10 Summer Activities for Kids Across Abu Dhabi

Summer holidays can be a long stretch, especially once the novelty of sleeping in and staying home begins to wear off. Fortunately, there's no shortage of ways to keep children entertained across Abu Dhabi, with museums, cultural venues and attractions hosting everything from climbing sessions and board games to fossil hunts and traditional craft workshops. Here are 10 activities worth adding to the family calendar.
Junior Climbers at Clymb Yas Island Young adventure seekers can learn the basics of indoor climbing at Clymb Yas Island, home to the region's tallest indoor climbing wall. The free programme combines climbing techniques, safety skills and problem-solving before the final challenge, making it ideal for teenagers looking to try something new. Zumba for Kids at The Galleria Al Maryah Island If your little ones have plenty of energy to burn, Sunday morning Zumba sessions at The Galleria offer a fun way to stay active. The free classes are packed with upbeat music and simple dance routines designed especially for children, although places tend to fill up quickly. Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi Summer Camp Future palaeontologists can spend their summer building animal habitats, creating dinosaur footprints and pressing fossil imprints at the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi. The camp offers plenty of hands-on activities while introducing children to the natural world through one of the UAE's newest cultural attractions. Rhythm of Heritage Music, movement and storytelling come together in this creative programme hosted by Bait Al Oud and the Cultural Foundation. Children spend the camp exploring different forms of artistic expression before showcasing what they've learned in a collaborative performance. Instrument-Making Camp at Bait Al Oud Young musicians can discover how traditional instruments are made by building their own miniature oud. Alongside the craft sessions, children are introduced to the basics of music in a fun and interactive environment. Delma Museum Summer Camp Held on Delma Island, this unique camp introduces children to one of Abu Dhabi's most historically significant communities. Activities focus on the island's maritime heritage, local wildlife and natural environment through hands-on exploration. Abu Dhabi Libraries Summer Camp
Reading is only part of the experience at the Abu Dhabi Libraries Summer Camp. Organised with several local organisations, the programme includes interactive workshops on entrepreneurship, community service and other practical skills alongside educational activities. Game On! at Louvre Abu Dhabi Board games become a learning experience at the Louvre Abu Dhabi Children's Museum. Children explore traditional Emirati games alongside classics such as Carrom and Pictionary before designing a brand-new board game of their own each day. Emirati Sanaa Programme at Zayed National Museum Children can explore traditional Emirati crafts through hands-on workshops at the Zayed National Museum. Activities include Arabic coffee blending, cushion embroidery inspired by the majlis and decorative finyan painting, offering a creative introduction to local heritage.
Kids Palace Summer Camp at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental Set within the grounds of Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, this camp combines outdoor play with creative activities. Water adventures, sports, arts and crafts, and even camel encounters make it one of the most varied summer programmes available for younger children.