Family-Friendly Adventures in Saliña Ariba, Willemstad , Curaçao!

Curacao Liqueur Distillery

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary to Curacao Liqueur Distillery

Welcome to a vibrant day at the Curacao Liqueur Distillery, where the famous Blue Curacao Liqueur is made. This exciting excursion combines education, fun, and unforgettable tastes, suitable for all family members.

Morning Arrival

Start your adventure by driving to Landhuis Chobolobo, located in the heart of Willemstad. If you"re staying downtown, it’s a short 10-minute drive—easy and convenient. Parking is available on site, so you can easily access the distillery.

Guided Tour

Kick off with a guided tour starting every hour from 8 AM. Learn about the distillery"s rich history, which dates back to the 19th century, and discover how the authentic Blue Curacao Liqueur is made from the Laraha orange, a bitter fruit native to Curacao. The tour is typically lively and interactive, catered to keep younger visitors engaged.

Tasting Session

After the enlightening tour, treat your taste buds to a tasting session. Here, adults can sample different flavors of Curacao Liqueur, including the signature blue, while kids enjoy non-alcoholic versions made especially for them.

Interactive Activities

Post-tasting, participate in a fun liqueur-making workshop or enjoy a scavenger hunt designed for kids, where they can explore the distillery and learn through play.

Lunch Break

Head to the on-site café for a family-friendly meal. They offer a variety of local dishes that cater to all ages and preferences.

Souvenir Shop

Wrap up your visit by picking up a souvenir at the gift shop. From miniature liqueur bottles to locally crafted goods, there’s something to remember your visit by.

Departure

As afternoon approaches, take a leisurely drive back to your accommodation, or explore more of Willemstead"s colorful architecture and friendly streets.

This family-friendly itinerary to Curacao Liqueur Distillery offers a perfect blend of education, excitement, and memorable tastes that will leave everyone in the family enriched and entertained!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Fort Beekenburg

Why Visit?

Family Adventure Itinerary at Fort Beekenburg, Curaçao

Morning Arrival

Start your adventure at Fort Beekenburg, located in the scenic area of Caracas Bay. If you"re staying in Willemstad, it"s just a 15-minute drive southeast. Rent a car or take a taxi to enjoy the flexibility of exploring at your own pace.

Fort Beekenburg Tour

Begin your exploration of Fort Beekenburg around 9 AM. Constructed in 1703, this well-preserved fort was built to protect Curaçao from pirates and enemy fleets. As you walk through the historic structure, share with your kids how the fort successfully repelled several invasions, adding an aura of bravery and adventure to your visit.

Interactive Pirate Tales

At around 10:30 AM, gather the kids for a storytelling session beneath the old sentry. Listen to tales of legendary pirates and the daring battles that took place right where you stand. This interactive storytelling enhances the historical experience, making it lively and engaging for children.

Picnic by the Bay

By noon, head down to the nearby beach, just a short walk from the fort. Unpack a picnic and enjoy a family meal with the beautiful backdrop of the bay. The calm waters here are perfect for a midday swim or snorkeling, where you can spot colorful marine life.

Afternoon Exploration

Spend your early afternoon exploring the surrounding area. Take a leisurely hike around Caracas Bay Island for panoramic views and beautiful photo opportunities. Be sure to point out the local flora and fauna to the kids, making it an educational as well as a fun outing.

Departure

Conclude your visit by 3 PM, leaving with memories of historical adventures and family fun. Drive back to your accommodation or continue exploring the nearby attractions at your leisure.

This itinerary promises a blend of history, adventure, and relaxation, perfectly tailored for a family day out at Fort Beekenburg. Enjoy your trip through time and the beautiful landscapes of Curaçao!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Scharloo

Why Visit?

Escape into the charming neighborhood of Scharloo during your family trip to Willemstad, Curaçao. Begin your exploration in this historic district, known for its vibrant, beautifully restored mansions and fascinating history tied to the island"s wealthy merchants of the 19th century.

Morning

Start at the *Scharloo Abou* area where you can enjoy a leisurely walk gazing at the myriad of colorful murals that tell stories of the island’s culture and heritage. This outdoor gallery makes for a perfect family photo op! Parking is readily available in the area, or take a short cab ride from downtown Willemstad.

Next, visit the *Jewish Cultural Historical Museum,* just a few minutes" walk within the neighborhood. Housed in a former synagogue from the 1700s, the museum showcases artifacts and stories of the Jewish community on the island, which is one of the oldest in the Western Hemisphere.

Lunch

Grab a bite at one of the local eateries featuring Caribbean specialties. Try out the *Plasa Bieu,* a popular spot among locals, where you can savor homemade dishes in a lively market setting. It"s a 10-minute walk from the museum.

