Navigating dining options with little ones on vacation can often feel like a puzzle. You want delicious food, a relaxed atmosphere, and most importantly, happy kids. When planning your trip to the "One Happy Island," finding family friendly restaurants Aruba with kids menu is key to stress-free mealtimes and memorable culinary adventures. Aruba excels in this department, offering a vibrant culinary scene where families are not just tolerated, but truly welcomed.
From toes-in-the-sand casual spots to lively Italian eateries, Aruba's restaurants understand that a contented child means a contented parent. This guide cuts through the noise to highlight the best spots that cater specifically to families, ensuring your vacation dining is as relaxing and enjoyable as the island itself.
At a Glance: Smart Family Dining in Aruba
- Dedicated Kids' Menus are Common: Many top restaurants offer specific menus designed for children, moving beyond just chicken nuggets.
- Ambiance Matters: Look for places with space for kids to move, open-air settings, or even small play areas.
- Early Bird Advantage: Dining earlier can mean fewer crowds and faster service, perfect for young children.
- Reservations are Recommended: Especially during peak season, securing a table in advance can save you stress.
- Beyond Food: Some spots offer more than just a meal—think sunset views, lively music, or a relaxed beach vibe.
- Dietary Flexibility: Most Aruban restaurants are accommodating; don't hesitate to ask about allergies or special requests.
Why a Dedicated Kids Menu Matters in Aruba
A kids' menu isn't just about offering smaller portions; it’s about understanding the unique needs and preferences of young diners. In Aruba, a well-crafted children's menu signifies a restaurant's commitment to family-friendliness. It often means dishes are simpler, less spicy, and familiar enough to appeal to picky eaters, yet still made with the fresh, quality ingredients the island is known for. This attention to detail reduces mealtime stress, allowing parents to genuinely enjoy their own dining experience without constant negotiation or concern.
Furthermore, a dedicated menu often comes hand-in-hand with an overall family-oriented environment. This might include high chairs, booster seats, kid-friendly cutlery, or even entertainment options. It signals to parents that this is a place where children are not just tolerated, but celebrated guests, making the entire experience more relaxing for everyone.
Top Picks: Family Friendly Restaurants Aruba With Kids Menu (and Beyond!)
Aruba boasts an impressive array of family-friendly dining establishments. Here are some standout choices, categorized to help you find the perfect fit for your family's mood and taste:
Italian Delights for All Ages
Italian cuisine is a universal crowd-pleaser, and Aruba offers some fantastic options where kids' menus are a priority.
- Gianni’s Ristorante Italiano: A perennial favorite, Gianni’s is a bustling spot perfect for families seeking hearty Italian classics. Their spacious, lively dining room makes a bit of kid-noise feel completely natural. Crucially, Gianni's offers a dedicated children's menu featuring favorites like pasta with various sauces, and pizzas that can be customized to even the choosiest palate. Parents can savor fresh pasta, wood-fired pizza, or savory seafood, all while knowing their kids are well-catered for. It’s a vibrant, energetic atmosphere that welcomes families with open arms.
- Faro Blanco Restaurant: Perched majestically on Hudishibana Hill near the California Lighthouse, Faro Blanco offers more than just authentic Italian cuisine; it delivers an experience. Imagine enjoying classic lasagna, creamy risotto, or fresh seafood pasta with panoramic coastline views, especially stunning at sunset. Beyond the breathtaking scenery, Faro Blanco provides a warm, inviting atmosphere and, importantly, a kid-friendly menu that ensures younger guests have delicious options tailored to their tastes. It's an excellent choice for a family dinner that feels a little special without being overly formal.
Casual Beachside Bites & Ocean Views
Dining with the sand and sea as your backdrop is a quintessential Aruban experience, and several spots offer this with a family-friendly twist.
- The West Deck: Located on the beach near Linear Park, The West Deck is the epitome of casual, open-air dining. Families love this spot for its wooden deck extending over the Caribbean Sea, providing endless entertainment as children watch boats or spot fish. While not explicitly stated to have a "kids menu," its selection of grilled seafood, sandwiches, and tropical salads offers many child-friendly components. The open-air setting allows children room to move and explore (within sight), and families often linger to watch the magical Aruban sunset, making it a truly relaxed outing.
- Pelican Pier: For an unforgettable seafood dining experience directly above the Caribbean Sea, head to Pelican Pier on Palm Beach. This spot combines a casual, peaceful dining area with a lively bar space further down the pier. Highlights include fresh catch and specialty trios. While a specific "kids menu" isn't noted, the variety of grilled options and casual vibe make it easy to find something for everyone. The novelty of dining on the water, watching the gentle waves, provides built-in entertainment for children, making it a memorable family outing.
