The Best Child-Friendly Activities and Places in Curacao for an Unforgettable Family Vacation!
Discover Family-Friendly Adventures in Curacao: Fun for Kids and Relaxation for Parents
Curacao, with its sun-kissed beaches, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes, is the perfect destination for families looking to create unforgettable memories. The island offers plenty of child-friendly activities that will not only entertain the little ones but also give parents the opportunity to relax and unwind.
Let’s dive into some fantastic family activities that will ensure a delightful adventure for kids and a relaxing experience for parents.
1. Boat Trips with Budget Boat Trips Curacao
One of the highlights of any visit to Curacao is a boat trip, and there’s no better way to enjoy the beautiful Caribbean waters than with Budget Boat Trips Curacao. This family-friendly adventure is designed with children in mind. Imagine setting sail on a comfortable boat equipped with a fun water slide! Kids can splash and play to their hearts' content, while parents relax with a refreshing drink in hand.
These all inclusive trips take you to some of the most picturesque spots around the island, including pristine beaches and hidden coves. Whether your family prefers snorkeling in vibrant coral reefs or basking in the sunshine on a secluded beach or enjoying a mesmerizing sunset, these boat trips offer a perfect blend of excitement and relaxation.
The friendly owners, also ensure everyone feels at home, making it an ideal choice for families looking to enjoy their time together.
Tip: check out the 4 in 1 boat trip, combining the best of the different boat trips together!
2. Play at the Beach
No trip to Curacao is complete without spending a day at the beach! With an array of sandy shores to choose from, you can easily find a family-friendly spot that caters to children.
- Mambo Beach (entrance fee) is particularly popular for tourists due to its calm water, which is perfect for younger swimmers. Families can build sandcastles, play beach games, or enjoy a leisurely stroll along the shore. Many beachside stores and restaurants offer comfortable seating, allowing parents to enjoy a meal or drink while keeping an eye on the kids.
Facilities:
Restrooms
Restaurants and Shops
Beach chairs for rent
Shower
- Daaibooi Beach (no entrance fee) is a beautiful beach located on the west coast of Curacao. The beach is loved by both tourists and locals for its white sandy beach, turquoise waters and peaceful surroundings. It is a perfect place to relax, swim and snorkel in the Caribbean Sea. The clear water and sandy bottom provide a great environment to explore the underwater world. There are many colorful fish and corals to see, and you can even encounter turtles while snorkeling.
Facilities:
Restrooms
Food & Drinks available
Beach chairs for rent
- Marie Pampoen Beach (no entrance fee) is a small local beach close to Mambo Beach. The beach consists of sand and pebbles. The water gradually gets deeper; this makes it an ideal and safe beach for children! Palm trees provide the necessary atmosphere and shade. The beach is also sealed with a beautiful pier that runs in a half arc. This creates two mini bays. There are several benches on the pier where you can sit down! At the end of the pier there is a platform from which you can jump and where you can enter the ocean water via a ladder. Several fishing boats are moored in one bay; this of course gives the location a painting-like atmosphere!
Facilities:
Restaurants (fish),
palapas (thatched parasols),
Picnic tables
- Caracasbaai (no entrance fee) consists of coarse sand, small shells, coarse pebbles and pieces of rock. The sea at the beach gradually becomes deeper; ideal for families with (young) children. At Playa Caracasbaai waving palm trees and atmospheric palapas provide the necessary shade. At the edge of Playa Caracasbaai a steel pier extends into the water; very nice to jump from! Playa Caracasbaai is especially popular with the locals. Every weekend Curaçao families come to this beach to barbecue, drink beer, party and enjoy the sea!
Facilities:
Restaurants (on the beach and within walking distance)
Palapas (parasols with a roof made of dried palm leaves)
Picnic tables.
- Playa Jeremi (no entrance fee) is a beautiful and quiet beach where you can enjoy the sun, the water and the natural beauty of Curacao. It is an ideal place for people who are looking for privacy and relaxation. The water is shallow, making the beach ideal for families with children. The water of Playa Jeremi is crystal clear and the beach is covered with soft white sand. The beach offers fantastic snorkeling opportunities. The water is calm and there are many colorful fish and coral reefs to see. It is also a good place to spot turtles. Remember to bring everything you need, as there are no facilities on the beach.
3. Willemstad Exploration
Take a stroll through the colorful streets of Willemstad, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The floating bridge, known as the Queen Emma Bridge, is an exciting attraction for children, as they can watch boats pass by while crossing. Be aware that this is only possible when the bridge is opening for a short period.
