Are you looking for things to do in Aruba for families? Then, you are at the right place. This country is a family-friendly destination with something for every member. Nestled in the south of the Caribbean Sea, it is home to soft white coral sands and beautiful turquoise waters. This island’s calm waters are perfect for indulging in water activities. Likewise, its colorful architecture, rich culture, and impressive history invite visitors to learn about them more.
Surprisingly, Aruba was once called a useless island. However, it has long left its stereotypical image and become a popular tourist destination. It is also a top destination for honeymooning couples. Likewise, there are many kid-friendly things to do in Aruba, which we will discuss in this blog.
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- Bask In Spiritual Atmosphere Of Alto Vista Chapel
- Feed Donkeys At Donkey Sanctuary Aruba
- Pet Baby Ostriches At Aruba Ostrich Farm
- Relax At Palm Beach
- Ride Waterslides In De Palm Island
- Dive Deep Into The Ocean In A Submarine
- Go For A Beachside Stroll At Baby Beach
- Climb The Gigantic California Lighthouse Aruba
- Snorkel At Mangel Halto Beach
- Explore Quadirikiri Cave
- Go For A Hike To Ayo Rock Formation
- Tour The Aruba Aloe Factory Museum and Store
- Marvel At Diverse Butterfly Species At The Butterfly Farm
- Step Back In Time At The National Archaeological Museum Aruba
Bask In Spiritual Atmosphere Of Alto Vista Chapel
- Address: HXGQ+9JC, Noord, Aruba; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 5:30 AM – 7 PM
- Entry Fee: Free Entry
We begin our list with the magnificent Alto Vista Chapel. It is Aruba’s oldest church and is of significant importance to locals. This Catholic church is easily recognizable by its bright yellow color and white cross. Although its exterior and interior decor are minimalist, its interior houses a large altar statue of the Virgin Mary and wooden pews. Visitors can sit on those pews and listen to the pastor’s preachings. In addition, they can also attend mass and religious ceremonies. This place also offers a peaceful environment perfect for meditation, reflection, and escape from city life.
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Feed Donkeys At Donkey Sanctuary Aruba
- Address: Bringamosa 2-Z, Santa Cruz, Aruba; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 9 AM – 4 PM
- Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook, Official Instagram
Next, we have Donkey Sanctuary Aruba in Santa Cruz. It is a wildlife rescue service housing over 130 donkeys. These sweet creatures were once intentionally harmed and mistreated. Thankfully, this sanctuary has been a haven for them since 1997. Visitors can freely enter and interact with these animals. They can also pet, feed, and help staff care for them. In addition, they can buy donkey-themed souvenirs and donate to help run this service.
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Pet Baby Ostriches At Aruba Ostrich Farm
- Address: Matividiri 57, Paradera, Aruba; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 10 AM – 4 PM
- Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook, Official Instagram
After visiting Donkey Sanctuary Aruba, head to Aruba Ostrich Farm in Paradera. It houses the world’s largest birds in a safe environment. Although these ostriches are gigantic, they are very friendly to humans. They won’t shy away from human interactions and will ask for food. Visitors can tour around the farm with an experienced guide. They will learn about ostriches’ quirky habits, see the hatchery, and meet baby emus and ostriches in their special pens. They can end their tour with a quick bite at the on-site restaurant.
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Relax At Palm Beach
- Address: Noord, Aruba; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 24 hours
- Things To Do: Sunbathing, Swimming, Beach Photography
Among Aruba’s beaches, Palm Beach stands out with its picturesque features and clear waters. It is a popular tourist hangout with several attractions nearby. This two-mile-long sandy strip houses many glamorous high-rise hotels, restaurants, bars, and casinos. You can book a room in any of those hotels and relax at the beach afterward. In addition, you can swim, snorkel, sunbathe, and socialize with other visitors. This beach also houses many kid-friendly attractions.
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- Palm Beach: Champagne Brunch and Aqua Safari
- From Noord: Lagoon Cruise with Kayaking and Lunch
- Aruba: 4-Course Dinner Cruise
Ride Waterslides In De Palm Island
(Source: De Palm Island Aruba Facebook)
- Address: De Palm Island Ferry Terminal, De Palm Island Way, Aruba; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 10 AM – 5 PM
- Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook, Official Instagram
Our list of things to do in Aruba for families will be incomplete without mentioning De Palm Island. It offers several activities for visitors of all ages. You can take your kids to play and have fun at its waterparks. If you prefer seclusion, beach cabanas, and VIP Palapas are available for rent. Likewise, De Palm offers submarine tours, salsa lessons, banana boat rides, and off-road safaris. The latter includes riding in a UTV to explore the island’s rugged terrains. Although it might be pricey, you will enjoy every moment.
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- De Palm Island water park all-inclusive tickets with bus transfers
- De Palm Island water park all-inclusive tickets
- De Palm Island Sea Trek Experience
Dive Deep Into The Ocean In A Submarine
If you thought Aruba’s land attractions were good, wait until you explore its magical underwater world. This island’s waters are home to beautiful coral reefs and a rich marina. You will find everything from colorful fish to turtles, sea horses, crabs, and southern stingrays. You can see them all in a submarine. De Palm offers Atlantis Submarines that will take passengers 130 feet down the ocean’s surface. The ride is only 1 hour and forty-five minutes and will fit right into your itinerary. You don’t have to worry about your family’s safety, as they have been giving rides for four decades.
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Go For A Beachside Stroll At Baby Beach
- Address: San Nicolas, Aruba; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 24 hours
- Things To Do: Sunbathing, Snorkeling, Swimming
Baby Beach is a popular kid destination in Aruba. As its name suggests, it is safe for small children and offers them snorkeling experiences. Its calm, shallow waters and lack of waves make it ideal for snorkeling for first-timers and little ones. Moreover, visitors can relax and sunbathe at the beach with their families. They can rent lounge chairs and snorkeling gear from nearby rentals. As this beach is crowded almost daily, you should arrive early to secure a spot.
