Let's Go On a Trip!
"Where Mommy?"
"We will go to the Children's Library."
It was then when I heard moaning, saw eyes rolling. Rightly so. What could possibly be there in a library that kids will like?
We postponed the trip, indefinitely. Until our homeschool group proposed a field trip there. Aha! This would now be my best chance to show the kids a different face of a library.
The Abu Dhabi Children's Library
Location: Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation
Qasr Al Hosn, Abu Dhabi
The Children's Library conducts free group tours and workshops to kids of different ages. You just need to contact them ahead for bookings and the kids will be up to a marvelous adventure in a library!
To avoid disappointment, you can check out their schedules at their website first before planning your visit.
Inside the Library
As you enter, you will be welcomed by their cordial staff who will lead you to the registration desk. It is important that you register the kids, as the library is big and in any chance that your child wanders off, the staff can easily reach you. Each visitor will be given a band that they need to wear whilst inside the premises.
The Dunes
Life in the desert can be challenging, and exciting too! Most of the time, it requires creativity and resourcefulness to survive.
As you enter the first floor, you will be at awe at the big space in front of you. Bookshelves aligned here and there, but what caught the kids's attention was the Dunes.
There are camels which the kids can ride, sand dunes where they can slide...
What kind of library lets you do that?
As you wander about, there is a 4x4 jeep which you can hop on along with a friend or two. Don't forget to share some stories that you can see while in the jeep.
To complete the Arab Desert experience, just grab a book and sit on one of these traditional Arab seating.
The Creature Space
Forget the zoo for now. The Library also offers a place for small kids to get up-close with different zoo animals. You will also find aquariums and terrariums inside.
Small kids and toddlers
Right around the bend, there is a playpen where toddlers can play with some toys and hard books. Bigger kids cannot stay inside the pen, but they have a space where there is a story-telling activity for several times a day.
I love that everything is so interactive here, and kids can roam freely and explore.
Little Monster just saw the gif and reminded me that the puppet squeaks when you squeeze its tongue.
Book Mountain
Found the book you want to read? Tired of all the exploring? Well, the Book Mountain is the spot for you.
Go behind the Book Mountain and find the book nook. This is a cozy cave that makes a perfect reading spot where you can curl up and immerse yourself in a good book.
One of my kids' favorite spots whenever we come here (yes, we have already come back several times after that first field trip) is at the foot of the Book Mountain where they can play with these large building blocks.
These are just the places kids their age are allowed to go. I do not have a photo, but should an older kid need to access a quieter place and use a computer, there is a dedicated room for that.
Whew! Are you already tired? By this time, my kids have already spent over an hour wandering about.
Wait, there is still a lot at the second floor! Yes, there is still a second floor.
The Comic Area
Welcome to the second floor. As you go up the Book Mountain, you will reach the second floor and see the Comic Area.
I don't know how they do it, but when the kids wave their hands in front of the giant speech bubble, they are able to draw something with light. Hmmm, I don't even make sense here. LOL.
What's also fun is the giant frame where we can take snaps of ourselves and make a comic strip out of it in a nearby computer later. You have the option to save and send it to your email too.
Workshops
There are lots of age-appropriate workshops for the kids. Some are free while some are paid workshops. Remember to check their website for updates on the activities that they offer for the week or month.
Board Games, Puzzles and More
In the mood to challenge a friend for a board game? They have a corner just for that. There are tons of board games and puzzles to choose from. Last time we came for a workshop, the kids spend their break playing Uno cards together.
At the far end of the second floor, you'll find this space supposed to unleash the adventurer side of your child even more.
There is a Storytelling Tree (not in picture), this hanging rope above that my energetic little ones really love, and this pathway that makes you feel "one with nature" somehow. As you walk through this lane (called the Al Falaj), you will even hear birds chirping! How cool is that?
All right, time is almost up. The library also allows the kids to play computer games. They have one hour to play with their peers here. There is also a room designated for VR gaming where they allow kids aged 8 years and above to play.
Kids' Review
"The Children's Library is so fun!"
"Can we come back again, Mommy?"
Obviously, my kids have added the Abu Dhabi Children's Library to their list of most favorite places to visit. They no longer have to be forced to come to a library, as they always have something exciting to look forward too.
Other Information
Getting There. The library, situated at the heart of the city at Qasr Al Hosn, is very accessible. Bus commute is easy, there are lots of bus routes that stop in front of the building. Should you decide to bring your own car, there are lots of free underground parking spaces.
Friendly Reminder. Though they are not too strict about it, foods and beverages are generally not allowed inside. We don't want to ruin the beautiful books, toys and even the carpet there, don't we?
They also have their staff who are always around to pick up books and toys left behind, but we can also be more courteous and return them as we finish.
Register. Did you know that you can borrow books up to three weeks? Just register on their website to get your library card. Just prepare your Emirates ID for the registration.
Timings. The library is open from Saturday to Thursday, from 9:00am to 8:00pm, and even on Fridays from 12:00 to 8:00pm.
Location.
Children’s Library
Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum Street.
Al Hosn – Abu Dhabi
Hope you enjoyed this side trip to the library as much as we did. Do you also have such library in your area?
We'd love to hear from you.
Until our next adventure!