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Aruba, Jamaica, ooh I want to take ya… Dreaming of a beachy getaway to this Dutch Caribbean island with your loved ones?
We’ve got just the family resort in Aruba for you and yours! Home to dazzling white beaches, global cuisine, and outdoor adventure, this tropical escape is one of the best places to visit in the Caribbean — not just for couples but for the whole family!
The island’s safe environment and welcoming culture make it ideal for family vacations. Resorts offer a range of kid-friendly activities, from water parks and supervised kids’ clubs to family-friendly dining options. The year-round sunny weather ensures endless days of outdoor fun, while the all-inclusive options provide convenience and peace of mind for parents.
Appropriately dubbed “One Happy Island,” English-speaking Aruba is appreciated for its sunny days, ease of access, breezy trade winds, friendly residents, and use of the U.S. dollar.
We’ve meticulously evaluated resort amenities, scrutinized guest feedback, reviewed online reputations, and considered hotel class ratings to handpick the best family resorts in Aruba for your consideration.
Topping our list is La Cabana Resort, a hidden gem with a family-friendly atmosphere, unbeatable location, and entertainment for all ages.
Read all about it and the rest of our accommodation recommendations in our guide to the best family resorts in Aruba below!
12 Best Aruba Family Resorts
1. Best Overall – La Cabana Resort
What makes La Cabana Resort the best family resort in Aruba? Location, location, location! Just across the street from the sea, this upscale casino resort is next to downtown Oranjestad, smack dab in the center of Eagle Beach. Each room has a full kitchen, which is super handy for those who are traveling with children.
La Cabana offers easy access to the beach, where families can find activities, from tubing to spotting nesting sea turtles. If the kids need a break, retreating to the room couldn’t be more convenient.
The resort has a few onsite restaurants, but there are several others within walking distance. The Stop & Shop supermarket is also conveniently located right across the street. Head up to the poolside bar during happy hour for live entertainment. Kids have their own pool, while adults have a casino to keep them entertained.
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2. Best Beachfront – Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino
Luxury, adventure, and relaxation are on the menu at Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino. Nestled on the widest stretch of Palm Beach, this upscale resort boasts two zero-entry pools, beachside palapas, and an onsite casino. Four restaurants and room service make sure guests never go hungry. A daily resort fee covers wifi, activities like cornhole, a couple of bikes to explore the island, beach towels, and two bottles of water per day.
Relaxation opportunities abound! Take in the Caribbean coastline from your own palapa, reserve a poolside cabana, and unwind at the beachfront spa. Kids’ activities include beachside s’mores, dive-in movies, and more.
Book a special Pirate Dinner to make memories that will last a lifetime at this ideal family retreat. Upgrade to Palm Beach Club for sparkling wine upon check-in, an exclusive concierge, turndown service, and private lounge access, as well as a breakfast buffet, afternoon tea, and evening cocktails.
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3. Best Boutique Option – Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort
Embrace the charm of the Caribbean at Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort, nestled in Aruba’s Low Rise Hotel Zone opposite the breathtaking Eagle Beach.
Brightly painted Dutch colonial architecture houses spacious studios with kitchenettes and suites with full kitchens — some with sea views!
While this boutique resort does not offer direct beach access, it does have two pools, including a kids’ pool as well as beachfront dining.
Want to see what it’s like? Check out the live webcam!
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4. Best Resort With Casino – Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino
Tropical bliss awaits at Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino, an idyllic retreat near Palm Beach. Families appreciate its spacious accommodations — spring for oceanfront views or select serene scenes of the pools and gardens instead. Five dining options range from steak to sushi, with gelato available in the lobby.
Go snorkeling, paddleboarding, or try desert bathing. Lounge by the large pool area, which features a waterslide, kids’ pool, and kids’ club.
Grownups will enjoy the onsite spa, 24-hour casino, and fine dining. Aruba’s lively culinary, shopping, and nightlife scene is right outside the door as well. Unfortunately, those with minors in tow cannot upgrade to the Tradewinds experience, which includes perks, specialized service, and a private, adults-only pool.
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5. Best Value – Playa Linda Beach Resort
Playa Linda Beach Resort is a popular choice for families seeking a relatively affordable home away from home on pristine Palm Beach. This beachfront escape offers easy access to six miles of stunning Caribbean coastline. Families will appreciate Play Linda’s adult and all-ages pools, a Kids’ Club, and movie nights.
Each suite has a kitchen, which is super convenient for families with children. A wonderful waterfall and lush tropical landscaping surround the resort’s picture-perfect pool.
Nearby attractions include the Bubali Bird Sanctuary, the Old Dutch Windmill, and The Butterfly Farm. Several eateries can be found on the property and surrounding it, while the outdoor mall can also be reached on foot.
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6. Best Waterpark – Marriott’s Aruba Surf Club
Nestled in Palm Beach, Marriott’s Aruba Surf Club is perfect for families. Guest rooms have a convenient kitchenette, while spacious villas offer a home-like retreat with a full kitchen.
Kids love the lazy river, Guppies Lagoon children’s pool, waterslide, and refreshing frozen blue lemonade from the swim-up bar. Onsite dining is available, but do note that the Aruba restaurant and shopping district are about a 15-minute walk from this resort.
