Do you love heading down to the Caribbean for a little fun in the sun with your family? If you do, the island of Curacao has everything you need to have fun and make memories! There are so many things to do in Curacao during an amazing family vacation. I am going to share some of the best things to do in Curacao with you today. This will allow you to start considering your options when it comes time to plan your incredible family vacation. And don’t worry, if you have me plan your family’s vacation, I will be personalizing your itinerary, so it meets your needs. This way you will be able to make more memories than you thought during this time away from home.  

Check out this sample itinerary of a family vacation in Curacao to see what your days can look like! 

Best Things to Do in Curacao During an Amazing Family Vacation 

Go Scuba Diving 

One of the best things to do in Curacao is scuba diving. If your family isn’t certified for scuba diving, you will need to become certified before diving too deep. Although, you can always go snorkeling instead.  

When you are out in the water, you will all have the chance to see plenty of colorful coral, dolphins, stingrays, and a sunken ship or two.  

The two closest diving sites are Porto Mari and Blauwbaai. All the others need to be reached via boat.  

Walk Over the Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge 

The Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge goes across St. Anna Bay. It is a floating pedestrian bridge that connects Punda and Otrobanda. The bridge is supported by sixteen pontoon boats.  

This bridge swings open to let ships pass through to leave the bay. The movement of the bridge is how it got its nickname, Swinging Old Lady.  

If you happen to be on one side of the bridge when it opens and need to get back to the other side, you can always hop on a water taxi. Those water taxis don’t charge a fee for this service.  

Wander Around Handelskade

Handelskade is the pier that can be seen on every postcard for Curacao. Wandering around this area will have you seeing Colonial Dutch buildings painted in bright colors.  

I recommend sitting outside one of the cafes here to watch the Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge swing open and closed.  

Relax at Cas Abao Beach 

There are plenty of beaches to choose from while on a family vacation in Curacao. Cas Abao Beach is one of the favorites for both locals and tourists. There is plenty of shade around this beach. Plus, the nearby restaurant ensures you never go hungry.  

I recommend snorkeling while at this beach. Out in the water you can see sea turtles, eagle rays, and lots of tropical fish.  

Explore Christoffel National Park 

Christoffel National Park was created when three plantations merged together in 1978. You can easily drive through this park to see all the plants, flowers, and wildlife. However, hiking the trails will allow you to see things you will miss while driving.  

I recommend taking the time to really explore this park. It is the best way to capture a glimpse of the Curacao white-tailed deer and barn owls.  

Wander Around Shete Boka National Park 

There is more than one national park in Curacao. Your family might as well make memories in both parks during your vacation.  

You will want to see the ten pocket bays filled with sea turtles within Shete Boka National Park. The best pocket bays are Boka Tabla and Boka Pistol. But feel free to check them all out when you are there.  

Visit Little Curacao 

Little Curacao, or Klein Curacao, is an uninhabited island not too far from the southeastern shore of Curacao. This is an excellent day trip opportunity for your family.  

You will all want to go swimming in the crystal-clear water. On land, you can check out the ruins of the lighthouse. It is one of the only things that remains from when people lived on the island.  

Take a Tour of the Hato Caves 

Touring the Hato Caves is one of the best things to do in Curacao. These caves are full of stalagmites and stalactites. You will walk through narrow passages, as you go deeper into the caves.  

This may feel slightly intimidating at first but keep going. Once you get further into the caves, you will discover intricate rock formations and small pools.  

As you walk through the caves, your tour guide will share the history of them. Part of the history is runaway slaves used these caves as hiding places.  

Visit with the Flamingos 

Flamingos are everywhere in Curacao. However, if you want to see a lot of flamingos in one place, you must be prepared to visit certain areas of the island. The best places to see flamingos include Sint Willibrordus and Sint Michiel.  

They are both flamingo sanctuaries, so there won’t be a shortage of these pink animals.  

Another option is Jan Kok. In this area, you will also see a monument that honors the Freedom Fighters. They were enslaved salt pan workers who began an uprising on the island.  

Visit an Aloe Vera Farm 

Have you always been fascinated by how well aloe vera works? Well, during a family vacation in Curacao, you can visit an aloe vera farm.  

During your farm visit, you will learn how aloe vera is grown and all its benefits. You will also tour the factory to learn how the plant is processed.  

Check Out the Curacao Liqueur Distillery 

As an adult, you will be more than happy to check out the Curacao Liqueur Distillery. You will find this distillery inside an estate from the 1800s.  

This is the only distillery on the island that still makes alcohol using Lahara orange peels.  

I recommend taking a tour that offers the history of the distillery, cocktail workshops, and a tasting. This will ensure you get the full experience during your visit.  

Paint a Chichi Doll 

One of the most fascinating things to do in Curacao is painting a Chichi doll. Your family will have fun painting their own dolls to take home.  

The Chichi doll represents femininity, strength, diversity, and creativity. So, you can see why painting them can create such wonderful memories during your family vacation.  

The best place to paint these dolls is Serena’s Art Factory.  

Taste the Local Cuisine 

Your family will discover many unique flavors when you are dining out in Curacao. The cuisine served on this island is a fusion of flavors from Spanish, Dutch, and African influences.  

A couple of the dishes you should try while on a family vacation in Curacao include keshi yena, bitterballen, fried red snapper, and iguana. Oh, and you won’t want to skip tasting green rum either!  

Walk Along the Walkways at Curacao’s Mangroves 

Curacao Rif Mangrove Park is located in Willemstad. It is a protected area filled with walkways that wind through the mangrove forest.  

You can take a guided tour along those walkways with your family. Or head out on a tour via kayak.  

Visit Fort Beekenburg 

If you are looking for history, one of the best things to do in Curacao is to visit Fort Beekenburg. This fort was constructed back in 1706. While it is no longer in use, it is considered the best-preserved ruins in the Caribbean.  

There are tons of artifacts inside this fort. Wander around and learn the history of the fort through the artifacts. Don’t forget to check out the architecture, as well as the cannons and barrier walls. You never know what you will discover.  

These are some of the best things to do in Curacao, but there are many others we can include during your family vacation. All you need to do is let me know what your family is interested in, and I will personalize your itinerary accordingly.  

So, are you ready to have me create a personalized family vacation itinerary for your trip to Curacao or another destination?  

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to click here to schedule a personalized family vacation planning session with me. When you click the link, you will be taken directly to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.  

Not ready for a personalized family vacation planning session yet? Sign up for my newsletter and continue to receive all the exciting travel information I share.