If you’re planning Aruba with kids, I’m going to say this like a big sister: the “wrong” resort won’t ruin Aruba… but it will steal your peace. Because when you’re traveling as a family, you’re not just booking a room—you’re booking meals, naps, snacks, swim time, and how many decisions you’ll have to make per day.
By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly which area + resort style fits your family—so you can book with confidence (and fewer surprise costs).
Table of contents
Pick your resort in 15 seconds
Choose your vibe first. Everything else gets easier.
- Want walkable restaurants + shops + “we can step out after dinner” → aim for Palm Beach area resorts
- Want quiet beach days + less chaos → aim for Eagle Beach / low-rise area
- Want the fewest daily decisions → pick a true all-inclusive
- Want more flexibility (picky eaters, nap schedules, snack stashes) → pick a resort with suite space or a kitchen
- Traveling with grandparents or anyone who avoids stairs → put elevator/accessibility on your must-have list (I’ll flag where it matters)
Reflective question #1: Are you trying to never leave the resort, or do you want to explore Aruba for dinners and activities?
Who this guide is for and not for
This guide is for you if:
- You’re a beginner traveler planning Aruba solo, couple, girls’ trip, or with kids (or a multi-gen crew)
- You want family-friendly, not spring-break energy
- You’re deciding between true all-inclusive vs. “meal plan / packages” and want it clearly explained
This guide is NOT for you if:
- You only want luxury resorts that are truly all-inclusive (Aruba’s “true” all-inclusives tend to be more mid-range—luxury often means pay-as-you-go dining)
- You need a fully verified, fixed “starting price” list (rates move daily—use the official sites below for your exact dates)
Luxury splurges (not true all-inclusive)
These are “treat yourself” resorts where you’ll likely pay separately for meals—but you get space, service, and the kind of comfort that makes family travel smoother.
The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba
Vibe: Polished luxury on Palm Beach. Great when you want high-end service with family comfort.
Signature detail: Two outdoor pools. A Family Pool + an Adults-Only Relaxation Pool (because parents deserve options).
Good for families because: There are spacious 2-bedroom suites for family getaways.
Heads Up:
- Pan a food budget (their own FAQ notes complimentary breakfast isn’t currently served).
- Cabanas and other “extras” can add up.
Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort Spa & Casino
Vibe: Lively, central, and activity-friendly—Palm Beach convenience with a resort feel.
Signature detail: The grounds are built for hanging out—two swimming areas, plus a lagoon and waterfalls.
Good for families because: They highlight family-friendly suites and have Camp Hyatt listed as an amenity.
Heads Up:
- If connecting rooms matter, request them early (they note connecting rooms as an option).
Bonus “parents-only” splurge: Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort (Adults Only)
I’m including this because sometimes the family trip turns into “let’s add 2 nights for us” (or grandma taps in).
Reality check: Bucuti is adults-only, not for families with children, and not an all-inclusive resort.
Signature detail: Breakfast is included, and they offer a “Dine Around” style plan for pre-arranged dining.
Heads up: They’re clear about strict cancellation policies—read the fine print and consider travel insurance.
Mid-range all-inclusive (wallet can rest)
This is where Aruba’s true all-inclusive value shows up—especially for families.
Barceló Aruba (All-Inclusive)
Vibe: Fun, busy, and easy—Palm Beach energy with a solid all-inclusive setup.
Signature detail: A lake-shaped pool plus Kids Club (ages 4–12) and regular entertainment.
Good for families because: They call out sports + entertainment programs for the whole family, plus multiple dining options.
Big sis watch-outs:
- Kids Club hours matter (their Kids Club is listed 9am–5pm—check whether that works for your schedule).
- They have upgraded “Royal Level” perks—nice, but it can turn “mid-range” into “wait…why is my total doing that?”
Divi Aruba All Inclusive
Vibe: Beachy, roomy, and family-forward—classic all-inclusive that doesn’t require constant planning.
