The Best Things to Do in Abu Dhabi With Kids

The new Yas Waterworld park is perfect for a family outing. Whether you’re splashing around with little kids or seeking an adult adrenaline rush, their wide array of themed rides and activities will entertain everyone while keeping you cool. Adventurous kids can embark on an interactive treasure hunt throughout the park and become Pearl Masters, while you try surfing the sheet wave or fly down a roller coaster. Rates are start around $50.

This reconstructed village is a glimpse into old oasis living. Heritage Village is a great place to see how the Emerati lived before skyscrapers. Scenes depict desert life in great detail and highlight their historic, nomadic lifestyle. Make sure you catch a performances that shows how different work was completed generations past. The Village is centrally located near Marina Mall in Abu Dhabi City.

I’ve heard there is a nice shawarma stand at the top of Jebel Hafeet to go along with the view, but on my trip up the mountain, it was so busy with Eid celebrations, that I had to drive straight down again without finding any parking! On the United Arab Emirates border with Oman, just outside the city of Al Ain in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, are a series of jagged rocky hills. One such outcropping is Jebel Hafeet - the highest point in the UAE. The 1,249-meter mountain is a popular place to visit, barbecue, or just enjoy the scenery. A nicely paved road to the top is quite fun to negotiate by car. The mountain road is also a challenge for bicyclists who can climb the curves, switchbacks, and steep incline. Hikers, too, can find a route or two up the mountain. For those wanting to spend the night, the Mercure Grand Jebel Hafeet Al Ain Hotel provides a comfortable four-star environment where you can be close to the stars at night and the sunrise at dawn.

The design of Ferrari World corresponds with my inclination that architecture should be inspirational from all angles. From the air, the structure is distinctly Ferrari red and undeniably represents the sleek brand. From the ground, its curves invite guests to enjoy the entertainment within. In a country where high end fast automobiles are prized, it’s fitting that Abu Dhabi has a luxury sports car theme park with the world’s fastest roller coaster, a tour of Italy, and kids zone all packed under the red roof.

A visit to the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital is worth every minute of the drive out of Dubai (about 45 minutes). This facility, the only one in the world, is devoted to the preservation and health of these amazing birds which play a central role in the history of the Emirates. On a visit to this facility, you’ll be able to hold a falcon on your wrist, learn about the different types of falcons, watch the staff perform some “maintenance” on a bird (typically talon and beak trimming), and even see a feeding. You’ll learn how falcons came to this region (they are not indigenous) and how they travel (with their own passports!). You need to book your tour in advance and while you’re there, you might take a brief side trip to see the beautiful Salukis, hunting dogs that are house in a nearby facility. http://www.falconhospital.com/ Visits are easily booked through the website, the staff are warm, and they do a thorough job accommodating all visitors. Just a short drive outside of Abu Dhabi, it’s well worth the trip.