Discover 36 family-friendly activities, venues, and restaurants in Bawabat Al Sharq.
The highest-rated places we recommend first — start here.
☕ CafeAl Reef Bakery & Cafe is a neighborhood gem where families can enjoy fresh pastries, light meals, and refreshments in a relaxed, welcoming environment. The casual atmosphere makes it perfect for breakfast outings, afternoon snack breaks, or casual family meals without the fuss of formal dining, and the budget-friendly prices mean you can treat the kids without breaking the bank.
Bawabat Al Sharq Park offers families a welcome oasis of green space in Abu Dhabi, perfect for letting kids run free, enjoy picnics under shaded areas, and explore walking trails. The park's well-maintained grounds and open spaces make it an ideal spot for active play, ball games, and outdoor family time without spending a dirham.
🛝 PlaygroundAl Sharq Playground offers a welcome respite for families exploring Abu Dhabi, with modern equipment and climbing structures that keep kids entertained in a safe, well-maintained environment. The free admission and variety of play options make it an excellent budget-friendly stop for families traveling through the UAE capital, perfect for burning energy between cultural attractions.
🛝 PlaygroundKidsNation at Forsan Central Mall offers a welcome indoor playground escape from Abu Dhabi's heat, featuring thoughtfully designed play areas with age-appropriate equipment in a safe, shaded environment. With an impressive 4.8/5 rating and completely free admission, it's a budget-friendly gem where young children can burn energy while parents enjoy the air-conditioned comfort of the mall setting.
Tap for hours, tips & photos →
🏛️ Community CenterKhalifa City Council (مجلس مدينة خليفة) is an excellent community recreation center where families can enjoy swimming pools, sports courts, and organized activities in a welcoming local environment. With its impressive 4.8-star rating, this facility offers visiting families an authentic glimpse into Abu Dhabi community life while keeping kids active and entertained in modern, well-maintained facilities.
Tap for hours, tips & photos →
⭐ ActivityYas Plaza Marina offers a delightful splash pad oasis in the heart of Yas Island, providing welcome relief from Abu Dhabi's heat with gentle water features designed specifically for little ones. Located conveniently near the marina's hotels, this free-to-access water play area features shallow pools and interactive fountains that let young children cool off safely while parents relax in the nearby seating areas with stunning marina views.
Tap for hours, tips & photos →
🧗 AdventureSeaWorld Abu Dhabi brings world-class marine education and entertainment to Yas Island, combining an impressive aquarium with amusement park attractions. This next-generation marine life park offers families interactive animal encounters, educational exhibits featuring over 100,000 marine animals, and engaging shows that teach ocean conservation while keeping kids thoroughly entertained.
Tap for hours, tips & photos →
🎮 EntertainmentYas Mall is a family entertainment paradise on Abu Dhabi's famous Yas Island, offering far more than just shopping. With dedicated entertainment zones, arcade games, a cinema, and numerous kid-friendly restaurants, this air-conditioned mega-mall provides a welcome respite from the desert heat while keeping children entertained for hours. The mall's spacious layout and modern facilities make it an ideal destination for families exploring Abu Dhabi with children of all ages.
Tap for hours, tips & photos →
🎢 Amusement ParkWarner Bros. World is the Middle East's largest indoor theme park, offering a climate-controlled escape featuring six immersive lands based on beloved characters from DC Comics, Looney Tunes, and Hanna-Barbera. With over 29 rides and attractions ranging from gentle kiddie rides to thrilling rollercoasters, this world-class park caters to all ages and provides a full day of entertainment without worrying about the desert heat.
Tap for hours, tips & photos →
⚽ SportsHome to the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Yas Marina Circuit offers families an unforgettable motorsport experience with junior driving programs, karting sessions, and guided track tours. Kids can feel the thrill of racing on a world-famous circuit through age-appropriate driving experiences, while parents enjoy watching their young speed demons navigate the same track used by F1 champions.
Tap for hours, tips & photos →
⚽ SportsYas Links Abu Dhabi offers a surprising family-friendly golf experience onYas Island, with junior golf programs, family-oriented dining options, and a welcoming atmosphere that makes it accessible even for families new to the sport. The championship links-style course features stunning coastal views and modern facilities, including a clubhouse with restaurants where non-golfing family members can relax while others play.
