Although known for its exuberant nightlife, Aruba, especially the capital city of Oranjestad, also offers plenty of family-friendly entertainment at night. Within the capital city, families will find plenty of nightly entertainment options, including everything from live shows and movie theaters to action-packed arcades and activity centers. As the city is also known as a safe and friendly destination, families can also simply wander the quaint streets and admire everything from unique shops and cozy restaurants to elegant architecture and historical landmarks. Families looking to relax at their resorts can even find special weekly events designed for both parents and kids, while the best family-friendly resorts also offer discount travel packages that include unique upgrades for young travelers.
Since Aruba is known for its mild climate year-round, there are always plenty of ways for families to enjoy the evening hours. Oranjestad is home to numerous family entertainment destinations that stay open late into the night year-round, including a popular go-kart track, miniature golf course, and batting cages. Families can also visit a variety of arcades, including several conveniently located within the city’s main tourist hubs. The city’s laid-back atmosphere also allows families to simply wander the quaint streets, explore shops, family-owned restaurants, and historical attractions.
The Renaissance Cinema located in the Renaissance Marketplace is another great option for families looking for an entertaining evening. Showing all the latest blockbusters in English at incredibly affordable ticket prices, the Renaissance Cinema in downtown Oranjestad has become a favorite escape for local families and visitors alike. Families with older children looking for evening activities can also take advantage of the theater’s popular midnight movies every Friday and Saturday.
Although Renaissance Cinema offers everything traveling families seek in a movie theater, including a convenient location near most of the island’s top resorts, those exploring the island with a rental car or RV will want to visit one. one of Aruba’s hidden treasures, the E Drive-in De Veer. Located next to the Balashi Brewery between Oranjestad and San Nicolás, the E. De Veer Drive-In shows many of the latest Hollywood movies, but the exotic setting and endless field of stars are often the biggest draws. While the E. De Veer Drive-In Theater offers low admission fees for all movies, special family rates are offered on Sundays and Wednesdays, allowing the whole family to enjoy both the scenery and a movie for $6.
Many of Aruba’s top resorts host themed nights with entertainment and refreshments for the whole family. In almost all cases, the resorts serve up locally-inspired meals along with live entertainment that offers a taste of Aruban culture or long-standing Caribbean traditions, such as Carnival. This live entertainment can also be found in Oranjestad theaters, where exciting music and dance productions can be experienced year-round.
Throughout the year, several of Aruba’s best resorts also offer special promotions for families with small children. For example, the “Escape!” The family package offered by Aruba Marriott Resort and Stellaris Casino includes special room rates for families, as well as a number of fun and convenient perks. Each morning, parents and children alike enjoy a complimentary breakfast, while milk and cookies are provided with each nightly turndown service. During the course of their stay, families can also take advantage of the pizza and movie nights hosted by the resort.
From daytime activities like snorkeling, swimming and hiking to nightly entertainment like movies, arcades and special resort events, every day is an action-packed adventure for visiting families. Plus, since many of Aruba’s top resorts participate in the island’s family tourism goals, parents and kids alike will regularly find exciting events and extraordinary values to round out their Caribbean getaways.