As far as family vacations go, Abu Dhabi ranks as one of the most exciting ones in the world. And truly, this whole setting is given a drastic facelift with Yas Island, the buzzing entertainment hub at its core, offering thrills, culture, relaxation, and convenience.
When parents are on a trip with children, it signifies beautiful experiences while they themselves relive their childhood: theme parks, beaches, shopping malls, aquariums, and outdoor adventures, all at a short distance from one another. And the icing on the cake, Yas Express shuttles interlink major attractions free of cost, aiding families in a hassle-free journey.
If you’re looking for things to do in Abu Dhabi with kids or even planning a quick but action packed family getaway, this 2-day itinerary at Yas Island in 2025 clearly lets you carve out that perfect synergy between fun, discovery, and relaxation. From cartoons at Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi to an awe-inspiring desert safari, the guide has got everything covered!
Day 1: From Indoors to Evening Thrills
Morning: Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi – 10:00 AM – 1:30 PM
- Best Visit Time: Opens at 10:00 AM
- Travel Time and Means of Travel: Most Yas Island hotels are just 5-10 minutes away by the Yas Express shuttle. Coming from downtown Abu Dhabi by taxi or car, it is roughly a 30-minute ride (30 km).
- Time to Spend: 3–4 hours
- Entry Fee: AED 345 for adults, AED 260 for children (less than 1.1m tall). Kids below three are free.
- Contact: +971 600 511115
The family inception is at the Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, the biggest indoor theme park in the world. Featuring six themed lands, including Gotham City, Metropolis, Cartoon Junction, and Bedrock, it’s a fun fair made for the children and nostalgic parents. Children can go on milder rides like Ani-Mayhem with Scooby-Doo, get together with Bugs Bunny and Tom & Jerry, or, if they have a little bit of a daredevil in them, try the thrills of Batman: Knight Flight coasters.
Parents will rejoice at all the amenities provided; everything is air-conditioned with stroller access and lots of dining options catering to picky eaters. The tip is to get there early so you can catch some of the character meet-and-greets before the lines get long.
Tip: Book online for theme parks to lock in the best prices (often 10% off vs gate). Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi
Lunch: Yas Mall 1:40 PM – 3:00 PM
- Travel Time, Mode: 5-minute walk from Warner Bros World through an air-conditioned passageway.
- Time to Spend: 1 to 1.5 hours
- Cost: Family dining ranges between AED 60 and AED 120 per person. Kids’ meals start at AED 40.
- Contact: +971 2 414 6401
At the end of an action-packed morning, make a beeline for Yas Mall, the biggest shopping destination in Abu Dhabi. The mall has over 90 dining outlets, from fast food to sit-down family restaurants. Popular kid-friendly picks include The Cheesecake Factory, P.F. Chang’s, and Pizza Express.
Parents can sneak in some shopping while kids enjoy Fun Works, an indoor play area with climbing walls, arcade games, and creative workshops.
Afternoon: Yas Waterworld 3:15 PM – 6:00 PM
- Travel Time & Mode: Take the Yas Express shuttle (10 minutes) from Yas Mall or a 5-minute taxi ride.
- Time to Spend: 3–4 hours
- Cost: AED 270 per adult, AED 220 per child. Children under 3 are free.
- Contact: +971 2 414 2000
Cool off at Yas Waterworld, a sprawling Emirati-themed waterpark with over 40 rides, slides, and attractions. Families with toddlers can enjoy gentle splash zones, while older kids and teens can brave record-breaking rides. This park regularly appears in guides listing top things to do in Abu Dhabi with kids.
The highlight for many kids is the Water Cinema—an immersive movie experience where the theater itself splashes and sprays along with the film!
Facilities for Families: Free life jackets, shaded seating areas, stroller parking, and cabanas for hire (from AED 600 per day).
Evening: Dinner at Yas Marina (6:15 PM – 7:30 PM) → Desert Safari (7:30 PM – 11:00 PM)
- Travel Time & Mode:
- Yas Waterworld → Yas Marina: 15 minutes by taxi or shuttle.
- Yas Marina → Desert Safari pickup point: Most safari operators provide direct hotel or Yas Marina pickup by 4×4 around 5:30 PM.
- Contact: +971 2 406 2000
- Time to Spend: Dinner (1 hour) + Safari (6 hours)
- Cost:
- Yas Marina dining ~AED 100–200 per adult, AED 45–80 per child.
- Desert Safari packages AED 150–300 per person (kids often discounted).
- OceanAir Travels: +971 4 294 6060
Wrap up the day with an early dinner at Yas Marina, where family-friendly restaurants line the waterfront. Kids love the relaxed vibe at Stars ‘N’ Bars, while parents can enjoy fresh seafood at Diablito.
