Hi All -

First off, we have 2 girls, 7 and 9, now...
We are going next week and am looking for suggestion for snorkeling. Preferably not off a boat, 7yr old says no boat. Say De Palm island, but thats like $80each and seems expensive. Any other options for snorkeling? Any mini-golf suggestions?

We have only been to aruba w/o kids in the past. Want to make it a fun time for them. We are staying at Divi Phoenix - any feedback on their pool/beach area? Any and all info is accepted and welcomed. Thanks in advance
Brian

de palm has a package for full day safari jeep tour combo with de palm island for 139 or something. kids get 50% off. the snorkeling on the de palm island is decent but not expansive. another suggestion is the natural pool which has snorkeling and is only accessible via jeep - either by yourselves or through a tour.

Check out what I have written at Snorkeling Aruba's Beaches Rent a car for the day and explore. You can also reach Boca Catalina by bus.

Aruba Bound! ~ Hoosier Kitties ~ Our-Cruises ~ Blogging to Aruba
Back to paradise Trip #18
Christmas & New Years Aboard the Queen Mary 2

For the kids:

http://www.blackhogsaloon.com/ go to activities and you will see info on the mini golf course.

Aruba’s Butterfly Farm a short walk across the street from the Divi Phoenix

Aruba Donkey Sanctuary

There is also an Ostrich Farm. In our opinion after paying for entrance then being asked to pay for feed to pay to feed "their" Ostriches, that was a little over the top. Dh and I came away with the impression that it was a tourist trap. Go to the zoo at home to see the Ostriches. More bang for your buck.

Also check out some of the info on the Bucaneer http://www.aruba.com/forum/tags/buccaneer.html Probably a good place for the kids to keep themselves occupied during dinner.

Aruba Bound! ~ Hoosier Kitties ~ Our-Cruises ~ Blogging to Aruba
Back to paradise Trip #18
Christmas & New Years Aboard the Queen Mary 2

A few thoughts since we travel with 12 kids in tow, 15 mts to 16yrs old...
We've taken them to Senor Frogs and had drinks and the kids used the water slide inside the bar( go early, to avoid the bar hoppers), dropped them off at the movies, rented cars and took them to California Light house, gone to the Aruba Aloe Plant, hang at the dancing water in the new mall, gone to the Laguana Buffet, and then walked the walkway down the high risers...all fun....also add all that ArubaLisa said, she's really the expert...cindy o

Cindyo
View of Rennaissance Island
Daughters dining at El Gaucho

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We brought the kids at different ages and they always had a great time. Last time they were 10 and 14. We also went with my friend so we had a girls trip, 2 women and our daughters ages 6 and 10 once.

I would definitely do the Donkey Sanctuary, we got great photos feeding the donkeys and hearing about how some were saved from accidents.

The Ostrich Tour was fun too. We all learned something and got great photographs.

The Natural bridge and gold mine ruins we toured around.

They loved climbing on the Rock Formations and going in the gift shop.

Our favorite was Baby Beach and snorkeling. We also brought floats, snorkel gear, a cooler filled with snacks and drinks. We rented chairs for about $20 or so.

They also loved the Jolly Pirate, great afternoon boat ride and 3 snorkel stops and a rope swing. This was a blast and the photographs I took were priceless.

You can take them to get their hair braided. Shopping.

I also suggest bring a pail and shovel for building sand castles at the beach.

We had a timeshare and a car which helped. The girls did not like all of our fancy places to eat so we ended up cooking them dinner ahead of time and let them eat dessert while we ate dinner out. It saved a lot of headaches and money. We also brought coloring books, cards, and gameboy.

They also made friends with other kids and played.

Have a great trip.

Jill

Don't miss baby Beach!

Purchase these snorkle life jackets for the kids. We got them on line. Flat and thin but you can inflate them quickly if need me. About $25 each. I felt much safer with the kids wearing these. Plus you can still dive down under the water.

Jill

Jill

Where is the Senor Frog located in Aruba? I've seen it in Nassau.

Downtown area. Very close to the area the cruise ships dock. It used to be the old Carlos and Charlies, no, actually, its a building down.

Cindyo
View of Rennaissance Island
Daughters dining at El Gaucho

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