You hardly want something extra to tempt you to Aruba than the considered the powdery white sand seashores and turquoise water (actually, amazingly turquoise) – however as I found after we visited, there are way more issues to do in Aruba with youngsters than simply hitting the seashore.
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From the marine life underneath the waves to the caves and rock formations of the desert nationwide park, to not point out the prospect to see donkeys, ostriches and butterflies, we rapidly found {that a} week was by no means going to be lengthy sufficient.
So when you’re tempted by a Caribbean household vacation, listed below are my high 16 issues to do in Aruba with youngsters – and two that I don’t advocate…
Discover the proper seashore in Aruba
Sure there’s extra to Aruba than the seashore, however this nonetheless has to return close to the highest – and discovering your excellent seashore with youngsters can maintain everybody entertained all vacation.
However the likelihood is you’ll be staying close to both Palm Seaside or Eagle Seaside for starters. Palm Seaside is house to many of the big-name chains and resorts, together with the Hilton the place we stayed for a part of our journey, with eating places lining the sand and the principle highway a block again, plus you’ll discover loungers galore and much more boat journeys and watersports.
Eagle seashore is barely additional down the coast, a part of the ‘low-rise’ zone with smaller resorts, fewer services however it’s additionally quieter. And has its personal WiFi!
When you’re in search of the perfect seashores in Aruba with youngsters, you may’t miss Child Seaside although – the clue is within the identify (learn on for extra particulars).
However you’ll additionally discover smaller coves like Arashi Seaside in addition to Divi Seaside, amongst others, so that you gained’t be in need of a family-friendly stretch of sand to take pleasure in – no marvel Aruba’s nickname is One Glad Island.
Snorkel at Child Seaside
The opposite best-known seashore on Aruba is on its easternmost tip – and Child Seaside will get its identify as a result of it’s calm and shallow sufficient even for infants.
The water is fantastically clear and heat, and the seashore slopes very gently into the waves so it’s an ideal possibility with little ones. It’s additionally excellent for brand new snorkellers: my daughter had considered one of her first snorkelling experiences right here.
You’ll discover patches of sea grass and little silvery fish within the centre of the seashore however enterprise additional alongside in direction of the wall and there’s far more various marine life to spy, with greater and extra brightly colored fish swimming underneath the waves.
It’s value realizing that there’s restricted shade on the seashore (though you’ll find a number of spots underneath the bushes and the couple of palm umbrellas) – when you’re planning to make a day of it, it’s an excellent plan to convey your individual.
The cabanas are very costly and charged by the day, so when you’re stopping right here for an hour or on a tour, it’s merely not value it.
Go to De Palm Island
It’s some of the standard excursions when you keep on the island, and if a day on De Palm Island is touristy, it’s nonetheless an enormous quantity of enjoyable.
The personal island is round a five-minute boat experience from the marina close to Oranjestad, and whereas it isn’t large, there’s loads to occupy everybody.
In addition to the seashore, there’s a waterpark, snorkelling and flamingos to see, plus extra actions when you’re visiting with youngsters aged 8+ and 10+ together with snuba, Sea Trek (particular undersea helmets to discover beneath the waves), zip wire and a banana boat.
You even have an open bar and meals included, beginning with breakfast and adopted by a buffet and grill – there’s solely restricted vegetarian meals although.
When you’re anticipating the flamingo expertise to be much like the extra well-known Renaissance Seaside (extra on that under), as an alternative it’s the prospect to see a handful of flamingos in a separate part of the seashore – I wouldn’t e-book purely on the power of that.
The tickets are often for a half-day (till after lunch) or a full day – I like to recommend the latter, because it undoubtedly quietens down within the afternoon. Having mentioned that, we had no bother discovering loungers within the shade, so made a base after which spent most of our time stress-free or within the water: you may also lease cabanas.
My daughter received some extra snorkelling follow within the shallow sheltered waters by the seashore earlier than we headed into the ocean itself with some implausible reef life, together with blue parrotfish. And in between, she discovered time to go on the smaller slides within the waterpark too many occasions to depend!
By the way, when you select a lounger close to the entrance of the waterpark, you’ll nearly definitely get splashed by the spray. It’s additionally value realizing that WiFi is barely stronger right here than elsewhere on the island, however in any other case except you’re proper exterior the store, chances are you’ll not have any knowledge. Take a e-book!
