Activities
Activities
Fun for All Ages by Susan Campbell From toddler to teens, to parents and grandparents there are fabulous family adventures on land, on sea, and indoors too. So, let’s go find all the fun on this happy island!
with Driftwood Fishing Charters, and everyone can even eat their catch when cooked at their Driftwood dining spot later on! The entire family can enjoy fish spotting without even getting wet aboard the semi-submarine Seaworld Explorer and a real submarine called the Atlantis!
Make a splash!
Hit the high seas
Lofty adventures
Wonderful water amusement on the waves for the whole family abounds all over the island, and most of the watersport rental spots are located on Palm Beach. Aruba is one of the best places in the world to learn to windsurf; the calm, gentle conditions and expert instruction is ideal for all ages, and older children can also tackle the exciting sport of kiteboarding! Extreme enthusiasts can try the overwater jet packs and jet blades at Red Sail Sports. There’s a brand new wet and wild attraction the whole family will love called Splash Park Aruba! It’s a massive floating waterpark full of obstacles and zany adventures just off Surfside Beach. Team up to compete against each other in an overwater race as you jump, slide, hang, climb, and flip among runs of colorful, bouncy apparatus. They also offer kayak tours. Another option is a day at private De Palm Island with tons of water activities for all ages. Seriously refreshing fun!
This island’s snorkel adventures will really get the kids excited. Aruba has topnotch tour operators that go to the same fish-filled spots and all stop at the Antilla shipwreck, easily visible in shallow water. Pelican Adventures takes groups out in style on a luxury catamaran and also offers a lively Havana-style sunset cruise with salsa music and Cuban snacks. Jolly Pirates’ old-fashioned wooden sailing ships are always a hit with children, and all ages love their rope swing off the yardarm for acrobatics into the sea. Take a private luxury sailing trip with Isabella Catamaran; they offer personalized tours on small vessels and can also include snorkeling and a stop at the Splash Park as part of your day. Another lovely sailing vessel for fun family snorkel trips is the Lady Black operated by Sailaway Tour, and they have a rope swing as well. If your older kids love catching fish then take them on an exciting fishing adventure
Seeing the island from above is unforgettable, and all ages, including infants, can take a thrilling whirlybird ride with Aruba Heli Tours. Catch their cheery lemon yellow helicopter right off the Oranjestad marina, and choose from aerial beach tours or an entire island tour for exhilarating high-flying action. Or climb the 500-some steps up Hooiberg to keep the family fit and be rewarded with a superb view. Also affording a great view, but with fewer steps, is the newly reopened California Lighthouse where you can climb to the top with a guided tour. Or how about a parasail above the waves? Solo and tandem tours are both offered on Palm Beach.
Splash Park Aruba
Aruba Heli Tours
Interact with the animals
Aruba has many hands-on activities with animals that children will adore. Start with a trip to The Butterfly Farm to witness over 200 species of wingedwonders up close, and if you’re lucky they’ll land on you! Go early in the day when they are most active, and go early in your stay since your admission fee is good for repeat visits. Comical feathered friends can be enjoyed and fed at the Aruba Ostrich Farm. And the Donkey Sanctuary is another family favorite. Children can interact with the friendly four-legged creatures, and you can even adopt a donkey on-site or online. (No worries, you don’t have to bring it home!) Make friends with them by bringing them treats of apples and carrots. Over 50 species of cool creatures and critters can be found at Philip’s Animal Garden. Take a tour to learn about Philip’s eclectic collection of residents (all rescues), and as part of your admission you’ll receive healthy snacks to feed the animals. Horseback riding is another enjoyable family activity. Aruba has top-notch stables and great scenic tours for all ages and skill levels. Or get to know a great deal of the island’s indigenous creatures at Arikok National Park’s visitor center. ! The Butterfly Farm
Jolly Pirates
Philip’s Animal Garden
76 Nights
Left photo courtesy of Splash Park Aruba. Right photo courtesy of Jolly Pirates
Top left photo courtesy of Aruba Heli Tours. Bottom left photo courtesy of Philip’s Animal Garden
Nights 77