Ultimate 7-Day Aruba Itinerary for Families with Young Kids
- Jess Barrera
- Oct 9, 2025
- 5 min read
Updated: Oct 27, 2025
Welcome to Our Family’s Week in Aruba!
If you’re planning an Aruba itinerary for your family, you’re in the right place! Our multigenerational family—including two young boys, their parents (that’s us!), grandparents, an uncle, aunt, and cousin—traveled to Aruba for an early Christmas celebration. Instead of rushing from sight to sight, our goal was simple: slow down, relax, and make memories.
If you’re dreaming of turquoise water, easy family meals, and activities that balance fun and downtime, I’ve written this Aruba 7-day itinerary with kids to help you plan your own family-friendly tropical getaway!
Day 1 – Travel Day & Settling Into Paradise
We left home the night before our flight, staying at a Milwaukee airport hotel that offered free parking and shuttle service. It was a helpful choice that made the travel day so much smoother, plus we saved on airport parking fees by leaving our car at the hotel while we were on our trip.
To keep the kids happy on travel day, I packed lightweight card games, seek-and-find books, Sticker Books and magnetic building tiles. Each of our boys had their own Kids’ travel backpacks filled with their favorite snacks, a stuffed animal, a tablet (preloaded with PBS Kids Games and a few of their favorite movies) and Noise-Canceling Headphones—which helped them feel at ease on the plane.
Once in Aruba, we picked up our rental truck and checked into our villa—which was a four-bedroom oasis with a pool and full kitchen. Renting a vacation home was ideal for our multigenerational family to cook, relax, and unwind. Read more about the villa we rented here in this blog post.
Helpful Travel Picks:
Kids’ travel backpacks – small enough for plane seats but roomy for snacks and toys
Reusable snack bags – reduce mess and waste, plus reuse at your destination to save money buying snacks as you sightsee
Kids’ Noise-Canceling Headphones – perfect for long flights
Travel Blankets for Young Kids – cozy for naps midair
Day 2 – Beach Mornings & Grocery Stock-Up
Our first morning started the same way many did—splashing in the pool before breakfast. By late morning, we packed up for Eagle Beach, one of Aruba’s most famous (and sunniest) spots.
Arriving mid-morning meant it was already hot, so our portable beach tent literally saved the day! The water was crystal clear, but shade is essential here if you’re traveling with young kids.
After a filling and incredibly delicious lunch at The Organic Bodega Café, we made a big grocery run to Super Food Plaza. It’s one of the few stores with a full bakery and wide selection, but still expect to spend more than at home. Packing familiar snacks from home (like granola bars and oatmeal packets) will save money and will potentially prevent complaining from kids who miss their favorite snacks.
Helpful Travel Picks:
Pop-up beach tent with UV protection – ideal for shade and snack time
Insulated cooler bag – keeps drinks and fruit cold on the go
Travel grocery tote – folds flat for easy packing - Aruba does not allow plastic bags!
Kids’ sun hats with neck flap – a must-have for sun protection
Day 3 – Animal Garden & Family Photos at Sunset
After a relaxed breakfast and swim, we headed to Phillips Animal Garden—which was a huge hit for our little animal lovers, and the adults too! The kids fed goats, monkeys, and donkeys, laughing through the heat.
That evening, we surprised my mom with a family beach photo session at Rogers Beach. The soft sand and pastel sunset made the perfect backdrop. Watching the kids chase waves under the moon was pure magic. You can read all about our family photo experience in Aruba in this other blog post!
Helpful Travel Picks:
Cooling towels for hot days – instant relief from the Caribbean sun
Family matching outfits for photos – lightweight and beachy
Compact tripod for group shots – get everyone in the picture
Day 4 – Off-Roading in Arikok National Park
If your family loves nature or adventure, Arikok National Park is a fun place to visit. If you plan to explore the rugged trails, you must rent a truck or Jeep—yes, they’re that rugged! We visited scenic viewpoints, caves, and cliff edges where turquoise water crashed dramatically below.
Since there was little to no shade and rough terrain, we packed hydration backpacks, sunscreen, and plenty of snacks. The boys loved the off-road adventure - they were shouting and laughing every time we hit a bump! It truly was fun for us all.
Helpful Travel Picks:
Kids’ hydration backpacks – lightweight and hands-free
Broad-spectrum reef-safe sunscreen – safe for kids and ocean life
Compact first aid kit – perfect for travel days and parks
Day 5 – Submarine & Sea Adventures
For a truly unique experience, we booked the De Palm Tours Submarine Ride—and it was incredible! We saw shipwrecks, coral, and colorful fish from 145 feet below the surface.
For families with littles, this is the perfect introduction to marine life without the need to snorkel. If motion sickness is a concern, pack Sea-Bands or ginger chews or pops just in case.
Afterward, we grabbed lunch at Paddock, a waterfront restaurant where cruise ships drifted by and pigeons wandered between tables, so there was plenty for the kids to look at while the adults relaxed and we all enjoyed the delicious meal.
Helpful Travel Picks:
Motion sickness wristbands – essential for boat or submarine rides
Kids’ snorkeling sets – great for calm beaches
Waterproof phone pouch – keeps phones safe during beach or water tours
Day 6 – Family Feast & Beach Day
We returned to Rogers Beach for snorkeling and fishing, since this beach turned out to be our most favorite on the island. The morning or evening is best for families—since the beach heats up quickly during mid-day.
That afternoon, my mom, sister-in-law, and I cooked a Thanksgiving-style dinner for everyone, complete with turkey, sweet potatoes, stuffing, and cranberries. Sharing that meal together in Aruba was something we’ll never forget.
Helpful Travel Picks:
Snorkeling gear for beginners – adjustable for both kids and adults
Inflatable beach floaties – fun and packable
Lightweight waterproof camera – capture family memories while keeping your phone safe from the salt water
Day 7 – Exploring & Family Game Night Finale
On our last day, we explored Aruba’s Archaeological Museum, the Aloe Museum, and browsed through local shops such as Aruba Incense, where the kids picked out crystals. After a farewell dinner at Pizza Samba, we ended the trip with a family game night at our villa—laughing, learning, and winding down together.
It was the perfect reminder that simple moments can be the most meaningful.
Helpful Travel Picks:
Monopoly Junior – teaches counting and money
Travel chess set – compact and educational
Seek-and-find books – keeps kids entertained without screens
Practical Family Tips for Visiting Aruba
Pack for the weather: November is rainy season—bring light rain jackets, waterproof bags, and quick-dry clothes.
Plan flexible days: Let kids enjoy the pool in the mornings and explore later in the day.
Bring familiar snacks: Grocery options can be limited and pricey.
Don’t forget essentials: Bug spray, anti-itch cream, and a knife sharpener (rental kitchens often have dull knives).
Set expectations with kids: Share the day’s plan ahead of time—it helps avoid meltdowns and makes everyone feel included.
Helpful Travel Picks from our Aruba Itinerary for Families:
Core Memories to Last a Lifetime
This trip reminded me that family travel doesn’t have to be busy to be meaningful. Our week in Aruba was a mix of beach mornings, pool afternoons, and slow evenings filled with laughter and games.
If you’re planning your own Aruba itinerary for families, keep it simple: pack smart, rest often, and focus on connection over checklists. The best moments always happen in between the plans.
Enjoy the sun, sand, and smiles!
Jess
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