School Break Sorted: Your Complete Guide to Holiday Camps in Abu Dhabi (2026)

By Simone Mazloumian | January 26, 2026

Looking for school holiday camps in Abu Dhabi? From sports to creative camps, here's everything parents need to know about keeping kids entertained during February half-term, spring break, and summer holidays.

It's 6am. You've just realised school's out for February half-term next week. Your kids are bouncing off the walls with excitement. You're calculating how many days of "I'm bored" you can realistically survive.

Sound familiar?

Whether you're a working parent juggling WFH with school holidays, an expat mum without the extended family backup, or just someone who needs their kids doing something other than screens for eight hours a day—school holiday camps in Abu Dhabi are about to become your best friend.

This is your complete guide to the best holiday camps across Abu Dhabi, from multi-sport adventures to creative programs, with all the details on timing, pricing, and what actually makes each one worth your money (and sanity).

When Are Abu Dhabi School Holidays in 2026? (So You Can Actually Plan Ahead)

Before we dive into camps, let's get the dates sorted. Because nothing's worse than realising the school break started three days ago.

February 2026 Half-Term

February 11-15, 2026 (for most private schools not following government curriculum)

• 5 consecutive days max

• Perfect for a quick activity boost without the full-week commitment

Spring Break 2026

March 16-29, 2026 (2 weeks)

• Coincides with Eid Al Fitr (expected around March 20)

• Could extend to 2.5 weeks with public holidays

• Private Sharjah schools return March 23

Summer Holidays 2026

Approximately July 1 - August 26, 2026

• 7-8 weeks (the BIG one)

• Most camps run weekly or multiple-week programs

• Book early—popular camps sell out

Pro tip: Some schools have slightly different dates depending on curriculum. Always check with YOUR school directly, because showing up on the wrong day is a special kind of parenting hell.

Why Holiday Camps? (Beyond "Because I Need Them to Leave the House")

Look, we all know the real reason: you need childcare that isn't just Netflix and prayer. But here's what good holiday camps actually offer:

For Working Parents in Abu Dhabi:

• Full-day coverage

  (usually 8am-3pm, with extended hours available)

• Professional supervision while you're on Zoom calls

• Peace of mind that they're active, not sedentary

For Kids:

• Social interaction (making friends outside their usual school bubble)

• New skills without the pressure of grades

• Physical activity in safe, air-conditioned environments (because Abu Dhabi summer)

• Structure without the intensity of term-time

For Expat Families:

• Community connections (other kids, other parents)

• Activities designed for diverse backgrounds

• No need for visiting family to entertain them

The bottom line: A week at camp = happy kids + sane parents + nobody asking "what's for lunch" 47 times.

The Ultimate Abu Dhabi Holiday Camp Round-Up

Let's break down the best options by type, because not all camps are created equal and not every kid wants the same thing.

1. INFINITE SPORTS: The Multi-Activity Powerhouse

What It Is: UAE's leading multi-activity holiday camp provider with locations across both Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Think: sports, games, arts & crafts, music, dance, sensory play—basically everything except sitting still.

Abu Dhabi Locations:

• British International School Abu Dhabi

• Nord Anglia International School Abu Dhabi

• Pearl British Academy

• Raha International School (both Khalifa City and Gardens campuses)

• Cranleigh Abu Dhabi

• Yas American Academy

Ages: 4-11 years (some locations offer Nursery Camps for 2-3 years)

Hours: 9am-2pm daily (early drop-off from 8am, late pick-up until 3pm available)

What Makes It Special:

• No two days are the same—themed weeks keep it fresh

• "Infinite spirit" philosophy (empowering kids, not just entertaining them)

• Fully accredited coaches selected and trained specifically for camps

• Multi-activity means kids explore different interests (football one day, arts the next)

• Flexible booking: weekly, multiple days, or single days

Pricing: Varies by location and package (typically AED 800-1200/week)

Best For: Kids who get bored easily, parents who want variety, families who need flexible scheduling

Parent Reviews: "Our daughter has attended since she was three. The coaches understand how to handle bad mornings and help kids settle in. She's become so confident!"

"Started with one week, ended up booking seven weeks for summer because my boys (4 and 8) loved it so much. Booking was easy, coaches were amazing."

How to Book: infinitesportsuae.com | WhatsApp: +971 58 102 6548

Eklektik Mama Tip: Book early—Infinite camps sell out fast, especially at convenient locations. Their early bird discounts (usually live 6 weeks before camp) are worth watching for.

2. ZAYED SPORTS CITY: The Sports-Focused Classic

What It Is: One of Abu Dhabi's original holiday camp providers (running since 2013), offering varied sports programs across their impressive facilities.

Location: Zayed Sports City (centralised, but worth the drive for the facilities)

Ages: 5-12 years (boys and girls)

Hours: 8am-3pm, Monday-Friday

What Makes It Special:

• Access to world-class sports facilities (including ice rink)

• Specialised sports focus (great for kids serious about athletics)

• Structured programs with professional coaches

• Safe, contained venue (easy drop-off/pick-up)

Pricing: From AED 840/week (ice-skating camp)

Best For: Kids who love sports, parents who want proper athletic coaching, families in central Abu Dhabi

Website: zsc.ae/en/camps

3. ISM SPORTS: The Boutique Multi-Sport Option

What It Is: Trusted by leading UAE schools, ISM offers specialized camps including Multi-Sport (ages 4-14) and Little Lions (ages 3-5 for younger explorers).