By early evening, get ready for an unforgettable Desert Safari. A driver will pick you up in a 4×4 for an adventure that includes dune bashing, camel rides, sandboarding, henna painting, and a BBQ dinner under the stars. Kids will be mesmerized by the falcon shows and belly-dance performances, while parents get to soak in the desert’s serene beauty.
Note: Safaris usually return by 10:30–11:00 PM, so expect a late night—but it’s worth it.
Day 2: Marine Wonders, Sports Fun & Magical Evenings
Morning: SeaWorld Abu Dhabi (10:00 AM – 1:30 PM)
- Best Time to Visit: Arrive at 10:00 AM opening.
- Travel Time & Mode: From Yas hotels, it’s a 5–10-minute shuttle or taxi ride.
- Time to Spend: 3–4 hours
- Cost: AED 375 per adult, AED 290 per child. Children under 3 are free.
- Contact: +971 600 565566
Kick off day two at SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, the region’s first marine life theme park and home to over 100,000 marine animals. The park is divided into eight immersive realms, including the Arctic, Antarctica, and Tropical Ocean.
Families can enjoy close-up encounters with dolphins, sea lions, penguins, and even sharks. The One Ocean show is a must-see, and the Endless Ocean realm makes SeaWorld one of the most unforgettable things to do in Abu Dhabi with family.
Kid-Friendly Highlight: The Endless Ocean realm, where children stand before a massive aquarium with 68,000 animals swimming in harmony—it’s a jaw-dropping moment.
Lunch: Yas Mall or Hotel (1:30 PM – 3:00 PM)
- Travel Time & Mode: From SeaWorld → Yas Mall: 10 minutes by shuttle or taxi.
- Time to Spend: 1–1.5 hours
- Cost: AED 60–120 per adult, AED 40–70 per child.
- Contact: +971 2 414 6401
Families can return to Yas Mall for variety or head back to their hotel for a relaxing break and lunch at in-house restaurants.
Afternoon: CLYMB Abu Dhabi (3:00 PM – 5:30 PM)
- Travel Time & Mode: Yas Mall is directly connected to CLYMB via a short indoor walk.
- Time to Spend: 2–3 hours
- Cost: Indoor climbing from AED 120 per person; indoor skydiving from AED 235 per person.
- Contact: +971 600 511115
Next, head to CLYMB Abu Dhabi, home to the world’s tallest indoor climbing wall (138 feet) and the biggest indoor skydiving flight chamber.
- For younger kids (ages 3+), there are junior climbing courses with trained instructors.
- Teens and adults can experience indoor skydiving in a safe, wind-controlled environment.
It’s an exhilarating way for families to burn energy while trying something new together.
Evening: Ferrari World Abu Dhabi (5:30 PM – 9:00 PM, or till closing)
- Travel Time & Mode: CLYMB → Ferrari World: 5 minutes by shuttle or walking indoors.
- Time to Spend: 3–4 hours (till closing)
- Cost: AED 345 per adult, AED 260 per child. Children under 3 are free.
- Contact: +971 600 511115
End your Yas Island adventure with a bang at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi. While it’s famous for the record-breaking Formula Rossa … The park is often highlighted as one of the bucket list things to do in Abu Dhabi with kids, especially for thrill-seeking families.
- Junior GT lets kids drive mini-Ferraris.
- Benno’s Great Race is an interactive dark ride perfect for younger children.
- The Ferrari Gallery offers a cultural break with cars, history, and design displays.
Parents can shop for Ferrari merchandise while kids enjoy shows and simulators.
Planning Tips for Parents
- Getting Around: Use the Yas Express shuttle (free for all visitors), taxis, or hotel transfers. Most attractions are 5–15 minutes apart.
- Best Time to Visit: November–March offers cooler weather, but indoor parks make Yas Island a year-round destination.
- Tickets: Consider the Yas Parks Multi-Day Pass—e.g., 2 Yas theme parks in 1 day = AED 395, or 3-day/3-park pass = AED 675 per person.
- Where to Stay: Family-friendly hotels like W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island, Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island, and Yas Island Rotana are centrally located. Rooms typically start from AED 550–850 per night.
- Stroller Access: All major attractions are stroller and wheelchair-friendly.
Yas Island, Where Family Memories Are Made
What makes Yas Island truly magical for families is its convenience and variety. In just two days, you can meet superheroes, dive into marine adventures, race through Ferrari-themed rides, splash in waterparks, and relax with a desert sunset, all without long drives or complicated planning.
With the upcoming Disneyland Abu Dhabi set to open in the coming years, Yas Island is only getting more exciting. For families looking for a holiday that balances thrills with ease, Yas Island offers a perfect mix, where the memories created will last long after your two-day adventure ends.
So pack sunscreen, comfy shoes, and a sense of adventure, because Abu Dhabi in 2025 promises your kids memories they’ll treasure forever, and parents a rare gift: a holiday that’s as joyful for them as it is for their children.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Your 2-Day Abu Dhabi Itinerary
