Cruising with toddlers, kids, teens or grandparents? Welcome to the happy island of Aruba, where nobody gets left behind. Take advantage of every minute available and spend some quality time together.    

Family at Eagle Beach — Photo courtesy of Albert Braamskamp

Families that want to enjoy a couple of hours of swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing and sandcastle building at one of Aruba's beaches can take a short cab drive to Druif Beach or Eagle Beach. Further down the white sandy strip, there's the lively Palm Beach and also Hadicurari, both offering different water sport facilities like paragliding, kite surfing, sailing, water skiing and other sea adventures, activities and sports.

For a longer drive around the island, visit Baby Beach in Sero Colorado, and meet Aruba’s changing landscapes along the way.     

Downtown Oranjestad is perfect for families seeking culture, history and excellent shopping facilities like the Caya G.F. Betico Croes (main street), Renaissance Mall and Royal Plaza Mall.

A great way to start exploring Aruba’s capital is by taking a panoramic city tour on the new streetcar, departing from the cruise ship terminal. Make sure to stop at the National Archaeological Museum for fun, interactive learning while discovering the island’s first inhabitants and ancient artifacts. The outdoor flea markets near the harbor boast local produce, arts and crafts.          

Pure family pleasure can be found at the private and all-inclusive De Palm Island that offers half and full days of all-you-can-eat buffets, an open bar, a water park, snorkeling facilities, Banana Boat rides, the Sea Trek Underwater Helmet Walk (additional fee), beaches and salsa classes.

De Palm Island — Photo courtesy of Enric Braamskamp

De Palm Tours also operate the Atlantis Submarines Expedition, a unique underwater adventure the whole family will love. For the daring teenagers or extreme parents, Aruba also covers skydiving, wreck diving, ATV tours and the newest thrill: the JetLev water jet flight.

Stone collectors in the family will have the time of their life at Casibari and Ayo Rock Formations, and climbers will like to reach the top of Hooiberg's hill for breathtaking, all-round views.   

To get to know the island’s flora and fauna, book a jeep tour, take a horseback ride or try the new Segway vehicles for some sightseeing and off-roading. Arikok National Park Foundation is ideal for hiking and biking trips.

Attention animal lovers: there’s a butterfly farm, a donkey sanctuary, an ostrich farm, a bird sanctuary and Philip’s Animal Garden to visit while in Aruba.    

Horseback riding — Photo courtesy of Dilma Arends