It was an extremely relaxed day. If she had been older, I’d have cherished to have tried Sea Trek, which helps you to stroll beneath the waves to feed fish and consider the sunken jeep or strive Snuba, for a style of scuba diving.
Kayak at Mangel Halto
One among my favorite locations in Aruba (and there’s numerous competitors!), Mangel Halto seashore is ridiculously picturesque.
In line with custom, you may see 5 separate shades of blue within the waters right here, which gave me the proper excuse to sit down again on a bench on the cliff above the small coves and depend them. Not distant, lies Spanish lagoon, the place pirates used to cover after a spot of marauding – I used to be tempted to observe swimsuit.
However in addition to these basic turquoise waters, the seashore right here is lined with mangroves so it’s an ideal place for kayaking to find a few of the totally different undersea life. There’s additionally a reef and if in case you have older youngsters that dive, there’s a shallow wreck not far offshore.
It’s one other quiet seashore too when you’re trying to escape the crowds, however greatest to convey an umbrella and drinks.
You too can take snorkelling excursions at Mangel Halto that are excellent for freshmen, in addition to this clear-bottom kayak tour
Take a cruise
You’re spoiled for selection in terms of boat journeys round Aruba – there are pirate themed boats, sundown cruises and lots extra, however we determined to slot in slightly extra snorkelling on our remaining full day.
I booked a day boat journey with Pelican Adventures to 2 totally different snorkelling spots, together with the wreck of the Antilla. The German freighter was sunk within the Second World Battle, and the waves are choppier right here when you’re with youthful youngsters – you may borrow life jackets although, in addition to fins.
The second cease was to Boca Catalina for extra reef life and fish, inside a roped off space – it’s often calmer right here too. My seven-year-old tried each earlier than heading again to the boat the place she sat with some buddies she’d made on board and watched me snorkelling.
There’s additionally an open bar (principally very very candy fruit juice and rum) plus some snacks (deep fried odds and ends plus some cheese and olives), and also you get some nice views of Aruba’s shoreline from Palm Seaside all the best way to the California lighthouse within the west.
When you’d fairly loosen up on board with some music (and time for a fast swim) this two-hour catamaran cruise is even stroller accessible, whereas there’s additionally a sundown sail (for age 3+) as one other laid-back different.
Peek underwater in a submarine
When is a submarine not a submarine… when the boat itself stays above sea degree. Within the SeaWorld Explorer semi-submarine, initially used for analysis on Australia’s Nice Barrier Reef, the hull stays 5ft under the floor to offer you implausible views so that you get to look underneath with out completely submerging.
Journeys run for round 90 minutes crusing across the Arashi coral reef in addition to to the wreck of the Antilla and it’s an ideal possibility for youths who don’t wish to snorkel (or can’t). There are not any age restrictions and it’s free for youngsters as much as two.
I used to be very tempted by this journey, as my daughter’s not eager on the thought of submarines however loves taking a look at sea life, though ultimately we went for the snorkelling cruise.
Everybody has their very own seat, so there’s no battle to get a view plus spotter’s guides are offered.
Go to the Butterfly farm
Enterprise away from the coast and never removed from Palm Seaside, you’ll discover the Aruba Butterfly farm – a tropical backyard stuffed with butterflies, the place you may see the life cycle of the bugs in addition to discovering extra from one of many educated guides.
I held one of many striped caterpillars destined to be fluttering across the web site after its personal metamorphosis, wriggling and tickling my hand.
We spied butterflies rising from their jewel vibrant chrysalis, others hanging immobile as their wings dried earlier than flying off to hitch the remainder of the flitting throng.
And I found there are two forms of butterfly: those which feed off nectar, and people which drink from overripe fruit – so ripe, it’s fermented actually, which is why you’ll see large owl butterflies flapping erratically by the air, fairly actually drunk on fermented fruit juice.
It’s a beautiful spot and ideal for youthful youngsters. Maintain an eye fixed out for the brightly colored birds which stay right here too (and no, they don’t eat the butterflies!)
Entry to the Butterfly Farm prices $19 for adults, $10 for youngsters aged 4 and above, and also you get a free return cross legitimate for a month so you may return once more later in your vacation.
Uncover the Donkey Sanctuary
There have been donkeys on Aruba for round 500 years – however as soon as they have been not used as the principle technique of transport for Arubans, many have been deserted.
