Enjoying a getaway to beautiful Aruba alongside those you love most is always a treat. However, a trip this way doesn’t have to break the bank! The following are a few family-friendly events and activities to add to your itinerary when you’re looking to cut costs and maximize the fun.
Enjoy the Bon Bini Festival at Fort Zoutman
Traveling to Aruba with the entire family in tow is sure to be a great experience. Chances are, travelers in family groups are often looking forward to plenty of time on the sand and under the sun! That said, a trip this way is also an opportunity to add stops on the itinerary that are as educational as they are fun! When you set aside time to enjoy the Bon Bini Festival at Fort Zoutman during your stay, you’ll find there’s much to learn and enjoy without having to break the bank. The Bonbini Festival is held every Tuesday evening between 6:30 pm and 8:30 pm at Fort Zoutman. It’s a cultural celebration showcasing everything from traditional costumes and dances to folkloric music native to the island. Fort Zoutman hosts the title as the oldest building in downtown Oranjestad and was named for Dutch Rear Admiral Johan Arnold Zoutman. The festival is hosted in the lush courtyard, but guests will want to take time to check out the Fort Zoutman Historical Museum exhibits as well. If you come to this weekly festival with an appetite, you’re in luck. There’s always plenty of traditional island fare on hand to try and enjoy!
Check Out Educational Programs at the Arikok National Park Visitor Center
A stop at Arikok National Park is often a highlight for travelers to Aruba who have a heart for the great outdoors! This incredible expanse of protected land was established in 2000 and covers nearly 8,000 acres in total. Flora and fauna thrive within the parameters of Arikok National Park and a visit offers up the opportunity to enjoy a landscape that’s comprised of natural pools, scenic trails, and volcanic lava hills just to name a few. While a visit to the park is already a cost-friendly option for enjoying time on the island, stopping by the visitor center to check out some of the educational programs they provide is another way to boost the experience without spending more. Year-round, the visitor center at Arikok National Park provides programs that are family-friendly and designed to help guests understand and appreciate the diversity of the landscape around them. Some of the options available include talks, presentations on local wildlife, and even guided hikes for all ages led by park rangers. Before you make the most of these programs, be sure to take time to check out the visitor center exhibits and displays which offer up a unique insight into the park’s past and hopes for the future!
Visit the Philips Animal Garden
Aruba is an incredible place to encounter wildlife with your family while on vacation. However, it’s also a destination where you can learn more about conservation efforts related to those same amazing creatures when you stop by Philips Animal Garden. Located at Alto Vista 116 in Noord, Philips Animal Garden is a great place to come and see and learn about the more than 50 abandoned exotic animals that the center is rehabilitating. For just $10 per adult and $5 per child ages 3 to 13, guests can enjoy a guided educational tour of the rehabilitation center. This tour is hosted every half hour daily between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm and includes interactive experiences with animals from around the globe who are on their way to healing. Children 2 and under can enjoy the tour at no cost. This park is known for rescued birds, farm animals, reptiles, and mammals alike and is an eye-opening stop that works to boost appreciation for animal welfare across the planet. Guests can feel great knowing all proceeds and donations go right back into the conservation and rehabilitation efforts the center initiates.
Make Time for a Visit to the Butterfly Farm
Looking for a colorful and unique experience for everyone in the family to enjoy? Head over to the Butterfly Farm next to iconic Palm Beach and pair your time on the sand with an encounter with the captivating beauty above! The Butterfly Farm welcomes guests into a tropical garden setting where butterflies can progress through their metamorphic life cycles uninterrupted and fly freely, much to the delight of staff and guests alike! If you stop by early in the morning, you might be in time to see butterflies emerging from their chrysalis. On-site staff is happy to provide tours and insight into the various stages of metamorphosis with real-life examples to point to. Many visitors come with cameras in hand to capture the spectacular colors in real-time. Do note that once you purchase an admission ticket for the Butterfly Farm, it’s good for the duration of your vacation—so return as many times as you’d like!
Book Your Island Adventure Today
Your amazing getaway to Aruba is calling, so what are you waiting for? Book luxurious accommodations to match the fun with Casiola Aruba. We can’t wait to welcome you to your very own Aruba vacation rental on the island soon.
