Looking for family-friendly things to do in Abu Dhabi this Eid, here’s where to go with kids of all ages
Eid in Abu Dhabi has a nice rhythm to it. Slower mornings, busy afternoons, and evenings that stretch out with things to do and see. If you’ve got kids in tow, this is one of those holidays where the city really shows off. From hands-on museum fun to full theme park days and easy mall moments, here’s where to go to celebrate Eid in Abu Dhabi.
Yas Island theme parks
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If your Eid plans involve energy, noise and very happy kids, Yas Island delivers. Across Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld, Warner Bros. World and SeaWorld, the parks are running five days of celebrations packed with culture and entertainment. Expect Ayala dancers at the entrance, henna artists, calligraphy stations and traditional majlis setups woven into the experience. There’s plenty for younger visitors too, from face painting to craft stations, plus daily giveaways of Eidiya goodie bags. It’s a nice mix of big rides and small moments that keep everyone entertained between queues.
Location: Yas Island
Time: Varies by park
Cost: From Dhs295 (park dependent)
Contact: 600 511115
Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi
This is one of those places where kids don’t realise they’re learning. Over Eid, the museum leans into that with drop-in workshops, storytelling sessions and guided tours that make big ideas feel simple. Little ones can get hands-on with plant textures, build their own pearl shells, or sit in on bilingual story sessions that bring animals and space to life. There’s also a quiet moment tucked in there with the Mangrove Gratitude Tree, where families can pause and write something meaningful. It all sits alongside the museum’s headline exhibits, from dinosaurs to deep time storytelling, so you can easily make a full day of it.
Location: Saadiyat Cultural District
Time: Mon to Thu 10am to 6.30pm, Fri to Sun 10am to 8.30pm
Cost: Dhs70 adults, under 18s free
Contact: nhmad.ae
Yas Bay Waterfront
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If you want something lively but less structured, head to Yas Bay Waterfront, where there will be lots of things to do. Over three days, the promenade turns into a moving show, with roaming performers, dancers and live music drifting between restaurants and open spaces. Kids can stop for henna or watch the LED drummers, while adults can take their time over dinner. It’s the kind of place where you don’t need a plan. You just walk, stop, watch, snack, repeat.
Location: Yas Bay Waterfront
Time: March 20 to 22, 3pm to 9pm
Cost: Free entry
Contact: yasbay.ae
Umm Al Emarat Park
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This one feels like Eid the old-fashioned way. Families spread out on the grass, kids run between activities, and there’s always something happening nearby. The park has put together a full programme, from slime making and craft workshops to bubble shows, mascots and reading sessions. There’s also a small animal barn with feeding sessions, pony rides and camel rides, which is always a hit. Come evening, the outdoor cinema kicks in with family films and Emirati favourites, and the market brings in food, music and local vendors.
Location: Umm Al Emarat Park
Time: Daily 8am to midnight
Cost: Dhs10 entry, activities extra
Contact: (02) 666 9559
The National Aquarium and Butterfly Gardens
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This is an easy win if you want something indoors and a little calmer. The aquarium is already a favourite, with tunnels full of sharks and rays, but the Eid offer adds a nice extra. One ticket gets you into both the aquarium and the Butterfly Gardens, which feels like stepping into a completely different world. It’s a good mix of quiet wandering and wide-eyed moments, especially for younger kids who want to take their time.
Location: Al Qana
Time: March 19 to 31
Cost: Dhs110, under 3s free
Contact: (02) 418 3000
Free Eid coffee at Abu Dhabi malls
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Sometimes the simplest things land best. Over two days, a handful of Abu Dhabi malls are handing out complimentary coffee through the Darna app. It’s a small gesture, but it gives you a reason to slow down between shopping, cinema stops and soft play sessions. Download the app, grab your voucher, and take five. With kids, that five minutes counts.
Location: Yas Mall, The Galleria, Al Jimi Mall, Al Hamra Mall
Time: March 20 and 21
Al Ain Museum
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If you’re heading out of the city, Al Ain Museum keeps things simple and cultural. There are Ayala performances, storytelling sessions in a majlis setting, and hands-on workshops where kids can build, decorate and create. Think memory frames, chocolate boxes and traditional house models. It’s all free, which makes it an easy add to a day out in Al Ain.
Location: Al Ain Museum
Time: Selected timings across first and second day of Eid
Cost: Free
Contact: 800 555
Zayed National Museum Eid programme
Image: Zayed National Museum
This is one for families who like their outings with a bit of depth. The Eid programme brings together performances, storytelling and workshops that centre on heritage and family. It’s interactive enough for kids, but still grounded in the bigger picture of the UAE’s story.
Location: Saadiyat Cultural District
Time: March 19 to 22, 10am to 8pm
Cost: Dhs70, seniors free
Contact: zayednationalmuseum.ae
Al Maqta’a Museum Eid nights
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Evenings here feel different. Al Maqta’a Museum is hosting a night programme with food stalls, cultural activities and a mini zoo that keeps kids busy while adults browse and eat. There’s a bit of everything, from shopping to hands-on experiences.
Location: Al Maqta’a Museum
Time: March 17 to 23, 9pm to midnight
Cost: Free
Contact: 800 555
Louvre Abu Dhabi film night
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For something quieter, the Louvre is screening The Red Turtle, a gentle, visual story that works for both kids and adults. It’s inspired by local conservation work, which adds a layer of meaning without making it heavy. Bring older kids, settle in, and let the pace slow right down.
Location: Louvre Abu Dhabi
Time: March 20, 7pm
Cost: Free with registration
Contact: 600 565 566
teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi
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This is where you go when you want to hear “wow” on repeat. teamLab is all light, sound and movement, with rooms that shift and change as you move through them. Kids can run, follow patterns, and interact with the space in a way that feels almost like a game. New artworks have just opened, so even if you’ve been before, it’s worth another look.
Location: Saadiyat Cultural District
Time: 10am to 10pm (from first day of Eid)
Cost: From Dhs150
Contact: teamlababudhabi.com
Al Jimi Mall Eid carnival
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If you’re in Al Ain and looking for things to do, Al Jimi Mall is going all out with roaming entertainment. Think jugglers, stilt walkers, clown parades and even Transformers characters making appearances across the three days. It’s busy, colourful and designed to keep kids entertained without needing a ticket. Shows run throughout the afternoon and evening, so you can dip in whenever it suits.
Location: Al Jimi Mall, Al Ain
Time: March 19 to 21, 4pm to midnight
Cost: Free
Contact: 800 25327
