Even the fussiest teens will have a whale of a time in Abu Dhabi. A dazzling metropolis with cavernous shopping malls, spine-tingling theme parks and action-packed sporting arenas, the city offers so much for younger visitors. Discover the most exciting things to do with teenagers in Abu Dhabi on your next family escape.

Spanning 8km, Abu Dhabi Corniche is a glorious waterfront offering fun activities that are sure to keep teens amused, from a pristine beach with various water sports to a thrilling skatepark and countless ice cream parlours. Abu Dhabi Corniche is best explored by bike, and touring the promenade’s cycle paths together is a great option for the whole family.

Zayed Sports City is an entire neighbourhood dedicated to sporting pursuits, with everything budding athletes could ask for. Home to football pitches, tennis courts, bowling alleys and an ice rink, it’s the best place in Abu Dhabi’s best to watch and take part in sporting activities. Teenagers will love paintballing, trying their hand at aikido, or attending the ZSC Academy Sports Camp, with professional instruction in a range of sports.

Teenagers with a passion for the natural world will love exploring Abu Dhabi’s Al Ain Zoo. Home to over 4,000 animal species, it’s a wonderful place to see amazing wildlife up close in spacious enclosures that resemble their natural habitats. Al Ain Zoo also offers immersive experiences such as camel rides and penguin feeding, perfect for hands-on teens.

Shopping malls are always magnets for teens, and the gargantuan Marina Mall is no exception. They’ll get their kicks shopping in favourite stores such as Topshop and Diesel, before grabbing a Shake Shack burger. With a Cineplex, bowling alley, ice rink and arcade games aplenty, Marina Mall is always one of the top things to do with teenagers in Abu Dhabi.

Teens can also step into Abu Dhabi’s fascinating past at Heritage Village. Located on the stunning Corniche Road near Marina Mall, this spot is a beautiful reconstruction of a traditional Emirati village. Set in verdant gardens, there’s a Bedouin souk, mosque and workshops where local craftspeople share their weaving and pottery skills.

Set on the thrilling pleasure isle of Yas Island, Ferrari World is an amusement park paradise devoted to the Italian supercar. From go kart racing to G-force roller coasters and Ferrari simulators, there are plenty of pulse-raising rides and activities to enjoy. Teens will delight in improving their racing skills at the Karting Academy, followed by a slice of pizza at Mamma Rossella.

Daredevil drops, slip-sliding tube rides, rip-roaring rapids; Yas Waterworld is full of aquatic adventures. Teens can try surfing at Bubble Barrel, the world’s largest artificial sheet wave, or test their nerve on the adrenaline-pumping Jebel’s Drop, a scarily steep slide with an incredible view. A pearl diving experience and a range of tasty dining options add to a great family day out at Yas Waterworld.

For a taste of island life visit Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort.