Fun Things to Do in Aruba for Kids: Family-Friendly Activities & More

Fun Things to Do in Aruba for Kids

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Aruba, the Caribbean’s “One Happy Island,” is not only a paradise for adults but also a great destination for families with kids. From stunning beaches to exciting water sports and adventures, the island has a lot to offer for kids of all ages.

I had the pleasure of exploring the various family-friendly attractions in Aruba and discovering the top things to do with kids on the island. In this article, I will share my findings to help you plan the perfect family vacation in Aruba.

Exploring the Beautiful Beaches

Ah, Aruba’s beaches – warm sand, crystal-clear water, and that perfect island vibe. It’s every kid’s paradise! Whether you want to build a sandcastle, play beach volleyball, or simply relax and soak up some sun, Aruba has a beach for every family.

Eagle Beach is consistently rated as one of the best beaches in the world and is a must-visit for families in Aruba. With its calm waters and wide shores, it’s the perfect spot for swimming, sunbathing, and beach games.

Another family-favorite is Palm Beach, located on the island’s northwest coast. This lively strip of sand is surrounded by water activities, restaurants, bars, and casinos, making it an ideal location for a family day out that includes some adult fun too.

Beach Activities for Kids

If your kids are anything like mine, they’re always looking for something to do. Luckily, Aruba’s beaches offer plenty of activities for kids of all ages. Here are some of our favorites:

• Building sandcastles: Sure, it’s a classic – but building sandcastles never gets old. Grab some buckets and shovels and let their creativity run wild.
• Snorkeling: Aruba’s waters are teeming with colorful marine life, making snorkeling an unforgettable experience for kids. Try snorkeling in Baby Beach for a shallow and safe option.
• Kayaking: Older kids (and parents!) can rent kayaks and explore the island’s rugged coastline – you might even spot some sea turtles!
• Beach volleyball: A fun and energetic activity that gets the whole family involved. Just make sure everyone applies plenty of sunscreen!

With so many beautiful and family-friendly beaches in Aruba, you’ll be spoiled for choice. Just don’t forget your swimsuits!

Thrilling Water Sports and Adventures

Aruba may be a small island, but it’s packed with adrenaline-pumping activities that are perfect for kids. If you want to add some excitement to your family vacation, head to the beach and try out some of these fun water sports:

• Snorkeling: Explore the vibrant underwater world of Aruba and get up close with colorful fish and even sea turtles.
• Paddleboarding: Test your balance and paddle your way along the calm waters of Aruba’s beaches.
• Banana Boat Rides: Strap on your life jacket and hop aboard a giant inflatable banana for a thrilling ride on the waves.

But the water fun doesn’t stop there! If you’re feeling extra adventurous, try out some of these exciting activities:

• Jet Skiing: Zoom across the water and feel the wind in your hair on an exhilarating jet ski ride.
• Parasailing: Soar high above the ocean and enjoy breathtaking views of Aruba’s coastline.

No matter which adventure you choose, you’re sure to create lasting memories with your family in Aruba.

Exploring Natural Wonders

Aruba is not just pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters; it also boasts some truly remarkable natural attractions that are perfect for a family outing. I went out exploring the Aruban wilderness and was absolutely blown away by what I discovered.

Visit Arikok National Park

Arikok National Park is an exotic ecological preserve that covers nearly 20% of the total land area of Aruba. It’s a perfect fit for adventurous kids as they explore caves, hike trails and get up close with native wildlife. The park also features a historic gold mine and a natural pool.

Marvel At The Natural Pool

The Natural Pool, or “Conchi” as the locals call it, is a hidden gem that will leave you breathless. Surrounded by sharp volcanic rocks and crashing waves, it’s like a natural infinity pool that blends with the Caribbean Sea. As the waves surge, children can jump and play in the refreshing water.

In conclusion, nature offers a plethora of activities that cater to everyone, and it’s great to see Aruba preserving its natural reserves for families to enjoy.

Visit Animal Encounters and Zoos

Now, let’s talk about one of my favorite things to do in Aruba: getting up close and personal with exotic animals! Aruba offers a variety of animal encounters and zoos where kids can learn about and interact with amazing creatures.

Aruba Butterfly Farm

First up, we have the Aruba Butterfly Farm! This magical place is home to hundreds of colorful butterflies, fluttering around in a tropical paradise. Kids will love learning about the different species and how they transform from caterpillars to beautiful butterflies.

Aruba Ostrich Farm

Take a tour of the Aruba Ostrich Farm and get up close with these fascinating creatures. Learn about their habits and quirks, and maybe even get to hold an ostrich egg (if you’re brave enough).

Donkey Sanctuary Aruba

Next, we have the Donkey Sanctuary Aruba! This unique sanctuary is home to over 130 donkeys, rescued from various situations on the island. Kids will love meeting and feeding these gentle animals, and learning about their history on the island.

