Abu Dhabi Unveils Interactive Museum Experiences for Children During Early Childhood Week 2026.
Abu Dhabi: Children across Abu Dhabi will have an opportunity to discover the UAE’s heritage and natural history through interactive museum experiences as part of Early Childhood Week 2026.
Under the initiative, children aged 3 to 15 will receive specially designed adventure booklets featuring activities, games and challenges to encourage them to explore the country’s cultural heritage and the natural world.
The programme, titled “Museum Adventures for Little Explorers”, is organised by the UAE Ministry of Family and the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority (ECA), in partnership with Zayed National Museum and the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi.
Dr Peter Magee, Director of Zayed National Museum, said introducing children to the country’s history from an early age can help foster a lasting appreciation of its heritage.
“We aim to inspire a lifelong appreciation for our nation’s heritage and create meaningful opportunities for families to learn and discover together,” he said.
A museum experience beyond traditional guided tours
Rather than following conventional guided tours typically designed for adults, children will be encouraged to explore the museums independently and at their own pace using specially prepared activity booklets.
Parents, caregivers and grandparents can participate alongside them, helping complete challenges and sharing stories throughout the experience. Museum hosts will also be available to provide guidance and assistance.
The programme will run from November 14 to 22 at the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi and from November 16 to 22 at Zayed National Museum.
Discovering the UAE’s heritage and history
At Zayed National Museum, children can participate in a Family Scavenger Hunt exploring the UAE’s culture, traditions and the legacy of the country’s founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
The activities will introduce young visitors to the country’s history and demonstrate how cultural values, traditions and stories are passed down through generations.
At the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, the activities will focus on the natural world, covering everything from prehistoric life to the environment today.
Designed to suit different age groups, the challenges will encourage children to observe, compare and ask questions, helping nurture an early interest in science and discovery.
Children who complete their exploration activities at either museum will be able to collect a gift or reward from a designated area near the entrance.
Learning and discovering together
The Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority said the initiative aims to make museum visits more engaging for young children while encouraging families to participate in the learning experience.
“By making these experiences more interactive and accessible, we want to encourage children to develop new interests, ask questions, and learn about the UAE’s heritage and the world around them. We also want parents and caregivers to be part of that experience,” said HE Dr Hessa Al Kaabi, Executive Director of Special Projects and Partnerships at ECA.
Dr Khalid Askar, Education Department Director at the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, highlighted the importance of encouraging children’s curiosity and involving adults in their learning journey.
“When a child asks, ‘How did a piece of the Moon get to Earth?’ and the adult beside them responds, ‘Let’s find out together,’ the child learns that their curiosity matters,” he said.
Pilot initiative expected to attract 2,000 children
Around 2,000 children are expected to take part in the programme across the two museums.
The initiative is being introduced as a pilot project to assess the potential for similar interactive experiences to become a regular feature of the museums’ year-round educational and family programmes.
Families can register at the designated welcome desk at either museum to collect their adventure booklets and activity materials. No advance booking or registration is required.
“Museum Adventures for Little Explorers” forms part of Early Childhood Week 2026, a nationwide initiative featuring 300 events and experiences taking place from November 16 to 22.
Held under the theme “Every Moment Matters”, the week highlights the importance of early childhood development and the lasting impact of children’s formative years. More than 130 partners are participating in the initiative, with activities and experiences planned across the UAE.
