Little Feet, Slow Days: Exploring Aruba with Our Kids

We recently took a family trip there—my husband, our 3-year-old, 6-month-old, and I—and it was everything we hoped for and more. From the stunning beaches to the warm-hearted locals, this beautiful little island offers so much to enjoy, and we were ready to take it all in at a slower, more mindful pace.

Since having kids, slow travel has taken on a whole new meaning for me. It’s about letting them explore at their own pace and soaking in the beauty around us, free from a packed schedule. In Aruba, we loved watching them enjoy the beach and nature while teaching them to travel mindfully and care for the island. This intentional, slower way of traveling has been so rewarding, and I’ve truly fallen in love with connecting with Aruba rather than just visiting it.

Aruba’s commitment to sustainability and responsible tourism also made it the perfect destination for teaching our little ones how to respect and care for the world around them. From enjoying nature’s beauty to making mindful travel choices, here’s a peek at how we spent our 3 days on the beautiful One Happy Island!

Day 1: Arrival and Settling In

We arrived in Aruba and checked into the Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort, which immediately felt like a dream. The resort is gorgeous, family-friendly, and so perfectly located right on Palm Beach.

From the spacious rooms to the beautiful pool area (complete with waterfalls and plenty of shallow spots for little ones), everything about this resort was designed with families in mind. The kids loved Palm Beach, and we were always just steps from amazing restaurants. The location is fantastic—close to local shops and tons of delicious dining options like Gianni’s or Craft Coffee & Bar, plus just a short drive to family-friendly activities around the island.

After settling in, we spent the afternoon exploring the resort, playing in the pool, and enjoying the beach. There’s something so refreshing about arriving and letting the island’s relaxed vibe take over.

Dinner at Caya House Aruba

After a long day of travel, we wanted somewhere close by, and Caya House Aruba was just a 4-minute walk from the hotel! This place is a little hidden gem, blending a sophisticated yet casual atmosphere with amazing steak and seafood dishes. Perfect spot to unwind after traveling with the kids!

Day 2: Exploring Aruba at Our Own Pace

Breakfast at Santos Coffee with Soul

We started our second day with breakfast at Santos Coffee with Soul – this little cozy cafe quickly became a favorite! The coffee is incredible, and the pastries and light bites are perfect for a relaxed start to the day.

Morning Activities in Aruba:

1. The Butterfly Farm
   We headed to the Butterfly Farm, a tranquil nature sanctuary filled with hundreds of butterflies from all over the world. It was such a sweet experience, especially with the kids—watching our 3-year-old’s face light up as he chased butterflies was priceless. It felt like a peaceful way to start our slow exploration of the island.
2. Philips Animal Garden
   Next, we visited Philips Animal Garden, a non-profit organization that rescues exotic animals. We loved getting to interact with the animals—feeding goats, horses, and sheep! It was a unique and educational experience that made us feel connected to the island’s commitment to wildlife conservation.

Lunch at One Happy Bowl

For lunch, we checked out One Happy Bowl, a place that’s all about plant-based, locally sourced goodness. The space was laidback, and we loved being able to support a locally-owned restaurant that focuses on healthy, sustainable living.

Afternoon at the Resort

After lunch, we spent the afternoon just soaking up the slow moments back at the resort. The pool and beach were perfect for some family downtime. We swam, napped, soaked in the sun, and took it easy – exactly what we needed after the morning’s activities.

Dinner at Taste My Aruba

For dinner, we found another gem—Taste My Aruba. This authentic, family-owned spot serves fresh, farm-to-table and sea-to-table dishes, with a seasonal menu. The charming outdoor garden was the perfect backdrop for a relaxing dinner! It truly felt like a hidden gem, and I highly recommend visiting.

Day 3: A Slow Day at the Resort

On our final day, we intentionally hit pause — no plans, no pressure, just time to simply be on the island. After all, part of slow travel is about savoring your surroundings and being in the moment.

Breakfast at the Hyatt Regency’s Palm Beachside Grill

We started the day with breakfast at the resort’s Palm Beachside Grill, and it was just as relaxing as the rest of our stay. Nothing beats breakfast with a view of the Caribbean Sea!

Wildlife Tour at the Hyatt

Later in the morning, we joined the Wildlife Tour at the Hyatt. It was a great way to learn more about the animals that call the property home and it gave the kids a chance to interact with them in a fun and safe way.

Dinner at Ruinas Del Mar

For our last dinner, we went all out at Hyatt’s Ruinas Del Mar—the resort’s award-winning restaurant. The Caribbean-Mediterranean fusion flavors were incredible, and the setting was absolutely stunning, with koi lagoons, waterfalls, and breathtaking views. The perfect way to wrap up our trip.

How We Traveled Responsibly

Throughout our trip, we focused on making thoughtful choices with the goal of minimizing our impact on the island, including:

• Using Reef-safe sunscreen to protect the coral reefs and marine life
• Bringing reusable water bottles everywhere we went to cut down on single-use plastic
• Picking up any garbage left behind on the beaches to keep Aruba’s shores beautiful and clean

We also made a point to take the Aruba Promise, which is a commitment to be respectful and responsible guests while visiting the island. It was important to us to make our commitment and do our part in helping Aruba stay beautiful for generations to come!

Leaving Aruba was bittersweet. We felt SO refreshed and recharged from our slow, meaningful trip. The island gave us the perfect balance of relaxation, exploration, and connection with nature. The memories we made with our kids will stay with us forever. We came home with full