So, it’s summer in the UAE. The sun’s doing its best impression of a blow dryer, the kids are doing cartwheels off the walls, and you’re one tantrum away from booking a solo trip to Antarctica. But hang tight—Abu Dhabi has swooped in like a superhero (cape optional) with a staycation lineup that’s equal parts fun, creative, and miraculously air-conditioned. And guess what? It’s been Totally Recommended by the toughest critics of all… kids.
From pint-sized chefs and pottery pros to future astronauts and waterpark warriors, here’s your ultimate family friendly activities guide to making the most of summer in Abu Dhabi—without needing a passport, just your imagination.
1. Blast Off at Louvre Abu Dhabi’s Summer Space CampYas Island: Where Kids Go Free and Parents Breathe Easy
Who knew you could train like an astronaut without leaving Earth—or the UAE? From 1 July to 1 August, the Children’s Museum at Louvre Abu Dhabi is hosting a space-themed camp where creativity meets zero gravity vibes.
Inspired by Picturing the Cosmos, kids will get to flex their imagination, build teamwork, and maybe even start planning their future life on Mars. NASA who?
2. Yas Island: Where Kids Go Free and Parents Breathe Easy
Let’s kick things off with the big one. Until 30 September, Yas Island is running its Kids Go Free offer, and yes—it’s exactly what it sounds like. For every paying adult, one lucky kid under 12 gets to stay, play, and dine for free across participating hotels and Otolo Homes.
That’s right. FREE access to Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Warner Bros. World™, Yas Waterworld, and SeaWorld Abu Dhabi. One moment they’re flying with superheroes, the next they’re splashing down slides or high-fiving dolphins. It’s basically four dream holidays rolled into one—and all without leaving the island.
3. Nature Gets Creative at 421’s Summer Club
Calling all curious minds! At 421’s Summer Club, kids connect with the world around them—through all five senses. From 7 to 14 July, younger kids (5–8) get their own week to explore, followed by the 9–11 age group from 14 to 21 July.
It’s a nature-meets-art mashup where taste, touch, sound, sight, and smell spark creativity. Think of it as mindfulness with a splash of glitter and giggles.
4. Craft, Sculpt, Paint, Repeat: Al Hosn’s Summer Heritage Vibes
Ready to ditch the screens and get those hands messy (in a productive way)? At Al Hosn, kids can dive into culture with two art-forward summer offerings:
Cultural Foundation (7–22 July): Ceramics, painting, and pottery for kids aged 6 to 14. Picasso would approve.
House of Artisans (14–31 July): A celebration of Emirati heritage where kids learn age-old crafts with a modern twist.
It’s creativity with a cultural edge—and a great way to sneak in a history lesson, too.
5. A Royal Summer at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental’s Kids Camp
Imagine summer camp, but make it luxurious. At Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, the Kids Palace Camp (7 July – 5 September) brings a dreamy mix of sustainability, culinary fun, wellness, and creativity to one of Abu Dhabi’s most iconic spots.
It’s like enrolling your kids in a mini finishing school—minus the tiaras, plus a whole lot of giggles.
6. Paint Outside the Lines at Manarat Al Saadiyat’s Art Studio Camp
For your mini Monets and little Leonardos, the Art Studio Summer Camp at Manarat Al Saadiyat (7 July – 22 August) is pure magic. With themed weeks, expert instructors, and a whole lot of colour splashing, kids aged 6 to 12 will be painting, sculpting, and crafting their hearts out.
Bonus? You’ll finally have something new to hang on the fridge. Or… you know, the living room gallery wall.
7. Culinary Confidence at École Ducasse’s Cooking Camp
Whisks at the ready! At École Ducasse inside the Cultural Foundation, kids (6 and up) can roll up their sleeves and dive into themed weeks of cookie-baking, tart-making, and Emirati dish crafting from 2 July to 23 August.
It’s hands-on, confidence-building, and delicious—because nothing says “I love you, Mom” like a homemade pastry.
8. All the Arts (and Balloons!) at Al Qattara Arts Centre in Al Ain
And for those craving a little Al Ain charm, the Al Qattara Arts Centre is hosting its summer camp from 30 June to 10 July for kids aged 4 to 12. Expect daily sessions filled with balloon painting, origami, Arabic calligraphy, and even soap carving (fancy!).
It’s a whimsical mix of traditional art and pure playfulness—all in a gorgeous heritage setting.
Your Best Summer Ever Is Just a Staycation Away
Whether it’s racing rollercoasters, launching into space, or folding origami masterpieces, Abu Dhabi’s summer adventures are close, cool, and created with families in mind. No flights, no stress—just a calendar full of unforgettable moments waiting to happen.
So pack a swimsuit, grab the paintbrushes, and prepare for smiles that last longer than the school break.
