Khalifa Park Abu Dhabi
The emirate of Abu Dhabi is famous for having some of the most verdant green spaces in the UAE. And while most tourists think of the recently upgraded Umm Al Emarat Park as a go-to leisure destination, green spaces like Khalifa Park Abu Dhabi deserve a special mention too.
Is Khalifa Park worth the visit? What are the attractions here? What are the Kahlifa Park Abu Dhabi opening hours? Take a look at our detailed review to find out more about the family-friendly attractions at Khalifa Park.
About Khalifa Park
Named after his highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Khalifa Park is one of the oldest parks in Abu Dhabi. It cost around $50 million to build. The park features its own museum, train, aquarium, play parks and a formal garden. Additionally, the park also has some of the most beautiful BBQ spots in the city, and hence makes the perfect spot for families to get together.
Other notable perks at the park which opened in 2007 include a cultural library, beautiful water features, an open auditorium, ponds, mini waterfalls, auditorium, a maritime museum, canals, fountains and play spaces dedicated to kids. Here is a more detailed review of attractions at the park.
Things to do at Khalifa Park Abu Dhabi
Ride the Train
The train at Khalifa Park is a great way for parents and kids to get from one side of the park to the other, and have fun while doing it. Each ride is accompanied by music to make the trip more pleasant. The train makes several stops along the way, so visitors can explore the attractions. Running along the perimeter of the park, visitors can catch a ride from two places, either from the stop nearest the main entrance or the library located at the far end of the park. Starting from 03:00 pm, the Khalifa Park Abu Dhabi train is a convenient amenity for families with toddlers who can tire out after a day of traversing the park or visiting its many attractions.
- Ride charges: AED 3 per passenger
Maritime Museum
The Maritime Museum at Khalifa Park is located near the entrance next to the gym. Just turn left right after entering the park and look for the sign that says “Abu Dhabi – A Journey Through Time.” A typical tour at the Khalifa Park museum starts with a video that introduces the tour ride and features the following attractions.
Time tunnel
The tour ride features a moving roofless capsule that physically carries passengers through the Time Tunnel. The Time Tunnel at Khalifa Park is a ride that gives visitors some historical context to the emirate’s transformation through scenes and wax statues depicting the history of the UAE from its pre-Union days. Animatronic wax figures of Emiratis weave clothes, wave and welcome visitors as the capsule passes through early nomadic times. It then charts the fall of the pearl- fishing industry and the development of the oil industry.
Lasting around 20 minutes, the air-conditioned ride is a welcome reprieve for those visiting the park during hot summer months.
Khalifa Park Aquarium Abu Dhabi
Once the capsule ride ends, visitors can proceed upstairs to the Khalifa Park aquarium. Featuring a series of small aquariums each housing different fish and sea life, this area is a perfect stop for families with kids. The great big turtle is especially a draw for younger visitors.
- Khalifa Park entry fees: AED 5 per visitor
Murjan Splash Park
Probably why the park is such a hit during summers, the Murjan Splash Park is a water park with activities focused on the main play structure complete with crawl tunnel, water wheel, water guns and more. Other notable activities at the Khalifa water park include:
- Lazy River Ride: Winding all the way at the back of the waterpark, the 0.6-foot lazy river ride makes its way along with twists and turns and is perfectly safe for small kids.
- Surf Wrangler: Only kids aged 11 and up are allowed on this ride and for good reason. Featuring a mechanical surfboard, this simulator is controlled by an attendant who can slow down or speed it up judging from the rider’s balancing skills. Don’t worry though. Kids who are unable to hold on have a soft place to land.
- Bumper Boats: These are small battery-powered boats sized for smaller kids where they can play sailor and lightly bump into each other.
Located at the edge of Khalifa Park, available amenities at Murjan Splash Park include food and beverage facilities as well as tower and lock rentals. A competent staff trained in first-aid is also available in case of accidents. Didn’t come with swimwear? You can always buy some here along with bath towels. Changing rooms are available too. For the price of tickets and information on hosting events, refer to the following details:
- Opening hours: 03:00 pm to 11:00 pm (rides close at 10:00 pm)
- Entry Fee: AED 50 (cash payments only) | Free for visitors 1 meter and below
Khalifa Park Library Abu Dhabi
There are separate libraries for children and adults at Khalifa Park Abu Dhabi, each with its own entrance and located in different buildings. While the libraries do have books in English, the majority are in Arabic. Visitors are expected to be quiet though. We recommend avoiding the library if you have rowdy children at your party as visitors who disturb the peace are asked to leave.
Khalifa Park Gym
The Adgrenagy Training Club at Khalifa Park offers visitors a holistic approach to achieving their fitness goals. Professional instructors are on hand to provide guidance and continuously monitor your progress. Each client is provided customized training programs based on their objectives and a variety of training options to help them achieve these. Additionally, personal trainers also ensure that their charges are educated on their routines to make them more comfortable and rise to their fitness aspirations more efficiently. For more information, refer to the following details:
- Khalifa Park Abu Dhabi Opening hours: 05:30 am to 11:00 pm | 03:00 am to 09:00 pm (Friday)
- Contact: +971-2-444-1121
- Location: Khalifa Park, Gate 1, Salam Street
Khalifa Park Events
Attractions aren’t all that Khalifa Park is famous for! The Khalifa Park Abu Dhabi events are also quite popular with residents. It’s a great place for family and friends to get together and enjoy themselves. One of the most famous is the Abu Dhabi Festival of Falconry. Usually hosted in December, the family-friendly event is a great way for visitors to get up close and personal with a range of local predatory birds and see them in action in-flight shows.
Additionally, Khalifa Park also offers other services. For example, it offers to host birthday parties, reservations for football matches and even accommodates school excursions. For information on bookings, refer to the following details:
- Opening hours: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm (Sunday to Wednesday) | 10:00 am to 11:00 pm (Thursday to Saturday)
- Park Entrance Fee: AED 2
- Khalifa Park Abu Dhabi Location: Opposite Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Street – Abu Dhabi
- Khalifa Park Abu Dhabi Contact no: +971-56-522-9267
That’s all for our review of Khalifa Park, Abu Dhabi. Considered one of the best and biggest green spaces in Abu Dhabi, Khalifa Park is a great addition to any family’s travel list.
For similar leisurely activities, visit our picks of notable public parks in Abu Dhabi. The parks in Al Ain are worth visiting too if you plan on staying in the emirate for longer. Visiting Dubai? Our list of things to do at Burj Park will come in handy before you take the family there.