Afternoon

After lunch, take a gentle stroll to *Villa Maria,* a historical mansion where you can dive deeper into the architectural history of Scharloo. The house is open for tours and often hosts art exhibitions.

Evening

Wrap up your day with a relaxing walk back towards the heart of Willemstad, crossing the iconic Queen Emma Bridge. As the sun sets, enjoy the stunning view of the pastel-colored buildings of the Handelskade skyline, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Throughout your tour, enjoy learning about how Scharloo, once a residential area for wealthy merchants, has transformed into a vibrant cultural hub, making it an essential part of Curaçao’s rich tapestry. This neighborhood, with its blend of history, art, and architecture, offers a delightful day out for families looking to experience something a little different.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Hato Caves

Why Visit?

Family Adventure at Hato Caves, Curaçao

Morning Arrival

Kick off your family day trip to Hato Caves by driving or taking a taxi from Willemstad, which is just about a 15-minute trip north. Arrive early to beat the heat and the crowds, ideally by 9:00 AM when the gates open. There"s ample parking, and tickets can be purchased at the entrance.

Guided Cave Tour

Start with the 45-minute guided tour of Hato Caves available at 10:00 AM. These impressive limestone caves are illuminated and feature beautiful stalactites, stalagmites, and even water pools. The guide will share fascinating tales about the cave"s history, from its formation to its use by Amerindian Arawaks and escaped slaves. The caves are also home to long-nose fruit bats, which might be an exciting highlight for the kids!

Educational Trails

Post-tour, explore the Indian Trail around the caves. This easy, marked trail is perfect for kids, taking about 20 minutes to complete. Along the path, you’ll find labels on various indigenous plants and learn about their medicinal uses. Look out for the occasional iguana basking in the sun!

Picnic Lunch

By noon, enjoy a family picnic at the provided areas. You can bring your snacks and refreshments, or buy some at the cave’s café. It’s a great time to relax and discuss the morning"s adventure.

Cave Drawings and Photo-Ops

In the afternoon, get your camera ready for the ancient Caiquetio Indian cave drawings accessible from the main trail. These are not only intriguing historically but also offer a great backdrop for memorable family photos.

Departure

Plan to wrap up and head back to your accommodation by 2:00 PM, leaving the rest of the afternoon free for a beach visit or a leisurely stroll around Willemstad.

Remember to wear comfortable walking shoes, carry water, and a flashlight for an extra peek into the darker corners of the caves. Enjoy your family exploration day at Hato Caves!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Otrobanda

Why Visit?

Welcome to Otrobanda, a vibrant and historically rich area of Willemstad, Curaçao! Here’s a family-friendly itinerary to help you make the most of your visit.

### Morning: Explore the Streets of Otrobanda

Start your day by exploring the colorful streets of Otrobanda. Take a leisurely stroll along the picturesque waterfront where you can witness the iconic Handelskade backdrop across the St. Anna Bay. Kids will love seeing the brightly colored Dutch colonial buildings. Cross the Queen Emma Bridge, a floating pontoon bridge locally known as "The Swinging Old Lady," to enjoy its movement as boats pass through.

Getting There: Otrobanda is easily accessible by car or public transport from anywhere in Willemstad. Parking is available around the area, and the pedestrian-friendly streets make it easy to explore on foot.

### Midday: Kura Hulanda Museum

Visit the Kura Hulanda Museum, just a 5-minute walk from the Queen Emma Bridge. This museum offers an insightful look into the African and Curaçao heritage, focusing on the transatlantic slave trade. It"s both educational and engaging with artifacts, 17th-century maps, and interactive displays.

Interesting Fact: The museum is situated in a restored 18th-century village, providing a historic setting that enhances the educational experience.

### Afternoon: Riffort Village

Head to Riffort Village, about a 10-minute walk from the museum. Originally a 19th-century fort, Riffort has been transformed into a bustling commercial and entertainment complex. Enjoy lunch at one of the many eateries overlooking the bay, and don’t miss the opportunity for some family shopping.

Interesting Fact: Riffort still retains its historic cannons, offering a glimpse into its military past and great views of the harbor.

### Late Afternoon: Relax at Brionplein

Conclude your day at Brionplein, a lively square in Otrobanda. It often hosts live music and cultural performances, making it a perfect spot to unwind and soak up local culture.

Getting There: Easily reached by foot from Rifffort, it"s central and offers a relaxing end to your day exploring Otrobanda.

This itinerary offers a blend of culture, history, and fun, perfect for a family day in Otrobanda. Enjoy your trip!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.