Signature detail: The “best room” flex—Oceanfront Lanai rooms are considered their top category and there are only 20.
Good for families because:
- Kids can get that “I’m on vacation!” feeling with the Sea Turtles Club (ages 4–12).
- You can move between Divi & Tamarijn via a free shuttle (and it’s also walkable).
Big sis watch-outs: - They state the resorts are all-inclusive only (not bookable without it).
- Taxes/service are included, but airfare + airport transfers are not.
Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusive
Vibe: Oceanfront, simple, and beach-first—perfect if your family’s happiest outside.
Signature detail: Every room is oceanfront, and the Premium Oceanfront rooms list up to 443 sq ft with family-friendly capacity options.
Good for families because: Their kids program pricing and family notes are clearly spelled out, and adjoining rooms are available upon request.
Big sis watch-out: Tamarijn rooms are in two-story buildings—if stairs are a concern, request ground floor early.
Reflective question #2: Does your family do better with scheduled activities + kids club, or a quiet beach + early bedtime kind of trip?
Budget-friendly (still beachy)
These are “save money, keep the beach” picks—great when you want Aruba without the all-inclusive price tag (or you want more control over food).
Holiday Inn Resort Aruba – Beach Resort & Casino (optional all-inclusive package)
Vibe: Palm Beach convenience—easy access to the “everything is right there” area. IHG
Signature detail: They offer an all-inclusive package that includes 3 meals daily + unlimited resort drinks, and Kids Eat Free (11 and under).
Big sis watch-outs:
- Their all-inclusive offer has a minimum 4-night stay, and in-room dining isn’t included.
- Always confirm what counts as “included” vs “discounted” in the package details.
Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort (boutique on Eagle Beach)
Vibe: Boutique, warm, and scenic—Eagle Beach “exhale” energy.
Signature detail: Many suites highlight a full kitchen (huge for families who want breakfast at home + snacks on deck).
Big sis watch-out: Their site presents it as a boutique stay with amenities—not a true all-inclusive—so plan to buy meals (or use that kitchen strategically).
MVC Eagle Beach (my quick personal note)
Vibe: Small, calm, and simple—across from a quieter stretch of Eagle Beach.
Signature detail: It’s a boutique property with complimentary continental breakfast and family-friendly room options (including rooms for up to four).
My real take: I visited and did their Pilates class. Staff was extremely nice and informative, and the beach was genuinely beautiful.
Heads Up: If anyone in your crew has trouble with stairs (or you’ve got heavy luggage), note that there’s no elevator.
Save this: Aruba all-inclusive “watch this” checklist
This is the part people screenshot and thank you for later:
- Airport transfers: included or not? (often not)
- All-inclusive “type”: true all-inclusive vs meal plan vs package (Holiday Inn is package-based).
- Kids club details: ages + hours + whether it’s included (Barceló has Kids Club 4–12; Divi/Tamarijn call out kid programs).
- Room layout: connecting rooms / adjoining requests (Divi/Tamarijn mention adjoining-by-request).
- Mobility & stairs: elevators, two-story buildings, long walks (Tamarijn is two-story; MVC no elevator).
- Resort extras: cabanas, premium dining, spa credits—what’s included vs add-on.
Quick tips for picking the right one
- If you’re choosing between “busy + walkable” vs “quiet + scenic,” decide that first (Palm Beach vs Eagle/low-rise).
- If you want the easiest family rhythm, prioritize: (1) food included (2) kids club/activities (3) room space.
- Book earlier for peak travel weeks—and always confirm: cancellation terms + what your “all-inclusive” actually covers.
Related Guides
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- Best Time to Visit Aruba in 2025 & 2026
- Hidden Gems of the Caribbean: Islands to Visit Before Everyone Else
Final Take
Aruba can absolutely be a no-stress family trip. If you match the resort to your real life (kids, schedules, budgets, and who needs an elevator). Pick your beach vibe first, then decide how “all-inclusive” you want your days to be.
Your turn: Are we doing $$$, $$, or $ for Aruba?