Aruba is one big happy island and one of the most popular in the southern Caribbean; its allure is staring you right in the face. Think white sand beaches, windswept views, and the great outdoors on dry land or underwater. Think diving into shipwrecks, swimming with turtles, horseback riding, hiking, and more. A cutesy capital and plenty of activities to sum up Aruba in a nutshell, the island is also packed with all-inclusive resorts, which makes it very popular with families, a family vacation may seem like a chore, but Aruba hotels for families are up to the task, and how! They have everything from water parks and kiddy pools to great kids’ clubs; they go beyond mere offerings like family rooms and strive to make the experience memorable for everyone.
Plus, there’s a lot to explore on the island. Kids will especially love playing in the water at Arashi Beach and visiting exciting places like the Butterfly Farm and Donkey Sanctuary. If your kids love the outdoors, then the nature trail at Arikok National Park is perfect; plus, there are underwater tours, bowling alleys, and even scuba diving opportunities. Overall, Aruba is a great family destination with a rich culture and history, year-round sunshine, and a long list of things to do. The best family hotels in Aruba make the perfect base for families visiting this Dutch Caribbean island.
Where to Stay in Aruba?
Aruba is the most picturesque of all the Caribbean islands. All that separates it from Venezuela on the South American mainland is a small water channel, the island may be small, but it has some amazing coastal neighborhoods you can choose to stay in. For starters, there’s Palm Beach in the north. Being the largest and most iconic beach, it is also home to Aruba’s biggest brand hotels; if you are looking for non-resort family accommodation near Palm Beach, Monserat will be the way to go. On the other hand, suppose you are looking for a non-resort homestay near Palm Beach. In that case, Monserat will be the way to go, the neighborhood, Dutch in nature, is just as luxurious as its neighbor but quieter, Hadicurari and Eagle beaches, which are located north and south of Palm Beach, respectively, they so great places to stay.
If exploring Aruba’s culture and history is your priority, then there’s no better place than in Oranjestad. It’s the center of the “Amsterdam of the Caribbean.” The 18th-century neighborhood is a beautiful mix of Dutch colonial architecture and traditional Caribbean vibes.
What makes Aruba’s family-friendly hotels special is that many participate in a program called “One Happy Family.” Formerly known as the One Cool Family program, it is especially suited to family vacations, typically running through July and August, and includes free bed and breakfast for children 12 and under.
Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino
Right on the southern tip of Palm Beach is the fabulous Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino, the island’s first and largest resort; unlike other international chain hotels in Aruba, the resort beautifully incorporates local touches into its design. Overall, it creates an exciting and unique hotel experience for families visiting Aruba.
Originating back to 1959, the hotel has played host to many celebrity guests, including Liberace! Huge vintage photographs and retro-modern furnishings harken back to their heyday while dotted with amenities: two huge pools, one active, the other quiet. Sensibly there are separate family zones and adults-only zones. Kids will enjoy a special gala at The Shocoland Kids Club for an hourly charge, which keeps your kids entertained with video games and fun activities. Plus, they even have after-hours babysitting if you and your partner want a romantic drink in the bar. You can also try a local massage at the spa. The highlight is undoubtedly Palm Beach dotted with thatched-roof palapas and tons of water sports.
With rooms at the resort boasting views of the landscaped gardens, pools, or ocean, your family will be wowed by the entire space, even in their entry-level rooms with plenty of modern amenities, terraces, and balconies.
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Marriott’s Aruba Surf Club Hotel
Marriott’s Aruba Surf Club Hotel has the pride of being in the middle of the Palm Beach shoreline; the ever-lively property is one of the best hotels in Aruba for families; in fact, its best feature is the long, flowing Lazy River pool. Slow moving, which allows you to float on inner tubes with your kids, plus, with a Nintendo Wii lounge in the teens-only arcade, Marriott is great for families; right next to the lazy river is the water slide, where your kids can have fun. But, on the other hand, you can lay back in comfort and enjoy cocktails from the swim-up bar while keeping an eye on them.
It’s the same scene at the beach, where your kids can play in the sand, and you can lounge under a palapa. Adults will especially love the luxurious spa and the adults-only Serenity Pool; after all the water fun, you can end the day with a fabulous meal at the poolside restaurant.
Some Marriott accommodations have been designed with families in mind; these include the oversized Beach Villas, which are more like oversized apartments decorated in beautiful teal tones, plush crisp white beds, and quaint ocean-view balconies. Ocean, plus, they even have kitchenettes that allow you to prepare meals when the little ones get hungry at unusual times.
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Barcelo Aruba
Located in the middle of the resort complex in Palm Beach, Barceló Aruba is like no other; its best feature is that it sits on a pristine stretch of Palm Beach; the beach is the resort’s main attraction, with sun loungers, the fabulous all-in-one package. The hotels included water activities, boat rides, scuba lessons, and everything in between; the kids could play in the sand or the calm, clear waters, even while lounging under the palapas.
