Plan a family day out at these public parks in Abu Dhabi
There’s no shortage of lush green public parks in Abu Dhabi. The city has plenty of green spaces with exciting activities to keep the entire family entertained! Looking for a handy list of top public parks in the city? Let’s take a look at the popular public parks in the UAE capital.
PUBLIC PARKS IN ABU DHABI
AL MASAR PARK
The lush green Al Masar Park is an excellent public facility in Khalifa City. It opened in March 2023 and has multiple amenities like a dog area, BMX cycling track, kids’ playground and jogging tracks. Moreover, a multi-purpose sports complex inside the park features volleyball, badminton and basketball courts.
We opened Al Masar Park in Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi, as part of our efforts to develop green spaces and enhance the quality of life in Abu Dhabi#GreenSpaces #Parks #AbuDhabi #WeDevelopTheCityForYou@AbuDhabi_ADM @alainmun @DRMunicipality @ITCAbuDhabi pic.twitter.com/g3GYvUlCn6
— دائرة البلديات والنقل (@AbuDhabiDMT) March 19, 2023
Al Masar Park, which has 2,841 trees, 58,000 bushes and a significant number of ground cover plants, was created in line with the Department of Municipalities and Transport’s policy to enhance green spaces in the UAE.
- Location: Khalifa City
UMM AL EMARAT PARK
Previously known as Mushrif Park, this park is a firm favourite amongst those who live in Al Mushrif. The Umm Al Emarat Park in Abu Dhabi is a wonderful family-friendly place where children and adults can have fun!
Located close to Airport Road, this park has several distinct features that make it a perfect place to spend the day. It has an Animal Barn (quite famous with the children), a ‘Shade House’ featuring a wide variety of trees and plants and even a mini-botanical garden!
Aside from a uniquely designed children’s play areas, there’s plenty of space for picnics, an amphitheatre that hosts events, a Wisdom Garden featuring quotes by the Founder of the UAE, the late H.H. Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, fountains, water features and more little spots that you will love exploring!
- Location: Al Mushrif
CAPITAL PARK
Also known as Asima Gardens, this public park in Abu Dhabi is a welcome respite from the bustling city. An oasis of calm amidst skyscrapers on all sides, Capital Gardens is part of the urban plan to include more green spaces throughout the city.
Capital Park attracts lots of residents on weekends and weeknights. Thanks to the pond right in the middle of the park, fountain shows, lush greenery and cosy mini-gardens, this park is a wonderful place to relax without having to leave the confines of the city!
Bring the kids along, as the park has several slides, swings and climbing frames to keep them occupied. If you forget to pack some snacks, there’s an F&B area with tables and vending machines.
- Location: Al Danah, Zone 1
YAS GATEWAY PARK
This public park in Abu Dhabi truly feels like a hidden treasure. Yas Gateway is divided into two sections: North and South — straddling the Abu Dhabi-Falah Road. Trails and pathways connect the two spacious parks. All in all, this green expanse is perfect for a day out with the family.
The park has ample shaded and tree-lined paths that are ideal for a relaxing evening. On the park’s North side, you’ll find dedicated play areas for younger and older children. On the South side, you’ll find a tennis court and BBQ area – a perfect setting for a family picnic!
- Location: Yas Island
HERITAGE PARK
If you’ve ever fancied being part of a film or TV set, head to Heritage Park. This stunning location is one of the Abu Dhabi Film Commission’s popular areas for filming everything from films to television shows. The park has picturesque fountains, grottoes, verdant green spaces and winding paths that are simply screaming to be ‘grammed!
You can enjoy unique views of the harbour filled with traditional dhows in Al Mina – so bring your camera and brush up on your photography skills! This park is also a great BBQ spot in Abu Dhabi, with designated barbecue areas and built-in grills. A dedicated children’s play area is a good venue for the entire family. Find the Heritage Park on the eastern end of Corniche Park.
- Mina Street
KHALIFA PARK
The well-known Khalifa Park, off the Eastern Ring road, is one of the biggest family-friendly public parks in Abu Dhabi. Opened in 2007, the park is home to countless water features like fountains, canals, ponds and even waterfalls, an open-air auditorium, and plenty of space for picnics. You’ll find a dedicated BBQ area here which also makes it quite famous amongst families.
