This was published 5 years ago
9 of the best experiences for a family friendly layover in Abu Dhabi
By Mal Chenu
From waterparks and theme parks to lush mangroves full of nature, Abu Dhabi, with its year-round sunshine, makes a brilliant destination for families.Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto
This is sponsored content for Abu Dhabi Tourism
Abu Dhabi's fascinating cultural identity and its treasure trove of family-friendly, fun things to do are proving a powerful lure. More and more Aussie families are turning airport layovers into holiday stopovers in this mesmerising Middle-Eastern hub. After all, how do you tell the kids you'd rather hang in the airport for a few hours than take buggy rides in sand dunes, fly on the world's fastest rollercoaster and visit the thrilling water parks, theme parks and adventure parks?
Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi
The latest addition to the Yas Island family of thrills, this brand-new, fully indoor theme park boasts 29 rides and interactive attractions and entertainment. It may be finished with slick, state-of-the-art, 21st Century technology but the nod to the golden age of Warner Bros and Hollywood is unmistakable. You'll meet Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman; Bugs Bunny, the Road Runner, Wile E. Coyote and Marvin the Martian; as well as Scooby-Doo, Tom and Jerry, The Jetsons and The Flintstones. You can waste time explaining these childhood heroes to your kids or just let the nostalgia wash over you while they tackle the rides and watch the shows. Yabba dabba dooo!
Fun Works
Also located on Yas Island (in Yas Mall), this is industrial-grade fun for toddlers to pre-teens and features adventure rides, video games, a soft play area, learning workshops, toddler playgrounds and kid-friendly dining. Fun Works is home to Loop Works, where kids pilot their own spinning and rotating planes and Yolo Works, where a mini-rollercoaster throws your cart off the tracks, plus Vroom Works, Wham Works, Woohoo Works, Wizz Works, Mini Works, Art Works, Show Works, Bake Works, Build Works, Car Works and Bouncy Works. It's as fun as it sounds. And it works, so you don't have to.
Louvre Abu Dhabi – Children's Museum
When the world's most famous museum opened its first 'branch office' in the Saadiyat Island Cultural District in 2017, it was very big news. And within this architectural phenomenon are two floors dedicated to developing and nurturing curiosity, creativity and a love of art. Aimed at six to 12 year olds, the Children's Museum hosts numerous interactive learning activities designed to open young eyes to the artistic value of shapes, colours, contours, beauty and technique. This is NOT a museum where you have to say "Don't Touch!" or "Shhhh!"
Ferrari World – Abu Dhabi
Yas WaterWorld
Falcon Hospital
Frequently awarded for its rehabilitation work and as a tourist attraction, tours take in the falcon museum, examination room and free-flight aviary. Extend the arm of friendship and a raptor will perch on it for a cool selfie. Close enough to the airport for a quick visit.
Wadi Adventure Park
It's as if they designed this park with Aussies in mind. Think white water rafting, kayaking, wake boarding and surfing perfect, consistent left- and right-hand waves; plus an aerial obstacle course with a zip line, a climbing wall and a giant swing. Grommets-in-training will love the shallow pools, splash areas and the low ropes obstacle course. Drop in and shoot the curl, man.
Emirates Palace Children's Club
The region's most fabulous hotel caters for five to 12 year olds with arts and crafts, sports, PlayStation and Nintendo Wii, puzzles and face painting. Stressed out toddler? No worries – book into the Kid's Beauty Salon & Spa for a hair or nail appointment, massage, facial, scrub or foot treatment. Babysitting services are available for parents who want to try Emirates Palace's famous spiced coffee and gold-flecked chocolates.
Arabian Nights Village
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