As well as the beach, the resort has the fantastic Barcy Club, supervised activities for children aged 4-12, and the lagoon-shaped outdoor pool with arched bridges, potted plants, and palm trees is the heart of the resort. The kids can play volleyball and aerobics in the pool, even as you relax and sip drinks at the swim-up bar. The Cirque de Soleil-style nightly entertainment is the perfect end of the day. The good thing is that while your children are busy in the kids club, you can get a massage or relax in the jacuzzi; with meals in the six restaurants included in the room rates, you never have to worry about your children wanting a different cuisine for each meal!
Finally, the designs and tones of the Barceló rooms are inspired by the ocean, and some of the best even have terraces with ocean views; if you want to splurge, the Royal Level rooms are the best.
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Playa Linda Beach Resort
If you’re traveling to Aruba with your kids in tow, consider the Playa Linda Beach Resort. Among other things, it has a fantastic kids’ club. Sun loungers spread out along a large pristine white-sand beach, so your kids have plenty of space to play in the sand or the water, even while lounging under a palapa plus. It even has family-oriented water activities right out front if your kids ever get bored. In addition to the huge beach, the property is known for its family-friendly pool area, roped off with its sun loungers and submerged palapas, and spend some time alone in the heavenly adult pool or Asian-inspired spa. Meanwhile, the kids’ club is perfect for keeping your kids entertained.
Interestingly, Playa Linda is a time-share property. So while it doesn’t have its restaurants, plenty of amazing restaurants are setting up shop here, such as Dunkin Donuts, the Subway-style Garden Fresh, and even places that serve Italian and American food — plus kitchens and living rooms. Some even have balconies overlooking the main pool and ocean, making the hotel great for families looking to vacation in Aruba.
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Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino
Sitting at the northernmost tip of Palm Beach and just steps from Hadicurari Beach is the stellar Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino. In terms of facilities, the resort is no less than any other Aruba all-inclusive resort; however, in terms of atmosphere, it’s a far cry from all the usual din and decidedly on the low-key side if you’re looking for some quiet time. And luxurious with your family in Aruba, this resort is perfect.
First impressions are excellent, with the elegant lobby being a shade of gray with hints of turquoise. Young children will love the large freeform pool with a volleyball net and swim-up bar. Beach umbrellas and lounge chairs are perfect for stretching out and ordering a drink from the dipper bat. Since it is shaped like a lagoon, the discreet pools create almost private spaces for your children to play in the pool. The waterfall and palm trees add to the relaxed atmosphere.
Indoor fun for kids rules the nest at the kids’ club, where supervised games and activities are enough to keep their attention; you can head to the adults-only pool or Balinese-style Mandara spa to unwind and enjoy some quiet time at the end of the day. Of course, there is nothing like a trip to the picturesque beach, where you can reserve a front-row palapa and watch your children play their hearts out; the resort rooms are no less remarkable. We recommend the spacious suites with plenty of modern amenities and wrap-around balconies with garden/ocean views for your family.
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Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort And Casino
Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort and Casino is located on the southern sands of Palm Beach, near the charming Monserat neighborhood. You couldn’t find a better all-inclusive resort on the island for your family vacation. With a stunning tri-level pool, kids’ clubs, and access to a new part of Palm Beach, it’s hard to beat the Hyatt Regency; the fact that it has a happy and lively atmosphere and no shortage of things to do is just a bonus.
The many features of this complex will have you and your kids going crazy for the enchanting digs; the huge tri-level pool with whirlpools and waterfalls is the center of all the action, and many patio areas for you and your family. If they had that part of the pool to themselves, the children would be fascinated by the freshwater lagoon with double-decker water slides, swans, etc. Plus, the pool area leads directly to the beach, complete with lounge chairs and palapas, and is a big hit with families; plus, with eight places to eat on-site, your kids will never be bored with food, either! Steal some time with your significant other while the endless activities at the Camp Hyatt Kids Club wow the kids. Head to the heavenly spa or relax by the adult pool, sipping drinks from the swim-up bar.
If you love Hyatt amenities, you’ll love the suites. In addition to well-stocked minibars and modern, high-tech amenities, they also have large, luxurious bathrooms. In addition, most of them have fabulous balconies with spectacular ocean views.
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Divi Aruba Phoenix Beach Resort
The Divi Aruba Phoenix Beach Resorts is undoubtedly one of the best family hotels on the island. It is located in Palm Beach, the newest Divi property in Aruba, and it is brimming with options for the whole family. Therefore, you will find a series of freshwater pools, a children’s pool, a spa, a children’s center, and more.
The hub of the complex is, unsurprisingly, the outdoor pool area, which sits right next to the laid-back beach bar; the lagoon-style pool dotted with palm trees and walkways makes it seem like a cozy nook, complete with sunbeds. And sun loungers, there’s even a smaller pool for the smaller guests, allowing you to relax in the larger pool while keeping an eye on them. If pool water time isn’t enough, the pristine beach is shallow and calm, making it a great swimming spot for kids. In addition to kids 12 and under staying free, there’s even a kids’ club with activities like scavenger hunts and sandcastle building. Adults aren’t far behind, with the spa, DIY barbecue areas, and happy hour at the beach bar.
