If you’re spending summer in the UAE, Abu Dhabi is the ultimate staycation destination, Totally Recommended by kids.
From creative camps to heritage crafts and thrilling theme park escapes, the city is packed with ways to keep little ones engaged and families connected all summer long.
Whether you’re planning a weekend break or a full summer getaway, Abu Dhabi’s family-friendly offers make it easy to create cherished family moments, without being too far from home.
Here are some of the top experiences to enjoy this summer.
1. Make it a summer to remember on Yas Island, where Kids Go Free
Totally Recommended by kids themselves, Yas Island’s Kids Go Free offer, running until 30 September, is your ticket to endless family fun. For every paying adult, one child under the age of 12 stays, plays and dines for free at participating hotels and Otolo Homes.
With access to Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi, Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi and SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, every day promises new adventures, all within easy reach.
2. Reach for the stars at Louvre Abu Dhabi’s Summer Space Camp
From 1 July – 1 August, young explorers are invited to train like astronauts through creativity. Taking place at the Children’s Museum at Louvre Abu Dhabi, this immersive space-themed camp builds life skills through art, encouraging teamwork, leadership and imagination, inspired by the Picturing the Cosmos adventure.
3. Discover the world through the senses at 421’s Summer Club
At 421’s Summer Club, nature becomes the classroom. Designed to help children connect more deeply with their environment and with each other, the programme takes a sensory-led approach, encouraging exploration through sight, sound, smell, taste and touch.
The result is an immersive week of creative learning and mindful fun. Children aged between 5 and 8 can attend the week of 7 July and those between 9 and 11 years old can attend the week of 14 July.
4. Experience hands-on heritage at Al Hosn’s summer programmes
This summer, the Al Hosn site brings creativity and culture together with two family-focused offerings. At the Cultural Foundation, young visitors aged 6 to 14 can sculpt, paint and craft their way through ceramics and pottery classes from 7 – 22 July, while the House of Artisans invites kids to connect with Emirati heritage through hands-on activities celebrating local craftsmanship from 14 – 31 July.
5. Dive into discovery at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental’s Kids Palace Camp
At Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, the Kids Palace becomes a world of its own from 7 July – 5 September. Built around five enriching themes – sustainability, culinary arts, creativity, well-being and exploration – the summer programme is designed to nurture well-rounded growth in an elegant, inspiring setting.
6. Express yourself at Manarat Al Saadiyat’s Art Studio Summer Camp
From 7 July – 22 August, children aged 6 to 12 can join the Art Studio’s week-long camp led by the centre’s expert instructors. With themed projects and daily activities designed to encourage creativity, collaboration and confidence, this programme is ideal for budding artists ready to explore their imagination in colour.
7. Inspire young chefs at École Ducasse’s Culinary Summer Camp
Located inside the Cultural Foundation, culinary institute École Ducasse’s hands-on cooking camp from 2 July – 23 August is perfect for young foodies aged 6 and up. Across themed weeks, kids will learn to make cookies, tarts, Emirati dishes and global favourites.
With small groups and expert guidance, young chefs will build confidence in the kitchen while creating something delicious.
8. Explore arts and crafts at Al Qattara Arts Centre
Located in Al Ain, this arts-focused summer camp is the perfect spot for some hands-on fun. From 30 June – 10 July, the camp offers two daily sessions packed with creativity, from origami and balloon painting to soap carving and Arabic calligraphy. Set within Al Qattara’s charming cultural space, it’s an exciting introduction to art and design in a welcoming environment for children aged 4 to 12.
This season, Abu Dhabi is Totally Recommended for your summer holiday. The city has crafted a summer that brings families together, whether through art, adventure, heritage or play. And with every experience just minutes apart, it’s easy to plan days that are as adventure-filled or relaxed as you like.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
