10 Cool UAE Museums for Kids to Explore, Learn, and Play

Summer in the UAE brings soaring temperatures, but it’s also the perfect time to spark your child’s curiosity with a visit to one of the country’s vibrant museums. These family-friendly destinations offer a perfect blend of education, entertainment, and interactive play, making them ideal for keeping kids engaged indoors. From exploring Emirati heritage to diving into futuristic innovations, these 10 UAE museums provide unforgettable experiences for children. Here’s our curated list of must-visit museums in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and beyond, complete with locations and highlights to plan your summer adventure.

1. Louvre Abu Dhabi Children’s Museum

Location: Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi

The Louvre Abu Dhabi is a cultural masterpiece, and its Children’s Museum is designed for young explorers aged 4-12. Interactive exhibits at child-eye level encourage kids to engage with art through drawing, playing, and storytelling. The iconic dome’s “rain of light” adds a magical touch, making it a visual delight.
Tickets are free for kids under 18, with adult tickets starting at AED 63.
Why Visit? Hands-on activities foster creativity and cultural appreciation.
Timings: 10 AM–6:30 PM (closed Mondays).

2. Museum of the Future – Children’s World

Location: Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai

The Museum of the Future is a stunning architectural marvel with a dedicated Children’s World for kids aged 3-10. This space offers interactive missions focused on solving future challenges, like designing sustainable cities or exploring space. Kids can engage in Imagine, Design, and Build activities, sparking creativity.
Tickets cost AED 145, free for kids under 3.
Why Visit? Inspires young minds with futuristic, tech-driven exhibits.
Timings: 10 AM–6 PM daily.

3. OliOli

Location: Al Quoz 1, Dubai
OliOli, meaning “joy” in Hawaiian, is a children’s play museum with eight interactive galleries featuring over 40 hands-on exhibits. From water play zones to a kinetic airflow exhibit, kids aged 2-11 can explore creativity and imagination. The Summer Blast camps offer epic quests for ages 4-10. Tickets start at AED 126 for a 2-hour visit.
Why Visit? Encourages holistic development through playful learning.
Timings: Mon–Wed 12 PM–6 PM, Thu 10 AM–6 PM, Fri–Sun 9 AM–7 PM.

4. Sharjah Science Museum

Location: Al Khan, Sharjah
The Sharjah Science Museum is a haven for curious kids, offering hands-on science experiments across zones like the water world, the human body, and traffic rules. A soft play area keeps younger children entertained, while older kids enjoy the science exhibits.
Entry is affordable at AED 10 for adults, free for kids under 12.
Why Visit? Perfect for sparking scientific curiosity in all ages.
Timings: 8 AM–8 PM (closed Fridays 2 PM–4 PM).

5. Dubai Museum (Al Fahidi Fort)

Location: Al Fahidi Street, Bur Dubai, Dubai
Housed in the historic Al Fahidi Fort, the Dubai Museum offers kids a journey through Emirati history with interactive displays of traditional souks, pearl diving, and Bedouin life. The fort’s courtyard and underground galleries are engaging and educational. Tickets are AED 3 for kids, AED 7 for adults.
Why Visit? Affordable and immersive dive into Dubai’s heritage.
Timings: 8:30 AM–8:30 PM (Sat–Thu), 2:30 PM–8:30 PM (Fri).

6. Al Shindagha Museum

Image Source: Official Instagram Account @alshindaghamuseum Location: Dubai Creek, Bur Dubai, Dubai
The Al Shindagha Museum brings Dubai’s pearling and trading past to life with interactive videos, touch displays, and artifacts. Kids can explore recreated souks and learn about the city’s transformation.
Tickets are AED 15 for adults, AED 5 for students, free for kids under 6.
Why Visit? Engaging storytelling of Dubai’s evolution.
Timings: 10 AM–8 PM (closed Tuesdays).

7. Sharjah Maritime Museum

Location: Al Khan, Sharjah
This museum celebrates the UAE’s maritime heritage with displays of traditional dhows, pearl diving equipment, and navigation tools. Kids can interact with boat models and learn about the sea’s role in Emirati prosperity.
Entry is AED 10 for adults, free for kids under 12.
Why Visit? A cool escape into the UAE’s seafaring history.
Timings: 8 AM–8 PM (closed Fridays, 2 PM–4 PM).

8. Etihad Museum

Location: Jumeirah 1, Dubai
The Etihad Museum, located at the site of the UAE’s 1971 formation, features interactive exhibits and personal artifacts from the founding fathers. Its manuscript-inspired design captivates kids, who can explore the nation’s history through immersive displays. Tickets are AED 25 for adults, AED 10 for students.
Why Visit? Brings UAE’s unification story to life.
Timings: 10 AM–8 PM daily.

9. Al Ain Palace Museum

Location: Al Ain, Abu Dhabi
Once the residence of Sheikh Zayed, the Al Ain Palace Museum offers a glimpse into Emirati culture with restored stone houses and sustainable practices. Kids can explore traditional rooms and courtyards.
Entry is free, making it a budget-friendly outing.
Why Visit? Connects kids with the UAE’s founding heritage.
Timings: 10 AM–6 PM (Sat–Thu), 2 PM–6 PM (Fri).

10. Museum of Illusions

Location: Al Seef, Dubai
The Museum of Illusions combines fun and learning with mind-bending exhibits on the human brain and perception. Kids can interact with optical illusions and puzzles, making it ideal for ages 5 and up.
Tickets start at AED 80 for adults, AED 60 for kids.
Why Visit? A fun, brain-teasing experience for the whole family.
Timings: 10 AM–10 PM daily.

The UAE’s top 10 museums offer kids a fun, educational summer adventure, blending interactive learning with cultural exploration. Plan your family’s visit to spark curiosity and create lasting memories.