Ranked – Best Things to Do with Kids in Aruba

Mangel Halto is one of the best spots on Aruba for snorkeling, making it an ideal activity for families. The calm, shallow waters are perfect for kids to explore, and the nearby mangroves provide an opportunity to see a variety of marine life. Children can enjoy seeing colorful fish, rays, and sea turtles in the clear water. There’s also a sandy beach area where families can relax between snorkeling sessions. With its protected waters, Mangel Halto is a great choice for a safe and memorable snorkeling experience for kids.

Malmok Beach offers calm, crystal-clear waters that are perfect for a family kayaking outing. Kids can join parents on a tandem kayak and explore the coast, paddling along the stunning shoreline and discovering hidden coves. Kayaking is a fun way to get active while enjoying the natural beauty of Aruba’s coastline. The beach is not as crowded as some other areas, so it’s a more peaceful and relaxing environment for families to enjoy a day on the water. It’s an adventure that’s accessible for kids of all ages.

L.G. Smith’s Boulevard in Oranjestad is a vibrant area full of shops, restaurants, and attractions perfect for families. Kids can explore the colorful streets, visit souvenir shops, or take a horse-drawn carriage ride to see the sights. There are also plenty of places to grab a treat, like ice cream or local snacks. This bustling area is perfect for a casual family outing, with lots of activities and opportunities for exploration in a lively setting.

Baby Beach is one of Aruba’s most popular spots for families with young children due to its calm, shallow waters. The beach is ideal for swimming and wading, and its protected lagoon provides a safe environment for kids to enjoy the water. There are plenty of shaded areas, picnic spots, and restrooms, making it a comfortable and convenient location for a family beach day. Kids can explore the nearby shallow coral reef while snorkeling or simply play in the soft sand. It’s a great spot for a peaceful, relaxing day with kids.

The Bubali Bird Sanctuary is a great activity for kids who enjoy nature and wildlife. This wetland area is home to numerous species of migratory birds, including herons, egrets, and pelicans. Families can take a leisurely walk along the boardwalks and observe the birds in their natural habitat. There are informational signs along the way that educate visitors about the different bird species and the importance of preserving wetland ecosystems. This is an ideal activity for young nature lovers to enjoy Aruba’s diverse wildlife.

Arikok National Park is a vast and exciting destination for families seeking adventure and nature. Kids will love exploring the park’s desert landscape, rugged trails, and wildlife. The park is home to native animals such as iguanas, donkeys, and birds. Families can take guided tours to see stunning natural features, including caves with ancient Arawak petroglyphs and the natural pool (Conchi), a safe, secluded area for swimming. The park also offers family-friendly hiking trails, perfect for kids to explore Aruba’s unique terrain and ecosystems.

The Island Limo Bus Tours offer a fun, relaxed way to explore Aruba in style. This guided bus tour takes families on a comfortable ride around the island, with stops at key landmarks like beaches, natural formations, and historical sites. The bus has air-conditioning, and families can sit back and enjoy the sights and sounds of Aruba without the need for walking or navigating on their own. It’s an excellent way for families with young children to see the island’s main attractions in one easy trip.

The California Lighthouse is a historic landmark located on the northwestern tip of Aruba near Arashi Beach. Built in 1916, it was named after the S.S. California, a ship that wrecked nearby in 1891. Visiting the California Lighthouse in Aruba is a fun and easy family outing with stunning views that kids and parents will both enjoy. The wide open space around the lighthouse is great for little ones to explore safely, and the scenic drive up offers plenty to see along the way. Families can snap beautiful photos together with the ocean in the background, especially around sunset. There’s also a nearby restaurant for snacks or a quick meal, making it a relaxed stop during a day of sightseeing. It's a low-effort activity with high reward, perfect for a break between beach adventures.

The Aruba Aloe Vera Factory and Museum offers an educational and interactive experience for kids to learn about the benefits of aloe vera. Families can take a guided tour of the factory to see how aloe is harvested and processed into skincare products. The museum has exhibits showcasing the history of aloe vera in Aruba, and children will enjoy learning about its medicinal uses. There are also opportunities to sample aloe-based products, making it a fun, hands-on experience for the whole family.

De Palm Island is an all-inclusive private island off the coast of Aruba that’s perfect for families. The island offers an array of activities for kids, including water slides, snorkeling, and a variety of water sports. Children can enjoy the shallow waters, see tropical fish while snorkeling, or even try out an underwater scooter. There are also beach activities like paddleboarding and beach volleyball. The island is all about fun and relaxation, with plenty of opportunities to build sandcastles or relax in the sun. The all-you-can-eat buffet and kid-friendly amenities make it an easy choice for families.

The Aruba Historical Museum offers families a chance to learn about the island’s rich history and culture. The museum features exhibits on Aruba’s indigenous peoples, colonial past, and cultural heritage. Children can explore interactive displays and discover artifacts from Aruba’s history, such as pottery, tools, and artwork. The museum also offers guided tours, making it an educational outing for families interested in learning more about the island’s history in an engaging way. It’s a great option for families who enjoy a cultural experience.

