National Aquarium Abu Dhabi with Kids: What to Know, What It Really Costs and What to Pack, that Made the Day So Much Easier
By Thea | Mommy Local Spots
If you’re a family based in Dubai and looking for a weekend escape that actually keeps the kids entertained for a solid few hours, then you should keep on reading this! The National Aquarium Abu Dhabi deserves a spot on your list. This educational and entertaining aquarium don’t cost a fortune. I’ve rounded up everything you need to know before you go, plus a few road trip essentials that will make your trip a whole lot smoother with the kids in tow.
The Road Trip from Dubai: What’s the Best Way to Use?
One of the things I love most about living in Dubai is that Abu Dhabi is genuinely close. Yes, it’s not hard to drive from one city to another. The drive to the National Aquarium takes around 90 minutes depending on traffic, and the route is straightforward! The best way is always to follow Sheikh Zayed Road (E11) straight into Abu Dhabi, then head towards Al Qana on the waterfront. And you know what, you can always pass by The Last Exit just right before Dubai Parks and Resorts Entrance. You can fill up petrol or grab something to eat. It’s a good pit-stop and there are many photo-op opportunities.
What to Pack for your Aquarium Tour?
With kids in the car, preparation matters. When my kids were little, I used to bring activity books to keep them entertained. And although Abu Dhabi is not so far away from Dubai, bringing these essentials is still a must. Summer or not, a long drive with little ones is its own adventure. Here’s what you should pack for the journey:
- An insulated water bottle — the car gets warm even with AC blasting, and kids need water in the car, all the time. I use one from Amazon UAE that keeps drinks cold for hours. 👉 Check it here if you need a new one.
- A car window sunshade — if your kids are sitting on the sunny side, this is non-negotiable in UAE heat. 👉
- A small travel snack box — It’s not allowed to bring food inside the aquarium. But bringing snacks for the little ones is always a good idea, if you’ve skipped breakfast and wanted them to have something to munch on during the drive. Because let’s be honest, morning rushes don’t always go as planned!
- Powerbank – I always bring with me a power bank. Taking lots of photos and videos can drain your phone’s battery.
- Sunscreen, hats and sunglasses– these are non-negotiable essentials during the summer.
Pro tip: leave Dubai before 9:30am to beat traffic and arrive when the aquarium opens. You’ll have the place almost to yourself for the first hour.
Visit the National Aquarium Abu Dhabi
Located at Al Qana, a stunning waterfront destination in Abu Dhabi, the National Aquarium is the largest aquarium in the Middle East. It is home to over 46,000 animals from more than 300 species, spread across 10 unique themed zones. Inside, you can spot sharks, rays, exotic frogs, and arctic birds. There’s even a Volkswagen aquarium that really captured my attention. It truly surprised us! We also loved seeing the manatees, capybaras, and tortoises relaxing by a beautiful man-made indoor waterfall.
The kids can feed and touch the capybaras for an additional cost. For 45 AED, two kids can pet, feed, and have photos with these adorable animals from South America. You wouldn’t expect to find them here.
✔️ Easily one of the best things to do in Abu Dhabi with kids, they’re so calm and friendly!
What sets it apart from other attractions in the UAE is its scale and variety. You’re not just walking past a few fish tanks; you’re moving through recreated ecosystems, from the coral reefs of the Arabian Gulf to the Amazon rainforest.
What caught my attention were the colourful yet poisonous dart frogs from South America. My son was especially excited because he immediately recognized where they came from, making the experience even more memorable for him. The impressive number of sea turtles and tortoises was also hard to miss, while the rescued manatee completely stopped us in our tracks.These are some of the highlights that I think you should definitely check out during your visit.
Read more: My Honest Review of the National Aquarium Abu Dhabi: Here’s Everything UAE Families Need to KnowThere’s also the underwater tunnel, which the kids absolutely loved. Walking through while sharks and rays glide overhead is one of those moments that genuinely takes your breath away.
My favorite part of the entire aquarium was the conservation area, also known as the fish hospital. We learned that in February 2024, Abu Dhabi rescued around 1,000 sea turtles that had washed ashore. One that really stayed with me was a massive sea turtle who could no longer stay afloat because of the amount of plastic he had ingested. It was a gut-punch reminder of why conservation matters. We also got to see baby sharks, caterpillar cocoons, and even a Komodo dragon that had been taken in and was doing well in the hospital. They are all being carefully rehabilitated in the same area. Things you genuinely don’t expect to find in an aquarium. Also a good highlight to watch out for.
The Wildlife Rescue Programme made me feel like the aquarium is more than just a theme park, it felt like a place that actually cares about the animals. That’s something I appreciate as a mum who wants her kids to grow up with respect for wildlife.
Practical Information (Updated 2026)
- Location: Al Qana, Abu Dhabi (near the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque)
- Opening hours: Daily, 10am to 10pm
- Tickets: General admission starts from AED 110. Buy online in in advance and combine it with a tour of the Butterfly Garden
- Stroller and wheelchair friendly: Yes, completely
- Time needed: Allow 2 to 3 hours minimum
- Parking: At the moment, there’s a free parking in the basement and in front of the aquarium
- Dining Options: There are many dining options around the area. It’s all walkable distance. You can try Asian, Arabic and so much more.
A word on the add-on experiences: some visitors find the extras (like the glass boat tour) pricey on top of admission. My advice is to stick to general admission on your first visit and see how much time your kids want to spend in each zone before committing to the extras. But make sure to visit the butterfly garden too.
Budget-friendly Verdict for Families
The National Aquarium is genuinely one of the better-value big days out in the UAE. At AED 110 per adult, it’s cheaper than most theme parks and the experience lasts far longer than you’d expect. You can also book online via getyourguide. Free cancellation.
If you’ve already experienced SeaWorld Abu Dhabi (👉read my review), the National Aquarium offers something completely different. SeaWorld is vibrant, requires lots of energy and show focused. The aquarium is calmer, more educational and genuinely fascinating for all ages including adults. I recommend it if you prefer a quieter day out. But both are great places to explore in the summer.
Useful tip or hack: Public transport is not the most convenient option from Dubai for families, but Abu Dhabi intercity buses do run from Ibn Battuta station if you prefer not to drive.
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Final Thoughts
If you’re planning a road trip from Dubai and want something educational, visually stunning and genuinely fun for all ages, this is it. Have you visited the National Aquarium yet?
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More than a decade of living, exploring, and raising a family in Dubai has made me your go-to source for trusted lifestyle tips, local finds, and honest reviews. Useful for new expats, UAE families and visitors alike. Follow me on socials for more life hacks and travel tips from Dubai and around the world.