When you think of theme parks, you probably picture long lines and kids hopping from one ride to the next. It’s easy to see them as places offering only entertainment, where learning takes a backseat to fun.
However, when you choose the right theme park and create a plan, you can make your day out with your little ones educational.
A visit to a water theme park in the UAE, such as SeaWorld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, can be a great opportunity for kids to learn something new. Whether going on a ride or watching an animal presentation, you can incorporate something educational into their experiences to give them a day full of fun and discoveries.
Blending Fun and Learning at SeaWorld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
Here are some tips to help ensure your kids learn and have fun during your visit to SeaWorld Abu Dhabi:
1. Plan your visit well.
Take some time to browse SeaWorld Abu Dhabi’s website with your kids before your visit. Go over the different realms, rides, experiences, animal presentations and encounters to get an idea of what to expect when you get to the park.
Talk about the different animals and environments you will see in each realm. This can help pique their curiosity and get them excited.
You can also sneak in some research beforehand. Watch a short video on coral reefs and read some quick facts about the marine animals they are excited to see.
While exploring the realms, plan your itinerary with them. Talk about which ones you should visit first and where to have your snack and meal breaks.
Include the animal experiences and presentation schedules in your itinerary, as these activities offer fun learning opportunities.
When your kids feel that they’ve helped create the plan, they will likely stay engaged during your visit.
2. Be part of as many animal experiences and presentations as possible.
SeaWorld Abu Dhabi has several animal experiences and presentations, such as:
- Dolphin Presentation
- Penguin Encounter
- Sea Lion Presentation
- Feed the Sea Lions
- Walrus Encounter
- Sea Otter Encounter
Each one has specific schedules throughout the day, which means you may miss them if you don’t plan your itinerary well.
These experiences and presentations are the most educational parts of your theme park tour, so ensure you take part in them.
During these activities, animal experts and trainers will share fascinating facts about dolphins and sea lions. They will talk about their habitats, diet, typical behavior, and other survival needs.
The experts will also discuss the different ways everyone, including kids, can preserve their natural habitats and help these animals survive, which everyone should know about.
Encourage your children to ask questions and take part in the demonstrations or presentations when the experts call for volunteers.
3. Be prepared to share fun facts about the rides and experiences.
As you research, take note of some fun facts you can share with your little ones as you hop from one realm to another.
For example, you can explain that the Jelly Plunge, a drop tower-style ride, was designed to mimic the movements of a jellyfish. You can also share that the Manta Coaster, the park’s most exciting ride, is the world’s first roller coaster with zero gravity flip-outs.
You can also point out unique water rides at SeaWorld® Abu Dhabi, such as the SeaSub, a submersible designed for use in an aquarium setting.
The theme park is home to hundreds of different animal species, many of which may not be discussed by the on-site specialists, trainers, educators, and guides. Learn some fascinating facts about fish and birds that may not be covered, such as sea otters, rays, and parrots.
You can also use your smartphone to read and share tidbits that may interest your kids as you explore the park.
4. Join the animal care center tour.
The world’s largest indoor marine life theme park is home to a cutting-edge animal care center where veterinarians and other experts take care of hurt animals. Join the tour so that you and your kids can learn about how they treat and take care of their patients.
During the tour, you’ll see the state-of-the-art medical facilities and equipment used to treat the animals. You’ll also see the experts in action as they diagnose, treat, and perform other healthcare procedures.
The educators will guide you and your fellow guests throughout the tour, share information, and answer any questions you may have.
5. Decide on a post-visit project.
After a fun and educational day at SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, don’t let the memories fade. A simple post-visit project helps kids reflect on what they saw and learned.
During your breaks, talk about making a photo journal with captions about their favorite animals or experiences. If your kids like drawing, suggest creating a comic strip about their day at the park to remember their visit.
These simple projects are great educational activities that allow kids to let out their creative side and, at the same time, remember their incredible time at the theme park.
With these tips, you can make a family day at SeaWorld Abu Dhabi educational, enjoyable, and more memorable.
