Traveling with kids can be a hit or miss, but Aruba was surprisingly one of the easiest destinations we’ve traveled to with my two-year-old. It’s incredibly safe, kid-friendly, and easy to explore! That said, there were definitely a few things that made life easier along the way. Here are 10 tips for exploring Aruba with kids.
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1. Avoid Peak Sun Hours
The sun is strongest from around 11 AM to 3 PM.
Plan your outdoor activities for the morning or late afternoon when the sun isn’t as intense. Midday is the perfect time to grab lunch, take a nap, or explore shaded spots.
It was also nice going to the beach when it wasn’t crowded!
2. Plan Short and Flexible days
We learned quickly that less is more when traveling with kids.
Instead of trying to pack the day, we planned only 1 or 2 main activities per day and built in lots of downtime. This left lots of room for rest, meals, and spontaneity. We were able to enjoy what we did do instead of rushing from one thing to the next.
3. Explore Animal Attractions
Animals are always a hit with kids, and Aruba has a few great options:
The Donkey Sanctuary: It’s free (donations welcome) and interactive. You can feed and pet the donkeys!
The Butterfly Farm: Peaceful and beautiful. You’ll get the chance to mingle with the colorful butterflies.
Philip’s Animal Garden: Includes exotic animals with guided tours available.
4. Book Kid Friendly Accommodation
We stayed in an Airbnb with a private pool and playground area, making our downtime more enjoyable.
Look for places that offer:
- Kitchenettes
- On-site pools or near the beach
- Cribs or baby gear (some provide them!)
5. Go to De Palm Island
This was such a hit for our whole family. There’s a kid water park, unlimited food/drinks, and plenty of shallow swimming areas. It was the perfect all-inclusive mini-adventure that gave us a day off from planning.
Read My Post: De Palm Island: A Must-Visit in Aruba
6. Rent a Car
Aruba is easy to drive around and most places are within 30 minutes. Taxis can add up fast, especially if you want to explore outside the main hotel areas (which I highly recommend).
A rental gave us the freedom to move at our own pace and explore off-the-beaten-path spots.
7. Bring Their Own Water Bottle
Aruba’s tap water is incredibly clean and safe to drink, so we could refill our bottles anywhere without worrying. It saved us from constantly buying bottled water and made staying hydrated simple.
8. Embrace Slow Travel
Aruba is the perfect place to slow down. We didn’t feel pressure to do every excursion or touristy thing. We enjoyed long beach walks, lazy pool mornings, and sunset picnics.
9. Bring a Travel Camera
One of the best purchases I’ve made. My daughter loved taking pictures the entire trip, and it kept her engaged on longer walks or beach strolls.
10. Pack Lots of Snacks!
We never left our Airbnb without snacks. Aruba’s grocery stores are great (especially Super Food Plaza), so buy easy grab-and-go options for beach days or drives across the island.
Lauryn Dunning
Hello! I'm Lauryn. While serving in the U.S Navy, I spent nearly every four-day weekend traveling somewhere new. Those quick trips inspired 96 Hours, a blog dedicated to turning short getaways into big adventures.
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