Heading to Aruba with kids in tow? this island destination is a great spot for families who love animals, amazing beach, water fun, and historical places. There’s truly something for everyone on this One Happy Island. Here are some of our favorite things to do in Aruba with kids on a family vacation. These activities will help you plan the perfect trip to this Caribbean island.
Things to do in Aruba with Kids
Explore the Island’s Best Beaches
For families who want to hit the beach, and who doesn’t in Aruba,there are a variety of options to enjoy the sun, sand, surf and even dive below it. Here are some of the best beaches and what makes them special.
Palm Beach and Eagle Beach are two of the more iconic beaches Aruba is known for. In addition, try these other locations for fun in the sun:
The softest sands and shallow waters of Baby Beach make this beach perfect for even the littlest ones. Why? The area boasts water levels typically more shallow than other areas (between waist and knee deep), so kids are able to enjoy swimming and splashing more easily. It’s also great for snorkeling.
Mangel Halto beach is small and more secluded, but nice for snorkeling and shore diving because it has calm waters. There’s also a variety of sea life to enjoy, and it’s surrounded by mangroves which provide protection from the sun.
Arashi is a white sand beach is that tend to be quiet and relaxing. Palapas and huts provide protection from the sun, there’s a snack shack, and a plentiful parking lot ensures you won’t be scrambling for a spot. Calm, shallow waters and pretty views (especially at sunset) make it a must-see.
Boca Catalina is an easily-accessible, laid-back beach delivers with crystal clear, gentle waters. The sandy beach is accessible via steps from a large parking lot along the road, and is especially nice during the weekdays when visitors are few and far between. It’s also just a five-minute drive from the resorts along Palm Beach.
Love island vacations? Check out our guide to Turks and Caicos.
Visit the Butterfly Farm
The Butterfly Farm is the perfect place to spend a few hours wandering about and experiencing the many beautiful species that live here. The tropical gardens are filled with butterflies of all kinds, and there are plenty of photo opportunities.
Guided tours are available and they’re included in your admission. They are quick, informative, require no walking, and are a wonderful way to understand these creatures better. An added bonus – your ticket is also good for a return visit while on vacation here, so save it!
Hours of operation: Open all year, daily from 8:30am to 4:30pm. Adults $19, students and seniors $16, children 4-17 $10, children younger than four are free.
Donkey Sanctuary
Animal lovers will appreciate a visit to the Donkey Sanctuary, which celebrated their 25th anniversary in 2022 and protects 130 adorable donkeys. Interact with friendly, protected donkeys, hug and cuddle with them.
Visitors that arrive early enough can even assist with the daily chores of feeding and caring for them. They operate on a donation basis, and love visitors. After your time with the animals, you may visit their cafe or gift shop. Hours of operation: 9am to 4pm. Closed only on January 1st.
De Palm Island
Just off of the coastline of Aruba lies De Palm Island. Filled with endless activities and fun, it’s a great way to spend the day.
The island is located amid coral reef formations and boasts pretty views and seaside enjoyment. Purchase an all-inclusive ticket which sets you up for all food and beverages while there, water parks, snorkeling, banana boat rides, flamingo sightings, and endless relaxation.
Additional services can be purchased to further your experience including SNUBA, Sea Trek activities, private cabanas, and day spa experiences. Tickets are roughly $129 and available for online purchase. Open everyday from 10am to 5pm.
Philips Animal Garden
Philips Animal Garden is a non-profit rehab center for animals. It is open for tours or you can explore on your own. Many exotic mammals, reptiles, farm animals and birds that have been rescued can be seen here. Feeding and petting encounters are available as well.
Designed by, run by and maintained by owner Philip, the center continues to grow and provide the best care for animals in need. Each animal has its own special story! Hours: Open Sun-Sat 9am to 6pm. Tours are every half hour.
Donations are welcome and greatly appreciated. Admission: Adults $10, children $5. Those under the age of two are free.
Arikok National Park
Encompassing approximately 20% of the island of Aruba, Arikok National Park is a rugged, vast nature reserve lets you see what the island is like in its natural state.
You’re able to see natural pools, native cave drawings, and take part in a special kids program as well. Hike trails, see caves and bats, have a picnic, see a natural limestone bridge, and admire the shoreline views.
You will need to have rented a car to travel here or visit through an island tour operator. A conservation fee of $11 is charged for adults; children ages 17 and under are free. Hours: Sun-Sat 8am-3:30pm.
Visit an Ostrich Farm
A fun afternoon or morning can be spent learning about and visiting the huge prehistoric creatures that reside at the island’s Ostrich Farm. Glean cool facts about the animals, and have the opportunity to hand-feed the not-so-shy ostriches.