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- Aruba: Beach Hopping Snorkeling Tour
- Aruba Baby Beach off-road safari and snorkel tour
- Oranjestad: Mangel Halto and Baby Beach Snorkeling Tour
Climb The Gigantic California Lighthouse Aruba
- Address: Noord, Aruba; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 9 AM – 5:30 PM
- Social Media: Official Facebook
Visiting California Lighthouse must be on your list of kid-friendly things to do in Aruba. It is a historic landmark perched on a high seaside elevation. It is open year-round and offers 360-degree views from the top. Furthermore, this tower offers an intimate dinner for two at the top. You can take time away from your kids and enjoy a 3-course meal while admiring the views. This lighthouse offers two seatings: the Chasing the Sunset (6-8 PM) and the Under the Stars (8:15-10:15 PM).
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- California Lighthouse Segway Tour in Aruba
- Oranjestad: Half-Day Aruba Island Tour with Top Attractions
Snorkel At Mangel Halto Beach
- Address: Faradaystraat 10, Savaneta, Aruba; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 24 hours
- Things To Do: Snorkeling, Sun-tanning, Diving
Mangel Halto Beach is known as a snorkeling destination. Its calm, shallow waters make it an ideal spot for snorkeling, kayaking, and SUP boarding. Even first-timers and kids can snorkel here. Moreover, this secluded beach is surrounded by mangroves. You can enjoy privacy and seclusion while sunbathing. Its rich marina is equally impressive, with colorful fish like yellowtail snapper, parrot fish, and sergeant majors. You can also relax inside beach cabanas with your children.
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- Discover Snorkeling Mangel Halto Beach
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Explore Quadirikiri Cave
- Address: F4J2+W3G Arikok National Park, Savaneta, Aruba; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 9 AM – 3:30 PM
There is no better kid-friendly attraction than Arikok National Park in Aruba. It covers almost 20% of the island and has unique geologic features like water holes, a natural pool, a natural bridge, and sea caves. Quadirikiri Cave is located within the park and is accessible during its opening hours. It is infamous for the two chambers on its roof illuminated by sunlight streaming through holes. It also houses hundreds of harmless bats. This beautiful cave is a perfect spot for taking pictures with your family.
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- Aruba caves and snorkel off-road safari
- Aruba: Arikok National Park Jeep Safari
- Aruba: Natural Pool, Caves & Baby Beach Jeep Adventure
Go For A Hike To Ayo Rock Formation
- Address: 6, Aruba; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 24 hours
- Entry Fee: Free
Ayo Rock Formations is next on our list of kid-friendly things in Aruba. These natural rock formations are located 3.2 miles northeast of the island. They were once sacred to the original inhabitants, The Arawak People. You will still find their drawings and scribbles on the rock. Furthermore, these formations are popular among hikers. You can take your kids to climb them; they are easily accessible.
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- Half-Day Aruba Island Tour from Oranjestad
- Morning UTV Island tour in Aruba
- Aruba Private Full Island Tour
Tour The Aruba Aloe Factory Museum and Store
- Address: Pitastraat 115, Aruba; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 8 AM – 5 PM
- Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook
You must visit the Aruba Aloe Factory Museum and Store at least once during your trip to Aruba. You will get a complimentary tour in Dutch, English, Papiamento, and Spanish languages. Your guide will take you to the factory and teach you about Aloe Vera’s benefits. You will also explore the aloe cutting room, the filling room, and the testing lab. Moreover, you can enjoy an 11-minute audiovisual presentation about the Aruba Aloe brand’s history.
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- Highlights of the Aruba Island Tour
- Made in Aruba Sightseeing Tour
- Best of Aruba Island and Beach Tour on a Bus in Aruba
Marvel At Diverse Butterfly Species At The Butterfly Farm
- Address: HW7X+FW4, J.E. Irausquin Blvd, Noord, Aruba; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
- Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook, Official Instagram
Kids love butterflies; these beautiful creatures are harmless and look adorable. You can see hundreds of exotic butterflies at the Butterfly Farm. It has collected rare species from South America, Africa, Australia, China, the Philippines, and South East Asia. It even houses a rare White Morpho that is hardly seen anywhere else. Other species include Crimsom Patch, Blue Morpho, Tree Nymph, Zuleika, Postman, Malachite, and Japanese Swallowtail. The farm charges $19 for adults, $16 for students and seniors, and $10 for children (4-17 years old).
Step Back In Time At The National Archaeological Museum Aruba
- Address: Schelpstraat 42, Oranjestad, Aruba; Google Map
- Opening Hours: 9 AM – 5 PM
- Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook
We are at the end of our list of things to do in Aruba for families, and it’s time for the National Archaeological Museum Aruba. It is open from Monday to Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM. This museum has collected over 100,000 artifacts spanning the Caquetio, Archaic, and Historic Cultural periods. It also hosts many temporary cultural exhibits every other week. Visitors will learn about the island’s history, people’s lifestyle, and heritage.
Aruba is more than beaches and sea; it is also home to impressive cultural and historical landmarks. This island is one of the safest Caribbean destinations, with a low crime rate. Hence, you can explore its nightlife and attractions without any fear. You should also explore its culinary scene. This country has many highly-rated restaurants and eateries serving local and international cuisine.
Many visitors wonder how many days are enough in Aruba. Well, it depends on your travel preference. You can explore this island within four days if you are tight on schedule. However, if you are not restrained by time, we suggest you spend at least a week. Enjoy everything this country offers, from catamaran cruises to off-road safaris.
