Bringing teen girls to Aruba!!!

[bralki]

My husband and I have been to Aruba 9 times. the first time was in 1989 for our Honeymoon. We have always referred to Aruba as OUR very own private paradise.
During the last 20+ years we've had 3 great kids, and have basically lied to them whenever we want to sneak away to paradise, telling them that "nana and grandpa just want you all to themselves for just a little while"... not so much anymore. They are TEENAGERS now and guess where we are all going in about 2 weeks? yep you guessed it ARUBA. We are traveling with 5 teenage girls and 1 boy and no I'm not insane ...YET
Here is where you all come in... What to do with 5 17yr girls while keeping them safe and happy?? not worried about my son, as he is your typical 11yr old, he can still make fun wherever he goes.

Any and all Ideas welcomed...

[cindyo]

Originally Posted by bralki

My husband and I have been to Aruba 9 times. the first time was in 1989 for our Honeymoon. We have always referred to Aruba as OUR very own private paradise.
During the last 20+ years we've had 3 great kids, and have basically lied to them whenever we want to sneak away to paradise, telling them that "nana and grandpa just want you all to themselves for just a little while"... not so much anymore. They are TEENAGERS now and guess where we are all going in about 2 weeks? yep you guessed it ARUBA. We are traveling with 5 teenage girls and 1 boy and no I'm not insane ...YET
Here is where you all come in... What to do with 5 17yr girls while keeping them safe and happy?? not worried about my son, as he is your typical 11yr old, he can still make fun wherever he goes.

Any and all Ideas welcomed...

I am going to throw some ideas out to you as I have 2 teenage daughters ( 16&18) ...so I know what you are going thru.
You should first know that they will serve liquor to them, they are old enuf to drink there. Won't even ask for an ID...
Take them on one of the boats, Jolly Pirate with the rope swing would be fun for them, or a snorkel sail on one of the others out there.
They can parasail for around 80 a person, thats a fun thing.
If you and they decide they want to go clubbing, I would highly suggest that you have a cab bring them, and return for them at a given time. I would suggest Bully for that or one of his relatives. There are several clubs around, but the only one I am familiar with is Carlos and Charlies. There is a water slide in there. You could prearrange for them to be dropped off and picked up, and that they stay together. This location is downtown, and frankly speaking as a mom, not a great area imop.
Also, down at the high rise area there are plenty of places the girls might like to go; Hooters, Hard Rock, Harencia mall with water show, lots of little carts with trinkets to buy. I would suggest they stay away from walking the beach at nite, they should use the paved walkways in front of the high rise area.
You didn't mention where you were staying, so I can't really give ya any more adivse from concerning locations.
Ask away, I know what you're going thru...cindyo

[taxidriver]

do not take drinks from nobody and if they wanna drink give them plenty money so they can buy there own drink, and please keep your drink in your hands till you finish your drink.

[bralki]

Thanks for the info... all of your tips and points are well taken. O yeah, we are staying at the Holiday Inn. Probably not the best resort but loved the location, all things considered

[bralki]

Thanks for your concern with regards to watching over drinks. My husband and I have owned night clubs for 20 years and have seen first hand all of the craziness that can and does go on. Great for us... bad for the girls...Thanks again

[Andrea J.]

i am going to copy this thread over to the "activities" to see if there are suggestions there too.

[rob o]

CindyO's husband here....

Four wheeling in the desert? Champions at Marriott? Herencia Mall?

Please....just tell then to stay together. Plus, a reminder....vacation romances are not good.

[bralki]

Thanks for the tip RobO. What is the attraction at the Marriott for teenagers to do as I noticed that you mentioned it and it happens to be right next door from our hotel?

[Andrea J.]

the attraction at the marriott properties may be the immensity of it.
also too moombas may be a fun spot for them to hang out.
there are 2 malls in that area and what teen girl does not like to be milling about at the mall(S)?

but i think finding activities for them to do will be a non issue.
imo i think they will be on the beach from dawn to dusk and they will be plenty busy with watersports and being on the beach.

also too check out the other categories on this forum especially "family vacations"

[bob214]

Our teenagers, one boy and one girl, have brought friends along for the past 4 years and have never run out of things to do. Walking along Palm Beach and trying to swim in each of the resort pools, para-sailing, beach volleyball, horseback riding to Natural Pool, go cart racing, mini golf, snorkeling, shopping downtown or at the new malls, De Palm Island and wind surfing lessons. As for night stuff, we have accompanied them to many different restaurants, walked them through casinos, allowed them to attend some of the Latin shows, but never let them go out alone.