18 month old in Aruba

[NUMBAH1DAD]

My wife and I have been traveling to Aruba for over 10 years. Last year we brought our infant son. He wasn't walking at the time so chasing the iguanas was not a problem. This year (October) he will be 18 months and he is running, jumping, climbing, etc... Does anyone have any suggestions on how to entertain an 18 month old, other than the normal stuff - pools, beach, spatula, empty cardboard box.... I'm looking for day trips with him, are there any zoos, playgrounds, waterparks, etc... that you could suggest? We are very familiar with the adult entertainment on the island - bars, restaurants, casinos. But have had limited exposure to toddler type activities. Any and all suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks Sean and Julie

[Andrea J.]

my suggestions are butterfly farm, donkey sanctuary...........lots of naps, lots of pool/beach, and a great restaurant that will keep your child entertained is buccaneer.

an infant in aruba is easy.
a school aged child is sort of easy.
a toddler, not so much (jmo)

[TDD007]

Sean and Julie,
Congrats on the little one. I have a 2yr old and she has been going to Aruba every six months, since she was six months old. It was fairly easy to keep her entertained this past June - July. The standard things: pool, beach, butterfly farm, etc. Stroller rides down town, Stroller rides behind the high rises on the side walk.

We took her through the mall and while down town, she really liked the shaved ice from the street vendors. Behind the high rises there is a play ground, so that kept her entertained at times, while either my wife or I would slip away and grab a cocktail to keep us entertained. She also liked eating dinner at the Buccaneer. The various aquariums kept her busy. In the evenings she REALLY enjoyed the stroller rides for Gelato’s from the shop in front of high rises.

I hope these suggestions help.
TDD

[jabooty]

SUN SCREEN!!! You don't feel the sun with tradewinds and the child's skin can't be protected enough...I've seen some red little ones, and it's sad. Enjoy the time together though, it passes so quickly.

[crimms]

We were on tour to the ostrich farm and the kids loved it as well as us. Buy a little food and they take pictures of you feeding them. I would bring a little blow up kiddie pool and fill it with ocean water and put it under an umbrella while you are at the beach. A little soft cooler of balashies might take the edge off. Have fun.
Sean and Susan

[Andrea J.]

the donkeys love
carrots
apples
dry stale chunks or bread
wintergreen life savers (yes seriously)

remember, the donkeys do get very mouthy so be careful not to get bit.

[Shnyda]

We are taking our daughter (she will be born next month) to Aruba next June when she is about 8 months old. Does anyone know if you can rent baby stuff down there? I think we will be bringing a packnplay and stroller - but we will definitely need a car seat.


Thanks!

[ctfirewife-mjn109]

Congratulations!!! Yay!!! How wonderful!!!
Post pictures for us when she makes her arrival!

I was told (via a thread that I started about my 1yr old in Aruba) that you can indeed rent a car seat there, for about a dollar a day. I think it's thru the car rental company.

Also, depending on where you are staying, I am sure you can reserve a crib too if you didn't want to lug the pack n play. I contemplated taking ours next year but it's so heavy and bulky. We are staying at the Marriott so we will be requesting a crib instead.

[SunIsland25]

We went to Aruba last year when our daughter was 11 months and we brought our car seat with us. It was a pain carrying it through the airport, but on the plane she was able to sleep in it and we strapped it in the taxi going to the hotel from the airport. The hotel provided a crib, which was great.

[serene56]

Originally Posted by TDD007

s. Behind the high rises there is a play ground, so that kept her entertained at times, TDD

where is this playground?