10 Things To Do in Aruba with Children
Are you planning a trip to Aruba with your family? Whether you are traveling with your partner, your parents, or your kids, there is so much to see and do in Aruba.
Aruba is the second largest of the Dutch Antilles, a chain of islands located off the coast of Venezuela. The island is home to sandy beaches, has an abundance of shopping and restaurants, and has plenty of kid-friendly activities and attractions. It is the perfect place for a family vacation! Let’s look at some of our favorite things to do with children in Aruba.
There is nothing more convenient than an all-inclusive destination that has activities for everyone in the family. Grab a day pass to De Palm Island, where you will have unlimited snorkeling, banana boat rides, and most importantly, unlimited food and beverages! Families can also enjoy spending time by the water park, hang out by the beach with elegant Flamingos, take part into a unique underwater experience that allows you to walk the sea floor, learn how to dance salsa, or play some basketball. The amount of fun is endless! We recommend booking special activities in advance, as spots are limited.
Nothing says tropical vacation more than snorkeling, and kids love it! One of the top things to do in Aruba for families is a Stingray Swim. This is a great excursion for all ages, but it’s especially geared toward kids. The tour begins with a short drive out to the sand bar, where you will tie up your boat and take a short walk over to a sandy area where the stingrays like to be. A guide will have a net, and they will scoop up some stingrays and allow you to pet them while in the net. You’ll also have a chance to take some photos. After the stingray portion of the tour, you’ll head back out to sea to snorkel and enjoy the beautiful marine life of Aruba! This is a great opportunity to see a side of Aruba that few tourists ever get to experience.
3. Swim with turtles in Arashi Beach
Are you a turtle lover? Aruba is a popular destination for snorkeling with turtles. Located on the North side of the island, Arashi beach provides excellent conditions to allow you to peacefully swim with turtles. The waters are calm and the area offers plenty of parking. As a bonus, the beach has other marine life, such as French Angelfish and Blue Striped Snappers, which made this a top snorkeling location for us! Swimming with turtles is not an everyday opportunity, and if your children are water lovers, they will have an unforgettable swim.
Did you know?
Sea turtles can live to be 100 years old!
Aruba is famous for its beaches, and a trip to the island wouldn't be complete without at least a little time spent lounging in the sand. Finding a peaceful beach that is welcoming to children and spending time there with your family is the greatest approach to accomplish this goal.
We absolutely love Baby Beach, which is in the southern part of Aruba by San Nicolas. Baby Beach is a peaceful lagoon and it’s a wonderful location to view the ocean and enjoy the shallow, clear water. Since the water is so shallow, young swimmers can walk a long way in the water while touching the sea bottom. The beach also has various food stands and is great for snorkeling. Whether you are there on your own or with family, a day in Baby Beach will not disappoint!
Baby blue waters to
swim in?
Sign me up!
5. Sunset cruise at Jolly Pirates
Do you want an evening activity after a long day of fun? A Jolly Pirate sunset cruise is an excellent way to wine down and view Aruba’s beautiful sunset. You’ll depart from MooMba Beach and board an impressive teak pirate schooner. The tour last two hours and gives you plenty of time to dance, enjoy the thrill of sailing through the waters, capture photos of the incredible sunset, and enjoy unlimited drinks from the open bar. If you love the idea of sailing in a pirate ship but want to enjoy it by daytime, there are also morning and afternoon tours that snorkel in coral reefs. Whether you join the pirates by day or night, the youngsters will love the pirate ship experience!
BRING ME TO THE HORIZON
Are you an animal lover? Discover the wild side of Aruba at Philip’s Animal Garden. Philip’s Animal Garden is home to over 50 exotic animals that are rescued and rehabilitated. This attraction also features s reptiles, birds, farm animals and more! Kids can pet and feed some of the animals as well as participate in tours that are both interactive and educational.
Philip’s Animal Garden is run by a non-profit organization and all proceeds donated or money spent is going to a good cause.
So, while the family is enjoying a special outing you are contributing to the wellbeing of vulnerable species of animals, which is why Philip’s Animal Garden makes it to our top things to do in Aruba.
7. Historical Tours and Landmarks
If you need a break from water activities, spend time learning about many of the historical places in Aruba. The capital city of Aruba has a rich history dating back to when the island was first inhabited. In addition, the island is home to many landmarks and museums that highlight the island’s culture and history.
Natural Bridge in Arikok National Park to view a naturally formed bridge from coral limestone, which used to measure 25 feet high and 100 feet long
Chapel of Alto Visto stands on the grounds of the first Catholic Church built in Aruba in 1750
The Aruba Archaeological Museum features artifacts from the island’s early inhabitants
The Aruba Colonial Museum takes you through the islands’ colonial era and gives an overview of Dutch rule
The Aruba Historical Society Museum is dedicated to the island’s history and culture. You will find a wide variety of artifacts, including old photographs and documents, at the museums.
Most of these sites are accessible on your own, but we propose making this experience more non-traditional via a Jeep Tour (more on these to come).
8. Fly High Trampoline Park
If your kids love to jump and want to burn some energy, try Aruba’s trampoline park. Fly High Trampoline Park features indoor and outdoor trampolines, creative and fun activities, and delicious food and drinks.
Kids can bounce, flip, climb, and flip around in the safety nets all while exploring their wild side. The park offers a wide variety of activities, including dodgeball, a foam pit, yoga, and more. The best part is that adults can also join the fun, which adds more delight to the family adventure!
9. Visit the Aruba Butterfly Farm
Children of all ages will have a wonderful time at the Aruba Butterfly Farm, which is a lovely place to spend the day. This beautiful sanctuary in Noord is home to a wide variety of rare butterfly species. As you are walking through the farm, there are butterflies flying all around. The flowers, trees and waterfalls make you feel like you are in a tropical rain forest. If you want butterflies to land on you, wear bright colors and spray citrus fragrance on your clothing.
The site offers tour guides where you are taken through the stages of growth of a beautiful butterfly. After that, move closer to the butterflies by sitting on a seat or in a certain area that has been set aside for that purpose. If you stand motionless long enough, one of them might even land on you! This activity is most enjoyable in the early morning, when butterflies are most active. So go early, the butterfly farm is opened 365 days!
Jump in a Wrangler and experience Aruba through Jeep Tours! Jeep tours are a perfect way to sightsee landmarks and attractions if you do not have much time. Many tours offer hotel pick up and drop off, lunch, and most importantly, an amazing time! Tours average around 9.5 hours and allot time for snorkeling or relaxation in famous beaches. If you are looking to enjoy many of Aruba’s popular attractions but time is limited, we highly recommend Jeep tours!
Start packing!
There is no shortage of activities to choose from in Aruba! Whether you are a water lover, an animal lover, or simply looking for moments of relaxation, Aruba has it all! Make the most out of your trip and create memories with your children that will last a lifetime! As always, we recommend making reservations in advance as Aruba is no longer a well kept secret 😊
