I took my kids to the UAE and these Abu Dhabi activities are worth doing

If attractions and family are your biggest draw to visiting Abu Dhabi, then there's no better place to stay than The WB Abu Dhabi Curio Collection by Hilton. This themed hotel is located in the heart of Yas Island.

The hotel is, of course, all about The Warner Bros. magic. As a Curio Collection by Hilton property, it offers that unique blend of luxury and local culture with a fun, whimsical nod to all things Warner Bros. From the Batman-inspired accents to the Looney Tunes-themed touches, it’s as if you’re living inside your favourite film or comic. Expect to find art and decor that channels everything from Superman’s iconic logo to the instantly recognisable Warner Bros. shield. And you can expect visits from the likes of Daffy the Duck and Tom and Jerry. 

The best thing about this deal is when you stay at The WB Abu Dhabi Curio Collection by Hilton, you get exclusive access to not one but four incredible parks, including Warner Bros. World, Yas Waterworld, Ferrari World, and SeaWorld Abu Dhabi.

Run, don't walk, as you can save money on this holiday by using the code SALE.
Save £100 when you spend £1,000, £200 when you spend £2,000 or £300 when you spend £3,000 on holidays from May 2025 to Oct 2026.

Emirates Park Zoo isn’t your typical zoo - it’s a whole new world where the usual “look, don’t touch” rule goes out the window. Here, you can actually feed most of the animals! For just a small fee, you can grab a bag of food - cucumbers and bananas for the elephants, carrots and leaves for the giraffes - and get up close and personal with these majestic creatures. And it’s not just feeding time; there are plenty of animal displays throughout the day where you can learn more about the zoo’s residents.

We had the unique opportunity to be the second visitors ever to have breakfast with sea lions. Yep, we enjoyed a private show with these adorable aquatic stars, posed for photos, and, of course, devoured a delicious breakfast. Various other interactive dining experiences throughout the park let you get even closer to the animals while learning about them in a more intimate setting.

The children also loved feeding the baby goats warm milk and riding on ponies and horses. This truly is an animal lover's heaven.

One tip, though: when it comes to purchasing photos, channel your inner negotiator. We haggled down the price and scored the digital copies for much cheaper than the initial asking price. A little bargaining goes a long way, so don't be afraid to use your best negotiation skills.

As a self-proclaimed Disney fanatic and a proud five-time visitor to Disney World, I’ll admit—I wasn’t exactly holding my breath for Warner Bros. World. Let’s be honest: Warner Bros. just doesn’t have the same all-encompassing magic as Moana or Mickey Mouse these days. Sure, Tom and Jerry once ruled the cartoon kingdom, but my kids could barely recognize them. But the moment we stepped into Warner Bros. World, I was transported straight into a comic book or, more accurately, a blockbuster movie set. It was immersive, enchanting, and completely caught me off guard.

For me, it was pure nostalgia. I was that kid glued to the TV on a lazy Sunday afternoon, watching The Flintstones and The Sylvester & Tweety Show. Walking through the park, I was right back in that little girl mindset - completely giddy, enjoying every little detail.

Warner Bros. World blew my expectations right out of the water. It’s so easy to forget you’re in a theme park; you’re in an entirely different world. The Christmas show was spectacular, and the characters took it to a whole new level, really bringing the magic to life.

My rollercoaster-loving four-year-old had an absolute blast. The park had something for everyone, from mild spins to stomach-churning drops. Even though we visited during the Abu Dhabi school holidays, the lines were on par with LEGOLAND Windsor on a typical Saturday.

What truly impressed me, though, was the sense of space. Despite the 8,000 visitors that day, it never once felt crowded. The park was immaculate, beautifully laid out, and meticulously designed -every detail had clearly been considered.

The absolute highlight for my kids was meeting the superheroes. They were starstruck to the point of speechlessness when meeting Batman, Superman, the Joker, and the Flash.

Warner Bros. World didn’t just meet my expectations—it obliterated them.

As I’ve mentioned earlier in this article, the library isn’t exactly top of the list when it comes to most parents’ holiday itineraries. And I’ll be totally transparent: I was filled with dread when I saw it on our schedule. I assumed we'd do a quick tour, barely glance at the books, and get out within minutes to avoid disturbing the peace. But wow, was I wrong.

This library is a hidden gem packed with many activities that kids enjoy. We’re talking about a life-sized Land Rover to climb into, gigantic sand dunes that my kids gleefully launched themselves down, a playhouse straight out of their dreams, and, of course, a treasure trove of children's books in both English and Arabic.