Available: Multiple venues across Dubai and Abu Dhabi

What Makes It Special:

• Little Lions Camp specifically designed for 3-5 year olds (structured play, crafts, gentle movement)

• Certified coaches AND early years specialists

• Flexible weekly bookings with sibling discounts

• Early drop-off available at select venues

Winter Camp Dates: December 8 - January 2 (no camp Dec 25 and Jan 1)

Pricing: From AED 780/week

Best For: Younger kids (3-5s), families with multiple children, parents wanting early years expertise

Website: ismsports.org/holiday-camps

4. BOUNCE UAE: The High-Energy Trampoline Experience

What It Is: Holiday camps centered around trampolining, freestyle movement, dodgeball, obstacle courses—basically controlled chaos that kids LOVE.

Locations: All BOUNCE and miniBOUNCE venues across UAE

Ages: 3+ (kids under 3 need guardian supervision, split into age-based groups)

Hours:

• Full Day:

  8am-5pm

• Half Day:

  8am-1:30pm OR 1:30pm-5pm

What Makes It Special:

• Kids learn trampoline tricks, play games, build confidence

• Snack + lunch included (from BOUNCE Café)

• Epic hosts who keep energy HIGH

• Flexibility (book single days or full weeks)

• Freestyle fun that develops coordination and creativity

Pricing:

• Half Day: AED 840/week

• Full Day: AED 1100/week

Best For: High-energy kids, families needing flexible half-day options, kids who hate traditional sports

Parent Reviews: "Amazing staff like Winston made the holiday camp super enjoyable. My child kept asking to go back!"

Website: bounce.ae/programs-activities/holiday-camp

5. KIDZANIA ABU DHABI: The Role-Play Adventure

What It Is: Summer camps in a mini interactive city where kids aged 4-16 do hands-on role-play, creative workshops, and challenges in real-world professions.

Location: Yas Mall (exclusively)

Ages: 4-16 years

What Makes It Special:

• Kids "work" in 80+ establishments (hospital, fire station, bank, etc.)

• Learn about careers through play

• Safe, supervised city designed just for them

• Educational without feeling like school

• Early booking discount: 10% off

Best For: Kids who love imaginative play, families wanting educational content, tweens/teens who've outgrown traditional camps

Website: abudhabi.kidzania.com

Note: Primarily summer camps—check website for current availability

6. CREATIVE & ARTS-FOCUSED CAMPS

For kids who'd rather paint than play football:

421 Abu Dhabi Summer Club Hands-on artistic expression and imaginative exploration. Creative kids thrive here.

MAS Art Studio (Manarat Al Saadiyat) Ages 6-12, themed art projects, professional instructors Dates: July 7 - August 22 Hours: 10am-3pm daily Price: AED 1,200/week (bring nut-free lunch)

Discovery Nurseries' Animal Kingdom Programme 7 weeks of animal-themed adventures with hands-on activities Best For: Younger kids who love animals and nature

7. NURSERY CAMPS (For Under-5s)

Because tiny humans need structure too:

Orange Wheels Ages: 6 months - 6 years Location: Al Wahda Mall Hours: 9am-1pm Weekly themes, sensory play, supervised soft play areas

Redwood Montessori Ages: 1-6 years Location: Khalifa City Bilingual (English/Arabic), Montessori approach, hands-on learning

Cheeky Monkeys (Al Forsan) Ages: 3-8 years Creative activities, science experiments, "silly chefs," huge soft play Sessions: 9am-1pm OR 2pm-6pm 10-session pass: AED 990

How to Choose the Right Camp (Without Losing Your Mind)

With so many options, here's how to narrow it down:

Ask These Questions:

1. What's your primary need?

• Childcare while you work → Full-day camps (Infinite, Zayed, BOUNCE full-day)

• Skill development → Specialised sports or arts camps

• Just burn energy → Multi-activity or trampoline camps

• Educational enrichment → KidZania, creative camps

2. What's your kid's personality?

• High energy, gets bored → Multi-activity (Infinite Sports)

• Loves one sport → Specialised camps (Zayed, Manchester City Football)

• Creative/artistic → Arts programs (MAS Studio, 421)

• Younger/needs gentle approach → Little Lions, nursery camps

3. What's your location?

• Multiple venue options → Infinite Sports (6+ Abu Dhabi locations)

• Worth a drive → Zayed Sports City, KidZania Yas Mall

• Walkable/local → Check your school (many host camps)

4. What's your budget?

• Budget-conscious → Look for early bird discounts, sibling deals

• Mid-range → AED 800-1200/week is standard

• Premium/specialised → Expect AED 1200+

5. What's your schedule like?

• Need full weeks → Most camps offer this

• Need flexibility → Infinite Sports (book by day), BOUNCE (half/full days)

• Need extended hours → Check early drop-off/late pick-up options

The Eklektik Mama Camp Survival Guide

Before You Book:

✓ Read the fine print on refunds (because kids get sick, plans change)

✓ Check what's included (lunch? snacks? equipment? swimwear?)

