Aruba with Kids: 29 Best Things To Do in Aruba, the Caribbean

At less than 70 square miles, Aruba is a small island, but it packs in a lot of kid-friendly activities for a Caribbean family getaway. Snorkel or splash in the bright blue waters of the Caribbean Sea, explore breathtaking natural parklands, dig in to a wide variety of tasty restaurants, support Aruba’s wildlife sanctuaries, or just stake out a spot on the powdery sand beaches.

With its mix of beach beauty and easy-access family attractions—and a relatively protected location south of the main Atlantic hurricane corridor—Aruba is a kid-pleasing choice for a sunny school-break vacation. Perhaps best of all, Aruba has a well-deserved rep for being one of the friendliest places on Earth. It certainly lives up to its tagline: One happy island!

Whether you’ve got an active crew in search of some new adventures or you’re just looking for a fabulous hotel pool to sink into for a few days, here are the best things to do in Aruba with kids. Find more tropical family-friendly escapes, including St. Thomas, in our Caribbean Family Travel Guide.

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Baby Beach's calm waters make it a perfect family beach destination.

Best Beaches in Aruba, the Caribbean for Families

1. Baby Beach

Located on the island's southern shore, this half-moon-shaped cove is so named for its calm waters, which make it perfect for families with young kids. It's far removed from the main drag of hotels, but a popular spot for cruise guests to disembark.

2. Eagle Beach

The beach all the locals boast about, Eagle Beach is the longest beach on Aruba, dotted with resorts, rental operations, and restaurants, yet still expansive enough to feel uncluttered. The wide bay’s remarkably calm waters are little-kid-friendly. If you book a snorkeling or sailing excursion, it will most likely depart from here. Sea kayak and Jet Ski rentals are also easy to find, along with rental floaties and beach chairs.

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Enjoy the laid-back vibe of Palm Beach.

3. Palm Beach

Just to the north of Eagle Beach is Palm Beach, with its two miles of soft sand, palm trees, and sparkling, calm, crystal-blue sea. Many of Aruba's resorts are located along Palm Beach, with the largest cluster centered on the south shore and quiet stretches of sand under waving palm trees farther north. Easy parking, plenty of restaurants, and a laid-back vibe make this a popular spot.

4. Arashi Beach

Arashi Beach is a popular (if windy) spot among both visitors and locals, with ample parking, beach chairs and snorkel gear for rent, a beach bar with food and snacks, and most important, incredible sunsets.

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Book a snorkeling excursion so kids can explore the ocean. Photo courtesy of Aruba Tourism Authority

Top Attractions in Aruba, the Caribbean for Families

5. Snorkeling

What’s a trip to a Caribbean island without a peek at some tropical fish? There are several high-quality snorkel excursion operators in Aruba, most of which stop at the same round of offshore locations. We booked an all-inclusive snorkel sail with De Palm Tours, whose experienced, friendly staff and crew made it easy to jump right in with both flippered feet.

For snorkeling right from the shore, Baby Beach is a perfect spot with its famously calm waters—although the view of smokestacks rising nearby isn’t the prettiest. Take note: It’s important to stay within the lagoon for safety. Toward the northernmost tip of Aruba, Boca Catalina is a beautiful, tranquil bay in the Malmok Beach area that’s ideal for snorkeling. You’ll find shady palapas, calm water, and lots of marine life.

6. Arikok National Park

The western shore of Aruba is all calm waters and lush, manicured beach resorts. The eastern shore is its wild, rugged, desert opposite. Arikok National Park, which accounts for 20 percent of Aruba’s land, is well worth seeing and exploring. Take a guided hike past spiny-armed cactuses with vivid lizards darting everywhere, or join an ATV tour to see caves, ruins, and cliffs overlooking the deep blue sea.

7. California Lighthouse

At the island’s northernmost tip, you’ll find Aruba’s California Lighthouse overlooking the beautiful white sands and gentle surf of Arashi Beach. So named for the SS California, which sank off Aruba's shores and led to its building, you can climb the 117 steps to the top of the lighthouse and enjoy stellar views of the island and the sea.

8. Conchi Natural Pool

Aruba’s Natural Pool is an adventurous excursion with a gorgeous payoff for families with kids 8 and up. Located in Arikok National Park on Aruba’s windy northeastern shore, the small pool—really a sheltered cove encircled by volcanic rock—is only accessible via a rugged hike or a drive in a four-by-four. Park rangers offer guided two-hour hikes through the park’s wild desert landscape, or you can hire a driver to join the crowd of ATVs and Jeeps on a drive to the rocky grounds overlooking the pool.

