Family Fun in Aruba: Ages, Prices and Safety

October 30, 2026

Family Days on Aruba

Parents like Aruba for its short distances, warm shallow water on the sheltered coasts and a handful of attractions built for children. This page gives ages, heights and prices so you can plan around nap times. Prices are in US dollars.

Baby Beach: A Calm Lagoon With One Catch

Seroe Colorado, at the southeast tip, holds Baby Beach. Its crescent lagoon is shallow and protected, so toddlers can paddle there. Beyond the breakwater the water changes: a channel pulls swimmers toward open sea, and snorkelers have drowned venturing out of the lagoon. Make a rule that nobody goes past the sheltered basin. The beach is not inside Arikok National Park.

Animals

Philip’s Animal Garden (Alto Vista 116, Noord). Adults $10, children 2 to 13 $5, under-2s free. Open daily around 9:00 to 18:00. You can see monkeys, macaws, flamingos, armadillos and crocodiles. Hand-feeding takes place with a staff member present.
Donkey Sanctuary (Bringamosa 2-Z, Santa Cruz). Free entry, donations welcome, and more than 130 donkeys. Weekend hours can run short, so check. Children should offer only food from the sanctuary and must not ride.
Aruba Ostrich Farm (Matividiri 57, Paradera). Adults pay between about $12 and $17.

The Butterfly Farm

Tickets cost $19 for adults, $16 for seniors and students and $10 for children from 4 to 17, with under-4s admitted free. Your ticket includes a guided walk. Open about 8:30 to 16:30, with the last tour near 16:00. Ask at reception if you can return on a later day.

Under the Sea and in the Splash Park

The Atlantis submarine takes children from age 4 and costs about $89 for a child and $99 for an adult. It leaves from Renaissance Marina. The Seaworld Explorer semi-submarine from De Palm Tours is another option. On De Palm Island, the splash park admits children at 112 cm and taller. Under-10s need an adult with them, and everyone wears a life jacket. Entry begins at $129.

Looking After Little Ones

Aruba is dry and sunny, with little natural shade. Pack hats, sun cream and plenty of water, and plan outdoor time for mornings. Teach children not to touch turtles or pick up sea stars. If you visit between March and November, beaches may hold turtle nests, so keep lights and vehicles off the sand.

Money and Transport

Arubus buses charge $2.60 a ride or $15 for a day. Taxis do not run meters and start at $10. Keep valuables out of parked cars. Hurricane season runs June to November.

Family-friendly tours can be compared on GetYourGuide . The tourism listing for Philip’s Animal Garden has more detail.