Is Aruba good for kids? Everything families need to know

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Booking a vacation with kids involved can be a handful. Ibiza, Tulum? Forget it. But a place like Aruba almost feels like the ideal child-friendly destination.

As people who live on the island, who have grown up here and even raised kids of our own here, we realize that we're pretty blessed when it comes to child-friendly environments. Many Arubans who live abroad don't even consider a move back until children are involved.

It's also no surprise that out of the nearly 2 million annual visitors, a large chunk of them are families who keep coming back, year after year.

Aruba is safe, incredibly so. There's a ton of nature to explore, animals to discover, and beaches to while away the hours on. And aside from all of this, many establishments in Aruba, from restaurants to activity providers to hotels, are incredibly child-friendly and cater to children.

So if you're wondering if Aruba is good for kids, your answer is a resounding yes!

Why Aruba feels frictionless for families

As soon as children enter the picture, many people write off traveling for good. It can feel hectic and chaotic, especially when all you want to do is just relax. But you can absolutely have the best of both worlds, and here’s why.

The weather is amazing year-round

Aruba sits at a comfortable ~82°F (28°C) year-round. And because the island is close to the equator, the weather is practically the same year-round, with tiny variations. It’s warm, breezy, shorts-and-slippers weather. Luckily, hurricanes also aren’t really a problem here because Aruba is situated right outside the hurricane belt. Planning a family trip around school holidays is stressful enough without also gambling on the weather. Here, you don't have to.

It's safe, and you can move around freely

Aruba has one of the lowest crime rates in the Caribbean. That means you're not stuck inside a resort bubble for your entire stay. Rent a car, explore the island, let the kids run around. You can drive from one end to the other in under an hour. English is spoken everywhere alongside Dutch, Spanish, and the local language Papiamento, so you'll never find yourself stuck trying to mime your way through a conversation.

The US dollar works everywhere

Over 60% of visitors to Aruba come from the US. The US dollar is accepted everywhere, which makes day-to-day life on the trip so much simpler. No currency exchange and no mental math at every restaurant.

US customs are handled before you fly home

This one sounds minor until you're standing in an airport with exhausted children at the end of a long trip. Aruba has US customs pre-clearance at the airport, meaning you clear everything before you board. When you land back home, you just walk out. It's a small thing that feels like a big gift after a week in the sun.

You can get there without a 10-hour flight

Miami is about 2.5 hours away. New York is around 4. For families traveling with young kids, that's a manageable journey, especially compared to long-haul alternatives that promise similar sun and sand.

The best beaches in Aruba for kids

Not all beaches are created equal when you've got kids in tow. Here's where to go.

Baby Beach

This beach is pretty aptly named. The water is very shallow, so it’s great for letting your kids splash around stress-free. Baby Beach is on the southern side of the island, in San Nicolas, and its calm, clear water is a big reason why people keep going back there again and again. 

It's a bit of a drive from the main hotel strip, but that's also part of the charm. Big Mama Grill next door does the job nicely for lunch. Bring a floaty, you'll thank yourself!

Eagle Beach

Eagle Beach is the longest beach on the island and one of the most beautiful in the entire Caribbean (actually, in the entire world! It’s won several awards). 

It’s wide, never overcrowded, with calm water and a relaxed vibe that's a world away from the busy hotel strip. If you want a slow morning, some good swimming, and space to breathe, this is your beach. 

Palm Beach

Palm Beach is where most of the big hotels sit, and it's the liveliest stretch of coastline on the island. Calm water, lots going on, easy access to (beachside) restaurants and bars. 

Great if your kids are the type who need energy around them. Great, also, if you're the type who needs a drink while watching them. 

Manchebo and Divi Beach

Do you belong to a family that’s split on whether to have an active or a calm beach day? In that case, Manchebo and Divi Beach are perfect. 

These beautiful stretches of beach are south of Eagle and are plenty quiet and zen. You can lounge around, read your book, and sunbathe in peace. But you’ve also got beach bars nearby if you’re feeling parched or peckish, and volleyball nets for those who want to play. 

The best things to do in Aruba with kids

Visit Philips Animal Garden for a day at the zoo

Fancy a trip to the zoo? Yes, Aruba has one!

Philips is a non-profit organization that rescues exotic animals from the region. It’s family-run, with parrots, bunnies, monkeys, and more. At entry, you get a bag of food that you can feed to the goats, horses, and donkeys. There are cute bunnies that hop around, scary-looking snakes slithering in their cages, and even a camel.

It’s cute, affordable, and great for young and old alike. Just remember to lather up in sunscreen if you do decide to go, as it’s an outdoor zoo.

