Fun after-school activities in Abu Dhabi for your kids
Getting your children into hobbies can encourage them to learn new skills and improve their cognitive abilities. It’s also a better alternative to them spending their time away on the internet. If you live in the capital and are wondering what sort of after-school activities in Abu Dhabi are available, you’re in the right place. We’ve compiled the best after-school programmes for all personality types, whether your little one is into sports, dance, foreign languages, or just likes meeting new friends!
AFTER-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES IN ABU DHABI FOR CHILDREN
The options include 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 best 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; it also has plenty of health benefits.
The facility offers different programmes such as Squads, Water Polo and Artistic Swimming.
- Location: Multiple locations
- 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. It is also among the best places to learn horse riding in Abu Dhabi if that’s what your child is keen on trying.
- Location: Khalifa City
- Contact: +971-800-9900
HORSE RIDING
Horse riding is another fun activity that instils important lessons for any child, including 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 for children between the ages of 10 and 15.
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 are perfect for parents looking for after-school activities for kids in Abu Dhabi.
- Location: Khalifa City
- Contact: +971-2-656-5656
OTHER SPORTS
Here are a few more sports classes for children in Abu Dhabi.
ABU DHABI HARLEQUINS JUNIOR RUGBY
Rugby is an excellent sport that encourages children’s physical activity and strategic thinking. Abu Dhabi Harlequins’ junior section at Zayed Sports City trains boys and girls from ages four to 18.
Rugby for children has been categorised as mini rugby (ages 5 to 10), midi rugby (11 to 13), youth rugby (ages 14 to 18) and girls-only rugby.
- Location: Zayed Sports City
- Contact: +971-50-257-1139
ABU DHABI COUNTRY CLUB – KIDS SPORTS SCHOOL
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. 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.
They are located at all the key locations, including Al Reem Island, 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 creative workshops for kids in Abu Dhabi.
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: +971-50-407-5795
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 | +971-2-557-7602
ROBOTICS
Robotics classes are another option for things to do after school in Abu Dhabi.
TIME MASTER
Robotics 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 academically and practically.
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: +971-2-553-0100 (Mussafah) | +971- 2-673-9171 (ADCP Tower)
Other ideas for after-school activities in Abu Dhabi
Are you on a budget or prefer a DIY approach to extracurricular activities for kids in Abu Dhabi? Here are some ideas.
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. Scrabble 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. You can also make the most of these family-friendly activities in Abu Dhabi.