Dwelling wild, they turned extra in danger as extra automobiles got here to the island, and round 20 years in the past, the thought of a sanctuary to guard the donkeys resulted in a protected haven with greater than 100 on this new house on the sanctuary in Bringamosa.
Donations are welcomed and you may also purchase meals to feed the inhabitants, or choose up drinks and meals within the little cafe, in addition to donkey-themed souvenirs to assist assist the sanctuary. Guests are additionally welcome to convey apples and carrots.
We additionally watched a few of the older donkeys being fed a kind of untamed bean by workers – which received very enthusiastically wolfed up. And even when your youngsters are cautious of feeding them themselves, it’s a beautiful place to see the animals.
Some island excursions cease on the donkey sanctuary: it’s someplace you’re solely more likely to spend a short while, so this could work nicely, though if in case you have your individual transport, it’s straightforward to pop in. You don’t want a information.
When you don’t have your individual transport, there’s a meet the animals tour of Aruba which incorporates the donkeys and ostrich farm (under)
Feed the ostriches
What’s the distinction between and ostrich and an emu? No, it’s not the beginning of a joke however one of many bits of data you be taught on a tour of the Aruba ostrich farm (the reply? It’s all within the toes).
There are guided excursions each quarter-hour all through the day, with extra details to find out about ostriches together with that they don’t bury their heads within the sand and that you just actually don’t wish to attempt to out-run one.
Then when you’re courageous sufficient, you may step as much as feed one of many ostriches: the very enthusiastic pecking had me in giggles though a few the much less clever (or probably cheekier) ostriches did have a go at randomly pecking heads in addition to gobbling up their feed.
Spot King Kong
The Ayo Rock Formations are someplace you might spend a very long time, recognizing shapes and faces within the boulders.
No-one fairly is aware of how the massive monolithic rocks close to Ayo village received their shapes however when you stare upon them you may see every thing from a really convincing King Kong to a snake and earless rabbit.
With older youngsters, you may climb up and uncover historical petroglyphs as nicely, or it’s straightforward to drag over to see the animal shapes earlier than carrying on to discover the island – maintain an eye fixed out for the goats which wander by the boulders too.
A go to is included in most island excursions, together with this guided jeep safari of Aruba
See the rock bridges
Not removed from Ayo Rocks are a few of the island’s pure rock bridges – at the very least considered one of which has crashed again into the ocean.
Battered by the ceaseless pounding of the wilder sea on the north coast, it’s nearly extra shocking that the remaining have endured above the surf, hovering over the Caribbean and black volcanic sand seashores.
We visited as a part of a day journey and you’ll wander all the way down to look into the waves swirling underneath the bridges, in addition to choosing up corals washed up on the seashore.
A go to is included in most island excursions, together with this guided jeep safari of Aruba
Discover Arikok Nationwide Park
Away from the idyllic Caribbean seashores, you may see desert landscapes dotted with numerous countless cacti earlier than heading into the Arikok Nationwide park, which covers nearly 20% of the entire island.
There’s extra climbing to strive right here with older youngsters alongside paths which weave by thorny vegetation in addition to a pure pool the place you may swim, plus walks with park rangers to introduce you to a few of the creatures which stay right here.
However when you see nothing else, head into one of many historical limestone caves within the nationwide park. We visited Fontein Cave with deep reddish pictographs left by Caquetá’s, the island pre-European inhabitants – alongside nineteenth century graffiti scratched into the rock.
There are extra uncommon rock formations right here as nicely – this one is greatest to go to as a part of a tour except you’ve received a sturdy 4WD and good sense of course! You’ll discover loads of excursions together with Arikok Nationwide Park together with small group choices and half-day excursions.
There are additionally numerous excursions out there by UTV, a few of that are open to youngsters aged six and above, however remember there’s numerous native opposition to those for the mud they throw up and potential injury to the panorama.
Uncover the secrets and techniques of aloe
Aloe is so necessary to Aruba that the plant even seems on the Aruban flag – and when you head to the Aruba Aloe manufacturing unit, the oldest aloe firm on the planet, you may see examples being reduce and ready, a small museum with a few of the historical past and look into the manufacturing unit flooring itself.
It’s additionally an excellent place to refill on reef-safe sunscreen in addition to some very tempting toiletries and soaps –for extra recommendations on why you’ll want reef protected sunscreen when you’re visiting Aruba with youngsters, try this put up.
