss Cheese Board ride, or help Superman face his nemeses in a thrilling 3D adventure?
Picture the look on your children’s faces as they meet their heroes around the park, join them on their adventures, and immerse themselves in all the fun of the park’s themed restaurants. The park is not short on thrills for grown ups too.
Do you dare ride the fiendish Riddler Revolution coaster or confront your worst fears within the Scarecrow Scare Raid attraction?
Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi Top Tip
Make sure you stay up to date on all Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi upcoming events. This year’s Winter Spectacular for example features The Nutquacker Live Show with fan-favorite duo Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck.
Day 2: Animal Encounters at SeaWorld Abu Dhabi
Ocean city Abu Dhabi is home to one of the newest SeaWorld centers and the world’s largest multi-species aquarium.
SeaWorld takes you on a journey through eight immersive realms. Take a deep dive into the marine life of the Arabian Gulf in Abu Dhabi Ocean realm, explore the warm waters within the Tropical Realm, or witness what life is like in the coldest extremes of the Arctic and Antarctic.
See dozens of animals close up like never before. Family favorites include encounters with dolphins, flamingoes, and sea lions. The kids can enjoy interactive exhibits such as the Hypersphere 360° cinema and the Explorer’s Sea Base.
Another highlight is the Manta Coaster, a thrill-seeking ride that also explores the wonders of the Ray Reef via a bioluminescent tunnel.
SeaWorld Top Tip
A visit to SeaWorld in Abu Dhabi is also a great opportunity to learn about the important rescue and conservation work underway to protect the world’s oceans. Make sure to visit the SeaWorld Education Center to find out more.
Day 3: Soak Up Some Arabian Culture Before Scaling New Heights
Aside from providing exciting activities for adventure seekers, the UAE offers rich cultural and historical experiences, and Abu Dhabi certainly has these in abundance.
In the morning
Be sure to spend some time experiencing the rich culture and history of the UAE during your week in Abu Dhabi. Qasr al Watan is a welcoming, family-friendly visitor attraction that showcases one of the region’s most spectacular palaces.
Exhibits within the palace walls allow visitors a glimpse into the fascinating world of Arabian governance and culture. The domes, mosaics, and ornamentation of the building display the best of Arabian architecture, craftsmanship and art.
Make sure to return to Qasr al Watan one evening. The breathtaking light show Palace in Motion takes place each night after dark, highlighting the beauty of the palace in a dramatically different way.
Qasr al Watan Top Tip
Start your trip at the visitor center. Staff here frequently welcome school program tours and they will be happy to help you make the most of your family visit to Qasr al Watan.
In the Afternoon
Do the children still have energy to burn? Then head back to Yas Island and straight over to Clymb. Clymb isthe place to climb in the region and is home to its tallest indoor climbing wall.
There’s no need to start on this mountainous challenge, however. Beginners, novices and children are welcome to tackle one of the center’s smaller walls.
All equipment is provided and the walls are monitored by experienced instructors. So, it’s the ideal place to try indoor climbing for the first time.
Clymb Top Tip
If you’re feeling extra adventurous, treat you and the family toa combination of skydiving tickets and a visit to Clymb’s second record-breaking attraction, its indoor climbing wall.
Day 4: Ride the Record-Breaking Coasters at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
Nothing pumps adrenalin like a ride on the world’s fastest rollercoaster. Find it here at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi. Forty thrilling attractions combine to create one of the world’s best days out for theme park aficionados.
As well as Formula Rossa, which blasts visitors to speeds of 240 km/h in 4.9 seconds, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is also the home of Flying Aces, a ride which includes the world’s highest roller coaster loop.
Speed lovers of all ages can enjoy the rides here. Kids go wild for attractions like Junior Grand Prix, Speedway Race and Karting Academy.
Ferrari World Top Tip
If you plan to visit more than one Yas Island parks (SeaWorld, Ferrari World, Warner Bros World and Yas Waterworld), take advantage of multiple theme park offers. Buy tickets together and save.
Day 5: Make a Splash at Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi
End your trip on a high with one more theme park. Yas Waterworld is the leading water park in the UAE and it promises all-day excitement.
Kids love water play and there’s plenty of it here. Challenge yourself on different amusement park rides, slides, and splash areas like the freefall drop slide, the Liwa Loop, or try out bodyboarding. There are two unique experiences that are definitely worth a visit; indulge all the senses in the underwater VR experience or seek out treasure in the pearl diving experience.
If you’d prefer to kick back while the kids play, there are cabanas available for hire. Each comes with VIP service, towels and an exclusive menu.
Yas Waterworld Top Tip
Yas Waterworld has some great offers on its website, currently including a meal combo ticket offer, and discounted tickets plus complimentary FastPass for people of determination and a companion.
Embark on the trip of a lifetime
Your time in Abu Dhabi promises magical memories that all the family will treasure. As well as all the excitement of the visits, theme parks and adventure sports above, there is plenty more to enjoy.
Have more than five days to experience Abu Dhabi? Then you won’t be lost for things to do. There are great beaches, more cultural sites and museums to visit, plus a trip into the desert is always a highlight for visitors. What are you waiting for?
