With temperatures in Abu Dhabi reaching upwards of 50°C in the summer months—plus throw in a seasonal windy or rainy day—you may find yourself seeking out an indoor activity when you’re visiting the UAE Capital.
Now, that doesn’t mean days of roaming around shopping malls or gorging on brunches (unless that’s what you want to do); there are simply loads of exciting, active and engaging things to do in Abu Dhabi during the summer months and inclement weather for adults as well as kids!
Here, we round up some of the most engaging indoor activities in Abu Dhabi, with plenty of exciting new attractions now open.
Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi
Warner Brother’s World is the region’s largest indoor theme park and a great option for the whole family. Meet Batman and your other favourite DC heroes, cuddle up to Bugs Bunny and enjoy 29 thrilling rides and attractions, from exhilarating roller coasters and more gentle log flumes to panning for gold in Dynamite Gulch.
Top Tip: The adjoining WB Hotel also hosts one of the most exceptional family brunches in Abu Dhabi; this is definitely a great choice if you’re looking for a complete indoor weekend on Yas Island
Clymb Abu Dhabi
Ascend to dizzy heights at Clymb. Featuring the world’s biggest indoor skydiving flight chamber as well as the Middle East’s tallest climbing wall, Clymb is the ultimate experience for any thrill-seeker.
- Located in Yas Mall.
- For more details, including opening times, click here.
The National Aquarium
The National Aquarium is a fairly relaxing yet informative way to spend a few hours. It is home to 46,000 marine creatures, making it the largest in the Middle East. The Aquarium plays a huge role in marine rescue operations and conservation.
We recommend the behind-the-scenes tour—especially if you’re travelling with kids. This gives you the opportunity to visit the animal hospital and see how aquarium staff care for sick and injured animals. You can also get up close and personal with some of the aquarium’s inhabitants, including the opportunity to swim with sharks!
- Located at Al Qana.
- To find out more, click here.
SeaWorld Yas Island
SeaWorld Yas Island is an entirely indoor theme park and one of the best new attractions in Abu Dhabi. Offering up-close animal encounters, thrilling rides, and a variety of live entertainment, SeaWorld is separated into eight ocean realms and takes you on a journey from the poles to the tropics.
The Antarctica Penguin habitat is always a winner on a hot day when the temperature is steady at 1 degree Celsius!
With multiple dining venues, you can plan a whole day indoors exploring the refreshing underwater world at SeaWorld.
- Located on Yas Island.
- To find out opening times or book tickets, click here.
Ferrari World
For those seeking more of an adrenaline rush, head to Ferrari World. Most of the park is indoors; only a few of the rides go outside into the hot air, but they’re so fast that you’re unlikely to notice the change in temperature!
With loads of new rides introduced suitable to smaller children, all your thrill-seeking family members should find suitable adrenaline rides to enjoy.
- Located next to Yas Mall, Yas Island.
- For more details, click here.
Qasr Al Watan
The simply stunning Presidential Palace of the United Arab Emirates is open for the public to take self-guided and guided tours throughout the year. Fully airconditioned inside, this is the perfect escape from the heat whilst admiring the incredible architecture and learning about the UAE’s significant political role.
- Located in Ras al Akhdar
- Learn more about visiting Qasr al Watan here
The Louvre Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi’s branch of the famous French museum displays treasures from around the world in an awe-inspiring space on a Journey through Humanity. At Louvre Abu Dhabi, learn about how cultures around the world have common beliefs and how aspects of our heritage unite us all.
The Children’s Museum offers interactive activities that keep little ones busy, whilst the main collections are arranged in an accessible and engaging way.
- Located on Saadiyat Island.
- For opening times, admission fees and more, click here.
Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi
Opened in November 2025, this new museum offers an immersive tour of Natural history spanning 13.8 million years! From Earth’s story to the evolving world, the book explores ancient life, dinosaurs, and ecosystems.
On-site, you’ll also find a Dino Play area for kids and dining options to make a complete day of your visit. Under 18s are free, which is a huge plus! Do expect it to be busier at weekends.
Snow Abu Dhabi
Who says you can’t have snow in the desert? One of the world’s largest snow parks, ‘Snow’ features 20 rides and attractions, including toboggan slopes, bumper tubes and the mesmerising crystal carousel. It truly is a winter wonderland full of fun – in the summer!