Honestly, it turned out to be one of our family's favourite spots. And the best part was, it was completely free. I also couldn’t resist the charm of the gift shop, which was affordable and filled with perfect souvenirs.

Yas Water Park is one of the largest water parks in the world, and let me tell you—it doesn’t disappoint. Sure, it has all the usual suspects you’d expect: lazy rivers, dinghy flumes, wave pools, and splash zones. But here’s the kicker: it also has roller coasters and thrilling flumes with heart-stopping drops that will make you forget you're at a water park and not an amusement park.

The park is thoughtfully divided into different zones, making it easy for visitors of all ages and water confidence levels to find their perfect spot. Plus, if you're planning to soak up that desert sun, there are plenty of comfy sun loungers to kick back and relax on. Safety is a top priority here, too, with life jackets available for both kids and adults, so you can float without a care in the world.

One of my biggest highlights was the 5D water cinema, which will get little ones giggling and doesn't require any swimming ability, making it perfect for all ages.

My only tiny gripe was the food service. While the food was delicious, the wait times were painfully slow, which is not ideal when dealing with hungry kids. I advise packing some snacks to keep everyone from turning into hangry monsters while you wait for your meal.

Overall, Yas Water Park is a terrific time for the whole family!

Like many of Abu Dhabi's incredible attractions, SeaWorld is nothing short of amazing. Having visited SeaWorld in Florida before, I thought I knew what to expect, but this one is truly in a league of its own. What really sets it apart is how each area is meticulously designed to replicate the creatures' natural habitats. It's like stepping into their world.

A quick tip: When you visit the penguin habitat, make sure to pack jumpers because it’s surprisingly chilly there. Prepare to be transported to the icy Antarctic!

One of the highlights for my family was the dolphin show, which was absolutely out of this world. The dolphins’ incredible acrobatics and seamless coordination left us all in awe. There’s something genuinely magical about watching these majestic creatures perform, their grace and intelligence on full display.

I also have to mention the flamingos and other birds. This might seem like a small detail, but I have a pretty serious phobia of birds. Yet, even I was captivated by the beautiful flamingos and the vibrant bird exhibits.

SeaWorld creates environments that educate and mesmerise, making even someone like me appreciate the stunning creatures up close.

Overall, SeaWorld in Abu Dhabi is a must-visit. With its jaw-dropping shows, breathtaking exhibits, and immersive environments, it’s a place where both kids and adults will walk away feeling amazed. And if you're really lucky, you might be able to stroke a baby shark like we did.

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is a thrilling adventure for both adrenaline junkies and car enthusiasts alike! It’s home to the world’s fastest roller coaster, Formula Rossa, which will have your heart racing as you zoom through the track at over 240 km/h. But it’s not all about high-speed thrills; there are also family-friendly rides, immersive attractions, and a chance to explore the Ferrari brand's rich history.

If you visit Abu Dhabi and don’t make time for the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, did you really visit Abu Dhabi?

Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the visionary founding father of the UAE, transformed the country from a desert landscape into a global powerhouse while preserving its rich cultural heritage. His commitment to unity, education, and sustainable development still shapes the UAE today, and you can feel his influence everywhere you look.

You’ll spot pictures of the Sheikh all around the city, but his true legacy is carved in the awe-inspiring white marble of the Grand Mosque, which stands as a monumental testament to his vision. The mosque isn’t just beautiful but also symbolises the UAE's commitment to tolerance, inclusion, and cultural diversity. It serves as a spiritual hub for people of all faiths, welcoming reflection, learning, and peace.

No matter your religious beliefs or background, this is one cultural gem you absolutely cannot miss. It’s a perfect spot for learning, soaking in the serenity, and, of course, taking jaw-dropping photos.

Both parents are expected to dress modestly when visiting the mosque, covering their arms, legs, and shoulders. Women are required to wear a headscarf. There are no rules for what children should wear, but we advise being respectful and conservative.

While taking photos, it's important to be respectful. Parents should avoid standing too close to each other in photographs, and there should be no public displays of affection in the pictures, especially in prayer areas, to ensure a respectful and peaceful atmosphere for everyone.

The Louvre Museum Abu Dhabi is a fantastic spot for families with young children to explore art in a fun and interactive way. Its stunning architecture and open, airy spaces make it feel like a treasure hunt around every corner.

Kids can enjoy hands-on exhibits, like the museum’s Children’s Museum area, where they can learn through play and creativity. The museum also hosts family-friendly workshops and events, making it easy for kids to engage with art, history, and culture in an exciting and accessible way.

A quick tip: Plan your visit ahead of time to ensure you can enjoy one of the family workshops.