While you can technically get to the spot on your own if you have an SUV or four-wheel drive, you’ll need authorization from your rental car company and nerves of steel for the rutted, winding road, so a driver is recommended. Whichever way you go, bring sunscreen, a hat, good water shoes, and plenty of water.

9. De Palm Island

This narrow coral island is a five-minute ferry ride from the Aruban shore and an attraction unto itself. Book a day pass and enjoy its action-packed shores complete with a water park, zip lines, banana boat rides, and snorkeling in the coral formations, where blue parrotfish abound. Make sure to avoid the days when cruise ship crowds swell the lines.

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Red Sail Sports offers sailing, catamaran rides, and other water sports.

10. Red Sail Sports Aruba

Through Red Sail Sports, we booked a sunlight catamaran dinner cruise, aboard which we enjoyed an open bar and live music from a steelpan band before anchoring for a dinner of Aruban specialties as the sun dipped below the horizon, then cruising home by starlight as guests danced the night away. It was a truly unforgettable night! Red Sail also offers snorkeling, scuba diving, deep-sea fishing, and wind and kite surfing. Stick to land and the firm will take you on a party bus, a Jeep safari, or an island bus tour.

11. Alto Vista Chapel

Built by Spanish missionaries in 1750, this modest Catholic chapel is a cherished landmark on the island, where locals and visitors alike make a pilgrimage to pray in its peaceful solitude. Its beautiful hilltop location offers stunning views and a perfect opportunity to press pause and give thanks. Take note of the Stations of the Cross which dot the roadside as you head up the hill to this tranquil spot.

Visit San Nicolas and take in the unique creations on the walls of the cultural capital of Aruba.

12. San Nicolas Murals

Located on the southeast end of the island, the lovely enclave of San Nicolas is home to a series of beautiful murals. Wander the streets snapping selfies and finish your day with a visit to nearby Baby Beach.

13. Oranjestad

Spend an afternoon exploring Aruba’s capital city and visit a bustling open-air market to pick up souvenirs made by local artisans, stroll the many air-conditioned shops, ride the Caribbean’s only electric-powered double-decker trolley, and walk the waterfront Linear Park Trail with ice cream cones while watching the boat traffic.

16. Bon Bini Festival

This weekly Tuesday-night festival in the courtyard at the base of Fort Zoutman in Oranjestad is a street party, night market, and dance performance all in one. Colorful costumed dancers and musicians, plus local crafts and food vendors, make for a festive introduction to Aruba.

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 The Casibari Rock Formations are a popular Aruba sightseeing spot. Photo courtesy of the Aruba Tourism Authority

Unusual Off-the-Beaten-Path Activities in Aruba, the Caribbean

17. Rock Formations

Aruba’s Ayo and Casibari rock formations are located in the island’s dry desert interior, and both offer a fun opportunity for kids to climb and explore. See historic petroglyphs made by Aruba’s native Arawak people.

18. The Aruba Donkey Sanctuary

Since 1997, this conservation facility has worked to shelter and rehabilitate Aruba’s small population of donkeys, whose ancestors were originally brought to the island for agricultural work during its plantation past.

19. The Butterfly Farm

See colorful tropical butterfly species and pretty gardens at Aruba’s Butterfly Farm, located conveniently close to the main strip of hotels along Eagle Beach and Palm Beach on Aruba’s western shore. Hundreds of butterflies and caterpillars are right at your fingertips, and a 15-minute guided tour is included with your ticket. Visit early in the day to see the butterflies at their most active. Your ticket also includes free returns for the length of your stay.

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The Aruba Ostrich Farm welcomes you to come and meet over 80 farm animals including ostriches and emus.

20. Aruba Ostrich Farm

The Aruba Ostrich Farm offers a guided tour and the opportunity to feed ostriches. Besides the big birds, you’ll see emus, peacocks, ducks, roosters, and lizards. Be aware that the ostriches are not remotely shy about approaching and gobbling food or anything that glitters, so little ones might be a bit spooked.

21. Bubali Bird Sanctuary

This hidden gem is just a stone's throw away from the main hotel strip in Palm Beach. Enjoy a shady walk as you keep your eyes peeled for birds including egrets, herons, cormorants, coots, gulls, skimmers, terns, ducks, and more. An observation tower offers a lovely view of the sanctuary and the island and sea beyond.

22. Aruba's Natural Bridges

Aruba's rugged, rocky northern shore is home to these beautiful rock formations, where bridges have been chiseled from years of waves lapping against the limestone cliffs that are a trademark of this side of the island. Watching the turquoise waters swirl, foam, and wash about while you stand on one of these bridges is an otherworldly experience.

23. Royal Aruba Aloe Factory

Aruba Aloe products are everywhere on the island, and this local factory offers a behind-the-scenes look at the popular body products. FREE tours are offered every 15 minutes during business hours, seven days a week.

