Most people go to Curaçao for the sun, sea and beach. But there’s still so much more to do and see. Besides the beautiful white beaches, Curaçao also has a cosy capital, nice country houses and beautiful nature reserves. A lot of things to do with children. Here are some tips to do on Curaçao with children if you don’t want a day at the beach.
Willemstad
If you are in Curaçao, of course you have to visit Willemstad. Here you will find nice streets with the characteristic coloured houses along the quay that seem to come out of a leaflet. And of course the famous Pont bridge that connects the two largest districts Punda and Otrobanda. My children were very impressed when the big floating bridge opened to let the boats through. Also very impressive to see large container ships and cruise ships sailing along. Tip, visit Willemstad in the afternoon as it starts to get less warm, have a drink at the Wilhelmina Square, visit the floating market with fruit and fresh fish and go for a good dinner at restaurant The Gouverneur with beautiful view on the Pont Bridge and an indoor play area for the little ones.
City Walk with Dushi Walks
If you really want to explore Willemstad and also want to support a good cause, make a city walk with Deviwalks. Also fun for children. The hikes last for up to two hours and your will see places where you would otherwise never come. You can see the contrasts of Curaçao and you come along the most photogenic spots of Willemstad, so take your phone or camera with you. A large part of the revenue goes to the charity Curaçao, for example school gear for children or food and clothing for the homeless. For sign up and info, see the Facebook of Devi walks.
Sea Aquarium
This small-scale Sea Aquarium is located at Mambo Beach/sea Aquarium beach which you can combine well with a day of beach. My children loved seeing all those fish, turtles, rays, sharks and flamingos, feeding and stroking. The dolphin show was of course the most beautiful valve ever.
Ostrich Farm
On Curaçao you also have a ostrich farm, the Curaçao Ostrich Farm. Here you can see and experience so many things. You can find hundreds of ostriches, several safari tours are organized and you will learn everything about these birds. We have only watched ostriches here, which was already fun – the kids were allowed to step on an ostrich bird egg – but you can also enjoy African-inspired food at the Zambezi restaurant and there is a lovely kids corner.
visit a country house & Flamingos
In fact, a visit to Curaçao is not complete if you have not visited a country house. The country houses, former plantation houses, are still historical heritage. Maybe not really an activity you think of with children, but with me they liked it. They invented very exciting stories at those scary slave masters😊. We visited country house Jan Kok, one of the oldest country houses in Curaçao. This man was known for his cruel way of dealing with the slaves and smite evil spirit would still wander edge in the house. Enough food for my kids to make it a complete haunted house. Fortunately, the house is now brightened up by the local artist Nena Sanchez, who created an art gallery. Her colourful paintings and sculptures made it somewhat friendly. The country house overlooks the salt pans of Curaçao where the flamingos look for their food. Super fun to ride to the flamingos, because you don’t always see them in the wild.
Nature Reserves
Curaçao has many beautiful nature reserves, something you may not think of right away. I didn’t and it has really amazed me. It is really worthwhile to spend a day on the beach alternated with a visit to the Christoffel Park, Hofi Pastor (oldest tree of Curaçao), the National Park Shete Boka (splashing water) or the Hato caves (exciting for the children). Read all about it in my blog ‘ The beautiful natural areas of Curaçao ‘.