It has a Maritime Museum, which offers a fantastic opportunity for kids to learn about the animals in the waters surrounding the city. And if you’re worried that you might miss out on something in this massive park, hop on the miniature railway to take it all in!
- Location: Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Street, Al Muntazah, Zone 1
AL WATHBA PARK
Located close to Al Ain Road, Al Wathba Park is away from the city’s centre near the famous Al Wathba Wetland Reserve, where you can spot pretty pink flamingos. Visitors can enjoy a family picnic on the park’s lawns. It’s one of the best BBQ spots in Abu Dhabi as well.
There’s plenty of space for the kids to run around and winding paths for you to explore the park. The park features one of the best public libraries in Abu Dhabi, with more than 35,000 books.
- Location: Al Wathba
ABU DHABI CORNICHE PARKS
The Abu Dhabi Corniche Parks have long been hit destinations among residents in the capital. The parks have been awarded the prestigious Green Flag in the past, indicating that the parks adhere to an international set of standards regarding safety and hygiene.
These free public parks in Abu Dhabi are known for having their own unique and sometimes quirky characters and attractions. For example, head to the Formal Park to test your navigation skills in the maze or stare pensively at a distance from the wooden bridge in Lake Park.
If you’re a little more adventurous, head to Family Park to test your mettle on the BMX track (you can even rent a bike!). The actual parks are dotted along 8 kilometres of the Corniche, offering access to the beach and plenty of running and cycling tracks. Oh, and did we mention space for picnics and play areas?
- Location: Along Corniche Road
MANGROVE NATIONAL PARK
Away from the bustling city and skyscrapers, you’ll find Mangrove National Park – a place to find peace and serenity. Our list of public parks in Abu Dhabi is incomplete without mentioning this scenic venue.
The park makes up almost 75% of the total mangrove forest area in the UAE. It is protected by the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi due to being a biodiversity hotspot. The best part….there’re plenty of activities here for the whole family!
You can go bird-watching, kayaking or venture into the mangroves where you might spot dugongs and foxes. And if you’re planning a quick getaway, you can stay at the nearby Anantara Eastern Mangroves Hotel.
- Location: Eastern Ring Road
ARABIAN WILDLIFE PARK
The Arabian Wildlife Park is home to more than 17,000 free-roaming animals located on Sir Bani Yas Island. It is an ideal public park in Abu Dhabi, especially for families with kids. The park has viewing platforms where little ones can get up close with the friendly resident giraffes.
- Location: Sir Bani Yas Island, Jebel Dhanna, Al Dhafra
REEM CENTRAL PARK
Last but not least on our list of public parks in Abu Dhabi is Reem Central Park. This park has everything if you’re looking for an all-in-one entertainment venue.
Spanning 1 million sq. ft., Reem Central Park is truly one of a kind. It includes landscaped gardens, an adventure trail, a skate park and a mosque. You’ll find plenty of things to do in Reem Central Park, such as the canal walk and skating. The park has a selection of restaurants, so you know where to go when hungry!
- Location: Al Reem Island
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
ARE THERE ANY CYCLING TRACKS IN ABU DHABI?
Yes! Corniche Bike Track, Al Wathba Cycle Track and Yas Marina Circuit are the top cycling tracks in Abu Dhabi.
WHICH ARE THE BEST BEACHES IN ABU DHABI?
Saadiyat Beach, Corniche Beach and Yas Beach are the most popular beaches in Abu Dhabi.
ARE THERE ANY THEME PARKS IN ABU DHABI?
Well, yes! The capital is home to some of the most amazing amusement parks. Warner Bros. World, Ferrari World and Yas Waterworld are the top theme parks in Abu Dhabi.
And that’s all, folks! If you’re visiting the capital for the first time and want to learn about Emirati culture, check out these heritage sites in Abu Dhabi.
Feeling adventurous? Then you should check out the escape rooms in Abu Dhabi, where you can test your wits. You can take it up a notch at the fantastically fun indoor theme parks in the UAE!