Philip’s Animal Garden

Finally, we have Philip’s Animal Garden, a must-visit for animal lovers! This zoo is home to a wide variety of animals, including monkeys, parrots, kangaroos, and more. Kids will love feeding and interacting with the animals, and learning about their habitats and behaviors.

Overall, Aruba’s animal encounters and zoos offer a fun and educational experience for the whole family. Don’t miss out on these amazing opportunities to get up close with exotic animals!

Cultural and Historical Sites

As a self-proclaimed history buff, I couldn’t wait to check out some of the incredible cultural and historical sites in Aruba. But to my surprise, these spots were also a hit with the kids!

One of my personal favorites was the Alta Vista Chapel, a quaint and picturesque chapel built in 1750. The kids were fascinated by the story of how the chapel was dismantled and relocated twice before finding its current home in Noord.

Another interesting spot was the Aruba Aloe Museum, which detailed the history of aloe on the island and allowed us to see the production process firsthand. The kids even got to try out some aloe-infused lotions and soaps – talk about a souvenir!

Overall, I was impressed with how engaging and interactive these cultural and historical sites were for the whole family. Who knew history could be so fun?

Indoor Attractions for Rainy Days

Let’s face it – even in paradise, it can rain. But fear not, dear parents, for Aruba has plenty of indoor attractions to keep your little ones entertained on those gloomy days.

Aruba Toy Museum:

Get nostalgic and introduce your kids to classic toys from the past. From Barbies to G.I. Joes, this museum has it all. And who knows, you might even discover a new favorite childhood toy.

Cinemas Palumbo:

Catch the latest blockbuster or classic family-friendly movie at this theater. Plus, the concession stand has delicious snacks that are perfect for rainy day indulging.

Escape Room Aruba:

Put your problem-solving skills to the test by trying to escape one of their themed rooms. With challenging puzzles and clues, this activity is perfect for older kids and teenagers.

So, don’t let a rainy day dampen your vacation plans in Aruba. Head to one of these indoor attractions and make some unforgettable memories with your little ones.

Fun Shopping Experiences

Who says shopping out can’t be fun for the whole family? In Aruba, there are plenty of family-friendly options that offer a memorable experience.

One of my favorite places to visit is the Renaissance Marketplace, which features a variety of stores and restaurants. Kids will love the colorful buildings and street performers, while parents can shop for souvenirs or enjoy a romantic dinner at one of the upscale restaurants.

Overall, Aruba offers a variety of family-friendly shopping and dining experiences that are sure to please everyone.

Organized Kids’ Activities and Tours

I know that when it comes to vacations, keeping the kids entertained is a top priority. Luckily, Aruba has a plethora of organized activities and tours specifically catered to children. From pirate ship cruises to horseback riding adventures, there’s something for every little adventurer to enjoy.

• Pirate Adventures Aruba: This swashbuckling excursion takes your little mateys on a thrilling treasure hunt aboard a replica pirate ship.
• Animal Sanctuary Tour: This animal sanctuary offers up-close encounters with exotic creatures like donkeys, sloths and kangaroos.
• Horseback Riding: Horseback riding through Aruba’s picturesque terrain is an unforgettable experience for kids and adults alike.

Whether your kids are animal lovers, history buffs, or adventure seekers, Aruba’s organized activities and tours will keep them entertained and engaged throughout your vacation. I assure you that Aruba is the perfect destination for a family-friendly getaway.

Relaxation and Fun at Family Resorts

Listen up, parents, because I’ve got some good news for you! Aruba is home to some of the best family-friendly resorts in the Caribbean. And I’m not talking about just basic accommodations – I’m talking about all-out kid-friendly fun.

For starters, there are plenty of resorts with expansive swimming pools, complete with water slides and other aquatic playthings that your little ones are sure to love. Some resorts even have their own water parks, so expect to hear plenty of “can we go back to the hotel?” throughout your trip.

But that’s not all. Many of these resorts also have kids’ clubs or kids’ programs that offer a variety of activities for children of all ages. From arts and crafts to sports and games, these programs are designed to keep your kids entertained while you enjoy some much-needed relaxation time.

And let’s not forget about the dining options. Many family-friendly resorts in Aruba offer kid-friendly menus and dining experiences, so even meal times can be a fun experience for the whole family.

So if you’re looking for a vacation that offers both relaxation and fun for the whole family, look no further than the family-friendly resorts of Aruba.

Conclusion: Fun Things to Do in Aruba for Kids

Well, folks, that’s a wrap! I hope you’ve enjoyed this guide to the best family-friendly activities in Aruba. From stunning beaches to thrilling water sports and adventurous hikes, Aruba truly has something for everyone in the family. And don’t forget about the amazing animal encounters, cultural sites, and indoor attractions for those rainy days.

But the fun doesn’t stop there! Aruba also offers organized kids’ activities and tours, as well as amazing family resorts that provide all-inclusive amenities and endless entertainment options for the little ones.

So, whether you’re planning a family vacation or just looking for some fun things to do with the kids, Aruba should definitely be at the top of your list. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed!