Fun Family Activities Near Aruba's Beautiful Beaches

How does a Caribbean water park sound? Round up the kids and head to De Palm Island in Noord for six straight hours of swimming pools, water slides, beach volleyball, banana boat rides and snorkel excursions to a tropical reef. (Kids must be at least 10 years old and 50 inches tall to ride the banana boats.)

The best part? It’s all inclusive — encompassing rides, games and snorkel gear as well as lunch, snacks and the open bar. You also get free access to regular beach beds and palapas, and the park offers complimentary pick-up and drop-off at your hotel lobby.

However, gratuities and special activities such as the SeaTrek, snuba (aka snorkeling and scuba diving) and massages are not included. And if you forget to bring your own towels and sunscreen, then the park has a gift shop where you can buy those items.

Families also may find it helpful that the park is accessible for those using strollers or wheelchairs. The price of admission is $119 per adult, $95 per child from 4 to 12 years old and free for infants up to 3 years old.

While you’re in Noord, you might as well go on an exciting snorkeling adventure on the Catamaran Dolphin Snorkeling Cruise. At your first stop, you’ll swim through the mysterious, World War II-era SS Antilla shipwreck off the northern Aruban shore. At the next stop, you can explore the beautiful Boca Catalina reef and see how many colorful fish you and your kids can find!

After a light lunch, you can relax at the open bar with cocktails while your children enjoy the water slide and rope swing — all while upbeat Caribbean tunes play in the background. And at the end of the cruise, each member of your family will get a free “I Love Aruba” t-shirt!

This snorkeling cruise costs $59 per adult and $35 per child of 5 to 12 years old, but you can bring infants up to 4 years old at no extra charge.

Just south of Noord, you’ll find Oranjestad, home of the Aruba Atlantis Submarine Expedition. Embark on a family voyage in a real submarine and travel 130 feet deep in the Aruban sea.

For this activity, allow at least an hour and 45 minutes for the full experience. During that time, you and your family can take a guided tour of this U.S. Coast Guard-approved and air-conditioned submarine. You’ll learn fascinating facts about nearby shipwrecks, native Caribbean fish and the region’s coral reefs. You might even see some sea turtles!

Although the submarine tour tends to be a big hit with children, keep in mind that families with toddlers or infants may want to skip this activity as it’s only suitable for kids ages 4 and up. The price of admission is $109 per adult and $75 per child under age 9.

Are your teenagers craving activities with a bit more adventure? If you’re still in Oranjestad and have an extra four hours, consider signing up for the Aruba ATV Tour Adventure with Kini Kini. Rev your engines along Aruba’s north coast as you admire the desert sands, smooth beaches and seaside cliffs.

During this half-day tour, you’ll get to visit the Alto Vista Chapel, Baby Natural Bridge, Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins and the Cave Pool, where you can cool down with a swim.

The tour includes pick-up and drop-off from most Aruba hotels. Before you register, though, you should know that ATV drivers must be at least 18 years old and have a valid driver’s license, and kids must be at least 12 years old to ride.

Prices begin at $84 per person for this activity.

Spending another day in Oranjestad? Enjoy a four-hour guided tour of Aruba’s incredible animals with the Half-Day Animal Sanctuary Tour. At each stop, you’ll learn fascinating facts about native animals in Aruba and even get to see them up close!

Your first stop will be at the Aruba Ostrich Farm, where you’ll get to meet 80 impressively sized ostriches and browse the farm’s African gift shop. Next, you’ll swing by Donkey Sanctuary Aruba, where you’ll mingle with donkeys and learn how they served as the primary mode of transportation for Arubans for centuries. Lastly, you’ll visit Philip’s Animal Garden, a spectacular shelter for more than 50 species of exotic animals, including monkeys, pythons and a variety of birds.

Tickets cost $45 or $31 for children ages 2 through 12. You can bring children under 2 free of charge.

Want the best views of Aruba’s pristine beaches and rugged coastal bluffs? Try Parasailing in Aruba! Guides will help you get set up in single, tandem or triple sets based on each family member’s weight and current wind conditions. Next thing you know, you’ll be up in the air, snapping unforgettable photos of Aruba’s breathtaking landscape and teal-blue waters.

Tickets cost $65 per person.But to participate, kids must be at least 5 years old, and anyone who wants to fly alone must weigh at least 100 pounds, depending on wind factors. While most travelers can participate, guides encourage pregnant travelers and those with serious medical conditions to skip this ride.

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