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7. Best Kids’ Activities – Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort, Spa, and Casino
Offering elegant, family-friendly suites on the white sands of Palm Beach, the Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort, Spa, and Casino is a 12-acre beachfront gem. Its three-level pool area houses a two-story waterslide and family activity pool.
Complementary kids’ activities include educational animal encounters and scavenger hunts. Adults can try their luck at the onsite casino, play some tennis, or get pampered at the spa. Plenty of onsite dining and bars ensure guests stay fed, but book the Regency Club Access package for breakfast, snacks, a dedicated concierge, and more.
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8. Most Luxurious – Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort
Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort, aka Renaissance Aruba Resort, takes up 40 acres of the island in its capital of Oranjestad. The adults-only Renaissance Marina Hotel caters to couples, while the kid-friendly Renaissance Ocean Suites caters to young families.
On the adults’ side, you’ll find a casino (one of two at the property), a fitness center, an infinity pool, and the Okeanos Spa. On the kids’ side, you’ll find a beach lagoon, outdoor pools, and the Patamingo Kids Club.
Both sides offer access to six restaurants, plus a Starbucks and two bars. Window shop luxe brands like Louis Vuitton and Gucci at the attached Renaissance Mall. Oh, and by the way, Renaissance Aruba Resort also boasts its own flamingo-filled private island, complete with family and adults-only beaches.
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9. Best All-Inclusive – Divi Village Golf and Beach Resort
Experience the perfect all-inclusive family retreat at Divi Village Golf and Beach Resort, just steps from Aruba’s Druif Beach. This all-suite resort offers spacious accommodations, including fully equipped kitchens, ideal for families.
Highlights include a 9-hole golf course, three pools, tennis courts, water sports, and more. Convenience meets relaxation with three restaurants and complimentary transportation to Alhambra Casino. The resort’s white sand beach is a short stroll away.
What is included in all-inclusive? Enjoy access to beaches, activities, restaurants, pools, and more at both Divi and its sister property, Tamarijn Aruba. Meals and snacks from all 11 eateries and unlimited beverages at eight bars are also included. Order an Aruba Ariba or another local libation, a Summer Love.
The Sea Turtles Club entertains kiddos with fun activities all day long. Other highlights include a 30-foot rock-climbing wall on the beach, e-mountain bikes, complete with group tours to iconic spots, and four freshwater pools. Upgrade for perks such as airport transportation and self-care services at Divi Aruba and Tamarijn Aruba’s full-service spas.
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10. Best Food – Holiday Inn Resort Aruba
Situated on Palm Beach and revamped in 2014, the Holiday Inn Resort Aruba has 597 spacious rooms and suites. The All Inclusive Package offered by the resort caters very well to families and children who love beachside adventures and engaging in different activities.
Holiday Inn Resort Aruba has endless recreational activities including fun snorkeling excursions and playing on the golf course. There are also seven onsite dining options for families, one for each day of the week.
Visit Coral’s Restaurant or the Palm Bar for breakfast, and for afternoon and evening dining options, consider the Sea Breeze Restaurant & Bar or the Oceanside Bar & Grill. Both offer lunch and dinner that feature steak, seafood, and gyro dishes. Da Vinci Ristorante is also open for lunch and dinner, but its availability depends on the season.
When craving a casual bite, try Pizza Now, which offers a variety of pizzas and flatbreads
and is perfect for picky eaters.
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11. Best Facilities – Tamarijn Aruba
The rooms at Tamarijn Aruba are slightly smaller than those at Divi Aruba, but it’s the facilities, not the rooms, that stand out at Tamarijn Aruba.
Among them are floodlit tennis courts, a fully-equipped fitness studio, a beauty salon, and free non-motorized water sports on the beach adjacent to the resort. Kids’ facilities range from a kids’ club to a 30-foot climbing wall.
This amazing all-inclusive hotel hosts theme parties and live performances within walking distance of Eagle Beach. But there are other things which whole families can enjoy too, such as kayaking, windsurfing, and a swimming pool where you can spend the entire day playing with your little ones.
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12. Best Ocean Views – The Ritz Carlton Aruba
With 320 luxury suites and rooms, the Ritz Carlton Aruba on Palm Beach is a stunningly unique beachfront oasis. The resort offers guests the same elegant accommodations that the Ritz Carlton brand is known for worldwide. The views from Palm Beach are stunning, no matter what type of accommodations you choose.
With two swimming pools, soft beaches, water sports, a fitness center, and a spa, it’s clear why Ritz-Carlton is synonymous with class and luxury. Ritz Kids is designed for kids 4 to 12 years old and offers a variety of themed games and activities, many of which teach kids about Aruba.
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What to Look for When Choosing a Family Resorts in Aruba
From which part of the island to stay on to hidden fees — here are some things to consider to help choose Aruba’s best resort for the whole family’s preferences and interests.
