Phew, the New Year chaos is over, but the good news is the first proper weekend of 2026 is packed! You absolutely must hit up the MOTN Festival for its last weekend—the Big Bounce Arabia is epic for the teens. Also, don't miss the cool art stuff at Manar Abu Dhabi before it wraps up on Sunday. Let's get the kids out before the post-holiday slump hits!
Quick Picks
Manar Abu Dhabi Light Installations
Various Waterfronts & Islands
Experience stunning, free-to-view outdoor light art across the city's water edges and mangroves.
MOTN Festival
Abu Dhabi Corniche
Indoor games like the Ninja Kidz Action Park and immersive gaming will save the day if it rains.
MOTN Festival
Abu Dhabi Corniche
Tons of family fun with rides and games perfect for burning off that extra energy.
MOTN Festival
It’s the final weekend for MOTN, so get down there for those massive rides like Big Bounce Arabia and the drone show! They have cool gaming experiences that even the older kids will get into, plus tons of food stalls.
Why we picked it: This is the absolute last chance to experience this massive winter festival before it closes on Sunday night.
Liwa Village
If you fancy a proper weekend road trip, Liwa Village is wrapping up Saturday! It mixes desert heritage with concerts and family attractions near the huge dunes—make sure you check the driving conditions first.
Why we picked it: This is the final day for the Liwa Village experience blending culture, adventure, and food in the desert.
Quantum Dome Project VR Experience
Take the kids on a mind-blowing VR trip through ancient Rome or Medieval Baghdad without leaving the museum! It’s a totally different way to experience history and great for keeping teens engaged.
Why we picked it: It's an immersive, modern twist on a cultural visit that appeals especially to older kids and teens.
Zayed National Museum Craft Classes
If you’re looking for a calm, creative activity, head to Zayed National Museum for their Sunday craft classes (check if they have Saturday sessions too). It's a nice way to introduce them to national culture.
Why we picked it: Offering hands-on learning experiences that complement the museum's exhibits.
Picasso: The Figure Exhibition
For the art-minded families, this Picasso exhibition is a big deal, featuring loans from the Louvre in Paris. It’s a good one for older kids who can appreciate a full career retrospective.
Why we picked it: A major, limited-run international art exhibition perfect for inspiring older children.
Manar Abu Dhabi Light Installations
Grab the littles and head to the waterfront for Manar Abu Dhabi’s light show—it's totally free and magical when the sun sets. Jubail Island is the main spot to see the big sculptures this weekend.
Why we picked it: This unique public art event is running its final weekend and costs nothing to enjoy.
Outdoor Adventures at Hudayriyat Island
If the weather is perfect (and January usually is!), head to Hudayriyat for the skate park for teens or the pirate-themed Splash & Climb for the younger ones. You can easily spend the whole day cycling and exploring the island.
Why we picked it: Early January is prime weather for utilizing the massive outdoor adventure facilities here.
MOTN Festival
Still time for Sunday fun at MOTN, they have specific tickets for 'Like Nastya' on this day if your little one is a fan. Otherwise, the carnival rides and food pop-ups are a solid end to the weekend.
Why we picked it: Sunday is the final day for the MOTN Festival, offering a perfect structured family outing.
Manar Abu Dhabi Light Installations
Check out the spectacular light art installations for Manar Abu Dhabi before they vanish! It's a beautiful way to walk around outside as the evening cools down and see the city light up in a totally new way.
Why we picked it: This amazing, large-scale public art event concludes this weekend, making it a 'last chance' for a free, unique evening activity.
Craft Classes at Zayed National Museum
Get crafty this Sunday at the Zayed National Museum with hands-on classes like porcelain painting or basket weaving. It’s a chilled-out way to spend an afternoon indoors and you get to bring home a souvenir!
Why we picked it: It’s a specific Sunday activity, offering a relaxed, creative counterpoint to the big festivals.
Picasso: The Figure Exhibition
Louvre Abu Dhabi is open late on Sundays, so you can fit in a trip to the incredible Picasso exhibition after dinner. Make sure you visit the Children's Museum too!
Why we picked it: Sunday offers extended hours, making it easier to fit in a cultural visit after morning activities.
Outdoor Adventures at Hudayriyat Island
Sunday morning is best for tackling the mountain bike trails or tackling the largest obstacle course in the UAE while the kids are fresh. Grab lunch at one of their family-friendly cafes afterwards.
Why we picked it: Perfect weather for their massive outdoor obstacle course and water activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What free kids events are on in Abu Dhabi this weekend?
The best genuinely free option this weekend (Jan 03-04) is the Manar Abu Dhabi Light Installations. You can walk along various waterfronts and islands to see stunning light sculptures and projections in the evening.
What family activities are available if the weather is bad?
If it rains or gets too cool, the MOTN Festival on the Corniche has indoor options like the Ninja Kidz Action Park (trampoline park) and Augmented Games by Moment Factory for an immersive experience.
What's best for toddlers/under-5s this weekend?
The MOTN Festival is great for younger ones with its carnival rides and general atmosphere, while Hudayriyat Island has the dedicated pirate-themed Splash & Climb park for messy fun.