All About Aruba With Kids: Important Information You Need to Know

A dad holds his young son near a sign reading "I Heart Aruba" in Oranjestad.
Photo Courtesy: Megan Tucker

If you want to know all about visiting Aruba with kids, there’s some important information you should read first. From the local currency to health information, the official language, and even babysitting services, it’s important to do proper research on your vacation destination before booking your trip. Finding all the information in one place can be difficult, though, which is why we’ve compiled a list of things to know before visiting Aruba, including important information for you to reference. Plus, stay tuned until the end, since we also include things to do in Aruba with kids, the best restaurant in Aruba for families, and the best resorts in Aruba. Keep reading for all about visiting Aruba for families!

At a Glance

A young boy holds a souvenier guitar outside an open-air shop in Oranjestad.
Photo Courtesy: Megan Tucker

Need to know all about Aruba with kids? From currency to time, official language, and visa information, here are all the basic facts you should know about visiting Aruba with kids.

Local Currency & Time

Wondering all about the Aruba local currency and how families can get the best currency exchange rates? The currency in Aruba is the Aruban Florin (AWG), but the US dollar is also widely accepted in many parts of the country. Most credit cards and traveler’s checks are accepted as well. In case you need help figuring out how much money to bring with you, use this handy currency converter. Aruba operates one hour ahead of Eastern Time, in GMT-4 or Atlantic Standard Time. Click here to see Aruba’s current time. 

Official Language & Visa Information

Dutch and the local language, Papiamento, are the official languages of Aruba. However, most people speak at least four languages, including English and Spanish. If you’re planning an extended trip to Aruba or have a non-U.S. passport, you may also need to research obtaining a VISA before your visit. To learn all about the VISA policy in Aruba for families, click here.

Power/Standard Voltage

In Aruba, the standard voltage is 127 V and 60 Hz. There are three associated plug types: A, B, and F. Plug type A is the plug that has two flat parallel pins, type B has two flat parallel pins and a grounding pin, and type F has two round pins with two earth clips on the side. You can typically use the same equipment if the standard voltage in your country is between 110-127 V (as in the U.S., Canada, and most South American countries), though you may need to purchase a power plug adapter/voltage converter for the Type F sockets.

Local Weather

Knowing about the Aruba climate will be helpful before you depart. Aruba has a tropical climate, with a median temperature of 82 degrees Fahrenheit (28 degrees Celsius). Aruba lies south of the general hurricane paths and typically only experiences fringe effects of any tropical storms. Aside from a few brief showers, Aruba is sunny nearly every day of the year. Trade winds also cool the island, which creates great conditions for lying on the beach—but don’t forget the sunscreen!

Check the current forecast on Accuweather. If you need more help planning your Aruba vacation with kids, feel free to check out Visit Aruba or Aruba’s official tourism website for more information. Knowing the island’s weather is certainly an important fact when learning all about Aruba with kids.

Health Information

A young girl wearing a colorful dress feeds a donkey at the Philip's Animal Garden in Aruba.
Photo Courtesy: Tara Nechev

Having the right information about health and safety is an important part of learning all about Aruba with kids. Not to mention, to have handy when visiting Aruba with kids. If your children have allergies, might need medical attention, etc., be sure to keep this important information in mind.

Vaccinations, Health Tips, & Hospitals

Visiting Aruba with young ones? Remember to check your child has all the correct shots and vaccines. For a complete list of the recommended vaccines and more health information on visiting Aruba, including COVID-19 warnings and regulations, visit the official CDC website. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, so you should also check out hospitals near your vacation destination just in case. Three accessible hospitals in or near Aruba are Dr. Horacio Oduber Hospital, Centro Medico: Dr. Rudy Engelbrecht, and Urgent Care Aruba at the Noord Medical Center.

COVID-19 Guidelines & Vaccination Information

If you’re planning a trip to Aruba soon, you’re probably wondering about Aruba’s COVID-19 guidelines. As of June 7, the U.S. Consulate General in Curacao has permitted non-essential (i.e. tourist travel) from the United States to Aruba for travelers with proof of a negative COVID-19 test—either a viral test taken within three calendar days of travel or documentation from a licensed healthcare provider. Please check the Consulate website to keep up-to-date on Aruba’s stay-at-home orders. We suggest making sure you’re fully vaccinated before traveling to Aruba with kids. For vaccination information, click here.

Emergency Services

A young boy looks through a mesh fence at a tortoise at the Philips Animal Garden.
Photo Courtesy: Megan Tucker

In case of an emergency, keep these numbers handy during your trip to Aruba with kids, as this is very important information to know when learning all about Aruba with kids.

Police, Fire Department, Ambulance

Need police assistance in Aruba? Call 100. In case of a fire in Aruba, you can also contact the fire department by calling 911. You can also call 911 to reach an ambulance in Aruba.

Safety Issues

If you’re visiting with your kids and want to know all about your destination, you’re probably wondering: is Aruba safe for families? The answer is yes! The crime threat in Aruba is generally considered to be low, and it is widely regarded as one of the safest islands in the Caribbean. However, young female travelers should plan to travel in pairs or groups if they choose to frequent Aruba’s nightclubs and bars. Valuables left unattended on beaches, in cars, and in hotel lobbies are easy targets for theft. You can review the current U.S. Department’s Aruba Travel Advisory here.

Aruba for Kids

Two girls sit and feed the swans at the Hyatt Regency Aruba.
Photo Courtesy: Robin Glantz Steinberger

Visiting Aruba with kids brings its own set of challenges. Keep reading for comprehensive information on babysitting services, baby gear rentals, etc.

Babysitting Services & Baby Gear Rentals

Looking for a romantic evening alone in Aruba? Luckily, you’ll find plenty of babysitting services throughout the city in your search to learn all about Aruba with kids. We suggest Aruba Babysitter or Tender Babysitters Care Aruba. If you’ve left your baby gear at home, don’t worry! There are plenty of places to find baby gear in Aruba. Take a look at BabyQuip or Aruba Crib Rental from Tender Babysitters Care Aruba. 

Don’t lug the baby gear with you on your next trip to Aruba! Rent everything you need using BabyQuip.

Transportation

A mother and child kneel by the sign for the Butterfly Farm in Aruba.
Photo Courtesy: Stephanie Feingold

Transportation is another thing to consider when vacationing in Aruba with kids. Whether you need information about car seats or all about local airlines in Aruba for families, you’ve come to the right place to learn all about Aruba with kids.

Car Seat Laws, Transportation Services, & Local Airlines

If you plan to ride in a car, children under 12 years of age must be in the back seat of a car. There’s no law requiring small children to be in any child-specific car seat or to wear a seatbelt, but we recommend everyone wear a seatbelt and install a proper seat for their child. To get around Aruba, take a taxi or bus. Taxis are safe, reliable, and easy to call island-wide or flag down at hotels and on major roads. Arubus is the local bus service and is very cost-efficient. Downtown Oranjestad also has a free open-air trolley to navigate the main street.

The main domestic airline is Aruba Airlines, though the majority of flights go through the Queen Beatrix International Airport. Aruba has U.S. pre-clearance for all passengers traveling to the United States, which allows flights from Aruba to enter the U.S. as domestic flights. When learning all about Aruba with kids, you will need to keep this transportation information in mind.

For more information on transportation in Aruba, click here.

Other Things to Know Before Visiting Aruba with Kids

Four kids wearing brightly colored clothes run along a beach in Aruba.
Photo Courtesy: Stephanie Feingold

Searching for more tips on visiting Aruba with kids? Between tipping customs, important holidays, and other safety issues, there are still a few things left you should know. Keep reading to learn all about Aruba with kids!

Tipping Customs

Knowing all about tipping in Aruba can save families a lot of hassle. Tipping restaurant servers in Aruba is not mandatory, as most dining establishments typically add a service charge of 15% to the bill. It is up to your discretion whether to leave an additional tip or increase it to 20% if you have received great service. At Aruba all-inclusive resorts, tipping is included but it is not uncommon for guests to leave additional tips. Aruba taxi rates are fixed as well, but drivers always appreciate a tip.  

Important Holidays

If you’re still searching for specific dates to visit Aruba, you may want to determine whether your vacation will fall on a public holiday. This can greatly diminish the number of attractions or points of interest you see, so it’s important information to know about visiting Aruba. Check out this list of Aruba National Holidays for more information.

Things to Do in Aruba with Kids

A family of four poses together in the ocean off-shore from the Ritz Carlton in Aruba. Both small girls are wearing arm floaties.
Photo Courtesy: Tara Nechev

Once you’ve read our Aruba important information and learned all about Aruba with kids, look up what to do. Home to beautiful beaches, all-inclusive resorts, and kid-friendly activities, this palm-tree paradise is called “one happy island” for a reason. Families love spending time on its shallow shores, which offer snorkeling, scuba diving, and a chance to spot turtles. Baby Beach and Eagle Beach are two of many island locations to soak up the sun. Mangel Halto is one of the best snorkeling spots in Aruba!

When the little ones are feeling adventurous, tour Aruba’s Butterfly Farm, interact with furry friends at Philip’s Animal Garden, and explore Aruba’s Ostrich Farm. Or, take advantage of the Aruba Donkey Sanctuary, which is near Arikok National Park. Enjoy family fun at Splash Park Aruba and hop aboard a certified Atlantis Submarine or a Seaworld Explorer Semi-Submarine. Families will love a tour of De Palm Island

Before you leave, don’t forget to book your Tickets for these Family-Friendly Aruba Attractions!

RELATED ARTICLE: 12 Things To Do in Aruba With Kids! 

Where to Stay in Aruba with Kids

Looking for the best places to stay in Aruba with kids? Once you’ve learned all about Aruba with kids, it’s time to decide on a place to stay. If you’re looking for all-inclusive family resorts in Aruba, check out Barceló Aruba and the Tamarijn Aruba All-Inclusive, which are great for families with younger children. All-inclusive resorts, not your scene? A few of our favorite kid-friendly hotels in Aruba include Marriott’s Aruba Surf Club, The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba, Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort, Spa and Casino, Marriott’s Aruba Ocean Club, Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino, and Holiday Inn Aruba – Beach Resort & Casino.

RELATED ARTICLE: 7 Best Famly Resorts in Aruba (Includes All-Inclusive).

Top 20 Aruba family-friendly vacation rentals from $49/night.

*Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some of the attractions, accommodations, or things to do on this list may be closed or may have reduced services. Please ensure availability before making your decision. 

*This post may contain affiliate links that may earn us a small commission, at no additional cost to you. Affiliate links in no way inform the hotels, sights, products, or other recommendations included in our articles.

Families Love Travel is not liable for any injuries and/or damages to persons or property occurring as a result of your vacations influenced by the suggestions on this website. We are not responsible for any information given on this website, such as recommendations for babysitting services, car rentals, or accommodations. All content provided is for informational and review purposes only. The information we provide is meant to make it easier for families to travel together and nothing more. Try the suggestions at your own risk. 

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The Families Love Travel Team has a zest for life and an even bigger passion for globetrotting! Comprised of real-life travel professionals, we work hard behind the scenes to provide dynamic solutions for adventuring with children. Our enthusiastic team understands the challenges that often accompany traveling with kids and is committed to making Families Love Travel an inclusive space to convey these experiences.