The local markets are full of vibrant goods, and families can enjoy delicious street food while soaking in the lively atmosphere. Kids will love the street performers and artists showcasing their talents, turning the exploration into a delightful experience.
The Floating Market is the place to buy some fresh fruits and Plasa Bieu (Old Market) is the place to get your local lunch.
This unique shopping experience allows children to engage with local vendors and learn about Curacao’s diverse culture. The vibrant colors of the market and the delicious smells of tropical fruits create an exciting atmosphere for families to explore together.
4. Discover the Curacao Sea Aquarium
From
explorations of deep sea wonders to
close interactive encounters with a variety of sea animals,
Curaçao Sea Aquarium provides the complete package! Be amazed by the colors of Curaçao’s sea life without ever getting wet in our
Ocean Lens experience, experience the exhilaration of
feeding sharks in our Animal Encounter, or
meet, greet and feed the Caribbean underwater world at Curaçao Sea Aquarium.
5. Explore the Hato Caves
For families seeking adventure, the Hato Caves offer an incredible experience. With its impressive stalactites and stalagmites, children can enjoy an exciting guided tour of approx. 45 minutes through the caves, all while learning about the island’s history and geology. The tropical surroundings make the experience even more magical.
In order to reach the entrance of the Hato Cave, you’ll need to walk up 49 steps.
This may sound like quite a few steps, but once upstairs you will be rewarded with a Caribbean breeze and a beautiful panoramic view of the park and the airport runway.
Visit Rescue Paws Rescue Center! They encourage lots of activities like cuddling and petting their wonderful dogs! It's fun for you and it also helps these sweet dogs socialize so they can find their forever home.
If you like bring something to help them with their good cause. They always welcome:
- Dog food / bags of food
- Cans of wet food
- Flea and tick products (only Nexgard and/or Frontline Puppy Spray please)
- Dewormer
Opening hours
Friday 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Saturday 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Sunday 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
7. Sambil Indoor en Outdoor activities
If you want to escape the sun for a bit than the shopping center Sambil is the perfect place to go. There are a lot of stores and places to eat. They also have fun activities from playgrounds to movies, from bowling to paintball and more.
This museum is a foundation with a mission: to ensure that every child on our island has the opportunity to visit and experience the joy of play at least once a year. Play is more than fun; it’s a way for children to learn, grow, dream and explore themselves.
As a tourist, your visit helps them achieve this important goal. By exploring their museum, you are directly contributing to the future of Curaçao’s children and at the same time having fun yourselves.
The Ostrich Safari tour takes you over the farm, which is located in a beautiful area on the road to Groot St. Joris in Santa Catharina. The Ostrich Farm stands for fun for the whole family and makes you experience the feel of South Africa. Get up close and personal with the ostriches and learn all there is to know about them.
Their tour takes you across the farm in a safari truck and during the tour you will encounter all stages in the life of ostriches. Their guide will take you through all these stages, from egg, to baby ostrich to adult. Find out all facts and funny details about ostriches.
At the farm you will also find a couple of emu (Australian ostriches) and during the tour you will encounter potbellied pigs and Nile crocodiles. Wander around the farm to see their squirrel monkeys and birds in all colors imaginable. If you want to experience something out of the ordinary during your holiday, look no further! The Curacao Ostrich Farm is great fun for both kids and adults.
10. Landhuis (Land House) Brakkeput Mei Mei
Behind the land house, in the middle of a tropical garden, there is a beautifully landscaped mini golf course with 18 holes. This course offers fun for young and old! You can play both in the afternoon and in the evening. Various drinks, snacks and sandwiches are available at the adjoinin bar with a stunning view.
Additionally, there is also a large playground with 4 play equipments, all of which are on artificial grass, wonderful to play on bare feet. Surrounded by the green surroundings of Brakkeput Mei Mei, it is a wonderful place to romp around.
If you dine in the restaurant, your children can play in the (play) garden free of charge.
Conclusion
Curacao is truly a haven for families, offering a mix of adventure, relaxation, and cultural exploration. With its child-friendly attractions and activities, the island ensures that every member of the family gets to enjoy their vacation to the fullest. From boat trips with Budget Boat Trips Curacao to beach days and cultural exploration, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy this beautiful island. So pack your bags, bring the kids, and prepare for a fantastic family adventure in paradise! The memories you create in Curacao will surely be cherished for years to come.
Of course these are only a few fun things to do for families in Curacao. It's just to help you on your way. Enjoy our 'dushi' island!
