Abu Dhabi's National Aquarium unveils new zone for children

Bella and Rio’s Playground is in the Flooded Forest section of Al Qana attraction

The National Aquarium has opened a children's zone called Bella and Rio's Playground. All photos: The National Aquarium

The new space is named after the aquarium’s Hyacinth Macaws Bella and Rio.

It is located in the Flooded Forest section of the aquarium.

Children and adults can learn more about the animals who live in the Flooded Forest through interactive games in the zone.

The zone is free of charge to those who have bought a ticket for the aquarium.

The Al Qana attraction is home to 46,000 creatures from 300 species.

The National Aquarium in Al Qana has announced the opening of an interactive children's zone called Bella and Rio’s Playground.

The new area, named after the aquarium’s hyacinth macaws Bella and Rio, is in the Flooded Forest section of the aquarium.

Children can learn facts about animals and the rainforest through playing games. The zone has a range of activities, such as colouring an animal on screen and watching it come to life on an animated wall display. Through these displays, youngsters can also interact with their artworks to learn more about those living in the Flooded Forest, such as hyacinth macaws, anteaters, monitor lizards, and capybaras and others.

Other zones in the aquatic attraction will also let children video map their own volcano, interact with the plankton and play with the ice-age interactive, plus learn through touch screens and guides with more than four languages available.

“At The National Aquarium, we are always looking to develop new and exciting ways to educate young visitors on the everyday lives of our residents, and the Bella and Rio kid zone does just that with its fresh and engaging activities,” says general manager Paul Hamilton.

“The aquarium has always been envisioned as a wonderland for families to come and explore, enjoy, and engage their curiosity and we are even more certain that the launch of Bella and Rio’s playground will contribute to our success and growth as it serves as a hub of learning and laughter within The National Aquarium.”

Access to Bella and Rio’s Playground is included with standard aquarium tickets.

The National Aquarium opened in November and was the first project to open in Al Qana, a waterfront destination that stretches 2.4 kilometres. The aquarium is home to 46,000 creatures from 300 species spread across 10 zones.

It is the biggest aquarium in the Middle East with wildlife cared for by a team of 80 sealife experts and specialists.

Scroll the gallery below to see more images of The National Aquarium

The National Aquarium Abu Dhabi opened to the public in November. All photos by Ruel Pableo for The National

It is the first attraction to open in Al Qana, a new waterfront destination.

Inside The Sub, one of 10 zones in the aquarium.

The Red Sea Wreck zone.

The UAE's Natural Treasures zone.

The Ring of Fire zone where guests can learn about volcanic caves and how islands are formed.

Children outside of the National Aquarium on opening day.

Tickets can be purchased at the door or online. Prices start at Dh105 ($28).

Visitors explore the Red Sea Wreck zone.

The National Aquarium Abu Dhabi is set to be joined by other attractions at Al Qana.

The aquarium is home to 46,000 creatures, representing 300 species.

Covering more than 9,000 square metres, it is the largest aquarium in the Middle East.

An underwater tunnel at the National Aquarium Abu Dhabi.

Visitors can book the aquarium tour or a behind-the-scenes tour.

The Flooded Forest zone is home to Super Snake – a female reticulated python, aged 14, that weighs 115 kilograms.

Inside the Red Sea Wreck zone visitors can can come face-to-fin with hundreds of fish.

At the Atlantic Cave zone visitors can discover what really lives beneath the ocean's surface.

The Frozen Ocean zone.

The Ocean Magic zone.

Inside Bu Tinah Island zone.

The Ocean Magic zone contains a car filled with fishes.

The Flooded Forest zone.

The UAE's Natural Treasures zone explores the country's rich pearl diving history.