On family vacations to Aruba, there are plenty of ways to have fun in the sun. While you might immediately think of the island's stunning sand & surf, there's plenty for your kids to do besides hit the beach, especially if they want to interact with some unique & friendly creatures. Here's a list of some of the best places to get up close & personal with a few of Aruba's insects & animals on your next Beach Bum family vacation:
Don't be stubborn! Head to the Donkey Sanctuary When cars were introduced to Aruba, many locals stopped relying on donkeys to get around. This, coupled with the fact that a serious illness killed many donkeys in the 1970s, left Aruba with a near-extinct population of animals. The Donkey Sanctuary aims to end this problem, as its core mission is to protect Aruba's donkeys. Head here with your family to learn more about the island's sweet, docile donkeys, & don't forget to bring along some apples & carrots – kids are allowed to feed the animals!
Birds of a feather flock together at the Ostrich Farm Although ostriches are native to Africa, 80 of these flightless birds (as well as several emus) call Aruba's Ostrich Farm home. Here, you & your family can take a tour of the grounds to learn more about & interact with the ostriches. After the tour, let your children enjoy the farm's large playground or head over to the facility's Savanna Lodge Bar & Restaurant where you can sample African-inspired meals, including ostrich steak.
Spread your wings at The Butterfly Farm To delight your family with the beautiful natural wonders of Aruba, head to The Butterfly Farm. As you walk through a lush tropical garden, you'll spot butterflies of all shapes, sizes & colors hiding among the flora or flitting past you. Don't forget your camera, though, as you won't want to miss the chance to capture butterflies from around the world on film. Your kids will even have the chance to learn about the lifecycle of these beautiful insects. If you arrive early enough, you & your family might even have the chance to witness a butterfly emerging from its chrysalis & spread its wings for the first time.
