Things for a 9 year old girl to do?

[NewJeffCT]

We may be going to Aruba in April with myself, my wife and my 9 year old daughter.

I know there is swimming in the sea and also the hotel pool, but what other activities are there for a family? She's an okay swimmer, so snorkeling would have to be done in shallow water.

(I went there many years ago, but don't recall many kids, as it was mostly honeymooners. But, I also didn't really look for kids, either.)

Thanks

[Andrea J.]

snorkeling at baby beach would be a good outing.
butterfly farm
donkey sanctuary
ostrich farm
maybe horseback riding?
movies
shopping
but, i think a 9 yr old will be very happy on the beach or poolside and depending on the time of year you go, she may find some friends

[cindyo]

Originally Posted by NewJeffCT

We may be going to Aruba in April with myself, my wife and my 9 year old daughter.

I know there is swimming in the sea and also the hotel pool, but what other activities are there for a family? She's an okay swimmer, so snorkeling would have to be done in shallow water.

(I went there many years ago, but don't recall many kids, as it was mostly honeymooners. But, I also didn't really look for kids, either.)

Thanks

You didn't say where you would be staying.....
Give us that and we can probably give you a bit more ideas.
I know my niece loves getting her hair braided. She also loves the snorkel cruises, catching crabs, having the freedom to walk around and get ice cream.
We ususally end up meeting other families where ever we are and the kids become BFF's in a matter of hours.
Some places have kid clubs, just depends on where you are staying.

[corona]

One thing our kids enjoyed was the Atlantis submarine. We took them when our youngest son was around your daughter's age, and later we went again when we brought our niece to Aruba. You get to take a boat to the submarine, and the kids all liked that too. Nearby are the boat docks, and the kids all liked walking around looking at the fishing boats and the yachts. You may see everything from very small wooden sail boats to multimillion dollar yachts.

http://www.depalmtours.com/atlantis-...nes-expedition

[Arubalisa]

Our daughter's first trip to Aruba was when she was 8 years old.

She is now 15, and she has done...

Ostrich Farm
Donkey Sanctuary
Horseback riding
Snorkeling Boca Catalina from shore
Snorkeling Tranquilo
Snorkeling Jolly Pirates
Snorkeling Strea
Discover Scuba course and dive
Dive Certification & subsequent dives
Butterfly Farm
Kids program at the Tamarijn
Kids program at the Radisson
Island helicopter tour
Bike rides
Beach walks
Watersports- tube rides, banana boat
ATV tour, she did not drive
4 x 4 tour
Island tours more times than she likes

...and I am sure I have forgotten others...

When we are not traveling with family or friends, she does not do much in the way of night time activities. When she does it is swimming in the pool.

Generally, after a nice dinner, a family tradition while on vacation, no TV , she may do a bit of reading before bed and she is out like a light, exhausted from all the sunshine and fresh air!

[NewJeffCT]

wow, thanks for the great replies so far.

We are going to be staying at the Westin with their heavenly beds.

[Andrea J.]

read thru this category of FAMILY VACATIONS and you may see something we have missed.

[cindyo]

Originally Posted by NewJeffCT

wow, thanks for the great replies so far.

We are going to be staying at the Westin with their heavenly beds.

We've stayed at the Westin...
They have a great pool with a fountain in the middle of it
They have bean bag game poolside that rolls around, kids often times roll it around and play with it.
They have bingo where the kids cogregate at 4 ish, could be later..
Lots of families go there
Reserve early the palapas if you want one, beach front is really really a premium
Also, FYI, their happy hours are fabulous, great pina colada's with meyers floaters..yum

You will enjoy it there !

[Arubalisa]

[Andrea J.]

http://www.philipsanimalgarden.com/
PHILLIPS ANIMAL GARDEN

paul and i visited this place in december and were very impressed with the animals, their care and the whole experience in general.

the owner/operator is very knowledgeable and has a genuine love for the animals. he plans to expand.

i recommend this place.

Originally Posted by NewJeffCT

We may be going to Aruba in April with myself, my wife and my 9 year old daughter.

I know there is swimming in the sea and also the hotel pool, but what other activities are there for a family? She's an okay swimmer, so snorkeling would have to be done in shallow water.

(I went there many years ago, but don't recall many kids, as it was mostly honeymooners. But, I also didn't really look for kids, either.)

Thanks