Aruba for Families: Ages, Heights, Prices

October 30, 2026

Planning by Age

Family trips go smoother when the day matches the youngest child. Aruba is flat and compact, the west and south beaches are sheltered, and most family stops are a short drive apart. Below, activities are grouped by the age they suit. All prices are in US dollars, and a little cash helps at small places.

Babies and Toddlers

Baby Beach lagoon. At the southeast tip, in the Seroe Colorado area, a crescent of shallow, protected water suits small children. The beach lies outside Arikok National Park. Make one firm rule before anyone enters the water: nobody goes past the breakwater. A current runs through the opening to the sea, and snorkelers have been pulled out through it. Inside the lagoon, stay within arm’s reach of little ones, and bring your own shade.

Donkey Sanctuary. More than 130 donkeys live at Bringamosa 2-Z in Santa Cruz. It is free to enter, with donations welcome. Weekend hours can be shorter than weekday ones, so check before you drive out. Children may hand over only the food the sanctuary supplies, and no one should ride a donkey.

Philip’s Animal Garden. Toddlers under 2 enter free, ages 2 to 13 pay $5 and adults pay $10. The address is Alto Vista 116 in Noord, with daily hours of about 9:00 to 18:00. Monkeys, macaws, flamingos, armadillos and crocodiles are on view, and staff are present for hand-feeding.

Ages 4 and Up

The Butterfly Farm. Under-4s are free. Children from 4 to 17 pay $10, seniors and students $16 and adults $19. The price covers a guided tour. Hours are roughly 8:30 to 16:30 with the last tour near 16:00, and reception can say whether your ticket works for a return visit.

Atlantis Submarines. The minimum age is 4. Resellers list about $89 for a child and about $99 for an adult. Boarding is at Renaissance Marina in Oranjestad. For a gentler look at the reef, De Palm Tours also runs the Seaworld Explorer semi-submarine.

Aruba Ostrich Farm. An interior stop at Matividiri 57 in Paradera. Adult entry has been quoted between about $12 and $17, so ask for today’s price.

School-Age Water Fun: De Palm Island

Entry starts from $129 and includes food, drinks, the water park and a snorkel tour. Sea Trek and SNUBA are from $55, for ages 8 and up. The splash park requires a height of 112 cm or more, children under 10 need adult supervision, and everyone wears a life jacket.

Rules Children Can Follow

Never touch, chase or carry a turtle. Handling is illegal, and the Turtugaruba hotline, +297 592 9393, takes reports.
Leave cushion sea stars in the water.
From about March to November turtles nest on some beaches, so keep lights and vehicles off the sand.
Skip the north and east coast for swimming, as rip currents run there.

Heat, Water and Money

There is little shade anywhere, so pack hats, sunscreen and water and plan outdoor time for the morning. Tap water is safe to drink. Arubus buses charge $2.60 a ride or $15 for a day pass, and taxis charge fixed fares from $10. Keep bags out of parked cars. Hurricane season runs June to November.

Family tours and tickets can be compared on GetYourGuide . The tourism board has a page for Philip’s Animal Garden , and De Palm Island posts its rules at depalmisland.com .