Aruba Family Vacations: When To Go & What To Do

As with many Caribbean destinations, the best time to visit Aruba with family largely depends on your preferences for weather and crowd levels. Aruba enjoys a warm climate year-round, making it a great destination no matter the season. However, the most popular time for family trips to Aruba is during the dry season, from December to April. This period offers near-perfect weather with minimal rainfall, ideal for beachgoers and those interested in watersports like snorkeling and windsurfing.

If you're looking for a quieter and more budget-friendly option, consider visiting during the off-season from May to November. While this period sees occasional rain showers and slightly warmer temperatures, it also offers fewer crowds and significant savings on accommodations and activities. You’ll still get to enjoy Aruba's beauty while taking advantage of its quieter charm during this time.

When traveling to a tropical island with babies and kids, preparation is key to ensuring a smooth and enjoyable trip. Here are some tips to help make a family trip to Aruba a breeze:

- Sunscreen: Aruba’s tropical sun is strong, so pack plenty of reef-safe sunscreen to protect your kids' skin.

- UV Swimsuits or Rashguards: To avoid sunburns, invest in UV-protective swimsuits or rashguards for your children.

- Hydration: Ensure your kids stay hydrated throughout the day, especially during outdoor activities.

- Snacks: Pack kid-friendly snacks, as some excursions may not always offer familiar options.

- Insect Repellent: While mosquitoes aren’t a major problem, it's still good to have insect repellent, especially if visiting during the rainy season.

- Water Shoes: For beach activities like snorkeling or exploring rocky areas, bring water shoes to protect little feet.

It’s also important to choose accommodation that takes the needs of families into consideration. One of the best family-friendly resorts in Aruba is the Barceló Aruba hotel in Palm Beach. This all-inclusive resort is just steps away from one of the beaches most often chosen for Aruba family vacations. Barceló Aruba features spacious rooms, a stunning swimming pool, and several onsite restaurants, so you’re sure to find something for even the pickiest of eaters.

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.

Aruba is packed with family-friendly activities that cater to children of all ages. As an island destination with great weather, most Aruba excursions for families involve spending time outside and exploring the local flora and fauna. 

Below are some of the most popular Aruba activities for families. And while the kids are having fun, the adults can get a chance to relax in the sun and perhaps enjoy one of the Caribbean’s famous cocktails. 

Aruba is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean, making a beach day an essential part of any Aruba family vacation. Here are a few of the top family-friendly beaches to explore:

- Baby Beach: Calm, shallow waters perfect for young children and first-time snorkelers.

- Palm Beach: A lively beach with calm waters, great for swimming and watersports. Close to restaurants and shops.

- Eagle Beach: Known for its soft, wide sands, this beach is ideal for a quieter family day of swimming and sunbathing.

- Arashi Beach: A favorite spot for families with older kids who enjoy snorkeling in the shallow waters.

- Mangel Halto: A peaceful and picturesque beach, perfect for families looking to escape the crowds and enjoy some snorkeling or kayaking.

Baby Beach, located on the southern tip of Aruba, is one of the most popular beaches for families. The calm, shallow waters make it ideal for young children who are just learning to snorkel. The beach is also perfect for swimming and building sandcastles, while older kids can explore marine life further out in the clear, turquoise waters. It’s a great spot for a relaxed beach day on an Aruba family trip.

Arikok National Park offers an adventure-filled day for families who love nature. Covering nearly 20% of the island, this park is home to unique desert landscapes, ancient caves with indigenous rock art, and the famous Conchi natural pool. Families can hike, explore limestone caves, and even swim in secluded spots like the natural pool. It’s a must-visit for families who want to experience Aruba's wilder side.

The Butterfly Farm in Aruba is a magical experience for younger kids. One of the top-rated kids activities in Aruba, this tropical garden is filled with hundreds of vibrant butterflies, offering a peaceful and educational experience. Children can learn about the butterfly’s life cycle and, with a little luck, have one land on their shoulder! The Butterfly Farm is also close to Palm Beach, so it’s a convenient stop on a day of sightseeing.

For families with older children and teens, an off-road jeep safari along Aruba’s rugged northern coast is an exciting way to explore the island. These guided tours take you through rocky landscapes, past famous landmarks like the California Lighthouse and the Alto Vista Chapel. The bumpy ride adds an element of adventure that’s sure to be a hit with thrill-seeking kids.

De Palm Island is an all-inclusive family fun zone that offers a variety of activities for all ages. Families can enjoy snorkeling, zip-lining, and banana boat rides, as well as the kids' waterpark with slides and water sprays. For older kids, activities like Sea Trek and Snuba offer the chance to explore Aruba's underwater world. De Palm Island also has a relaxed beach area for parents to unwind while the kids burn off energy.

Aruba’s Donkey Sanctuary is a great stop for animal lovers. This sanctuary is home to more than 100 donkeys, and children can interact with these gentle creatures by feeding them carrots and apples. It’s a fun and educational visit that supports the sanctuary’s mission of protecting Aruba’s donkey population.

For a unique way to explore Aruba’s underwater world without getting wet, the Atlantis Submarine tour is a perfect family activity. Kids will love the chance to go deep below the ocean’s surface to see coral reefs, shipwrecks, and tropical fish. The submarine tour is a great option for younger children or those who may not be ready for snorkeling but still want to experience Aruba’s marine life.

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