The Best Things To Do In Aruba With Your Family

For a family ecotourism adventure like no other, take some time to explore Aruba’s Arikok National Park, located on the east side of the island. The sprawling park takes up a whopping 20 percent of Aruba, and offers an incredibly diverse array of landscapes, spectacular scenic vistas and more natural attractions. Families should definitely check out the Arikok Natural Pool, a swimming hole protected by craggy rock formations. It’s a bit of a hike to get there, but trust us, it’s worth every step. Dos Playa is a secluded beach with windswept cliffs and soft sands; it’s a favorite among surfers for its excellent waves. For a subterranean experience, don’t miss out on Fontein Cave. This incredible system of underground caves features ancient pictographs drawn hundreds (sometimes thousands) of years ago. And to get above it all, hike to the top of Jamanota Hill, the highest point in all of Aruba. The views of the entire island will stick with you from years to come …

Palm Beach, just steps from Barceló Aruba, isn’t just one of the Caribbean’s most beautiful beaches, perfect for rest, relaxation and sunbathing. It’s also your launchpad for an array of exciting Aruba watersports. Zip across the waves on a kiteboard. Catch the breeze and try windsurfing. See what’s happening under the surface (hint: it’s a lot!) and go snorkeling in calm and crystal-clear waters. Keep an eye out for sea turtles, tropical fish and stingrays! Barceló Aruba makes all of these watersports experiences easy for guests, with equipment rental and supervised classes for all skill levels and ages. You’ll be out on the water in no time.

Little known fact: Aruba is home to the world’s largest passenger submarine fleet. Atlantis Submarines let your family take a trip under the waves in comfort and style during your Aruba family vacation. It’s as close as you can get to scuba diving in Aruba — without actually getting wet! At 130 feet below the ocean’s surface in an air-conditioned, high-tech submarine, you’ll float past two shipwrecks right out of Pirates of the Caribbean. You’ll visit beautiful coral reefs teeming with colorful marine life. It’s one of the most unique things to do in Aruba with your family.

• Good to know: Children must be a minimum of 36 inches in height (90 cm) or four years old to ride the submarine.

For one of the most fun things to do in Aruba with younger kids, take a day trip to the aptly named Baby Beach. Known as the best kids beach in the Caribbean, Baby Beach’s shallow waters in the calm lagoon are perfect for your young ones, whether they want to just splash around or even try out snorkeling (the water is crystal clear). Located close to San Nicolas, Baby Beach is ideal for a family picnic on the sand. Nearby refreshment stands make it even easier.

Aruba has a wild side. And the island’s many animal sanctuaries are the perfect place to get up-close-and-personal with some of nature’s most colorful characters. Here are a few of your Aruba animal sanctuary options.

• Aruba Donkey Sanctuary – Donkeys have been a key part of Aruba’s landscape for more than five centuries. At the nonprofit Aruba Donkey Sanctuary, volunteers care for these lovable creatures and offer the chance for visitors to interact with them. Bring apples and carrots for the donkeys to eat! The Aruba Donkey Sanctuary is free but accepts donations.
• Aruba Ostrich Farm – Did you know that the flightless ostrich is the world’s largest bird? They’re also one of the fastest land animals, capable of running up to 70 mph! You can have an amazing encounter with these not-too-shy birds during a fascinating guided tour at the Aruba Ostrich Farm. Afterwards, pay a visit to the farm’s charming gift shop, offering many handmade items and souvenirs, created by local artisans.
• Aruba Butterfly Farm – Take a journey through a lush tropical rainforest, surrounded by myriads of dazzling butterflies. The Aruba Butterfly Farm is a one-of-a-kind attraction that is home to hundreds of free-flying exotic butterflies. Good to know: morning is the best time to visit this Aruba attraction – that’s when the butterflies are most active!

These are only a handful of the best things to do in Aruba with your family. Make sure to ask Barceló Aruba’s friendly and knowledgeable staff for more recommendations.