Summer in Abu Dhabi is the perfect time to make the most of the city’s indoor attractions, family-friendly experiences and creative activities. With the school holidays in full swing, keeping children entertained becomes a top priority.
From summer camps and museum visits to dining offers, workshops and active play spaces, Abu Dhabi has plenty of ways to keep kids busy during the warmer months.
This guide rounds up some of the best things to do in Abu Dhabi with kids this summer, whether you are planning a weekend outing or looking for simple ways to fill the school holiday calendar. The activities are suitable for a range of ages, making them ideal for families with children at different stages.
Best Things to Do in Abu Dhabi with Kids
Yas Island Summer Camp
For those looking for a more adventurous summer, the Yas Island summer camp offers a chance to enjoy and learn at some of the most famous attractions including Warner Bros. World, Yas Waterworld, and CLYMB. The camp will organise structured learning activities emphasising creativity and problem-solving skills. For more information and bookings, visit Yas Island Summer Camp.
- Dates: 06 July to 31 August 2026
- Location: Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
Sheikh Zayed Summer Festival 2026
The Sheikh Zayed Summer Festival has already begun in Abu Dhabi. This is an ideal place for families to enjoy a host of activities, immersive experiences, and interactive workshops.
These include interactive games, sports, science experiments, and more. Free shuttle bus service is available for trips to and from the festival. Participants will also be given certificates for select programmes and workshops. For more information, visit the Sheikh Zayed Festival.
- Date: 06 July to 23 August 2026
- Location: Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi
Kids Go Free at Yas Bay Waterfront
Yas Bay Waterfront is home to several family-friendly dining offers this summer, with a number of restaurants allowing children to dine for free.
At Bushra by Buddha-Bar, guests can enjoy a Middle Eastern dining experience while one child aged 12 and below receives a complimentary kids’ meal with every adult main course ordered until August.
Popular steakhouse Hunter & Barrel is also offering a family-friendly deal, where children aged 12 and below can dine for free with each paying adult until September.
Peaksy Adventure Park & Family Restaurant
Peaksy Adventure Park & Family Restaurant is a great option for families looking to combine active play with a meal.
Until the end of August, the AED 300 Family Dinner Bundle is available Monday to Thursday and includes free access for up to two children to the adventure zone, ropes course, and soft play area.
Younger children can also enjoy Peak Day Mondays, with entry priced at AED 100 for kids under six. This includes one kids’ meal, rope course access and soft play.
For larger groups, Peaksy Play Dates are available for 6 or more children at AED 199 per child. From Monday to Thursday, between 5 pm and 7 pm, children can also enjoy free ice cream with every play area ticket.
The Butterfly Gardens Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi’s Butterfly Gardens are one of the city’s most charming indoor attractions for families to explore this summer.
Set inside climate-controlled domes, the attraction is home to butterfly species from Asia and the Americas, giving children the chance to experience nature up close in a comfortable indoor setting.
Entry is priced at AED 55, while a combo ticket is also available for visitors who want to explore both The National Aquarium and The Butterfly Gardens. Children under three can visit for free.
Kids’ Classes at TOPSTRETCHING
TOPSTRETCHING is a ladies’ only stretching and functional fitness studio. For those looking to add physical activity to their summer plans, the centre offers classes for children aged 3 to 10. Kids’ sessions include gymnastics and ballet, among other fitness activities.
Natural History Museum of Abu Dhabi
One of the best activities to do with kids in the summer in Abu Dhabi is to visit the Natural History Museum. Kids (below 18) can enjoy free visits. Families can explore fascinating exhibitions featuring immersive, interactive installations, such as The Story of Earth and Resilient Planet.
The museum is currently hosting weekend programmes for families, with themes such as ‘Decoding Nature’ and ‘Survive the Desert’. For more information, visit the museum’s social media page.
Abu Dhabi Children’s Library
Abu Dhabi Children’s Library is always open for kids. It is a great place for families with younger kids. The state-of-the-art space is divided into immersive, age-appropriate social areas. There’s a three-dimensional learn-and-play area, and colourful creations inspired by different places across the UAE.
Kids can enjoy books on soft faux sand dunes and a Book Mountain as well. The collection of books includes fiction, non-fiction, graphic novels, autobiographies and audiobooks.
Abu Dhabi has no shortage of family-friendly activities during the hotter months. These upcoming activities and offers make it easy to plan fun days out that the whole family can enjoy. Whether the day calls for adventure, learning, or simply a change of scenery, these experiences offer plenty of ways to keep children entertained throughout the season.
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