Abu Dhabi with kids: theme parks, thrills and family‑friendly luxury on Yas Island
A few days in the sunshine, riding rollercoasters!
I was lucky enough to spend time in Abu Dhabi, staying on vibrant Yas Island: the emirate’s purpose‑built hub for fun, theme parks and family adventures. It was a brilliant few days and a destination I will be recommending often, especially for families and anyone who likes a mix of sunshine, relaxation and adrenaline.
We based ourselves at Hilton Yas Island, which I thought was fantastic for families. The hotel feels smart and contemporary, but still relaxed and welcoming, with plenty of space for children to enjoy themselves without it ever feeling chaotic.
We stayed on a half‑board basis, which worked perfectly. Breakfast set us up for a full day in the parks and it was very convenient knowing that dinner was already taken care of back at the hotel. For families, that removes a huge amount of daily decision‑making and keeps costs much more predictable, especially when you are travelling with hungry teenagers or little ones who tire easily.
The location was ideal too: close to the theme parks and attractions, with easy transfers so you can be at the heart of the action within minutes.
One of the biggest draws of Yas Island is the collection of world‑class theme parks, and we made the most of it by visiting them all.
The absolute highlight for us was the water park, which was enormous fun. With a great variety of slides and attractions, it worked for all ages: from splash areas for younger children to more daring rides for older kids and adults. It was the perfect way to cool off in the heat and we easily could have spent even longer there.
Of course, no visit would be complete without a trip to Ferrari World, home of the world’s fastest roller coaster. Riding it was an unforgettable experience: an intense, high‑speed burst of adrenaline that had us all buzzing afterwards. It is not for the faint‑hearted, but if you love a thrill, it is a real bucket‑list tick.
What struck me most about Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island is how easy it makes a family holiday. You can combine:
- A quality, comfortable hotel that really understands families
- A simple half‑board set‑up that keeps meals straightforward and good value
- Multiple world‑class theme parks and attractions all within a compact area
You are not constantly travelling long distances or juggling taxis; instead, you can focus on enjoying time together, whether that is floating down a lazy river, chasing the next water slide or building up the courage for another ride on that record‑breaking roller coaster.
If you are considering a family trip to Abu Dhabi or fancy adding a few days on Yas Island to a wider UAE itinerary, I would be delighted to help you plan it. From choosing the right hotel and board basis to working out the best way to structure your park days, I can tailor everything around your family’s ages, interests and budget so you can simply turn up and make memories.
