Places you as “kids or adults” would want to see and visit

By Kika

Pretty much all year long there’s always plenty to get stuck into in the UAE. So whether you have family visiting or you’re just looking for more things to do to take advantage of the UAE weather, read on. Here’s our pick of the best things to do in the UAE with kids:

Legoland Dubai

Since it opened in 2016, Legoland has earned its place on the list of the best things to do in the UAE with family. It has six themed lands, each with its own educational and entertainment activities including rollercoasters, mini planes to fly, a boating school, and a submarine adventure. And of course it wouldn’t be a Legoland without plenty of chances for little ones (and big ones!) to create their own Lego masterpiece. Legoland Water Park, on the same site, has another 20 water slides, wave pool, a Duplotoddler area and a build-a-raft river where you can test your raft building skills.

IMG Worlds of Adventure

This huge themepark in Dubai holds the title of the largest indoor themepark anywhere in the world. It covers more than a million square feet and is split into five themed adventure zones: Cartoon Network, Lost Valley, Marvel, IMG Boulevard, and Novo Cinemas. 

These are filled with rides, movie theaters, restaurants, experiences and stores. Some of the most popular rides include The Haunted Hotel, Amazing Ride of Gumball, Thor Thunder Spin and for the littlies, the Dino Carousel. 

Hands down this is by far one of the best things to do in the UAE with kids and you could easily spend more than a day here.

Al Ain Safari at Al Ain Zoo

This safari became the world’s biggest man-made safari when it opened a few years ago. It has more than 250 animals spread over 217 hectares. 

You and your family can be driven round in either small SUV vehicles or bigger trucks that can carry 26 people. 

Animals include giraffe, zebra, lion and springbok, as well as some locally extinct species such as the Addax and Scimitar Oryx. 

Dubai Miracle Garden

The Dubai Miracle Garden is probably one of the best things to do in the UAE with kids if you want to enjoy the outdoors. 

There are thousands of flower species arranged in the most elaborate formations, including the Taj Mahal, Burj Khalifa and Egypt’s pyramids. 

Next door is a butterfly farm which is a little dated but a great day out for a family in Dubai.

Sheikh Zayed Mosque

If you have kids or family visiting the UAE and you want to give them a glimpse into the country’s religion, take them to the Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi. 

The huge structure accommodates 40,000 worshippers and has the biggest handmade carpet in the world in its main prayer hall. 

The mosque is particularly beautiful at night when the marble structure absorbs the lights and takes on a blue twilight hue. 

There are guided tours every day so you don’t have to worry about swatting up yourself! 

Make sure you and your guests dress modestly or you may not be allowed in.

F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

The Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is always one of the most fun things to do in winter in Abu Dhabi. It usually spans four days and includes the race itself on the Yas Marina Circuit, as well as music concerts, after-hour parties, and family entertainment.

It’s one of the best things to do in Abu Dhabi to celeb spot, especially on the yachts moored at Yas Marina!

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi

The winter weather in the UAE makes almost all of its outdoor attractions more appealing, and Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is no different. 

It’s home to the Formula Rossa, the fastest rollercoaster ride in the world which reaches a head-spinning 240kph in less than 5 seconds, as well as slightly less terrifying attractions such as the Tyre Twist ride, Scuderia Challenge simulator and Nello’s Adventureland for the little ones.

Louvre Abu Dhabi

Whether you’re a resident or visitor in Abu Dhabi in winter, the Louvre Abu Dhabi needs to be on your list of things to do. If you’re “into” museums, you’ll probably want to spend more than one day exploring the galleries and marveling at the architecture of Pritzker Prize-winning architect Jean Nouvel, who designed the building.

Before you visit, check out the Louvre Abu Dhabi website so you can plan your time and see the calendar of talks and special exhibitions.

Warner Brothers World Abu Dhabi

This is another great thing to do in Abu Dhabi in winter, especially if you have children and don’t fancy making the journey to a theme park in neighboring Dubai.

Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi is an indoors theme park (which is the only option when summer temperatures regularly hit 40 degrees Celsius!). It’s split into six lands catering to every childhood fantasy: Bedrock, DC’s Metropolis, Gotham City, Warner Bros Plaza and Cartoon Junction. 

There’s rides-aplenty, as well as lots of themed cafes and restaurants, and, of course, plenty of places to buy souvenirs!

Kayak through the mangroves

There’s a growing number of companies offering kayaking tours in the mangroves – the perfect thing to do in Abu Dhabi in winter. Most tours take a few hours and suit all abilities, and will take you through the mangrove landscape that defines some of the emirate’s coastline.

The good thing about this particular activity is you don’t have to travel out of the city to feel close to nature. The mangroves practically run alongside the city’s skyscrapers and highways, but are a fiercely protected part of the natural landscape.

Noukhada and Seahawk are two of the more popular kayaking companies operating in the mangroves.

Yas Water World, The region´s most amazing aqua park

Excited visitors of the park will be able to try the 238-meter long, world’s first and largest hydromagnetic-powered tornado waterslide. 

For adrenaline junkies there are three-metre high waves on Bubble’s Barrel whith the world’s largest surfable wave for bodyboards and flowboards. Or ride in the Bandit Bomber, a 550–metre coaster, it is the first with onboard laser and water effects. Visitorss can shoot jets of water, drop water bombs or trigger special effects. All to the amusement of people below.

An amazing, fun filled, full day experience, the park draws on Abu Dhabi’s heritage and has ‘The Lost Pearl’ as theme. It features a souk with pearl-diving exhibits and restaurants.