Snow Abu Dhabi is a sister property to Ski Dubai. Note that there is NOT an indoor ski slope at Snow Abu Dhabi; however, a Ski & Snow Pass, which includes entry to both, is possible.
- Located on Reem Island.
- To find out opening times and admission fees, click here.
ThEATre at VOX
The cinema experience at Theatre at Vox is also something to try if there’s a big film that you want to catch. With fully reclining seats, a blanket and pillow, and an optional three-course meal served to you whilst you watch your movie, the experience goes far beyond the norm.
Observation Deck at 300
For an entirely indoor experience offering spectacular city views, head straight to Observation 300 in Etihad Towers. The commanding position on the 74th floor offers guests a spectacular place to enjoy a drink or a meal while taking in the cityscape below.
- Tower 2, Etihad Towers (Conrad Hotel)
- To learn more and see meal packages, click here
teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi
A new edition for Summer 2025, and this interactive art exhibition experience is one not to be missed. Spanning over 17,000 sqm of air-conditioned comfort, a visit here combines art and technology for an engaging and unforgettable experience – an art gallery that little ones will actually beg you to visit!
- Saadiyat Cultural District
- Find opening times and ticket prices here
- Read our complete review of teamLab here (with age-appropriate guidelines – and how to enjoy this experience kid-free!)
For The Younger Kids – Indoor Entertainment in Abu Dhabi
The next few indoor venues will very much appeal to the younger audience. If you’re travelling to Abu Dhabi with toddlers and under 10s, look out for:
Mission Play! By Mattel
Enter Barbie’s World at this brand-new play centre in the Galleria Mall. Covering over 4,000 square metres, the centre also features Hot Wheels and Mega Block zones with digital and physical play elements. From role-play and dressing up to designing and building, there is a range of activities to keep kids occupied.
- Located in the Galleria Mall, Al Maryah Island
- To find out more, click here
Adrenark Adventure
For kids who seriously need to burn some energy, Adrenark Adventure is one of the best indoor places to visit in Abu Dhabi. This action-packed adventure park offers a range of activities, rides, and experiences designed to help kids stay active and develop their gross motor skills.
From exploring caves to climbing walls to fun fair rides, rope courses, net mazes, and soft play, there’s something for kids of all ages; it’s the biggest indoor centre of its kind in the Middle East!
- Located at Al Qana.
- For more details, click here.
Kidzania
If you want to teach your kids about the world of work in a fun and engaging way, get on down to Kidzania. The ‘Edutainment’ venue offers children opportunities to work in various roles within a scaled-down city model.
In return for their efforts, children receive credits that they can then spend in one of the many shops around town. They can also use their credits for training, for example, to become a pilot and have the opportunity to take control of a real flight simulator.
- Located in Yas Mall, Yas Island.
- To find out opening times or for more information, click here.
National Geographic Ultimate Explorer
A relatively small themed play centre for families with children between 5 and 12 years old. The National Geographic Ultimate Explorer centre includes virtual reality experiences as well as 3D imaging technology to help children learn more about the natural world. There’s also a craft area and a rainforest-themed soft play area.
- Located in The Galleria Mall, Al Maryah Island.
- To find out more, click here.
Abu Dhabi Children’s Library
A gorgeous little spot that seems to largely remain a hidden gem in the heart of the city, it’s part of the Cultural Foundation Center, on the same city block as Qasr al Hosn.
At the Abu Dhabi Children’s Library, little ones can enjoy storytelling sessions, imaginative play, sensory art, and plentiful reading nooks. Entry is free, but check out the session details in advance as some activities require pre-booking and payment.
More Little Kids Entertainment
The list is really quite endless with every shopping mall having some form of indoor kids entertainment center. Some of the better ones worth flagging:
- Leo and Loona Kids Park delivers a brand new family experience for the littlest ones at Yas Mall and Dalma Mall
- Orange Wheels edutainment can be found at Al Wadha Mall and Raha Mall
- The newly refurbished Cabbodle has opened in a new location in the Galleria Mall
- Pop in and Play is a great one for your Lego-mad juniors, with branches at World Trade Center, Yas Mall, Capital Mall, Reem Mall, Deerfields Mall, and Galleria Mall
Indoor Entertainment Older Kids (& The Young at Heart!)