Area: Palm Beach vs. Eagle Beach
Aruba has two primary resort areas: Palm Beach and Eagle Beach. On the northern coast, Palm Beach is a six-mile stretch of sand strewn with bars and restaurants. It’s considered the more bougie part of Aruba. Nearby attractions like the Bubali Bird Sanctuary, the Old Dutch Windmill, and The Butterfly Farm add cultural and natural delights.
Quieter, in comparison, Eagle Beach boasts slightly larger waves. This broad, sandy haven is not just a serene retreat; it’s also a nesting ground for sea turtles. Home to low-rise resorts and casinos, Eagle Beach offers a more laid-back atmosphere for a delightful Aruban escape. Further south of Eagle Beach is the capital of Oranjestad.
Activities and Entertainment
Since Aruba’s crystal clear Caribbean waters boast extensive underwater visibility, its a great place to go scuba diving. If interested, check with your resort’s concierge to see which company they recommend. This is also a good approach for catamaran cruises, rentals, and the like. Book activities ahead of time whenever possible. Most resorts provide beach chairs, towels, and gear for snorkeling or other water activities.
Proximity to Attractions, Dining, and Shopping
At just 21 miles long and six miles wide, Aruba is the smallest of the ABC islands, so really, any resort will be within close proximity to its attractions, dining options, and shopping. Staying in Palm Beach at a resort like the Playa Linda Beach Resort, for example, puts families in close proximity to Aruba’s Bubali Bird Sanctuary, Old Dutch Windmill, and Butterfly Farm. Shoppers can stay near Orjanstead to ogle shiny baubles at high-end jewelers and shop island-inspired souvenirs at the fun and kitschy stores.
What Is Included
“Resort” is not synonymous with “all-inclusive” in Aruba; however, family-friendly resorts on the island can feature amenities such as dedicated kids’ swimming pools, direct beach access, sea views, onsite casinos, and even a private island! Oftentimes, resorts will offer an option to upgrade for more amenities, access to private areas, and personalized services.
Resort Fees
In Aruba, resort fees are not as common as in some other destinations, but they are not unheard of. Some resorts may charge a daily resort fee, covering services like Wi-Fi, beach chairs, and other amenities.
For example, the Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino imposes a Daily Service Charge. Check with the specific resort about any additional fees during the booking process. Review what is included in the resort fee and decide whether it aligns with your preferences and needs for a stress-free family vacation in Aruba.
Kids Stay Free
Typically available from July 1 to August 31, Aruba’s One Happy Family program provides complimentary lodging and free breakfast for children aged 12 and under staying with one or two adults in a room.
The Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino and Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino are participants, according to Visit Aruba, but it can’t hurt to contact the resort directly to confirm.
Kids’ Club
Some Aruba resorts offer supervised programs for children, professional daycare services, or babysitting options all year round. Many family resorts have a kids’ club to entertain little ones and give parents a break during the day.
Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino, Divi Village Golf and Beach Resort, and Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort all have dedicated kids’ clubs. Confirm with the resort that the kids’ club will be open during the dates of your stay.
Kitchen Facilities
Having access to a full kitchen or a kitchenette is practically essential when traveling with small children. Some examples of family resorts with in-room kitchens or kitchenettes include La Cabana Resort, Caribbean at Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort, Playa Linda Beach Resort, Marriott’s Aruba Surf Club, and Divi Village Golf and Beach Resort.
We’re big fans of all of these family resorts in Aruba, but La Cabana Resort, an upscale casino resort with an inviting family atmosphere, is our top pick. Its unbeatable Eagle Beach location, easy beach access, diverse dining options, and opportunities for family fun make it a wonderful haven for your family’s beach vacation.
We hope our guide to the best family resorts in Aruba helps you choose the idyllic island setting for your tropical escape!
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Images courtesy of KAYAK
FAQs
Is Aruba a Good Place for a Family Vacation?
With a plethora of fantastic family resorts, a myriad of kid-friendly activities and attractions, and shallow waters that are perfect for snorkeling, Aruba is an ideal spot for your family getaway. Hospitable locals welcome visitors to this family-friendly island. In short, this serene Southern Caribbean island is the ideal setting for making memories with loved ones.
When is Peak Season in Aruba?
Peak tourist season typically spans from mid-December to mid-April; however, arid Aruba enjoys tropical temps and minimal rainfall, making it a popular destination throughout the year. During winter, the Carnival Season is celebrated with festive events for months.
Which Family Resort in Aruba is All-Inclusive?
As mentioned previously, very few of the family resorts in Aruba are all-inclusive. With meals and beverages included, Divi Village Golf and Beach Resort is the only truly all-inclusive resort on our list of the best family resorts in Aruba. However, the Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino offers an opportunity for guests to upgrade for perks like a personalized concierge, private lounge access, and a breakfast buffet.
Which Family Resort in Aruba Has the Best Waterslide?
Divi Village Golf and Beach Resort and Marriott’s Aruba Surf Club both have waterslides, but the best waterslide on the island goes to Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort, Spa, and Casino. This beachfront resort features a two-story waterslide as well as a family activity pool.
Are There Babysitting Services at Aruba Family Resorts?
Yes, visitors at Aruba family resorts like The Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino can make use of trusted on-site babysitting services to make the most of their stay. Aruba’s family resorts provide all the services your family needs.