Aruba With Kids: Beaches, Animals, Costs

October 30, 2026

Planning Aruba With Children

Aruba is flat, sunny and compact, and its calm south and west beaches suit young swimmers. The attractions below are the ones families use most, with costs and age rules. Prices are in US dollars, and cash helps at small venues.

Baby Beach

Baby Beach sits at the island’s southeast tip in Seroe Colorado, outside Arikok National Park. Its sheltered lagoon is shallow and calm, which makes it a good first beach for small children. The danger is beyond the lagoon: a strong current runs through the channel to the open sea, and swimmers and snorkelers have been swept out past the breakwater. Keep children inside the inner basin and stay close to them. Bring shade, water and snacks.

The Butterfly Farm

On J.E. Irausquin Boulevard in Palm Beach, admission includes a guided tour. Adults pay $19, seniors and students $16, children aged 4 to 17 pay $10 and under-4s are free. Hours run about 8:30 to 16:30, with the last tour at around 16:00. Ask at reception whether a ticket covers return visits.

Philip’s Animal Garden

Located at Alto Vista 116 in Noord, the garden costs $10 for adults and $5 for children aged 2 to 13; under-2s are free. It is open daily from about 9:00 to 18:00. Monkeys, macaws, flamingos, armadillos and crocodiles are among the animals, and staff supervise any hand-feeding.

Donkey Sanctuary

More than 130 donkeys live at the sanctuary at Bringamosa 2-Z in Santa Cruz. Entry is free with donations welcome, and hours vary at weekends, so check first. Children can feed donkeys only what the sanctuary provides. Riding is not allowed.

Aruba Ostrich Farm

The farm at Matividiri 57 in Paradera is a family stop in the island’s interior. Adult tickets cost between about $12 and $17, so ask for the current price.

Submarines and Water Parks

The Atlantis submarine accepts children from age 4 and costs about $89 for a child, $99 for an adult, through resellers. It departs from Renaissance Marina in Oranjestad. The Seaworld Explorer semi-submarine offers a shallower look at the reef. De Palm Island has a water park with a minimum height of 112 cm, and children under 10 must be supervised. Life jackets are required. Entry starts from $129.

Sun, Heat and Wildlife

Cover children with reef-safe sunscreen and hats, and carry water; the island is dry with little natural shade. Never let children touch turtles or pick up sea stars, and keep their distance from nesting beaches. Do not leave bags in parked cars. Hurricane season runs June to November.

For tickets and tours, compare options on GetYourGuide . Venue details are on visitaruba.com .