Breakfast & Brunch Bliss
Starting the day right with a delicious, kid-approved meal can set the tone for your entire vacation.
- The Dutch Pancake House: A true Aruban institution, The Dutch Pancake House is a must-visit for breakfast or brunch. Renowned for its wide variety of sweet and savory Dutch pancakes (imagine a thin crêpe-like pancake loaded with anything from apples and bacon to cheese and pineapple), it offers gluten-free options too. This restaurant provides a cheerful, bustling setting that perfectly accommodates families, and critically, features a kids’ play area. This invaluable amenity allows children to burn off some energy while waiting for food or after eating, giving parents a few moments of peace. While a dedicated "kids menu" isn't explicitly mentioned, the pancakes themselves are inherently child-friendly and customizable.
- Dushi Bagels & Burgers: This family-owned spot is a fantastic option for a relaxed breakfast, lunch, or even an early dinner. Known for its handmade bagels, inventive burgers, and numerous vegan dishes, it offers something for every taste. The welcoming outdoor terrace, often featuring daily live music, creates a vibrant yet casual atmosphere perfect for families. While not strictly a "kids menu," the flexibility of bagels with various spreads or customizable burgers means even picky eaters can craft their perfect meal. Plus, the 2-for-1 happy hour can be a nice bonus for parents.
Resort & Unique Local Flavors
Exploring diverse culinary styles and local tastes is part of the travel experience, and Aruba offers family-friendly avenues for this.
- Aquarius (inside Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort): Located within the luxurious Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort, Aquarius offers a modern Caribbean dining experience. It provides both buffet-style and à la carte options, featuring fresh seafood, succulent meats, and regional dishes. The calm, sophisticated ambiance is still very welcoming to families. What truly stands out for parents is the availability of child-friendly selections, ensuring younger palates are satisfied within a high-quality dining environment. This is a great option if you're staying at the resort or looking for a more refined but still accessible family meal.
- Taste My Aruba: For families looking to experience authentic Aruban flavors in a casual setting, Taste My Aruba is a gem. Led by Chef Derwin Tromp, this restaurant embraces a farm-and-sea-to-table approach, serving bold island flavors using the freshest local ingredients. Signature dishes like ceviche and barracuda offer a genuine taste of Aruban cuisine. While a dedicated "kids menu" isn't specified, the casual, family-friendly setting and the chef's willingness to adapt dishes often mean younger guests can find something appealing or have a simpler version prepared. It’s an excellent choice for adventurous eaters and families who want to introduce their children to local culture through food.
- Bohemian Bar and Restaurant: Offering a unique dining experience with an eclectic mix of French-inspired and Aruban dishes, Bohemian appeals to diverse palates. Think braised lamb rack or other artfully prepared dishes. Its laid-back, art-adorned atmosphere with global bohemian charm makes it a cool spot for families with older children or those who appreciate a more relaxed, artsy vibe. While not explicitly advertising a "kids menu," the diverse offerings mean there's usually something simple that can be requested or adapted for less adventurous young diners.
- Quinta del Carmen: While generally considered more upscale, Quinta del Carmen earns a mention for special occasions with older children or well-behaved younger ones. Set in a bright yellow mansion, it offers luxurious indoor dining and a delightful al fresco courtyard. The menu blends local and international cuisine, featuring dishes like the Dutch beef stew "sucade lappen." It doesn't typically feature a traditional kids' menu, but its attentive service and beautiful setting can make for a memorable family evening. Consider this for a special treat rather than a casual nightly dinner.
Beyond the Menu: What Makes a Restaurant Truly Family-Friendly?
Finding a great kids' menu is a huge win, but true family-friendliness extends far beyond the food. When assessing family friendly restaurants Aruba with kids menu, consider these factors:
Ambiance and Space
A restaurant's atmosphere can make or break a family meal. Look for places that:
- Offer Open Space: Restaurants with outdoor patios, ample space between tables, or even grassy areas nearby allow children to stretch their legs without disrupting other diners. The West Deck and The Dutch Pancake House are great examples.
- Embrace Casual Vibrancy: Sometimes, a slightly noisy, lively environment is better than a hushed, formal one where every dropped fork echoes. Gianni's lively dining room fits this bill perfectly, making parents feel less self-conscious.
- Provide Good Views: A distraction, like a stunning ocean view at Pelican Pier or Faro Blanco, can keep kids engaged and entertained throughout the meal.
Entertainment & Distractions
While not every restaurant needs a full playground, small touches make a big difference:
- Kids' Play Areas: As seen at The Dutch Pancake House, a dedicated space for children to play is a huge bonus, allowing parents to finish their coffee in peace.
- Visual Interest: Unique decor, live music (like at Dushi Bagels & Burgers), or an active scene (boats passing by at The West Deck) can keep kids entertained.