Location: Alto Vista 116, Noord, Aruba

Visit The Ostrich Farm

Did you know that the male ostrich roars just like a lion?

Aruba's Ostrich Farm runs guided tours every hour where kids can learn about the birds, see the hatchery, and hand-feed them up close. Tours run daily from 10am to 3pm and cost $17 for adults and $10 for children, so it won't break the bank. There's also a restaurant on site, as well as an art store that sells locally crafted art. And for most of the year, there’s a local farmer’s market every first Sunday of the month.

Location: Matividiri 57, Paradera, Aruba

Pet donkeys at The Donkey Sanctuary

Aruba's Donkey Sanctuary is a nonprofit that rescues and cares for injured, sick, and orphaned donkeys, and it's honestly one of the most unexpectedly lovely stops on the island. 

There are over 100 donkeys roaming the grounds, each with their own personality, and kids tend to be completely obsessed. You can pet them and hand-feed them directly, just make sure to bring apples and carrots from home for a proper introduction. It's low-key, free, and it's the kind of place that ends up being a highlight of the trip for the whole family.

Location: Bringamosa 2-Z, Santa Cruz, Aruba

Enjoy a morning at The Butterfly Farm

The Butterfly Farm is a lovely, chill-yet-educational experience that’s great for children and adults alike.

It’s an enclosed space where you get to walk around a tropical garden, with a flurry of colorful butterflies flying freely around you. It’s great, and works especially well for younger kids who aren't quite ready for more physically demanding activities. The tour guides are incredibly passionate, too. Mornings are generally the best time to go.

Our tip: wear florals and bright colors. If a butterfly lands on you, you get to make a wish!

Location: J.E. Irausquin Blvd, Noord, Aruba

Take a catamaran boat tour to go snorkeling

As Sebastian the crab puts it so eloquently, life is better under the sea. 

If your kids are old enough to be comfortable in the water, a snorkeling tour is one of the best things you can do together in Aruba. 

The catamaran boat tours are loads of fun for all ages. You get to spend half the day in a boat (most of which offer an open bar for the adults), snorkel at all the best spots, and see massive shipwrecks – and maybe even a turtle or two.

We researched the best catamaran snorkeling tours and compiled a list of our top picks. Some of them even have water slides on board, which, honestly, seals the deal. 

Arikok National Park and the caves

In our opinion, this is one of the best things to do in Aruba, kids or no kids.

Arikok is our national park and covers roughly a third of the entire island. The landscape is rugged and desert-like, filled with cacti and other desert plants. It’s isolated and practically untouched (save for the roads and hike paths), and has a completely different feel to it than other parts of the island. 

It’s worth it to set aside at least half a day for this. There are local caves which feature centuries-old drawings, there’s a natural pool, and you might even catch a glimpse of the elusive warawara, Aruba’s native falcon and national bird. Bring water, sunscreen, and sturdy shoes. 

Location: San Fuego 70, Santa Cruz, Aruba

Learn about Aruba’s history at the Archaeological Museum of Aruba

A small but humble museum to represent a small but humble island.

If you’re curious about the history of Aruba’s people, this is a must-visit. Located in Oranjestad, this museum covers the history of the Caquetio people, Aruba's indigenous inhabitants. Good for a rainy day, or a nice cultural counterbalance to a week of beaches and waterslides. Older kids especially tend to find it interesting.

Location: Schelpstraat 42, Oranjestad, Aruba

Splash around at the Aruba Water Park

For more exciting water activities, there’s the Aruba Water Park.

You’ve got multiple slides, a waterfall pool, a small soccer field, food on site… enough for a day of good-hearted fun. And if you’d rather relax, there’s also a small spa onsite where you can get a massage. Infants under 3 get in free. Entry-only tickets are $30 for kids aged 4-10 and $35 for ages 11 and up, though booking online in advance gets you a small discount. If you'd rather skip the logistics of getting there, they offer a hotel pickup and drop-off package. 

Location: Orcuyo 60, Santa Cruz, Aruba

De Palm Island for a day of sunshine and fun

De Palm Island is a classic, and it’s been the home to many local children’s parties throughout the years. 

It’s an all-day type of experience, but don’t be fooled – adults have a blast there, too. It’s a short boat ride from the main shore and one of the best dedicated activity spots on the island for families. Waterslides, snorkeling, water trampolines, beach space, the works. As an added bonus, there’s an open bar for adults. 

Food and dining with kids in Aruba

Nearly every restaurant in Aruba will have a kids’ menu as standard, and the general food scene is approachable enough that even the pickiest eaters will find something. You’ll never end up somewhere your seven-year-old is staring down a menu they can't figure out.

