See also, at Travel With Kids: Aruba Beach Resorts
Island features
Aruba is generally known as a safe and friendly island (despite awful headlines in 2005 due to the disappearance of a U.S. teenager.)
- former Dutch colony, like Bonaire and Curacao
- outside the hurricane zone
- size is 70 square miles
- 43 nationalities!
- look for traditional Dutch-style houses
Local Lingo : Papiamento is a lilting mixture of Portuguese, Spanish, French, Dutch, English, and more
Safety and comfort level : This island gets "A" for safety from the writers of Caribbean With Kids , who emphasize the "Bon Bini" welcoming attitude to visitors.
Keep in mind:
- the Atlantic coast is rugged with big-time waves
- don't expect a lush island (except for landscaped resorts) ; picture instead a desert terrain
- flight time direct from New York is 4 hours. From Miami: 2-1/2 hours.
Family Activities - Things to do in Aruba
- explore the underseas with Atlantis Submarine
- explore the island in a rented jeep
- visit the Butterfly Farm
- go horseback riding
- do watersports: the island has coral, so be sure to go snorkeling. Ages 12 and up can try scuba; younger kids can perhaps try " snuba".
- visit the town of Oranjestad, which has historic sections with tall multi-colored buildings. Tira Koochi Park has a playground (limited hours)
- visit Kibaima Miniature Village and Park, with mini-versions of typical Aruban houses, and a playground
- see the "natural bridge" carved out of rock on the Atlantic coast; or visit sand dunes; or old gold mines.
Promotions
- check Aruba.com for island-wide promotions. Check for One Cool Family promotion, usually in off-season (April-Sept., for example.) Features might include kids stay free; free kids' activities; free sightseeing, sailing and snorkeling outings; discount for Atlantis Submarines; free 3rd-day car rental. You might find some freethings to do in Aruba!
Continue to: Beach Resorts
* photo courtesy of ArubaTourist Authority
