Fun after-school activities in Abu Dhabi for kids
After-school activities in Abu Dhabi are a fun way for kids to learn new skills and utilise their time constructively. Well-designed after-school programmes improve physical health and enhance social, emotional, and cognitive skills. Whether your little one is interested in sports, dance, or learning a foreign language, these after-school activities cater to all.
AFTER-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES IN ABU DHABI FOR CHILDREN
Depending on their interest, you can enrol your children in various after-school activities in Abu Dhabi, including physical sports, water sports, horse riding or learning to play an instrument. Let’s take a look….shall we?
WATER SPORTS
Is your child interested in water sports? Here are all the top places offering different activities to keep your child active.
HAMILTON AQUATICS
Hamilton Aquatics, one of the largest swimming academies in the Middle East, offers exciting summer camps and after-school activities in Abu Dhabi for kids. They believe swimming is not just a hobby but has plenty of health benefits.
The facility offers different programmes such as Squads, Water Polo and Artistic Swimming.
- Location: GEMS American Academy, Khalifa City A
- Contact: +971-4-450-8832
AL FORSAN EQUESTRIAN CENTRE
The water cable park at the Al Forsan Equestrian Centre is an excellent place to enjoy water sports. Children over the age of 8 can enrol and try their hand at wakeboarding, kneeboards or water skiing. It is among the best places to learn horse riding in Abu Dhabi.
- Location: Khalifa City A
- Contact: +971-800-9900
HORSE RIDING
Horse riding is another fun activity that delivers important lessons for any child – discipline and perseverance.
AL FORSAN EQUESTRIAN CENTRE
Al Forsan Equestrian Centre and Academy is an accredited BHS approved riding school offering training to all riders. The facility has an air-conditioned International Arena, so training can last 12 months a year.
The air-conditioning extends to the arena and the stables to keep the environment comfortable for all. Training options range from “hand-led” ponies for younger kids to advanced show jumpers. You can also look into other places offering horse riding lessons in the UAE.
The centre also offers afternoon classes which can be perfect for parents looking for after-school activities for kids in Abu Dhabi.
- Location: Khalifa City A
- Contact: +971-800-9900
OTHER SPORTS
Sports places are next on our list of after-school activities in Abu Dhabi.
ABU DHABI HARLEQUINS
Rugby is becoming quite popular in the UAE, and many kids may want to try their hands at the sport. Abu Dhabi Harlequins’ junior section at Zayed Sports City starts training young boys and girls aged four and under 19.
The programme initially focuses on tag rugby and slowly progresses to higher levels of the sport. While rugby looks intense, you can rest assured that the expert staff is trained to maintain all safety elements.
- Location: Zayed Sports City
- Contact: +971-50-257-1139
ABU DHABI COUNTRY CLUB
Abu Dhabi Country Club is the perfect spot for multi-sport Abu Dhabi after-school activities. Established more than two decades ago, the club has become a part of the social fabric of Abu Dhabi. The list of activities on offer at the club includes martial arts, football, ballet, basketball, gymnastics and fitness.
- Location: Shakbout Bin Sultan Street, Al Mushrif
- Contact: +971-2-657-7777
THE ORIENTAL KARATE & KOBUDO CLUB
The Oriental Karate & Kobudo Club was established in 1987 and has nine branches across the capital emirate. So, you can easily find one near your residence for after-school activities in Abu Dhabi. It is also among the best places to offer karate classes in Abu Dhabi.
Those interested in enrolling their children can check out the available schedule on the club’s official website. All the timings are later in the evening, making it among the best after-school clubs in Abu Dhabi.
Make sure that you consider the terms and conditions before signing up. These extend to age limits as well. Kids must be over five years of age to be eligible to join. Furthermore, those under the age of 18 must be accompanied by their parents during admission.
Since its opening, over 24,000 students have trained under the tutelage of experienced trainers at this club. The team of 25 instructors use well-researched methods to instil a sense of sportsman’s spirit and discipline in children. If your ward has lots of energy to blow off, Karate might be excellent after-school activity in Abu Dhabi.
