Though known for its exuberant night life, Aruba – especially the capital city of Oranjestad – also offers plenty of family-friendly entertainment in the evening hours. Within the capital city, families will find numerous options for evening entertainment, including everything from live shows and movie theaters to arcades and action-packed activity centers. As the city is also known as a safe, friendly destination, families can also just stroll through the scenic streets and admire everything from unique shops and cozy eateries to elegant architecture and historic sights. Families hoping to relax at their resorts may even find special weekly events designed for both parents and children, while the top family-friendly resorts also offer discounted travel packages that include unique upgrades for young travelers.
As Aruba is known for its mild year-round weather, there are always plenty of ways for families to enjoy the evening hours. Oranjestad is home to numerous family entertainment destinations that remain open into the evening hours throughout the year – including a popular go-kart track, a miniature golf course and batting cages. Families can also visit a variety of arcades, including several conveniently located within the city's top resorts. The relaxed atmosphere of the city also allows families to simply wander the picturesque streets, exploring shops, family-friendly eateries and historic attractions.
The Renaissance Cinema located in the Renaissance Marketplace is another great choice for families in search of an entertaining evening. Showing all the latest blockbusters in English with incredibly affordable ticket prices, the Renaissance Cinema in downtown Oranjestad has become a favorite escape of local and visiting families alike. Families with older children looking for late night activities can also take advantage of the theater's popular midnight movies each Friday and Saturday.
Though the Renaissance Cinema offers everything traveling families look for 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 recreational vehicle will want to visit one of Aruba's hidden treasures, the E. De Veer Drive-In Theater. Located adjacent to the Balashi Brewery between Oranjestad and San Nicolas, the E. De Veer Drive-In Theater screens many of the latest Hollywood films, but the exotic setting and endless field of stars are often the bigger attractions. While the E. De Veer Drive-In Theater features low entrance fees for all films, special rates for families 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 stage theme nights with family-friendly entertainment and refreshments. In nearly all cases, resorts serve locally inspired meals alongside live entertainment that offers a taste of Aruban culture or long-standing Caribbean traditions such as Carnival. Such live entertainment can also be found throughout the theaters of Oranjestad, where exciting musical and dance productions can be experienced throughout the year.
Throughout the year, several of Aruba's top resorts also offer special promotions for families with small children. For instance, the "Escape!" Family Package offered by the Aruba Marriott Resort and Stellaris Casino includes special room rates for families, as well as a number of fun and convenient perks. Each morning, both parents and kids are treated to a complimentary breakfast, while milk and cookies are provided with each nightly turndown service. Over the course of their stay, families can also take advantage of pizza and movie nights presented by the resort.
From daytime activities such as snorkeling, swimming and hiking to evening entertainment like movies, arcades and special resort events, every day is an action-packed adventure for visiting families. Additionally, as many of Aruba's top resorts participate in the island's family-friendly tourism goals, parents and children will regularly find both exciting events and remarkable values to complete their Caribbean getaways.
Justin Burch writes about travel in Aruba for the Marriott resorts
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