Best Parks in Abu Dhabi for Families: Fees, Hours and What Kids Love

The best parks in Abu Dhabi for families are Umm Al Emarat Park (AED 10, animals and water play), Khalifa Park (AED 2, splash park and train) and the free spots: Heritage Park, the Corniche family beach and Al Fay Park on Al Reem Island. Further out, the Jubail mangroves and Al Ain's Green Mubazzarah make a proper day trip. Here's what each costs, when it opens and what your children will head for first.

Abu Dhabi parks at a glance

Umm Al Emarat Park: animals, water and a big lawn

The old Mushrif Park is the one most families start with. The Children's Garden has a cooling wadi and a water splash, the Great Lawn has two playgrounds, and the Animal Barn is home to ponies, goats, rabbits, tortoises and camels. Feeding is AED 10 a bunch, and pony rides run daily from 4pm for AED 15.

Entry is AED 10 per person, last entry 11pm. Worth knowing: outside food isn't allowed, but water and food for small children are. Regulars can buy a Silver card (AED 200 for 25 entries).

📍 Directions: Umm Al Emarat Park

Khalifa Park: the big one, from AED 2

At 500,000 square metres, Khalifa Park is among the largest in the city. Entry is AED 2, then you pay per activity: Murjan Splash Park AED 40, the train AED 3, the aquarium and museum AED 5. It opens at 3pm daily and closes at 11pm, so plan an after-school or late-afternoon visit, not a morning one.

📍 Directions: Khalifa Park

Heritage Park and the Corniche: free, by the sea

Heritage Park on Corniche Road is free, with fountains, rock caves to explore, swings and space to kick a ball, plus a café if the snacks run out. A short walk takes you to the waterfront.

On the Corniche beach, gates 1, 2 and 3 are for families and children, with playgrounds, lifeguards, showers and changing rooms. The municipality lists entry as free; the sand is open from 7am in winter, and swimming ends at sunset.

📍 Directions: Heritage Park · Corniche family beach

Al Fay Park: shade by design

For anyone looking for shade, Al Fay on Al Reem Island was planted with more than 2,000 native plants to feel like a cool little forest. There's a play area built from natural materials, a climbing wall, mini-golf and food trucks, and it's designed to be easy for toddlers and grandparents too. Free, 7am to 11pm.

📍 Directions: Al Fay Park

Mangrove walks: Jubail and Eastern Mangroves

Jubail Mangrove Park has a 2 km boardwalk where you might spot herons and turtles. Tickets are AED 15, first entry 7am, last entry 8pm. Keep food for afterwards (none on the boardwalk) and don't sit little ones on the railing.

Closer to town, Dolphin Park in Eastern Mangroves has a playground, and the free Experience Abu Dhabi shuttle (Route C) stops nearby.

📍 Directions: Jubail Mangrove Park · Dolphin Park

Al Ain: Green Mubazzarah and Hili

Green Mubazzarah, at the foot of Jebel Hafit, is the classic picnic lawn, with hot springs and grass that fills with families at weekends. Hili Archaeological Park pairs a Bronze Age tomb with playgrounds, and entry is free. Both are listed by Al Ain Municipality as open 6am to 11pm. Al Ain is about 90 minutes from the capital, so make it a full day.

📍 Directions: Green Mubazzarah · Hili Archaeological Park

Shade and heat: the practical bit

October to April is park season. Early in the season, go after 4pm or before 10am. Take more water than you think you need, hats, a picnic blanket and a pop-up sunshade if you have one. On a warm day, head for Umm Al Emarat's Shade House or Al Fay's planted canopy.

Want something closer to home? Your neighbourhood park may well open early: the municipality lists many as open all day, and those in MBZ City from 7am.

Something to do this week

Pick one park for Friday afternoon and one for a weekend morning, and check the Calendar for events this month. Worth reading alongside this one: farms families can visit in the UAE and UAE public holidays for planning longer breaks. Any park we should add? Tell us.

Sources

• Umm Al Emarat Park, FAQ and home
• Khalifa Park, tickets and home
• Abu Dhabi City Municipality, public parks, beaches, Corniche Beach, Al Fay Park
• Al Ain Municipality, public parks
• Jubail Island, park rules and hours
• Visit Abu Dhabi: Umm Al Emarat Park, Jubail Mangrove Park, Heritage Park, Eastern Mangroves, free places, Al Ain heritage, Hili Archaeological Park
• Property Finder, Al Fay Park