Parks and Zoos in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi Wildlife Centre

The centre is open for educational visits and can be contacted through its website. Call ahead for the exact location, as it can be a little tricky to find. On Abu Dhabi Mussafah Al Ain Truck Road.

Timings:
9am-5pm (Sat to Wed)

Al Ain Zoo

This is home to over 4,000 animals; at least 30% of its 180 species are considered endangered. The park covers 900 hectares near the base of Jebel Hafeet. Visitors can see the large animal collections in enclosures that resemble their natural habitats as closely as possible. Giraffes, zebras and rhinoceroses co-exist in the mixed African exhibit, while wildlife typical of the local region, such as the indigenous Arabian Oryx and sand gazelle also share a habitat. There are plenty of green public spaces ideal for picnics and also playgrounds, a cafeteria and a train tour of the wildlife area.

Timings:

• Winter months (October to May): 10am – 7pm (Sat to Thurs), 10am - 8pm (Fridays)
• Wild Nights (1st May to 30th September): 4pm - 12 midnight (Saturdays to Thursdays)
• 10 am - 12 midnight (Fridays)

Entrance Fee:

• AED 15 (Adults) (US$ 4.08)
• AED 5 (Children) (US$ 1.36)

Website: www.awpr.ae

Arabian Wildlife Park

On Sir Bani Yas Island is an Arabian Wildlife Park, which is home to more than 10,000 free roaming animals. Guests at the Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara can take 4x4 Nature & Wildlife Drives of the park in specially made vehicles accompanied by expert island staff. Alternatively guests of the Danat Resort Jebel Dhanna can book a three-hour tour. There are many Arabian Oryx, gazelles and giraffes, along with the newest arrivals, hyenas and cheetahs.

Website: www.desertislands.com

Hili Fun City, Al Ain

Hili Fun City is also known as the 'Disneyland'of the GCC. This flagship family entertainment destination opened in 1985 when it became the Gulf’s first theme park. Recently renovated, the expansive park now has 28 attractions for all ages, with roller coasters and rides such as Twister Mountain, Hili Swinger, Circus Train and Lighthouse a family show amphitheatre for 1,400 people, plus landscaped gardens with picnic and play areas.

Timings:
4pm-10pm Monday - Thursday
10am -10pm on Friday and Public Holidays
12pm -10pm on Saturday
Closed on Sunday
Wednesday reserved for ladies only

Entrance Fee: AED 40 plus unlimited access to 25 attractions. Free for children 0.89m and below.

Website: www.hilifuncity.ae

Kids Park Zoo

Kids Park Zoo lets children get up close to their favourite animals and combines learning with touch. Al Bahya, 35km from Abu Dhabi.

Timings:

• 9am –1pm & 3pm – 8pm (Sunday – Wednesday)
• 9am – 1pm & 3pm – 9pm (Thursday)
• 9am – 11am & 3pm - 9pm (Friday) 9am – 8pm (Saturday & public holidays)

Entrance fee: AED 20, Free for children under 4 years

Website: www.kidsparkuae.com

Children's Parks

The capital of UAE has around 20 small to mid-sized parks and gardens. If you are looking for swings, climbing frames and slides for the tiny tots, there are a number of parks within the city like Al Nahyan Garden, Capital Garden and Urban and Lake Park. Al Khalidiya and Al Mushrif Gardens are considered the larger and more popular ones among local residents.

Al Mushrif Children’s Garden
This large park has amusement park rides (with varying fees), swings, fountains and ample car parking. It’s a popular ‘ladies only’ facility so photography is not allowed. The garden is to the south of Old Airport Road, with its entrance being opposite the National Theatre.

Timings:

• 3pm - 10pm (Sunday – Thursday)
• 3pm - 9:30pm (Fridays).
• 9am - 12pm & 3pm - 10pm (public holidays)

Entrance Fee: AED 1, entry only for family, ladies and children (younger than 10 years old)

Al Nahyan Garden
This well-maintained and compact park near the Sheraton Khalidiya ensures your little ones can’t get up to too much trouble. Simple play equipment helps the kids let off steam. Open 24/7. Located on Sheikh Zayed the 1st St, Al Khalidiyah

Capital Gardens
This refurbished park is a welcome patch of green in the middle of the city. Each little garden cove has a small selection of climbing frames, swings, slides and stunning fountains. Vending machines and an enclosed cafeteria provide refreshment. Open 24/7. Located opposite NBAD (National Band of Abu Dhabi), Al Markaziyah

Old Airport Garden
This is a quiet park is divided into two sides. One side of the park has swings and small tidy gardens, while the other side is more ornamental, with plenty of trees for shade. Open 24/7. Located near Sheikh Zayed Sport Centre.

Khalidiyah Garden
This large park is has a variety of play areas, with equipment for toddlers and older children. Its lovely grassy areas are great for picnics, with a number of large trees providing shade. Open 24/7. Located at Al Khaleej Al Arabi St, Al Khalidiya.

Khalifa Park
This is one of the city’s larger parks and a major landmark. Inspiration for the gardens has been drawn from Arabic and Islamic architecture and from the world’s great gardens. It has canals, fountains, lakes and waterfalls. A miniature railway offers regular train tours. With play equipment for children, picnic facilities and an outdoor auditorium, it’s a popular spot in the cooler evenings and during weekends. Located near Al Bateen Airport.