Just a few ideas to consider for older kids for a hot or rainy day in Abu Dhabi include:
- Air Maniax Inflatable Park for extreme soft play and zipline fun at Marina Mall and Yas Mall
- Airpark inflatable park at Fun Works in Yas Mall
- Al Forsan Resort has many indoor sports options such as equestrian, shooting, padel and basketball (some age restrictions apply)
- Blackout Escape Room, adjacent to Al Wadha Mall
- Bounce indoor trampoline centre, at Marina Mall and Al Forsan Mall, Khalifa City (and MiniBounce at Dalma Mall)
- Central is Abu Dhabi’s premier dining spot where you can combine a family meal with a gaming arcade, event ten pin bowling over drinks (licenced)! Yas Bay Waterfront
- Cube Challenges in Reem Mall allows participants to undertake real-life gaming challenges (min. 8 years old)
- Dice Board Game Cafe is a lovely quiet indoor retreat found in Sheikha Fatima Park
- Ice Skating can be found at Zayed Sports City
- MADCAP Amusement Park in Yas Mall
- Manarat Al Saadiyat Art Studio runs extensive indoor programs throughout the year, as well as a drop-in studio
- Man City Challenge for football fans at Yas Mall
- Performance Golf indoor golf practice in the Y Building, Captial Centre area
- Pixoul Gaming for avid gamers at Al Qana
- Prison Island will put brains to the test in Abu Dhabi Mall
- Splatter Rooms for young artists in Al Seef
- Surf n Slide UAE gives you the chance to learn to ride waves indoors on the Abu Dhabi Corniche
- Ten Pin Bowling is always a winner at the city’s only full-sized bowling alley, Zayed Sports City
- The Smash Room for a little light anger release! found in Nahil Building, Al Radah Street
- Velocity Slides for an adrenaline rush at WTC Mall
- Xtreme Zone for mixed activities including bowling, wall climbing, trampolines, and laser tag at Galleria Mall and Abu Dhabi Mall
- Zeal Entertainment is a huge indoor centre in Dalma Mall, bringing you bowling to foosball, pool, and many more indoor activities day to night
- Zero Latency VR Experience at Galleria Mall, Al Maryah (12 years and over)
We have a more comprehensive list of ideas for your tweens and teens in Abu Dhabi here!
Never Just a Shopping Mall
In addition to a large supermarket and a string of international fashion brands, almost every shopping centre in Abu Dhabi contains at least one soft play centre, a cinema, and a plethora of places to eat and drink. From budget cafes to high-end restaurants, there’s something for everyone. Live shows or performances often occur, and there is no end to special events.
Two of the biggest shopping centres where you’ll find the most additional dining and entertainment are Yas Mall on Yas Island and The Galleria Mall on Al Maryah Island.
We’d also recommend checking out The Souq at World Trade Centre Mall on the Corniche, a great place to pick up some local souvenirs.
Entertainment at Etihad Arena
Located on the Yas Bay Waterfront, this multi-purpose entertainment venue always has something interesting going on to keep you occupied indoors, from sporting events to Broadway and West End stage favourites.
Pop over here to our monthly Abu Dhabi events page to learn more about what might be coming to Etihad Arena and other indoor entertainment venues in Abu Dhabi.
We also recommend you check out our festive guide to Abu Dhabi if you’re visiting in the winter.
Other Abu Dhabi Indoor Activities for Hot or Rainy Days
Other indoor activities in Abu Dhabi that you might like to try include:
- A spa day – Most hotels have spa facilities. Some of the best are on Saadiyat Island. Some hotels even have indoor pools that you can use as part of your spa package. To find out more about Spa days in Abu Dhabi, click here.
- Fancy a swim still without the oppressive heat? Try the indoor pool at Erth
- A tour of Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital – This isn’t entirely indoors, but it is still possible to visit in summer.
- Over the summer months, check out the broad range of summer camps on offer for kids in Abu Dhabi.
- For a comprehensive guide to things to do indoors with kids in Abu Dhabi, check out this article.
Before you go… Important things to consider when planning a trip to Abu Dhabi
- Pop into our essential planning information page; it includes everything you need to know about getting around Abu Dhabi, a handy guide on what to pack and top tips for first-timers on the dos and don’ts, laws, and customs in the UAE.
- Start planning your itinerary around the 60+ top places to visit in Abu Dhabi.
- Don’t forget to pack your travel insurance!
- Discover the best places to stay in Abu Dhabi.
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