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Grab a snack or lunch on the beach at Eduardo's Beach Shack. Photo courtesy of Eduardo's Beach Shack

Top Restaurants and Beach Shacks in Aruba, the Caribbean

24. Eduardo’s Beach Shack

A justly popular spot for a healthy grab-and-go breakfast or lunch on the beach, Eduardo’s is a friendly snack shack serving smoothies, juices, fruit cups, poke bowls, noodles, and acai bowls topped sky-high with fresh ingredients. There are plenty of vegan and gluten-free options, and the location (right on the boardwalk at Palm Beach behind the Playa Linda Resort) can’t be beat.

25. Linda’s Dutch Pancakes

This sunny breakfast and lunch spot serves up perfect pannekoeken—thin, crepe-like pancakes the size of dinner plates—topped with a dizzying variety of tasty options (we liked the papaya, pineapple, and mango with powdered sugar). Smoothies, omelets, and sandwiches are on the menu as well. Sit on the airy, cool front porch or inside the main dining room, lined with shelves dotted with blue and white ceramic Dutch houses.

26. The West Deck

Fresh, delicious seafood at this pretty, open-air restaurant right on the beach makes this spot a favorite. Kids can play in the sandy, shady garden adjoining the main patio while the grown-ups enjoy a gigantic island drink. Be sure to try some of the tasty local choices on the menu, like the Caribbean bread basket with Aruban pan bati, buttery johnny cakes, or the not-to-be-missed Aruban Creole dish keeshi yena, a savory-sweet chicken stew blanketed in melted Gouda cheese.

27. Atardi

When you want a real “grown-up” meal but you know the kids aren’t gonna go for sitting still at a white-tablecloth restaurant, splash out on a sunset dinner at the sophisticated Atardi, right on the sands of Palm Beach at the Marriott. The kids can dash up and down the shoreline while you dig your toes in the sand and enjoy expertly prepared seafood, steaks, and salads.

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The grounds at Embassy Suites Aruba are lovely and relaxing.

Where to Stay in Aruba, the Caribbean with Kids

28. Embassy Suites Aruba by Hilton

One of the newest resorts in Aruba, the Embassy Suites is a lovely option for families. Its all-suite accommodations mean everyone has enough space to spread out and relax. A sprawling pool deck, access to a secluded stretch of beach, and an action-packed activity schedule are a plus in our book. An Embassy Suites trademark—the complimentary evening happy hour—is, of course, a mainstay here, as is a plentiful buffet breakfast. Read our full review of the Embassy Suites Aruba by Hilton.

29. Aruba Marriott Resort

This lovely resort has updated, spacious rooms with balconies overlooking flowering trees and the bright blue ocean. An expansive beach with plenty of shade, a huge pool with a waterfall and swim-up bar, and water sports make it a good pick for families. While the resort is also home to the island’s largest casino, it’s discreetly tucked into its own wing, and the service and amenities are remarkably family-friendly—there’s a play area for little ones near check-in and a gelato shop. Located on Palm Beach well north of the crowded high-rise hotel area, the Aruba Marriott has a pleasantly “Goldilocks” vibe—not too big, not too small.

What to Know Before You Travel to Aruba

• Sustainability Fee: Aruba has instituted a $20 per-visitor fee for all tourists arriving by air. The fee is processed when you are filling out your embarkation paperwork to enter the island. 
• One Happy Island: Aruba takes its reputation as a friendly destination seriously, and is particularly welcoming of LGBTQ+ travelers and families of same-sex partnerships.
• Languages: While Dutch and Papiamento are the official languages of Aruba, English and Spanish are widely spoken. You won’t have any trouble communicating, and you’ll easily pick up a few of the more popular Papiamento expressions, such as “bon bini” (meaning “welcome”) and “Aruba ta dushi” (meaning “lovely Aruba).”
• Location: Along with Bonaire and Curacao, Aruba is part of the island chain known as the “ABCs,” in the part of the Caribbean Sea closest to South America (from some of the island’s highest points, you can see the coast of Venezuela). Aruba is a protected part of the Netherlands but has its own independent local government.
• Currency: Aruba is expensive, like most Caribbean islands, but prices are surprisingly on par with expensive American cities like New York or San Francisco. The official currency is the Aruba Florin, but the dollar is widely accepted.
• Weather: Aruba's tropical climate hovers at 80 degrees year-round. There's a constant breeze that has shaped the island's flora and fauna, and its location outside the hurricane belt is a definite plus. Officially, the dry season runs from December through April, though our October visit was picture-perfect and rain free every day.

Originally published in 2019. Siobhan Adcock contributed additional reporting.

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Unless noted, photos by the author