✓ Ask about child-to-coach ratios (smaller is usually better)

✓ Confirm exact dates (don't trust Google—call the camp)

✓ Book EARLY (popular camps sell out weeks in advance)

What to Pack:

• Water bottle (labeled!)

• Sunscreen (even for indoor camps—outdoor play happens)

• Extra clothes (younger kids especially)

• Nut-free snacks if not provided

• Comfortable clothes and trainers

• Positive attitude (for you AND them—first drop-off can be emotional)

First Day Tips:

• Do a trial drop-off

  (if they're nervous, arrive 10 mins early to explore)

• Keep goodbye brief

  (long goodbyes = more tears)

• Trust the coaches

  (they've seen it all—clinging, crying, refusing to participate)

• Don't hover

  (unless truly necessary—kids settle faster when parents leave)

• Ask for photos

  (many camps share daily updates on WhatsApp/social media)

Red Flags to Watch For:

🚩 Vague information about staff qualifications

🚩 No clear safety policies

🚩 Unwilling to answer questions

🚩 No flexibility on trial days or refunds

🚩 Limited or no online reviews

February Half-Term 2026: What's Actually Available?

Good news: Most major camps run programs during February half-term (Feb 11-15).

Confirmed for February:

• Infinite Sports

  (check website for venue availability)

• BOUNCE UAE

  (flexible daily/weekly booking)

• ISM Sports

  (select venues)

Check directly with:

• Zayed Sports City

• Your child's school (many host half-term activities)

• Nurseries (often extend hours during breaks)

Booking window: Camps typically open bookings 6-8 weeks before break. Book by January for February half-term to avoid sell-outs.

Spring Break & Summer 2026: Plan Ahead or Panic Later

Spring Break (March 16-29)

This is a two-week break that could extend with Eid holidays. Start looking NOW because:

• Working parents need coverage

• School venues often close (staff holidays)

• Popular camps book out by mid-February

Summer Holidays (July-August)

The 7-8 week marathon. Here's the truth:

Most families book summer camps by:

• April/May: First choice of weeks and venues

• June: Limited availability, fewer discounts

• Last minute (July): Good luck—you'll take what's left

Budget reality check: 8 weeks of camp at AED 1000/week = AED 8000/child. Plan accordingly.

Working Parent Hack: The Camp Rotation Strategy

Can't afford or justify 8 weeks of camps? Here's what seasoned parents do:

Weeks 1-2: Camp (kids are fresh, excited for holidays) Weeks 3-4: Home/family time (playdates, indoor activities, grandparent visits) Weeks 5-6: Different camp (new venue = renewed interest) Weeks 7-8: Mix of activities (library programs, museum visits, theme parks on Yas Island)

Why it works: Breaks up the monotony, manages budget, prevents camp burnout (yes, it's real).

The Bottom Line: Holiday Camps Are Worth It

Look, nobody's pretending camps are cheap. And yes, there's guilt about "sending them away" during holidays.

But here's the reality:

✓ Working parents need childcare ✓ Kids need stimulation and social interaction ✓ You need time to work/recharge/exist as a human ✓ Quality camps provide genuine value—skills, confidence, memories

The best camp isn't the most expensive or the fanciest. It's the one where:

• Your kid is SAFE

• Your kid is HAPPY

• Your kid comes home tired (in a good way)

• You don't stress about drop-off/pick-up

• Everyone survives the school holidays intact

Quick Reference: Abu Dhabi Holiday Camps at a Glance

Join the Conversation: What's Your Go-To Camp?

Have you tried any of these camps? Drop a comment or join our WhatsApp Community to share:

• Which camps your kids loved (or hated)

• Hidden gems we missed

• Booking hacks and discount codes

• Horror stories (we all have them)

For working mums juggling camps and career: Join us every Tuesday for Founder Friends starting February 4—because you shouldn't have to navigate school holidays AND business challenges alone.

More Resources for Abu Dhabi Parents

Coming Soon on Eklektik Mama:

• "Just Found Out You're Pregnant? Your Complete Abu Dhabi Pregnancy Guide"

• "School Selection in Abu Dhabi: What They Don't Tell You at Open Days"

• "Surviving Summer in Abu Dhabi: The Indoor Activity Guide"

Subscribe to our newsletter to get these resources straight to your inbox (plus camp reminders so you never miss booking windows).

Simone is the founder of Eklektik Mama, creating resources and community for parents navigating family life in Abu Dhabi. Mother of four, a Masters in Media Communications and Management, current expert in holiday camp logistics and surviving school breaks without losing it.

Pin this for later! Share with a parent who needs it!

Sources & Updates

Information compiled from official camp websites, parent reviews, and Abu Dhabi education authorities. Camp details, pricing, and availability subject to change—always confirm directly with providers before booking.

Last Updated: January 23, 2026 Next Update: Before Spring Break 2026 (March)

Have updates or corrections? Email hello@eklektikmama.com