- Provided Activities: Sometimes, restaurants offer coloring pages or small games, which are simple but effective ways to keep little hands busy while waiting for food.
Service That Understands Families
The attitude of the staff significantly impacts the family dining experience. Exceptional service for families includes:
- Patience and Understanding: Staff who understand that kids might take a moment to order, might make a mess, or need a specific request are invaluable.
- Quick Service for Kids: Bringing out a child's meal first can be a lifesaver, as hungry kids are often impatient kids.
- Accommodating Special Requests: Whether it's a plain pasta dish or a minor ingredient omission due to an allergy, flexibility is key.
Planning Your Family Dining Adventure in Aruba: A Quick Playbook
Even with the best options identified, a little planning goes a long way to ensure smooth sailing for your family meals in Aruba. For broader insights into casual and family dining environments, you might find it helpful to Explore Casual Family Dining more generally before diving into specific island choices.
Research Before You Go
- Check Menus Online: Before you even leave home, scan restaurant websites for their kids' menus or child-friendly options. This helps manage expectations and identify potential favorites.
- Read Recent Reviews: Look for reviews from other families. They often highlight specific amenities, service quality for kids, and how well children were received.
- Call Ahead: For specific questions about high chairs, booster seats, or dietary accommodations, a quick call can confirm details and give you peace of mind.
Booking & Timing Tips
- Make Reservations: Especially during Aruba's peak tourist seasons (winter holidays, spring break), popular family restaurants can fill up quickly. Booking ahead secures your spot and avoids meltdowns from hungry children waiting for a table.
- Dine Early: For younger children, dining between 5:30 PM and 6:30 PM often means fewer crowds, a quieter atmosphere, and quicker service. It also aligns better with their usual sleep schedules.
- Consider Lunch Over Dinner: For some of the more popular or slightly upscale spots, a lunch visit might be more relaxed and less busy than dinner, making it a better fit for younger kids.
Dietary Needs & Flexibility
- Communicate Clearly: Don't be shy about discussing allergies, intolerances, or specific dietary requests with your server. Aruban restaurants are generally very accommodating.
- Pack Snacks: Always have some tried-and-true snacks on hand for the waiting period, just in case food service takes a little longer than expected.
- Look for Versatile Menus: Places offering build-your-own options (like burgers at Dushi Bagels & Burgers) or simple modifications (plain pasta at Gianni's) are ideal for catering to diverse tastes.
Embracing the Local Vibe
- Relax and Enjoy: Aruba is known as "One Happy Island," and that laid-back attitude extends to dining. Don't stress too much about perfect table manners; focus on enjoying the experience together.
- Encourage Exploration: If your kids are a bit more adventurous, encourage them to try a local fruit juice, a piece of fresh fish, or a bite of a traditional dish. It's part of the travel experience!
Quick Answers to Common Family Dining Questions in Aruba
Here are some rapid-fire answers to frequent questions parents have about dining out in Aruba:
Q: Do all family-friendly restaurants in Aruba have high chairs?
A: Most genuinely family-friendly restaurants will have high chairs or booster seats available. However, for smaller, more local eateries, it's always best to call ahead and confirm, especially if you have an infant.
Q: Is it expensive to eat out with kids in Aruba?
A: Dining out in Aruba can range from moderately priced to expensive, similar to other popular Caribbean destinations. Kids' menus often offer better value, with smaller portions at lower prices. Utilizing options like The Dutch Pancake House for breakfast or lunch, or Dushi Bagels & Burgers, can help manage costs.
Q: Should I make reservations for family dinners?
A: Yes, absolutely. Especially for dinner, and even more so during peak tourist seasons or for popular spots like Gianni's or Faro Blanco, reservations are highly recommended to avoid long waits and ensure your family gets a table.
Q: Are there vegetarian/vegan options for kids?
A: Many restaurants in Aruba are increasingly offering vegetarian and even vegan options. While a dedicated "kids vegan menu" is rare, most places can adapt pasta dishes, make vegetable sides, or offer fruit. Dushi Bagels & Burgers, with its extensive vegan menu, is an excellent choice for plant-based families. Always communicate your needs clearly to your server.
Make Every Meal a Happy Memory
Aruba truly makes dining with your family a joy rather than a chore. With an abundance of family friendly restaurants Aruba with kids menu, you have a fantastic selection to choose from, ensuring every meal contributes positively to your vacation memories. Whether you're craving Italian classics, fresh seafood with a view, or the novelty of Dutch pancakes, the island's eateries are ready to welcome your crew. Focus on the joy of sharing good food and laughter, and let Aruba's hospitality take care of the rest. Plan smart, explore widely, and get ready for some truly delicious family moments.