Aruba Family Vacations with Travel Mom Kim
In this episode, we’re exploring Aruba Family Vacations with Travel Mom Kim Riddle of Aruba’s Tourism Authority. Learn more about why it’s One Happy Island.
For more family vacation ideas, check out more podcast episodes. Adventure Awaits!
Tell us about Aruba.
Aruba is a small Dutch island in the southern Caribbean, just 15 miles off South America.
It’s the perfect vacation destination year-round with beautiful weather every day. It’s one of only three islands outside of the hurricane belt, making it ideal in summer. And it’s close to the equator, so the weather and water are warm in the winter.
Only 19.6 miles long and six miles across, we have sun, sand, sea, AND culture. With 90 distinct nationalities on the island, you’ll find it in the diverse architecture, people, and cuisine.
It’s One Happy Island…it’s embodied in the locals and why we have one of the highest repeat visitors of any island.
What makes an Aruba Family Vacation great?
I’ve been working with the Aruba Tourism Authority for almost 24 years, and I’ve spent lots of time here with my kids. It’s a wonderful family destination.
It’s affordable, safe, English-speaking, easy to get to and easy to navigate, and fun to explore.
There are fantastic beaches. Eagle Beach was named #3 in the Caribbean and #7 in the world by Trip Advisor this year.
We have a large variety of accommodations for families from resorts to all-suites. But you’ll want to get out and explore the island as there’s so much to do.
Aruba’s cities, including the charming capital of Organjestad, are full of old-world and new-world charm. Locals want to ensure visitors see the island through their eyes.
And, we have close to 400 restaurants on the tiny island because it’s such a multicultural destination, everything from local food trucks to gourmet chef’s tables to toes-in-the-sand dining.
What are some of your favorite things to do in Aruba with kids?
Our beautiful award-winning beaches are the best. You can walk right into the water for snorkeling adventures from the beach. Our sand is so white it doesn’t retain heat, and the water has no undertow.
You can get close to animals throughout the island. Visit Philips Animal Rescue Garden with over 50 species of animals, The Butterfly Farm, and The Donkey Sanctuary.
De Palm Island is an all-inclusive private island with a water park, great snorkeling, banana boat rides, SNUBA, Seatrek, and more fun for the whole family.
Aruba also has other incredible natural wonders like The Guadirikiri Cave and incredible rock formations to climb and explore.
What is Aruba’s One Happy Family Program?
This is a fun family program we have on the island. Many of our properties that focus on families participate. When you check-in, kids are greeted with mocktails and their VIK (Very Important Kid) Passport featuring activities to do throughout the island.
If you do four of the six activities on the passport and turn in your passport at the front desk at your departure, you’re entered to win airfare a return trip to Aruba for four with seven-night accommodations. It also has discounts to use throughout the island for the family.
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Thank you for joining us, Kim, and telling us all about Aruba Family Vacations.
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Learn more on Aruba’s website, Instagram and Facebook.
For more family vacation inspiration, tune in to more podcast episodes. Adventure Awaits!