They are located at all the key location in the city including Al Reem, Mushrif Mall, Khalifa Street and Khalidiyah.
- Location: Multiple locations
- Contact: +971-2-677-1611
PERFORMANCE ARTS
There are plenty of opportunities for children interested in performing arts to learn, practice and perform.
UNIVERSAL DANCE & MUSIC ARTS
Your child can learn to play music or dance at this studio in Abu Dhabi. One can opt for private classes or group sessions. Different dance styles taught here include Salsa, Kizomba, Bachata, Cha Cha Cha, Twerk, Burlesque, Afrobeats, Hip-hop Dance and Chair Dance. Classes for children are available for kids aged 3 to 16.
It is certainly among the top places for dance classes in Abu Dhabi.
- Location: Unit 304, Third Floor, Al Niyadi Building, Airport Road, Abu Dhabi
- Contact: +971-050-407-5795
INTERNATIONAL MUSIC INSTITUTE
Another popular place for music education in Abu Dhabi is the International Music Institute. The multinational workforce teaches students to play different instruments boosting their cognitive development. Kids can learn to play various instruments like the piano, violin, clarinet, saxophone and flute.
- Location: Khalydia Street, Opposite Grand Stores, Abu Dhabi
- Contact: +971-2-621-1949 | +971-02-557-7602
ROBOTICS
Robotics classes are another option for things to do after school in Abu Dhabi.
TIME MASTER
Robotic classes help nurture the creative element in every child. With a perfect blend of fun and imagination, your kids will develop essential skills to perform well in academics and practical life.
The robotics classes at Time Master give kids a deeper understanding of STEM concepts through practical learning. These will help kids put their creative thinking and problem-solving skills to good use at a young age, a trait that will help them all their life.
- Location: Mussafah, Mohammed Bin Zayed City | Office no. 404, ADCP Tower B, Behind City Seasons, Electra Street
- Contact: +971-02-553-0100 (Mussafah) | +971- 02-673-9171 (ADCP Tower)
Other ideas for after-school activities in Abu Dhabi
Are you on a budget or prefer a DIY approach to post-school activities? Here are some ideas for things to do after school in Abu Dhabi.
ENCOURAGE THEM TO READ
It’s never too early to instil a love of reading in kids. It’s also a great way to relax after-school. Hit the bookstore for some titles your kids may like. An alternative option is eBooks. For a start, you can make the most of online libraries in the UAE.
Read together. This will make for a great bonding activity, putting it right up among the best after-school activities in Abu Dhabi.
PLAY BOARD GAMES
Any game can be a great break after-school. It will give your kids something to look forward to. Scrabbles and monopoly are some of the board games you can invest in.
STAY ACTIVE
Encourage your children to exercise. It doesn’t have to be too strenuous. Just a walk will do. Plus, it’s a great idea if your kids are outdoorsy.
FAQs ABOUT AFTER-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES IN ABU DHABI
ARE THERE ANY PLAY AREAS IN ABU DHABI?
Yes! Some of the top play areas in Abu Dhabi are Fun Works, KidZania, Fun City and Cheeky Monkeys.
WHAT ARE THE BEST AFTER-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES IN DUBAI?
Like Abu Dhabi, parents can find a variety of after-school activities in Dubai such as robotic lessons, fencing and more.
WHICH ARE THE TOP SCHOOLS IN ABU DHABI?
Here is a list of the top schools in Abu Dhabi for young parents to consider. If you wish to see more options, government schools in Abu Dhabi also provide a nurturing environment.
That completes our list of after-school activities in Abu Dhabi. There are certain things you can do at home as well. For instance, having regular play dates with friends is an excellent way for children to have fun.
You can play games with children or do chores like cooking or DIY room decoration projects to keep them busy during vacations or why not make the most of these family-friendly activities in Abu Dhabi.