You have a whopping eight suite options during your stay here, and they’re no different except for their size and decor. The best part? All have large balconies with panoramic and picturesque views of the ocean.
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Courtyard By Marriott Aruba Resort
If you’re looking for a Palm Beach resort with amenities tailored for kids’ entertainment, then the Courtyard by Marriott Aruba Resort is the place to be. Water sports and activities? Clever Playground?
There’s plenty for kids and their parents to enjoy at the Courtyard by Marriott. The three pools are the hub of activities, with lounge chairs, umbrellas, and lush tropical foliage; the kids have their pool, allowing you to easily keep an eye on them while you lounge; the water fun extends to the beach area, where a courtesy shuttle takes you. In addition, the resort offers everything from sun loungers to towels and even food and drinks. Two on-site restaurants take care of all the cooking and food carvings the kids might have, and the icing on the cake is the accompanying live entertainment. If that wasn’t enough, the hotel is just down the road from the Bubali Bird Sanctuary, which your children will surely enjoy.
What guests have loved most about the rooms here is that this isn’t a high-rise hotel, unlike most other Palm Beach properties. Instead, it’s a friendly group of chalk-white low-rise properties that are easy on the eye, plus all rooms are spacious to boot and come with perks like in-room breakfasts, spacious bathrooms, and ocean views.
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Casa Del Mar Beach Resort
Stay in a home away from home at Casa Del Mar Beach Resort in Manchebo Beach. The fun-filled resort is located in the southernmost part of Eagle Beach, north of Oranjestad; overall, its location is perfect for exploring the top 10 things to do in Aruba.
Casa Del Mar is two parts recreation and one part relaxation. You’ll find everything from a bagel shop and beauty salon to a shopping center and water sports rental shop on site. The two lovely pools are the primary attractions, as is the dedicated children’s pool. Plus, children have many more activities to look forward to here; these include the activity center, the vast playground, and the list of programs specially put together for them; on the other hand, you can sneak some time in the outdoor jacuzzi or spa. You can even rent beach cabanas on the pristine white sands just outside. The resort does well when it comes to food too. Aside from the regular world cuisine options, there’s even a healthy beach restaurant if you and your family are in a health shot.
If you’re impressed with the community, wait until you see the spacious suites, they all feature separate living areas with giant flat-screen TVs that your kids will surely enjoy. In addition, they also have full kitchens and private balconies overlooking the pool and the sea.
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Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino
There is no better hotel for families in Aruba’s capital, Oranjestad, than the Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino. Massive resort complex with two low-key properties: the family-friendly Ocean Suites and the adults-only Renaissance Marina — while the lagoon beach is smaller than Palm Beach’s, the resort is quieter and more upscale.
The sprawling hotel is a visually stunning design experience. The decor is playful and edgy simultaneously, the bright blue patterned wallpaper reflects the island vibe, and the egg-shaped loungers and vibrant claw-footed armoires make the place look like a cottage. Futuristic dolls, so what makes this hotel family-friendly? For example, the resort has a kids’ club for children between the ages of 5 and 12. It not only has a game room but also scheduled activities like shell hunting and face painting sandcastle building, plus two freeform family pools with a bar in the middle; it is an excellent place for all family hang out together. The real draw, however, is the private Renaissance island, a 20-minute boat ride away. Kids love the excitement of the boat ride and have a particular station of their waiting on the island.
In addition to the above there is an excellent selection of restaurants with a large number of cuisines on offer, what’s even better is that the family suites are spacious with large balconies, if that wasn’t enough they also enjoy the views from the pools or the ocean.
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Aruba Beach Villas
The Aruba Beach Villas are the perfect alternative to staying at one of Aruba’s huge all-inclusive family hotels. Located just steps from Hadicurari and Malmok beaches, the spacious villas offer a private experience on the calmest white sands of the Aruba coast. If you have older children who need their me time just like you, then there can be no better experience than staying here. But, on the other hand, if your family prefers independence to indulgence, the Aruba Beach Villas are perfect.
Each villa here features spacious bedrooms, a living room, and well-equipped kitchens to prepare everything from coffee to snacks to full meals. In addition, you can even choose the type of view you want: the pool, the gardens surrounded by palm trees, or the ocean. Also, all villas have balconies or terraces overlooking these beautiful views.
That said, beach villas have their version of all-inclusive packages that let you book everything from kayaks and snorkels to housekeeping services. Plus, the property even offers barbecue facilities, a great way to enjoy an evening on the grass or the beach. In addition, it also provides treats for the beach or for you to go and enjoy the waters however you want. So you and your kids can lounge on the sand or go snorkeling, scuba diving, windsurfing, and more. Finally, end the day by sitting in the privacy of your garden or patio and watching those spectacular Caribbean sunsets.
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