National Aquarium Abu Dhabi with Kids: What to Know, What It Really Costs and What to Pack, and the Amazon UAE Finds 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.
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 to fill up petrol or grab something to eat. It’s a good pit-stop.
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 I always pack for the journey:
- An insulated water bottle — the car gets warm even with AC blasting, and kids go through water fast. I use one from Amazon UAE that keeps drinks cold for hours. 👉 Check it here if you needed 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 — buying snacks inside attractions adds up quickly. Sometimes, I pack fruit, crackers and a few treats in a divided snack container. 👉 But for teenagers and school-aged kids, they may want some crisps or cookies. Sweet treats are good in moderation.
- 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 Abu Dhabi 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 won’t expect to find them there.
✔️ 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 the 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 all the way to the Amazon rainforest. What caught our attention were the colourful but poisonous dart frogs from South America, the impressive number of sea turtles and tortoises, and the rescued manatee that stopped everyone in their tracks.
There’s also the region’s longest 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 female sea turtle who could no longer stay afloat because of the amount of plastic she 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.
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
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 upsells. 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. With packed snacks, your own water and tickets bought online a family of four can have a full day out for well under AED 500 .
If you’ve already done 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.
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?
Drop a comment below and let me know your favourite zone!
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