Totally Recommended: 8 Abu Dhabi adventures the whole family Can enjoy this summer | Things to do in Abu Dhabi

Things to do in Abu Dhabi | Yas Island

Spending summer in the UAE? You don’t need to hop on a plane to make it one to remember.

Abu Dhabi has loads going on for families, from cool camps and cultural fun to full-on theme park thrills – all without straying too far from home (or air conditioning). Whether you’re looking to fill a weekend or plan your entire school break, here are eight top picks that are Totally Recommended… especially by the kids.

1. Yas Island’s Kids Go Free Offer

We’ll start with a big one. Yas Island is rolling out its ‘Kids Go Free’ deal until 30 September, which means for every paying adult, one child under 12 gets to stay, play and eat for free. That includes access to places like Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld, Warner Bros. World™ and SeaWorld Abu Dhabi – so basically, an entire holiday on your doorstep. Hotels and Otolo Homes are in on the deal too, making it super easy to turn a day trip into a full-on family staycation.

2. Space Camp at Louvre Abu Dhabi

If your little one has dreams of becoming an astronaut, this one’s a must. Running from 1 July to 1 August at the Children’s Museum inside Louvre Abu Dhabi, the Summer Space Camp takes kids on a creative journey through the cosmos. They’ll build teamwork, leadership and imagination skills through hands-on art projects inspired by space. Think of it as astronaut training… with glitter glue.

3. Summer Club at 421

For something a little different, 421’s Summer Club is all about exploring the world through your senses. Kids will get stuck into creative, nature-inspired activities that spark curiosity – using touch, taste, smell, sight and sound to explore the environment around them. It’s immersive, hands-on and just the right mix of educational and fun. Sessions are split by age: 5–8 year olds from 7 July, and 9–11 year olds from 14 July.

4. Creative Culture at Al Hosn

If you’ve got a budding potter, painter or heritage buff in the family, Al Hosn’s summer programmes are worth a look. At the Cultural Foundation, kids aged 6 to 14 can take part in pottery and ceramics classes (running 7–22 July), while over at the House of Artisans (14–31 July), little hands will learn traditional Emirati crafts in a fun, hands-on setting. It’s a great way to connect with local culture and get creative at the same time.

Things to do in Abu Dhabi | Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental

5. Kids Palace Camp at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental

From 7 July to 5 September, Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental turns its Kids Palace into a little world of its own. With five themed weeks – including sustainability, cooking, creativity, well-being and exploration – it’s a full-on programme packed with meaningful fun. Think mini chefs, eco warriors and future artists all learning through play in a setting that’s as gorgeous as it is inspiring.

6. Art Studio Summer Camp at Manarat Al Saadiyat

This one’s for the young creatives in your crew. Manarat Al Saadiyat’s Art Studio is running weekly camps for kids aged 6 to 12 from 7 July to 22 August, with each session focusing on new themes and techniques. Led by expert instructors, it’s a safe space for kids to express themselves, build confidence and make a bit of a mess in the name of art.

7. Young Chefs at École Ducasse

Foodie families, this one’s for you. Inside the Cultural Foundation, culinary school École Ducasse is hosting hands-on cooking camps from 2 July to 23 August. Open to children aged 6 and up, the themed sessions cover everything from cookies and tarts to Emirati dishes and international favourites. It’s a fun and confidence-boosting way to introduce kids to the kitchen – and yes, you’ll probably get to taste the results.

8. Arts & Crafts at Al Qattara Arts Centre (Al Ain)

Heading to Al Ain? The Al Qattara Arts Centre is hosting an artsy summer camp for kids aged 4 to 12, running from 30 June to 10 July. Sessions are held twice a day and cover everything from origami and balloon painting to Arabic calligraphy and soap carving. It’s a lovely, relaxed way to introduce kids to different forms of art in a friendly, cultural setting.

Totally worth staying in the UAE for…This summer, Abu Dhabi has nailed the family-friendly fun – with Things to do and something to suit every kind of kid (and every kind of parent, too). Whether you’re keen to explore your creative side, dive into culture or just make the most of a good deal, it’s all happening right here.

For more information, visit: visitabudhabi.ae/

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