You can plan a Kenwood Travel family holiday practically anywhere in the world, but this year Yas Island, Abu Dhabi seems to have made kid-friendly its mission, and we like that.
Ferrari World™ Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
We know it’s just geography, but the fact that Yas Island, Abu Dhabi is under seven hours from the UK, with little or no jet lag to worry about, is a very child-friendly start. Then there’s the year-round sun, and phenomenal family resorts too. All in all it’s almost unfair that it should also have some of the most exciting family attractions on earth as well. But it does, and here they are.
Ferrari World™ Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
Add the world’s fastest rollercoaster to your Kenwood Travel family holiday
Ferrari World™ Yas Island, Abu Dhabi’s enormous 65m x 49m theme park logo ensures the legendary sports car’s hallmark can be seen from the skies; it’s even visible from space! As well as that impressive statement, the park is home to Formula Rossa – the fastest rollercoaster on earth, and also where you’ll find the first bi-plane themed rollercoaster to break three world records: The Flying Aces. Matching these adrenaline-boosters, there are adorable kids’ rides too, which don’t compromise on thrills: Formula Rossa Junior is almost identical to Formula Rossa itself, just not as fast.
Although, 40-plus rides are only part of the story here. The most authentic Italian food in the emirate is something else Ferrari World™ Yas Island, Abu Dhabi delivers, along with incredible shopping and, for those not fully committed to absolute white knuckle experiences, there’s even a collection of rides just for visitors who really don’t need extreme speed and heights.
Yas Waterworld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
Find lazy rivers and wild rides at Yas Waterworld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
Yas Waterworld is no ordinary waterpark. Lovers of lazy rivers will be in heaven on a glide down Al Raha River which doesn’t just soothe you in warm, slow moving waters, it sweeps you through caverns: more like an enchanting journey than a mere laze. But it’s the combo rides that really set Yas Waterword apart, they come with all the splashy elements in place, plus white-knuckle extremes that are more theme park than waterpark. Bandit Bomber is the perfect example: part rollercoaster, part water coaster and all thrill, it’s the one not to miss, if you dare.
Although, the real thrill seeker dream is Liwa Loop, the first drop waterslide of its kind in the Middle East. We won’t go into the technical details, enough to say it counts down to a trap door opening beneath your feet, then releases you into a looping, freefall waterslide – and you’re on your own. Not for the fainthearted.
Height restrictions and common sense keep younger kids off the more excessive rides, which is fine, because Yas Waterworld is nothing if not inclusive. Splash parks and cute slides and chutes introduce pre-schoolers to watery fun without any fear.
At the mid-range there are plenty of racer slides and rides designed for family togetherness.
Then, when you need to cool down completely, consider booking a cabana for the day. Available for four to six guests and complete with a mini-fridge, as well as complimentary towels, these little slices of luxury also come with an exclusive menu and VIP butler service.
Warner Bros. World ™ Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
Superhero spotting is easy in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
Warner Bros. World ™ Yas Island, Abu Dhabi really does earn the right to call itself a ‘world’, although it’s really six immersive lands dedicated to everything kids love about cartoons, superheroes, fantastical stories, fairy tale enchantment and theme park rides.
Of course, character meet ‘n’ greets need a mention of their own because all the Warner Bros. and DC Comics stars are at home here, from Bugs Bunny and Batman to Tom and Jerry and Taz. But they aren’t just around for the standard photo-opp, kids will be amazed to see their favourites popping up on rides, hanging out in stores, and just strolling around, being super-friendly: this alone is a real memory maker.
Out of the 29-ride line up, several are designed for kids of nine or younger, there are carousels as well as rollercoasters and, again, plenty of thrills that won’t chill you if your tastes don’t run to fast and high.
Making a day of it at Warner Bros. World ™ Yas Island, Abu Dhabi is easy, in fact you could probably spend more than one here without doing the same thing twice. There’s great shopping for when you want a break from excitement, as well as over 15 themed restaurants and snack stops, plus dazzling shows throughout the day at Warner Bros. Plaza.
Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
Look at what’s happening at Etihad Arena on stunning waterfront Yas Bay
Excitement is one thing that’s not in short supply in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi and it just keeps growing, Etihad Arena is proof of that.
Part of the stunning waterfront experience at Yas Bay, this is the largest entertainment centre in the Middle East now and takes complete advantage of its enormous spread to stage everything from major concerts and stunning shows like Disney on Ice to international sporting events and great family theatre: Peppa Pig has appeared here more than once.
The Arena’s spectacular architecture fits beautifully with the design of Yas Bay which is fast becoming the go-to hub of holidays in Abu Dhabi. And it’s not difficult to see the appeal as it effortlessly pulls together all those elements that make breaks here so magical like amazing restaurants and hotels and an atmosphere that turns even strolling around into an experience.
Explore more Kenwood Travel family holidays in Abu Dhabi
A day out on Yas Beach
Yas Beach brings more than sun and sand to a Kenwood Travel family holiday
Yas Beach is no ordinary ‘day at the beach’, and 30 seconds on its shimmering sands is all the proof you need of that.
It’s naturally gorgeous, of course; year-round sun, blue seas and the sand we just mentioned pull that together effortlessly. But it’s what they’ve added to nature here which really makes Yas Beach a must-do for families.
Active older kids and teens can get into padel and beach volleyball, and a line-up of water sports, including jet ski adventures. Younger ones have their own pool for cooling down and playing up a storm, all under the watchful gaze of lifeguards.
As well as the beach itself, family-friendly beach clubs mean you’re never too far from a sensationally comfortable sun lounger and any shade you might need. And if you really want to indulge, some of the best hotels in Abu Dhabi are also at home here.
Yas Marina, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
One of the world’s most remarkable marinas is at home in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
It really doesn’t matter if you’re a sailor for real or just a sailor at heart, Yas Marina is one of the most fun places to hang out in Yas Island. For a start, who doesn’t like looking at gorgeous boats?
The 277 berths here along with its restaurants, luxury hotels and an amazing waterfront promenade, easily slide Yas Marina into top place, worldwide. In fact it now holds the prestigious 5 Gold Anchor Platinum award from The Yacht Harbour Association. That may not mean much to kids, but you can expect them to be fully engaged by the musical water fountain, not to mention the colourful playground specially designed to win young hearts.
Slither Slide, Yas Waterworld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
Why a Kenwood Travel family holiday has everything you could ever want
Even when Yas Island, Abu Dhabi was still a bit of a wonderful secret, Kenwood Travel was definitely in the know. So not only is its local expertise hard to match, thanks to long experience working with the best family resorts, it’s in a position to make you some of the best Yas Island, Abu Dhabi holiday offers this year.
Low deposits let you book your next Kenwood Travel family holiday now
Of course, you expect expertise from a company that’s been around since 1977, what might come as more of a surprise is its forward-thinking and how much of what Kenwood Travel does is aligned to families, starting with low deposits and flexible payment terms.
The fact that all holidays are also ABTA and ATOL protected is a comforting extra layer of security too. And we can’t stress enough how important direct partnerships with hotels and resorts are in terms of cutting your costs: basically removing the middle man and giving you the savings instead.
Call up Kenwood Travel and speak to a real family holiday expert
A personal approach to planning and booking holidays is another reason to choose a Kenwood Travel family holiday, because nothing compares to being able to speak to a real person. Especially when they really know what they’re talking about, and all the Kenwood Travel team do, and then some. So, even if you only have a vague idea what you’re looking for, with over 47 years experience tailoring family holidays in your corner, there is almost no possibility of you not finding your dream escape. You only need to look at Kenwood Travel’s 4.9 Trustpilot rating to see that.
Find out more and book your Kenwood Travel family holiday to Yas Island, Abu Dhabi