“Deciding not to travel with kids because they won’t remember is like not reading them books because they won’t remember the stories. The experience shapes who they become.” – Author Unknown

Why Take Your Family To Curaçao?

Curaçao is a safe, beautiful, and tranquil island, formerly part of the Dutch Antilles. Unlike Aruba, it’s not overly busy, making it an ideal destination for families looking to relax and unwind while exploring a rich blend of Papiamentu, Dutch, Spanish, and African cultures.

Curaçao’s motto, “Masha Dushi” (meaning “very sweet” or “very good”), reflects the island’s welcoming nature. Though the local currency is the guilder, most places accept U.S. currency and the U.S. dollar stretches further here. You’ll find great food, stunning beaches, and friendly locals.

Jet Blue’s direct flights from NYC will get you there in less than five hours. Renting a car is recommended for getting around. Consider staying at LionsDive Resort next to the Seaquarium, the Curaçao Marriott Beach Resort for a more upscale experience with a prime location on Piscadera Bay near Willemstad, or browsing Airbnb for affordable, family-friendly accommodations.

1. Visit the Seaquarium

Sea Aquarium Curaçao is small but perfect for kids. Highlights include feedings and educational shows about dolphins, sharks, flamingos, and rays; a glass-walled boat for underwater viewing; and a chance to see lionfish, a massive grouper, and conch nurseries. There are interactive exhibits and an interactive Animal Encounters Lagoon where kids can safely snorkel among tropical fish and stingrays, or feed nurse and lemon sharks through a secure tube from the other side of a barrier.

2. Paddle Boats at Piscadera Bay

Enjoy a relaxing beach day at Piscadera Bay, where you can rent a chair and choose from three kid-friendly restaurants: Tomatoes Pizza, Que Tapas, and Pirate Beach Bar. Schools of goatfish and tang gather near the dock. Breeze Adventures Curaçao rents pedal boats shaped like dragons, flamingos, or seahorses, complete with slides ($30 per hour). Jet skis, kayaks, and snorkeling gear are also available.

3. Snorkel at Mambo Beach

Mambo Beach is ideal for young swimmers, thanks to its manmade reef and gentle, clear waters. Colorful fish, like parrotfish and tang, can be spotted right off the shore. The soft sand means no water shoes are needed. With plenty of rental chairs, restaurants, shops, and occasional live music, it’s the perfect all-day destination.

4. Snorkel with Turtles at Playa Grandi

At Playa Grandi, you can swim alongside sea turtles that gather near the dock. The best time to visit is in the morning or early afternoon. Rentals for chairs, snorkel gear, and Wi-Fi are available. Though the facilities are basic (including $1 bathroom access), the experience of swimming with turtles, enormous shoals of fish, and pelicans makes it worthwhile. Check the large rocks near the water’s entrance to catch a glimpse of epic crab battles. On your way out, be sure to make a quick stop for a few photos at Flamingo Sanctuary Sint Willibrordus, where hundreds of flamingos wade in the aquamarine waters.

5. Serena’s Art Factory & Chichi Painting

Serena’s Art Factory offers a hands-on way to engage with Curacao’s vibrant art scene. Families can visit the workshop to learn about the famous Chichi sculptures—colorful, hand-painted figures that celebrate the strength and warmth of Caribbean women. Kids can participate in a painting workshop, decorating their own Chichi to take home as a unique souvenir. The experience is creative, cultural, and fun for all ages.

6. Swim with Pigs at Porto Mari

Playa Porto Mari is known for its calm waters, long white-sand beach, and excellent snorkeling with a double coral reef. It also has a bar, restaurant, and full facilities, including showers and restrooms. Occasionally, wild pigs visit the beach, delighting families.

7. Swing at Kokomo Beach

Kokomo Beach is famous for its iconic swings over the water and scenic floral backdrop. It’s not crowded, has plenty of free seating at the restaurant, and offers clean facilities. There’s a dive shop with Minion- and Super Mario-themed oxygen tanks for fun photos. Large iguanas roam the beach bar, and classic music like Louis Armstrong’s “What a Wonderful World” plays in the background.

8. Take a Curaçao Walking Tour

Free Walking Tours Curaçao offers a family-friendly way to explore Willemstad’s vibrant street art, Rif Fort, the giant Curaçao sign, and the swinging bridge. The tours provide a fun and educational experience, perfect for older kids and tweens. Afterward, stop by BRGR HAUS for handcrafted cheeseburgers in a scenic courtyard.

9. Take a Klein Curaçao Boat Trip

Miss Ann Boat Trips offers a luxurious boat trip to Klein Curaçao, a small island with white sandy beaches and excellent snorkeling. The excursion includes a breakfast buffet, BBQ lunch, unlimited soft drinks, and a turtle snorkeling safari. Facilities like shaded seating, showers, and restrooms make it a comfortable adventure. Hotel transfers are available, and the tour departs four times a week at 7:00 AM, returning by 5:00 PM.

10. Shop for a Skadey Cat at Copperstone

Looking for a unique souvenir? Visit Copperstone, a cute shop in the heart of Punda, to find Skadey Cats, hand-painted art pieces by local artist Melissa Vijay Bharwani. Inspired by Curaçao’s famous Handelskade waterfront, these collectible cat figurines are one-of-a-kind keepsakes that capture the island’s charm.

Ready for More Cultural Fun?

If you’d like a taste of culture closer to home, visit Shine Studio in New York’s East End. We offer break camps, classes, workshops, parties, and drop-ins that educate and enrich the lives of kids ages 0-12. Contact us for details.