Curator’s statement
When my children were born, I spent hours researching the best trips to take with little ones. If you don’t know, now you know. Traveling with kids can be challenging for so many reasons. When I discovered how kid-friendly Aruba was, it became my ultimate relaxation spot with my children (yes it’s possible!). I love the climate, as Aruba is outside of the hurricane belt, it remains pretty sunny year-round. It has all the things that are important for parents and kids when traveling: good food, indoor and outdoor activities, conveniences (coffee, anyone?) and so much more! Aruba’s fine beaches, culinary diversity and ideal weather make it an easy vacation for multi-generational families together with children of all ages.
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Things to do in Aruba
Kid-friendly activities:
Butterfly Farm - A beautiful exhibit with hundreds of butterflies; truly magical!
Aruba WaterPark, De Palm Island - Small and manageable little park with slides and splash pads for all ages to enjoy.
Aruba Ostrich Farm - Get up close and personal with these fascinating animals.
Philip’s Animal Garden - A local animal rescue for a wide range of animals.
The Gold Mine Ranch - Horseback riding with your family is such a fun way to see the beautiful island. Beginners welcome, they show you what to do and it’s slow paced so that you can enjoy the view.
Linear Park is a long stretch of nature featuring walking and biking paths, perfect for a short family outing.
Wilhelmina Park in Oranjestad has a play area for kids along with walking paths.
Palm Beach Plaza Mall has an indoor playground for kids which is nice when you need a break from the sun.
Roberto’s Watersports - Great for beginner snorkeling
Aruba Red Sail Sports - Look no further if you need more water activities.
Strea Cruises - When you are simply interested in a relaxing sunset sail or cruise.
Kid-friendly Beaches:
Baby Beach - The clear turquoise water is warm, shallow, and is sheltered from the rough seas by a man-made breakwater. This beach is popular for sunbathing, snorkeling and the perfect hang-out for families as the water level is generally between knee and waist-deep, making it a perfect place for kids to swim.
Arashi Beach - A nice quiet and relaxing beach with calm water, white sand, palapas and huts, a snack shack, and free parking. It’s also on the way to the lighthouse.
Eagle Beach - The beach is the host of Aruba's most photographed Fofoti tree (now protected) and has soft white sand with calm waters.
Palm Beach
Mangel Halto - is a small beach located in Pos Chiquito, which you will find on your way to San Nicolas. The beach is surrounded by mangroves and is a favorite among locals for a relaxing day on the beach. Mangel Halto is also known as a perfect snorkeling and shore diving spot due to the calm and shallow waters.
Surfside Beach - A family-friendly beach with shallow waters, ideal for kids and there are facilities and restaurants nearby.
Kids clubs and camps
Camp Hyatt Watapana, located at the Hyatt Regency Aruba, offers an array of fun and educational activities for kids aged three to 12.
The Shoco Kids Club at the Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort and Casino offers activities for children aged four to 12 including crafts, games and more.
The Patamingo Kids Club at the Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino caters to children aged five to 12 with supervised activities and adventures.
The Ritz Kids Program at the Ritz-Carlton, Aruba provides a variety of activities for children aged four to 12.
If your children don’t meet the age requirements, no worries! The island has professional babysitters and nannies available. Just visit your hotel concierge for recommendations.
Places to eat & drink in Aruba
Favorite kid-friendly restaurants
Salt & Pepper - The pancakes anywhere in Aruba are fantastic but this little spot is across from the Hyatt and perfect for your little ones.
Kamini’s Kitchen - On your way to Baby Beach, you can’t miss it, and do not skip the coconut ice cream in a half shell from here, it’s such a treat!
The West Deck - In Oranjestad, the perfect lunch with small plates so you can try everything.
Moomba Beach & Bar - Beachside location next to Marriott.
Papiamento - An Aruban institution, still family-owned.
Madame Janette - Huge menu with lots of space indoor and outdoor, especially great for your large group.
Lola Taqueria - Casual dining and great tacos and drinks.
Asi es mi Peru - Delicious Peruvian dishes served indoors in a welcoming atmosphere.
Cafe Piccolo - If you’re looking for that tried-and-true pizza for the kids.
Casa Tua Pizzeria - Another pizza place when you need that quick fix for the kids.
Yemanja Woodfired Grill - Has delicious food and a beautiful restaurant in Oranjestad. The fun energetic atmosphere drowned out any noise my kids were making.
Ice cream
Gelatissimo Bistro: You can’t miss it across from the Hyatt. It’s the perfect place for a delicious treat after dinner.
Coco Dushi
Gelato & Co. inside the Aruba Marriott
Coffee, happy hour and snacks
Eduardo’s Beach Shack - Looking for healthy options poolside, grab a smoothie bowl from Eduardo’s.
Juan Valdez Café
Aruba Coffee Roasting Company
Craft Aruba Restaurant: Coffee and breakfast in the morning, by evening it churns out cocktails coupled with next-door sister spot Lola Taqueria’s tasty tacos.
Starbucks Coffee - Three locations inside Renaissance Marketplace, Renaissance Mall and Marriott Stellaris Casino & Spa
Shoco Coffee Bar & Market at the Hyatt Regency
The Lobby Bar at Marriott Stellaris Casino & Spa
Alfresco Bar & Bites live music until 10 pm Relax and enjoy an unforgettable Aruba sunset with a specialty cocktail, premium liquor and chic bites in one idyllic setting.
Need to know
Other reasons why I love Aruba for traveling with kids:
From the East Coast, direct flights to Aruba are plenty, especially from Philadelphia, New York and Baltimore/DC.
Traveling home from Aruba back to the states, visitors actually go through customs in Aruba on departure! What this means is that after you land back to your city, you can grab your luggage and go- no additional screenings; you can even get in the global entry line if you have it for the whole family, further expediting airport time.
If you have Priority Pass with your Chase card, you can access two different lounges with clean bathrooms, free Wi-Fi, and refreshments while you wait for your flight.
Travel Advisor
Phi Nguyen
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This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Aruba. For more travel tips, check out Fora Advisor Erica Christie's guide, Aruba: The Ultimate Warm Getaway in January.