Does choosing the family holiday location fill you with dread? Time zones, weather conditions, jet lag, cost, baggage allowance, I mean truly, the list goes on and on. Unfortunately the old proverb , ‘the world is your oyster…’ seems to have lost its meaning when children enter the postcard picture. I was on the hunt for a hot (but not too hot,) sandy, sunny, short haul location with style and sophistication whilst having fun activities available for my boys for February half term. I know you must be thinking, I must live in cookoo land, but the whole idea of a family holiday should encompass something for everyone, so I was on a mission…
Europe was out of the picture as its too chilly, and anywhere beyond the continent would be hitting that long haul barrier that I’m just not willing to go through again. Then came my lightbulb moment…as a frequent visitor to the middle east in my childless years, Dubai is the answer, the jewel of the UAE. The only problem was after a long 2 ½ years without a family holiday, Dubai was actually our last holiday with our older son. I needed something different, there had to be more to the UAE than Dubai. After my hours of trailing the holiday websites, comparing deals and reading reviews, forget my lightbulb moment, I had an epiphany. Abu Dhabi was the answer.
Yas Waterworld
The biggest waterpark in the UAE this the ultimate paradise for water babies. The kids play area is the biggest in comparison to its Wild Wadi and Atlantis Aquaventure counterparts in Dubai and looks like a waterpark in itself. We hired a ‘cabana’ which was the perfect base to set up our things and didn’t even have to leave the cabana to have lunch – as its ordered via phone and delivered straight to you. Complete with mini bar, towels, coded safe and a thrown in free diving experience this package ticked all the boxes. www.yaswaterworld.com
Ferrari World
The savvy (Martin Lewis lover) and bargain that hunter I am, I booked discounted dual pass ticket to Yas Waterworld and to Ferrari world in one hit from the UK. As a mother of boys this was the equivalent to what heaven looks like. Ferrari World is the biggest indoor theme park in the world and make no mistake about it, the Emirates don’t do things by halves. It is a spectacular indoor venue with attractions, shows and rides for all ages. Home to the Formula Rossa, the fastest rollercoaster in the world, be prepared to poop your pants if you’re feeling brave and want to know what 240km/h feels like. http://www.ferrariworldabudhabi.com
Yas Marina, Yas Island
The Yas Marina is the perfect evening spot for dinner by the tranquil water, home to the yachts of envy, with an array of world class restaurants including Cipriani, Iris and Aquarium. www.yasmarina.ae
Yas Marina F1 Circuit
An absolute must see in Abu Dhabi. A world class circuit with tourist opportunities to tour the venue, hire bikes for cycling or watch a race night. My boys are the ultimate petrol heads and love all things ‘car’ so the drag race night was a great opportunity to see some amazing cars in action.
Yas Mall
As a devout shopper, I have to confess, the malls in the UAE are beyond my capacity. They are incredibly big with designers and high street brands there is definitely something for everyone regardless of taste or budget. The kids facilities are what struck me most at Yas Mall. We stopped for a ‘kids break’ at Fun Works inside the Mall which looked like the equivalent to an indoor theme park. You think you’ve seen soft play? The equivalent of Kids Space was just corner of Fun Works. We only spent an evening there but you could easily spend a day keeping the kids entertained. They have a series of ‘Krypton Factor’ type rooms for your children to solve practical problems in a fun and energetic way. A member of staff is assigned to your child, guiding them through each room which you too are welcome to join. Once the tasks are completed, points are then earned to use on the rides and attractions! Fun Works completely took me by surprise and I would recommend this for children of all ages! www.funworks.ae.
oh mama magazine blog 