Tap for hours, tips & photos →
🛝 PlaygroundAl Masar Park is a spotless neighborhood playground in Khalifa City offering modern play equipment and crucial shaded areas that make it a desert oasis for families. With its excellent safety features and equipment designed for various age groups, this free attraction provides a perfect respite from sightseeing and a chance for kids to burn energy in a well-maintained, local setting.
Tap for hours, tips & photos →
🎢 Amusement ParkFerrari World is the world's first Ferrari-branded theme park, housed under an iconic red roof on Yas Island. This indoor park offers over 40 rides and attractions ranging from record-breaking roller coasters for thrill-seekers to gentle rides and interactive experiences perfect for younger children, all in air-conditioned comfort away from Abu Dhabi's heat.
Tap for hours, tips & photos →
🎢 Amusement ParkYas Waterworld is one of the Middle East's largest water parks, featuring over 40 rides, slides, and attractions spread across 37 acres of aquatic fun. From adrenaline-pumping water coasters to gentle wave pools and dedicated kids' play areas, this world-class facility offers something for every family member, with shaded areas and plenty of amenities to keep everyone comfortable in the Abu Dhabi climate.
Tap for hours, tips & photos →
🛍️ ShoppingBawabat Al Sharq Mall offers families an authentic local shopping experience with a relaxed, neighborhood atmosphere that's less overwhelming than mega-malls. With extended weekend hours, diverse family restaurants, and convenient amenities, it's a comfortable spot for families to explore Emirati culture through shopping, dining, and people-watching in an air-conditioned environment.
Tap for hours, tips & photos →
📚 LibraryAl Reef Villas Library offers a welcoming, air-conditioned escape from Abu Dhabi's heat with a dedicated children's section perfect for young readers and learners. The library hosts regular story time programs and provides educational resources that make it an excellent spot for families to encourage literacy and quiet learning time together.
🌳 ParkAl Forsan is Abu Dhabi's premier family sports and recreation destination, offering everything from paintball and wakeboarding to expansive green spaces perfect for picnics and outdoor play. With its diverse mix of adventure activities, athletic facilities, and relaxed park areas, families can easily spend a full day here enjoying both structured activities and free play in a safe, well-maintained environment.
Al Reef Camp Park offers a fantastic free splash pad that's a lifesaver during Abu Dhabi's scorching summer months. The interactive water features and sprays provide hours of cooling fun for young children, making it a popular neighborhood spot for families looking to beat the heat without spending a dirham.
🍽️ RestaurantKhalifa City Shopping Center Food Court offers weary families a welcome respite with its diverse selection of international cuisines under one roof. The casual, air-conditioned environment is perfect for accommodating picky eaters, as each family member can choose from different vendors while dining together in the comfortable communal seating areas.
Khalifa City Library offers a welcoming, air-conditioned retreat where families can explore children's books in multiple languages, participate in engaging story time sessions, and access educational resources. This modern community library provides a quiet, comfortable space for kids to discover the joy of reading while parents can relax knowing it's a safe, enriching environment.
☕ CafeAl Reef Bakery & Cafe is a welcoming neighborhood spot perfect for families seeking a relaxed break during Abu Dhabi adventures. Kids will love choosing from the colorful display of fresh pastries and treats, while parents appreciate the casual atmosphere that welcomes families without fuss. It's an ideal place to recharge with affordable snacks and beverages between sightseeing activities.
Emirates Ice Cream is a neighborhood favorite that offers a sweet escape from Abu Dhabi's desert heat with an array of kid-pleasing flavors and treats. This casual, locally-loved spot provides an affordable and enjoyable way to cool down while experiencing everyday Emirati family life in the Khalifa City residential area.
⚽ SportsThe Abu Dhabi Cricket & Sports Hub is a family-friendly oasis offering multiple activities under one roof, from swimming pools to tennis courts and fitness areas. With affordable pricing and extensive hours, it's an ideal spot for families to stay active together while escaping the desert heat in air-conditioned comfort or enjoying the outdoor facilities during cooler hours.
🐠 AquariumThe National Aquarium Abu Dhabi offers an impressive underwater journey through 10 themed zones showcasing over 46,000 marine animals from around the world. Located at the modern Al Qana waterfront development, this state-of-the-art facility features interactive touch pools, immersive walk-through tunnels, and educational displays that bring ocean life to eye level for curious kids of all ages.
No upcoming events yet
We're building our events calendar for Bawabat Al Sharq. Check back soon!