The Butterfly Farm in Aruba is a magical experience for kids of all ages. Families can wander through lush gardens filled with vibrant butterflies from around the world. The farm offers an educational experience, as knowledgeable guides explain the life cycle of butterflies, their role in the ecosystem, and fun facts about their behaviors. Kids will love watching the butterflies fly around them and seeing caterpillars and chrysalides up close. The Butterfly Farm also offers a gift shop with butterfly-themed souvenirs, making it a memorable experience for the whole family.

San Nicolas, Aruba’s second-largest city, is known for its vibrant street art scene. The Mural Tour takes families on a walk through the city to explore colorful murals painted by local and international artists. It’s a creative and educational experience where kids can learn about the artists, their inspirations, and the cultural significance of each piece. The tour is both an art exploration and a fun way to engage with the local community, making it a great activity for families with older kids who appreciate art and culture.

Renaissance Island is home to the famous Flamingo Beach, where families can interact with Aruba’s resident flamingos. Flamingo Beach is primarily an adults-only beach. However, families with children can visit during a designated time slot: between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM daily. During this hour, children are permitted to interact with the flamingos under adult supervision
The island also features Iguana Beach, which is family-friendly and accessible to visitors of all ages throughout the day. This area offers a relaxed environment with shallow waters, making it suitable for children. Access to Renaissance Island is complimentary for guests staying at the Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort. For non-guests, a limited number of day passes are available for purchase, typically costing around $125 per person. These passes can be purchased online the day before the intended visit, starting at 7:00 AM, and are subject to availability based on hotel occupancy. In summary, while Flamingo Beach is predominantly reserved for adults, families can plan a visit during the specified morning hour to experience the flamingos up close. For a full day of family-friendly beach activities, Iguana Beach on the same island serves as an excellent alternative.

Located in Arikok National Park, the Natural Pool (Conchi) is a unique swimming spot surrounded by volcanic rock formations. The pool is protected from the open ocean by these rocks, creating calm, clear water that’s perfect for children. While the hike to the Natural Pool can be a bit challenging for younger children, it’s a rewarding adventure for families with older kids who enjoy exploring. Once there, kids can safely swim and snorkel in the protected waters, spotting fish and enjoying the stunning natural beauty.

Palm Beach is a family-friendly destination known for its calm, shallow waters and beautiful white sand. It’s perfect for younger children who want to splash around safely in the water or build sandcastles along the shore. Families can also enjoy paddleboarding, kayaking, or simply relaxing under the shade of a palm tree. There are plenty of kid-friendly restaurants along the beach, so families can make a full day of it, with easy access to amenities like restrooms, showers, and shops. The beach is known for its family-friendly atmosphere, making it a must-visit for those with young kids.

Aruba offers family-friendly fishing and boat tours that kids can enjoy. These tours often take families out to sea to fish for local species or simply enjoy the views. Some tours include opportunities for kids to try their hand at fishing, while others focus on leisurely cruising, dolphin spotting, or swimming in secluded bays. These tours offer a fun, relaxed way for families to bond while exploring the coastal waters of Aruba.

The Historical Gold Mine Tour offers a unique experience for families to learn about Aruba’s gold mining history. Kids will love exploring the ruins of old gold mines and discovering how Aruba was once a center for gold production. The tour is led by guides who share interesting facts about the island’s history, including its mining past, and there are also opportunities to explore the island’s natural beauty along the way. This educational activity offers a fun way for kids to learn about history while enjoying the outdoors.

A visit to the Aruba Ostrich Farm offers kids a chance to learn about these fascinating creatures up close. The farm provides guided tours where children can learn about ostrich biology, history, and behavior. Kids can feed the ostriches, touch their eggs, and even ride a giant ostrich egg for a fun photo op. The tour also covers how the farm cares for the ostriches and educates visitors about their role in the local ecosystem. It’s an entertaining and educational experience for families looking for something a bit different.

For families looking to dive into an underwater adventure, Snuba is a great option for kids who are not yet old enough to scuba dive. Snuba is a combination of snorkeling and scuba diving, where kids and adults can explore the ocean’s depths while breathing through a simple snorkel-style mask connected to an air tank floating on the surface. It’s a fantastic way for kids to see marine life up close without the need for extensive training or certification. Several tour operators offer Snuba adventures for families with young children.

Coco Loco Beach is a family-friendly spot known for its relaxing atmosphere and calm, shallow waters perfect for young kids. The beach features soft sand, a slow slope into the water, and a laid-back environment where families can spend hours enjoying the sun and surf. Kids can paddle around in the warm waters, collect seashells, or play beach games while parents relax under the shade of a cabana. The beach also offers easy access to nearby restaurants for a convenient meal or snack.

Philip's Animal Garden is a great place for animal lovers, offering kids the chance to interact with a variety of animals. The sanctuary is home to over 50 species, including exotic birds, monkeys, reptiles, and even big cats like lions and tigers. Children can feed and pet the animals, giving them a hands-on experience with wildlife conservation. The garden also educates kids about animal care, rescue efforts, and endangered species. With its interactive experiences, Philip's Animal Garden is both fun and educational for kids of all ages.