Aruba consistently ranks as a romantic vacation spot for couples, but once baby makes three it becomes a different story.
Or does it?
Caribbean getaways are definitely not a thing of the past just because you're traveling with a family and, in fact, Aruba actively promotes its many family-friendly activities.
And United Vacations, a division of United Airlines, has several packages to Aruba with plenty of hotels to choose from.
Most resorts offer complimentary Kids Clubs, as well as a host of onsite activities and amenities that appeal to guests of all ages. Aruba even takes it one step further with the One Happy Family program, which offers such complimentary items as: accommodations for children 12 and under, daily breakfast for kids at participating hotel restaurants, a family gift presented at check-in, a Very Important Kid cocktail (offered during check-in) and Passport (includes quizzes and puzzles, plus the chance to win a week-long vacation for four, including airfare).
Here are some great family-oriented things to do on the island.
Aruba Ostrich Farm
Come to the farm and learn all about this leggy bird and its cousins, the emus. While Ostriches are native to Africa, Aruba's arid climate and rugged landscape make the perfect home away from home. Visitors can shop for South African goods in the gift shop and enjoy a special meal in the Savanna Lodge Bar & Restaurant.
Arikok National Park
Go spelunking at one of the park's three caves. Guadirikiri Cave is notable for its sizable bat population, while the Fontein Cave features Arawak Indians painted on the ceiling. The 300-foot long Huliba Cave is often called the "Tunnel of Love" thanks to its heart-shaped opening. Outside the caves, the park is teeming with wildlife and hiking trails.
Donkey Sanctuary
Before cars became de rigueur on Aruba, donkeys were the primary means of transportation. Today, however, donkeys often fall victim to speeding cars or worse. Luckily, the Donkey Sanctuary Aruba offers them a safe haven. Kids of all ages will enjoy petting the animals and learning how they are nursed back to health. Time your visit right and kids can even help with some of the daily chores.
Off-roading
Sometimes it's fun to take the road less traveled, and on Aruba that could mean either a guided horseback tour or four-wheeling in an ATV. Regardless, adults and kids alike will have a blast exploring the island.
De Palm Island
As if Aruba didn't have enough great water sports and beaches, there is the privately owned De Palm Island just off shore that features an adventure waterpark, as well as a restaurant, bar and even a spa. Visitors can go snorkeling, too, or kick it up a notch with Snuba (snorkeling while tethered to an oxygen raft) or power snorkeling with a propeller.
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Aruba Butterfly Farm
Eric Carle's The Very Hungry Caterpillar comes to life. Visitors will learn about the lifecycle of the butterfly during a guided tour, from its earliest days as a tiny egg to the time when it reaches maturity as a colorful butterfly. If you're lucky, you might even see a newborn butterfly emerge from its pupa and take flight. Tours last no longer than 15 to 20 minutes, and guests can wander the tropical, butterfly-filled gardens to their hearts' content.
Bowling
Come dancing, the Kinks sang. But in the extremely unlikely event of rain, you may want to go bowling instead. Aruba offers several bowling alleys, as well as movie theaters and a video arcade. Families can revel in air-conditioned splendor even if it's just the sun they are trying to escape.
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