Traveling to Aruba with kids can be exciting, but it is not always easy to know what activities will keep the whole family happy. Don’t know what to plan? Is it tricky to find activities that work for both children and parents? Aruba has more family-friendly options than you might think. From beaches with calm waters to adventure parks and nature reserves, there are plenty of ways for kids to enjoy themselves while parents get a chance to relax.
In this guide, we share some of the best things to do in Aruba with kids. Whether you want to spend the day swimming, exploring, or enjoying outdoor fun, these activities are easy to fit into your trip and will leave the whole family with lasting memories.
Explore Aruba with a bus tour
Getting around Aruba with kids does not have to be stressful. Driving yourself means dealing with directions, traffic, and parking, which can take the fun out of the day. A bus tour makes things easier. Everyone has a seat, the ride is cool with air conditioning, and you can enjoy the trip instead of worrying about the details.
For kids, the bus ride can be part of the fun. The big windows let them see different parts of Aruba, from cactus fields to the waves on the north coast. The tours also stop at places where kids can get out, stretch, and explore, like the California Lighthouse or the Alto Vista Chapel.
Comfort is also something to think about. Some families choose UTV tours, but those cars are open to the sun, wind, and dust. That might be fun for older kids, but for younger ones it can be tiring. Buses with air conditioning are often the better choice for families with small children since they give everyone a chance to cool down between stops.
If you’re looking for a bus tour that works well for families, ours is set up to make things simple. The buses have air conditioning, which helps on warmer days, especially with young kids. The guides share stories and explain the island in a way that parents and children can both follow. The stops are spaced out so kids can get out, look around, and take a break before moving on to the next place. It is an easy way to see Aruba without the stress of planning every detail yourself.
Here is our link if you are thinking of booking:
https://arubafantasytours.com/tour/half-island-tour
Fantasy Recommends: Bring a small snack for the kids between stops, even though we provide water on board.
How long are the tours?: a full Island Tour is 7 hours and a half day tour is 4 hours.
Are there bathroom stops during the tours?: Yes, our tours make regular stops where facilities are available, especially on longer routes.
The butterfly farm.
If you are looking for a family-friendly activity in Aruba that is both relaxing and educational, the Butterfly Farm is a must-visit. Located in an enclosed tropical garden, butterflies fly freely all around you. Children love watching them up close, and with a little luck, one might even land on you. The Butterfly Farm also gives visitors the chance to learn about the life cycle of butterflies. You can see cocoons up close, discover different species, and listen to interesting facts shared by the knowledgeable staff. It is a fun way for kids to learn while exploring. This stop is not only interactive but also one of the most photogenic attractions in Aruba. With colorful butterflies and lush greenery, it is the perfect spot to take unique photos and capture memories of your trip. It is located right along the hotel strip, so if you are staying at one of the nearby resorts you will be close by. The Butterfly Farm also has snacks and water available, making it a convenient stop during your day.
Can you pay with cash or card at the Butterfly Farm in Aruba?: Yes, the Butterfly Farm accepts both cash and major credit cards, making it easy for visitors to pay however they prefer.
Is the Butterfly Farm wheelchair and stroller accessible?: Yes, the paths are flat and easy to walk, but there are some steps at the entrance.
Philip’s Animal Garden
Do you have a child who loves animals? Aruba is home to Philip’s Animal Garden, a rescue and rehabilitation center where families can meet and feed animals of all kinds. As you walk through the garden, you will see goats and donkeys waiting for snacks, colorful parrots showing off their feathers, and curious monkeys watching from their enclosures. There are even reptiles like iguanas and snakes, giving kids a chance to see species they might not encounter anywhere else on the island.
The experience is hands-on. Buckets of feed are available so children can give the animals treats themselves, which is always a highlight. The setting is open and calm, with plenty of space to wander and enjoy the variety of animals at your own pace. It is equal parts educational and entertaining, making it one of the best family-friendly attractions in Aruba.
Fantasy Recommends: Visit in the morning when the weather is cooler, and the animals are more active. This is also the best time to let the kids enjoy feeding without the midday heat.
What animals can we see there?
You’ll find goats, deer, ostriches, peacocks, horses, camels, rabbits, and more. Visitors often feed some animals like goats and deer with the food provided.
Can you pay with cash or card at Philip’s Animal Garden?: Yes, both cash and credit cards are accepted at the entrance and gift shop.
Can you feed the animals?
Yes, the entry price includes a bag of food to give to the animals. Only feed them the food provided for their safety.
The National Archaeological Museum
Aruba is not only about beaches and sand. The island also has a deep history that goes back thousands of years. In downtown Oranjestad, you can visit the National Archaeological Museum, one of the best places to learn about the island’s past. The collection covers more than 3,500 years of culture and gives visitors a real sense of what life was like for Aruba’s first people.
The museum is also a comfortable stop if you need a break from the heat. It is fully air-conditioned, which makes it a nice change of pace after walking through town. Families with kids will find it easy to visit since the museum is not too big or overwhelming, but still full of interesting displays.
Inside you will see pottery, tools, and ornaments from the Caquetío people, who were the first inhabitants of Aruba. The exhibits explain how they lived, what they believed, and how their traditions shaped the island’s culture. Walking through the museum, you can follow their story step by step, from daily routines to rituals and art.
The building itself is worth a visit too. The museum is housed in a restored colonial home that adds to the atmosphere. It feels like history both inside and outside, with the exhibits and the building telling different parts of the same story.
If you are planning a day in Oranjestad, adding the museum to your route is easy. You can combine it with a walk through the main streets, a stop at local cafés for snacks, or other nearby sights. It gives you a different side of Aruba that balances out the island’s beaches with culture and history
Is there an entrance fee?
No, there is no entry fee. But they do appreciate donations.
When is the museum open?
They are open from 9am to 5pm.
If you want to experience several of these activities in one day, booking a private tour with us is a good option. With a private tour you can create your own itinerary, choose the stops that interest you most, and enjoy the island while your kids stay comfortable and entertained along the way.
To book: https://arubafantasytours.com/home
We hope this guide makes it easier to see that there are plenty of activities in Aruba for kids. No matter which of these options you choose, your family will have fun and make lasting memories on the island.