Natural History Museum Boosts Family Engagement with Diverse Events in May
The Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi is set to host its most dynamic month yet, featuring an array of workshops, festivals, and events designed for families. This initiative, taking place throughout May, underscores the museum’s commitment to blending science and innovation within the Saadiyat Cultural District.
The museum’s programming this month includes activities in architecture, astronomy, wellness, and outdoor family experiences. All events are complimentary with a full admission ticket, making it accessible for all visitors.
Architecture Mini-Tours: Behind the Design
On May 15, the museum will offer a series of mini tours focused on its architectural design. These tours will take place at the Visitor Desk at 12 PM, 3 PM, 5 PM, and 7 PM on weekends. Participants will explore the museum’s galleries, gaining insights into how the architecture enhances the understanding of nature. Visitors are encouraged to follow the museum’s social media for updates.
Celebrating Families: ‘Families in Nature’
May 15 also marks the International Day of Families, which the museum will celebrate with a special event as part of the UAE Year of Family. Families can engage in a discovery hunt using a special Discovery Book, exploring galleries that feature lunar meteorites, plants, insects, and dinosaurs. This drop-in activity will be available during regular museum hours, fostering connections between families and nature.
Art Meets Science: A Weekend for Young Explorers
On the weekends of May 16 and 17, the museum will host a series of art and science activities in the Curiosity Wing classrooms and Curiosity Corner. Visitors can participate in Sun Printing, where they will experiment with natural materials and sunlight to create unique designs.
The Light Lab: Color & Shadow will allow children to explore the properties of light and color through hands-on experiments. Additionally, the Constellation Light Lab will enable participants to create their own constellation binoculars while learning about how ancient cultures mapped the night sky.
Throughout the day, the Shadow Safari will transform the Curiosity Corner into a shadow theatre, allowing children to interact with animal silhouettes against a lit screen. On May 16, the Wiggly Creatures Workshop will provide an opportunity for young visitors to craft moving creatures from various materials, emphasizing the relationship between structure, movement, and animal survival.
International Museum Day: Curator for a Day
The museum will celebrate International Museum Day on May 18 with two special programs. The Build a Mini Exhibit event, scheduled for 3 PM, 5 PM, and 7 PM, will challenge participants to select specimens, construct displays, and create their own miniature exhibits. Additionally, the Specimen Handling Workshop at 6 PM will offer a behind-the-scenes look at the preparation and preservation processes used by the museum’s collections team. Reservations for both programs can be made through the museum’s social media channels.
Yoga Under the Dinosaurs and a Blue Moon Sound Bath
On May 14 and 28, the museum will host Nature and Mind Guided Yoga Sessions from 7 PM to 8 PM in the atrium beneath the dinosaur skeleton. These sessions aim to promote mindfulness and relaxation, with limited capacity available for both drop-in and pre-reserved spots.
To conclude the month, a Sound Experience Under the Blue Moon will take place on May 31. This immersive sound healing session will coincide with a rare astronomical event, combining sound and resonance for a unique experience. The concert will be held in the atrium from 7 PM to 8 PM, followed by a relaxation session.
After-School Science: Engaging Young Minds
Throughout May, the museum will offer a variety of after-school workshops designed to engage children in science. The Food Web Live Challenge, running Monday through Thursday at 4 PM, allows children to experience the dynamics of predator and prey relationships within ecosystems.
The Camouflage Challenge at 5:30 PM encourages participants to identify animals that blend into their surroundings. Weekend sessions will include the ‘Survive the Desert’ challenge, prompting attendees to think critically about survival strategies in desert environments. Additionally, the Needle Felting Leaves activity will be available until June 12, allowing children to create botanical art inspired by real leaves.
Visiting Information
The Natural History Museum, located in the Saadiyat Cultural District, operates from 10 AM to 6:30 PM Monday through Thursday and from 10 AM to 8:30 PM Friday through Sunday. Admission is priced at 70 AED for adults, while entry is free for those under 18. Reduced rates are available for UAE students, teachers, military personnel, and other groups, with complimentary access for People of Determination and UAE residents aged 60 and above.
All workshops and events are included with general admission. For tickets and further information, visit nhmad.ae.
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Published on 2026-04-28 07:23:00 • By the Editorial Desk