We additionally found that the orange gloop that oozes from a freshly reduce aloe vera plant can stain your arms purple and acts as a laxative. Who knew? The within is obvious and filled with that scrumptious soothing moisturising goodness although.
Climb the California lighthouse
On the northernmost tip of the island, the California lighthouse close to Arashi Seaside was named for the steamship wrecked close by on the finish of the nineteenth century on its voyage from Liverpool to Central America.
Restored in 2016 (100 years after it was constructed), it stands tall and white on high of a hill, and you’ll climb to the highest for a few of the greatest views on the island.
There are 123 steps to the highest so not one to try with toddlers although! Entry to climb prices $5.
Wander Oranjestad
In contrast to another Caribbean islands, Aruba doesn’t have many historic forts – a legacy of its fairly peaceable previous and the truth that Columbus initially dismissed this tropical paradise as ‘Islas inutiles’ (or ineffective islands).
However you may go to Fort Zoutman in Oranjestad, constructed by the Dutch in 1798. Now house to the island’s historic museum (and weekly Bon Bini competition), it’s the oldest constructing on Aruba.
The city itself grew up across the fort, and it’s straightforward to wander by the capital itself, filled with brightly colored buildings.
The brilliant inexperienced city corridor is without doubt one of the most eye-catching however there are pastel colors lining most streets, in addition to outlets galore (principally focused to cruise ship consumers in search of Responsibility Free bargains and souvenirs) plus a market.
When you don’t fancy strolling, there’s a battery-powered trolley bus which circles downtown and out to the cruise terminal – plus it’s free.
Dotted round are blue horse statues – a nod to the city’s authentic identify of the bay of horses. Maintain your eyes open, there are eight in whole.
And a reminder that Aruba is as Dutch as Amsterdam (nicely, practically) with loads of locations to cease and eat pancakes right here, in addition to elsewhere throughout the island.
Eat Caribbean meals
A whole lot of the eating places round Aruba, particularly alongside Palm Seaside, are very worldwide – nice with youngsters, and with some fabulous contemporary fish as nicely. However when you’re in search of someplace with conventional Caribbean meals, you may’t beat the West Deck restaurant proper on the sand.
I discovered a number of of my very own favourites together with conch fritters and Johnny truffles, and it’s designed so that you can get a number of small dishes so you may strive totally different choices and share. Within the case of the big items of chocolate mousse cake that my daughter received for dessert, it nearly definitely wants somebody to assist.
Maintain an eye fixed out for keshi yena too, a usually Aruban Creole dish utilizing an enormous ball of cheese full of hen or meat, in addition to seafood, plantain, spiced fishcakes and a few nice drinks.
Questioning the place to remain in Aruba with youngsters? Try my overview of the Hilton Aruba
The issues to not do in Aruba with youngsters
Go to the Bubali hen sanctuary
A beautiful place to identify Aruba’s birdlife, that is undoubtedly geared toward severe twitchers – except your youngsters are ready and prepared to sit down nonetheless and quiet, and are actually fascinated by bird-watching, that is one which’s greatest left to adults.
The flamingos on Renaissance Island
This personal island is without doubt one of the best-known sights on Aruba – the flamingos wandering the seashore alongside a handful of company makes a implausible Instagram picture.
Children are solely allowed on Flamingo Seaside on the island between 9am and 10am, and whereas under-12s are free, it’s not the most cost effective possibility for adults… particularly when you get lower than 60 minutes there. You additionally should be poised to snap up the passes after they’re launched every day, except you’re a visitor on the resort (who even have free entry).
However the greatest purpose I’d say to not hassle? Flamingos will not be naturally discovered on Aruba, in contrast to close by Bonaire – the birds you discover on the island have been imported as a vacationer attraction.
A fairly spectacular one, I agree, however with so many different issues to do on Aruba with youngsters, you’ll discover loads of real Aruba sights elsewhere.
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*First revealed 2019, final up to date 2025*
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Disclosure: A few of my excursions and entry to sights have been courtesy of Aruba Tourism and De Palm Excursions. I paid for our flights and Pelican Adventures boat tour. This put up incorporates affiliate hyperlinks – any purchases you make are unaffected however I could obtain a small fee. All opinions are my very own, together with which of the various stunning seashores in Aruba is my favorite.
Pictures copyright MummyTravels
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