15 things to do in Abu Dhabi for teenagers this summer

There comes a point in the summer holidays when another day at home, another trip to the mall or another few hours scrolling on the phone just isn't cutting it.

The good news is there are still plenty of things for teenagers to do in Abu Dhabi before school starts again. From racing your mates around Yas Marina Circuit to trying your hand at pottery, climbing or jiu-jitsu, we've put together 15 ideas for making the most of the last few weeks of summer.

With your mates

Race your crew at Yas Kartzone

Think you’re the best driver in the group? Well, now is your time to prove it. Yas Kartzone at Yas Marina Circuit has a 1km track, with Senior Karts available for anyone aged 13 and over.

Where: Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Island

Age: Senior Karts 13+

More information: Here

Take on CUBE Challenges

Part escape room, part game show and part physical challenge, CUBE Challenges Abu Dhabi has 32 different rooms covering physical, skill, brain and horror challenges. Teams of two to six race against the clock to score as many points as possible, and anyone aged 12+ can take part without an accompanying adult.

Where: Reem Mall, Al Reem Island

Age: 8+, with ages 12+ able to play without an adult

More information: Here

Escape from Prison Island

No, we're not suggesting actual criminal activity. Prison Island Abu Dhabi takes the escape room idea and makes it bigger, with a series of challenge cells that test everything from your balance and speed to your problem-solving skills.

Where: Level 3, Abu Dhabi Mall

More information here

Have a board game battle at DNA

If you'd rather sit down than climb, race or escape from somewhere, DNA Board Games Cafe is a fun place to spend a few hours with friends. On the menu they’ve got a variety of board games, food, and drinks and all you need to do is bring your opponents.

Where: Khalidiyah

More information: Here

Bowl, eat and play at Central

Central at Yas Bay Waterfront combines bowling, arcade games and food under one roof, which makes it a pretty easy option when nobody in the group can agree on what they want to do.

Where: Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island

More information: Here

Try Something New

Give jiu-jitsu a go

Abu Dhabi is one of the best places in the world to try jiu-jitsu, so why not use the summer to see what all the fuss is about? URBN Martial Arts offer Jiu-Jitsu sessions for kids, teens and adults covering technique, fitness and the fundamentals of the sport. You can also try their Muay Thai and karate classes too.

Age: 11–16

More information: Here

The Teen Collective at Manarat Al Saadiyat

This isn't your standard kids' art class. The Teen Collective is designed specifically for 13 to 17-year-olds, with hands-on sessions where teens can experiment with different art techniques and develop their creative skills. It's only running from 18 to 20 August, so you'll need to be quick.

Where: Manarat Al Saadiyat

Age: 13–17

When: 18–20 August

More information: Here

Learn to climb at CLYMB

Head to CLYMB Yas Island, Abu Dhabi and swap the sofa for a climbing wall. Teens can try indoor climbing, while those looking for a bigger adrenaline rush can take on the enormous indoor skydiving flight chamber.

There's also a free Junior Climbers programme for ages 12 to 16 running this summer, with the final girls' session taking place from 17 to 21 August. Spaces are limited, so check availability before heading down.

Where: Yas Island

More information: Here

Have a go at pottery

A slightly calmer summer option, but one that still gets you off your phone. TLEIB POTTERY STUDIO HANDICRAFTS TRAINING on Saadiyat Island offers pottery classes where you can get hands-on with clay and learn how to create your own pieces.

Where: Saadiyat Island

More information: Here

Try a new sport at Abu Dhabi Summer Sports

Can't decide on one sport? Don't. ADSS (Abu Dhabi Summer Sports) has a huge selection of sports and activities indoors at ADNEC, giving teens somewhere air-conditioned to get moving during the hottest part of the year – and best of all the runnign track is compltelty free.

The 2026 event runs until 23 August, so there isn't long left to squeeze in a session.

Where: ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi

Until: 23 August 2026

More information: Here

Before School Starts

 Make your move at the Abu Dhabi International Chess Festival

Whether you're already a serious player or simply fancy putting your skills to the test, the 32nd Abu Dhabi International Chess Festival is taking place from 15 to 24 August. The festival includes a packed programme of tournaments and attracts players from around the world.

Where: Radisson Blu Hotel & Resort, Abu Dhabi Corniche

When: 15–24 August 2026

More information: Here

Become a future entrepreneur

Khalifa Fund's Future Entrepreneur Summer Camp has an Advanced track specifically for 15–18-year-olds, with activities around entrepreneurship, ideas and pitching. There's also a Venturist track covering gaming and coding for ages 13–18 at 42 Abu Dhabi. Even better, the programme is free and runs until 29 August. 

Where: 42 Abu Dhabi in Zayed Port

When: Until 29 August

More information: Here

Learn to ice skate

Zayed Sports City is running its Ice Skating Summer Camp for kids up to 16, with sessions from 9am to 1pm. Teens can learn the basics or work on their existing skating skills, while getting a few hours away from the summer heat. 

Where: Zayed Sports City

Age: Up to 16

More information: Here

Try surfing at Surf Abu Dhabi

Why not finish the summer having learnt to surf? Surf Abu Dhabi on Hudayriyat Island offers surf experiences for different ability levels, including beginners, so you don't need to know what you're doing before you arrive. Definitely one for teens who fancy ending the holidays with something a little more adventurous.

Where: Hudayriyat Island

More information: Here

Put your knowledge to the test at Quiz Room

A TV game show that you can play with your friends, complete with buzzers, lights and different rounds. There's no need to be a trivia genius either, with different games and challenges designed to get everyone involved.

Where: Al Wahda City Walk

More information: Here