There are tours where you can visit the incubator, hatchery, and the special pens for young emus and ostriches. Tours run every hour from 10am until 3pm. Tickets are Adults $15, children $8. Hours: Sun-Sat 10am to 4pm.
Aruba Aloe Museum and Factory
Located just minutes from the hotel zone, The Aruba Aloe Museum and Factory is where you can learn about one of Aruba’s oldest industries. Aloe products still being exported globally today.
See the plantation museum, demonstrations, and walk through the factory on a guided tour (free, run every 15 minutes, no reservation needed) or on your own. A gift shop allows you to purchase these healing products or have them shipped anywhere in the world. Hours: Sun-Sat 9am to 5pm.
Sgt Pepper’s Friends
Sgt Pepper’s Friends is an incredibly adorable non-profit that is the best place to go if you’re looking to take home more than memories from your vacation in Aruba. This animal rescue organization has adoptable dogs and cats for residents of the US, Canada, Aruba and the Netherlands.
Donations are welcome and greatly appreciated, and items from the rescue’s wishlist can be purchase for them to continue to help other animals in need. Opportunities to volunteer, foster an animal or transport animals home to their forever families are available.
Contact them at [email protected] to set up a visit from 8:30am-11am daily.
Casibari & Ayo Rock Formations
Enjoy exploring the incredible rock formations of Casibari and Ayo Rock which are unusual for relatively flat Aruba. Beautiful 360-degree views can be taken in from on top of them, and you can look for the original rock drawings here as well.
This is a good stop for anyone in your crowd who likes cultural, historic and natural sites. Walking trails lead up to the rock formation (and there’s also wifi here as well so you can post those beautiful pics to social media right away). Visit as part of an island tour or on your own.
Take an Island Tour
When a group activity or tour makes the most sense, you can choose from a variety of options. No need to figure out transportation, an itinerary, a topic or a timeline – all of that has been done for you. Simply book and hop aboard to enjoy a morning, afternoon or entire day of fun and adventure.
Take some time and explore the island of Aruba by bus, Jeep or UTV. Half and full-day tours are available, and can give family members an opportunity to see more of the island than simply the beach or the resort.
A Jeep Tour is a great way to explore Arikok National Park. ATV and UTVs will take you offroad and and to island highlights like the Cave Pool, Baby Bridge, and the Bushiribana Gold Ruins.
Water Tours
When you are in Aruba, the water calls. When it does, there are several great tour options to book.
There is a great sunset cruise on a luxury catamaran where you can spot dolphins or play on the waterslide and rope swing that are on the boat. Snacks and drinks are included. If you love to snorkel there is a sailing tour which visits two great locations.
If you are SCUBA certified, there is a cool diving experience at the Jane Sea shipwreck. Your PADI certified instructors will lead the way as you explore the wreck and check out the marine life that lives around it. There is also a diving experience for non-certified divers at the Mangel Halto Reef.
Atlantis Submarine Tour
Head below the surface on the Atlantis Submarines Tour. This 48-passenger watercraft dives to depths of 130 feet for cool underwater sights. Alternatively, you can also take the SeaWorld Explorer tour of the famous WW2 shipwreck, the Antilla, in a glass bottom vessel semi-submarine. Great for history lovers or multi-generational fun seekers!
Vela Aruba
Vela Aruba started in 1989 with the goal to offer green, non- motorized activities, using the wind, water and beach to inspire creativity and an active lifestyle for families and individuals alike.
Here you can try wing foiling, windsurfing, kitesurfing, snorkeling, stand-up paddle boarding, Hobie cat sailing, kayaking, or simply rent floats, beach chairs or equipment.
Embassy Suites by Hilton Aruba Beach Resort
While there are many places for families to consider staying at when in Aruba. I recently visited the newly-opened Embassy Suites by Hilton Aruba Beach Resort. Situated on top-rated, beautiful Eagle Beach, the 330-all-suites property offers two-room suites, an array of dining options on property, free made-to-order breakfast, inviting open atriums, 24-hour fitness center, complimentary evening reception, pools, beach, and more.
It’s just six minutes from Queen Beatrix International Airport which receives more than 100 direct flight from major airports around the world. Families can relax and make the most of their stay by being centrally located in one room, enjoying the benefits of an in-room kitchenette, coffeemaker, balcony, shower and tub, refrigerator, living room area with pull-out couch and other amenities.
With plenty to see and do on property and off, this lodging option makes a visit to the island pleasant and affordable. They also offer free use of the property bikes as well as free beach cabanas.
Disclosure- The author was hosted by Embassy Suites by HIlton. All opinions are her own.
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