Beach bars, casual spots, nicer restaurants, all of them tend to be pretty accommodating. And if all else fails, a pastechi from a gas station will usually do the trick (trust us on this one!). If you want to know what else to eat while you're here, we've put together a little guide to the best local snacks in Aruba.

Practical tips for traveling to Aruba with kids

Pack reef-safe sunscreen from home

Unfortunately, most sunscreen brands aren’t all that great for the ocean’s ecosystem. Aruba's coral reefs have faced a lot of pressure from tourism over the years, and sunscreen chemicals are a big part of that. 

Packing reef-safe sunscreen from home is one of the easiest ways to help. It's available on the island but it’s worth it to do your research beforehand and stock up. Always pack more than you think you need, and go for SPF50+. 

Bring your own snorkel gear and water shoes

If your kids are confident snorkelers, having your own gear saves money and makes spontaneous beach snorkeling much easier. There are plenty of spots along the west coast where you can wade in off the beach and see something cool. Some beaches are rocky, so water shoes will save you a lot of grief, especially with younger kids.

Save money by shopping local

If you're eating around Palm Beach every day and only going to Superfood for your groceries, your costs can rack up really fast. The markup on imported goods alone will surprise you. A more cost-effective solution is getting your groceries from local shops and eating at the less flashy (but equally, if not more) delicious local stops. These are the places locals actually go, and the difference in your wallet at the end of the week will show. 

We've put together a whole article on how to budget like a local in Aruba, so you can spend less on the basics and more on the things that actually make the trip.

Rent a car

If we only had one tip, it would be this one (well, maybe not, but it makes your life SO much easier). 

Baby Beach, Arikok National Park, the Donkey Sanctuary, and the Ostrich Farm are all much easier to reach with your own wheels. The island is small, parking is generally easy, and you'll have so much more flexibility with kids if you're not waiting on taxis or buses.

Book activities well in advance

Popular tours sell out, especially catamaran snorkeling trips and De Palm Island. Book before you arrive, particularly during school holidays. 

Consider renting a vacation home or condo

While many hotels make vacationing with children a breezy experience, renting a home might be an even better option for some. Having a kitchen and separate bedrooms makes a real difference, both in comfort and in budget. 

There are great options near Palm Beach and Eagle Beach that work out cheaper than a hotel room for a group, and being able to make breakfast instead of paying resort prices every morning adds up fast.

Frequently asked questions

Is Aruba safe for families with kids?

Yes, Aruba is one of the safest destinations in the Caribbean. Crime rates are low, and families can move around the island freely without needing to stay within a resort. You can rent a car, explore different neighborhoods, and let kids be kids without constantly looking over your shoulder.

What is the best beach in Aruba for young children?

Baby Beach, hands down. It's a shallow, calm cove on the southern tip of the island where the water stays waist-deep for a long stretch out. It's practically made for little ones. Eagle Beach is a close second if you're staying closer to the main hotel strip.

Is Aruba expensive for families?

Aruba is on the pricier end for Caribbean destinations. Flights, hotels, and dining out add up, especially with kids. That said, there are ways to manage costs: booking tickets online in advance, renting a vacation condo instead of a hotel room, and eating at local spots rather than resort restaurants all make a difference.

What age is Aruba suitable for?

All ages. Babies and toddlers do great at calm beaches like Baby Beach. Kids aged 5 to 10 tend to love the Water Park, the Donkey Sanctuary, and the Butterfly Farm. Older kids and teenagers get a lot out of snorkeling tours and De Palm Island. There's enough variety that everyone in the family finds something.

Do restaurants in Aruba have kids' menus?

Most do, yes. Aruba is a heavily tourist-oriented island and restaurants are well used to families. Kids' menus are standard at most casual and mid-range spots, and even nicer restaurants tend to be accommodating. You're unlikely to end up somewhere that can't feed a picky eater.

How long should you stay in Aruba with kids?

At least 7 nights. The travel day takes energy out of everyone, and a shorter stay means you've barely landed before you're packing again. A week gives you enough time to do the beaches, fit in a couple of activities, have some lazy pool days, and actually feel like you've been on vacation.

So... is Aruba worth it for families?

Yeah, it definitely is! 

Aruba is a wonderful place to go if you'd like a universally nice, stress-free trip for both you and your family. There's genuinely something for every age, and enough to do that no one will get bored. 

As one of the most family-friendly islands in the Caribbean, Aruba ticks a lot of boxes that other destinations simply don't, think calm, swimmable beaches, a low crime rate, and an incredibly welcoming local culture. Whether you're traveling with toddlers, teenagers, or a mix of both, a family vacation in Aruba is about as smooth as it gets. 

There's a reason why so many people come back. Aruba has a way of making that decision very easy.

Catch you next time,

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