Exploring Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi with kids is one of the best things you can do as a family. You’ve got cultural institutions, beaches and family-friendly dining all within a short distance, which makes it easy to plan a day that keeps a smile on everyone’s faces (or even a full weekend, if you have more time).
Even better? Saadiyat Cultural District is home to some of the most renowned institutions in the region, including Louvre Abu Dhabi, Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi and Zayed National Museum Abu Dhabi – and kids under 18 get free entry to all three.
If you’re travelling to Saadiyat as a family, this guide covers the main places to focus on, along with a few practical tips to help things run smoothly.
The Children’s Museum at Louvre Abu Dhabi is a space designed especially for younger visitors, with interactive exhibitions that change regularly.
Past themes have included shapes and colours, emotions and outer space, so there’s always something new and hands-on to engage with.
The Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi is a must-visit for families with children who are curious about science and the natural world.
The exhibits are large-scale and immersive, covering everything from fossils to wildlife (plus, kids can’t get enough of Stan, one of the most complete T. rex skeletons ever found!).
teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi is a mind-bending, interactive digital art space where installations respond to movement. Kids can walk through, touch and explore the exhibits – it feels more like an adventure than a museum visit.
Expect the entire family to be fully engaged from the moment you step inside. Just be aware that some evenings are reserved for adults, so be sure to check the hours.
Manarat Al Saadiyat is a creative space in Saadiyat Cultural District that regularly hosts exhibitions and community events, but it’s also popular for its family-friendly group workshops.
Many of these are designed with kids in mind, including art sessions that little ones can take part in. Programmes change throughout the year, so check what’s on before you go.
Kai Beach is a public beach loved by locals for its clean water and stunning setting. The 500-metre stretch of sand gives little ones plenty of space to run around and play, and the shallow shoreline makes it perfect for families.
It’s also worth checking for family offers before you go, as these come up regularly.
Mamsha Beach is one of the most accessible spots on the island. It’s open daily from early morning until sunset and sits close to restaurants and cafés, which makes it extra easy to plan around.
You can spend a good few hours here in the water and on the sand without needing to move far – ideal when visiting as a group.
If you want more facilities and enjoy the finer things in life, Saadiyat Beach Club is a no-brainer. Sleek and luxurious, this crowd-pleasing club happily accommodates children, offering families access to a blue-flag beach, pool areas and on-site dining.
The dedicated Ocean Adventurers Kids Club hosts supervised activities throughout the day, giving parents the opportunity to switch off and chill out.
Finding places to eat is rarely an issue on Saadiyat Island. Hotel restaurants like Majlis at Jumeirah Saadiyat Island and Mermaid at Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island have kids’ menus; Hawksbill Restaurant at Saadiyat Golf Club is another great option.
Along the Mamsha Al Saadiyat plaza, you’ll find plenty of casual options like Antonia, a popular stop for pizza. For something unique, Anko, located at teamLab Phenomena, offers Japanese sweets and pastries.
Several resorts on Saadiyat are set up with families in mind. Jumeirah Saadiyat Island’s Kids & Teens Club has pool games, a kids’ cinema and craft sessions.
The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort is home to Sandcastle Kids Club, with an outdoor pool and creative workshops. At Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island, the Rixy Kids Club includes a small aqua park and a wave pool, giving kids space to splash.
What are some practical travel tips for families?
Here are some tips if you're travelling as a family in Abu Dhabi.
Are there kid-friendly beaches on Saadiyat Island?
Yes, Saadiyat is home to some of the most popular kid-friendly beaches in Abu Dhabi. Kai Beach has a wide stretch of sand and shallow waters, while Mamsha Beach is easy to access and close to restaurants.
What are the best things to do on Saadiyat Island with kids?
Some of the best things to do on Saadiyat Island with kids include visiting the Children’s Museum at Louvre Abu Dhabi, exploring the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi and spending time at family-friendly beaches like Kai Beach and Mamsha Beach. Interactive spaces like teamLab Phenomena and workshops at Manarat Al Saadiyat are also popular with families.
Is Saadiyat Island suitable for families?
Saadiyat Island is one of the best destinations for a Saadiyat family trip. With museums offering free entry for kids under 18, safe beaches and hotels with dedicated kids’ clubs, it’s well set up for families looking for a mix of activities and downtime.
