Best after-school activities for kids in Abu Dhabi
Kids are back to school, but how can you keep them entertained in the afternoon? From football and swimming to dance and robotics, we’ve found some of the best activities to try after school.
Get your kids dribbling at PASS Abu Dhabi
For kids who are always chasing a ball around, PASS Abu Dhabi has football sessions starting from age two. Younger children can get to grips with dribbling, passing, and ball control in the Foundation programme, while older kids can move into competitive squads, one-day competitive sessions or goalkeeping training.
More info here
Football at SEFA Abu Dhabi
Get the kids on the pitch with SEFA Abu Dhabi, where football sessions start from age three. Younger kids in the Foundation programme are introduced to the basics through age-appropriate sessions, while the older groups move into more structured training as they progress.
From age six, the Development programme takes things up a notch, with Competitive training and a dedicated Goalkeeper programme available from age eight. There’s also an Elite programme for players aged 10 and over, plus a Girls Only programme from age six.
SEFA Street brings 3v3 and futsal sessions to kids aged eight and over, putting them in fast-paced games where they get more touches of the ball and have to make quick decisions in tight spaces.
More info here
Train with Manchester City coaches
Training with Manchester City Football schools, offers weekly programmes are open to boys and girls aged three to 18. Coaches will take children through sessions that are built around skills, technique, decision-making, and game play.
There are also dedicated courses for girls and goalkeepers, so they can focus on specific parts of the game as they get older.
More info here
Try martial arts at URBN Martial Arts
URBN Martial Arts offers classes in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai, and MMA. Sessions cover everything from grappling and ground work, to striking, with classes for kids at different skill levels.
You can also book a free trial if they want to give martial arts a go before signing up.
More info here
Strum into Abu Dhabi Rock School
Are your little ones into music? Rockschool offers them the chance to learn, perform, and basically rock out every week, whilst learning the basics of both instruments and singing. They teach everything from guitar and drums, to keyboards and vocals, culminating in a full live performance at the end of each term.
They have locations across the capital and can offer private sessions for specific instruments, and look out for their Band Jam sessions every month.
More info here
Take on an outdoor adventure with The Overlord Academy
For kids who’d choose adventure any day, The Overlord Academy could be right up their street. They’ll learn everything from first aid and navigation to survival skills, with activities including search-and-rescue exercises, obstacle courses, and team challenges.
What they get up to depends on their age. Younger kids can learn basic outdoor and life skills, while older groups move on to desert survival, map reading, campcraft, and adventure training. There are also weekend expeditions into the desert and mountains, with some groups taking part in overnight camps.
More info here
Dive into Storm Academy
Start them young with swimming at Storm Academy, where kids can work their way from those first splashes to more advanced training. Aqua Baby sessions introduce little ones to the water, while Parent & Toddler classes get them moving in the pool with a parent alongside them.
From age five, Learn to Swim sessions cover the basics before kids move on to developing their technique, turns and different strokes. Older swimmers can join Squads or StormX for more focused training.
More info here
Get active at Jump Sports Academy
Keep them moving after school with football, basketball, and gymnastics at Jump Sports Academy. The Football and basketball sessions introduce children to the basics of each sport, while gymnastics classes cover everything from tumbling and balance to more advanced skills.
Younger children can start with Tiny Tumblers, which combines movement and gymnastics with a parent, before progressing through Foundation and Development classes. Older gymnasts can also train with the invite-only Dream Team squads.
More info here
Get your netball fix at Manchester Thunder
Keep the netball going after school with Manchester Thunder UAE. Girls can work on passing, shooting, footwork, and ball control, then put those skills into practice through drills and games on court.
Sessions are located at Active at Al Maryah Island, Zayed Cricket Stadium, Nord Anglia School, Reem Island, and is open to beginners and more experienced players.
More info here
Pass, shoot and play at Capital Netball
Get your kids onto the netball court with Capital Netball Academy, where boys and girls aged three to 19 can work on their passing, shooting, footwork, and ball control. CORE sessions are the regular weekly training, while HUB sessions give them extra time on court or another option if the usual day doesn’t work.
As they get more comfortable on court, there are chances to play matches and get involved in competitions, with catch-up sessions available if they miss training. The 2026-27 season also brings NextGen and Open Leagues for older players and adults , adding more opportunities to play.
More info here
After-school learning at Genius Kids
For the number crunchers and tech enthusiasts, Genius Kids has after-school programmes in Mental Math, Robotics, and English for ages four to 14. They can use an abacus to work through calculations in their heads, build and code their own robots, or get creative with reading, writing, and speaking activities.
There are sports electives too, plus trips, and other activities to keep things interesting outside the classroom.
More info here
Get kids dancing at Fusion Arts
If your little one is always dancing around the house, Fusion Arts has classes from age three, covering everything from ballet and contemporary to jazz, hip-hop and tap. Younger children can start with Fusion Junior, using stories, music and movement to learn the basics, while older kids can get into everything from leaps and turns, to funky street dance routines.
There are also Elite Dance classes, with the chance to compete and perform as part of the Fusion Arts Performing Team.
More info here
