I love Bonaire, and I hardly believe I'm saying this, but it may not be your match. Following up what others have said and more:
1.) Not much sandy beach. A few places, like Eden Beach Resort, have some sandy beach, but nothing like people associate with sandy beaches on Aruba, for example.
2.) Bonaire is a place people go to dive often, day in & day out, not just in the morning, then do other things in the afternoon. Not saying it can't be done, but that's not what this location mainly draws.
3.) Washington-Slagbaai Park can be a nice scenic drive maybe 1/2 day one day.
4.) Wind Surfing at Lac Bay (Jibe City) and Kite Boarding (west coast, down toward the southern portion) are activities other than diving, but I doubt little kids or grandma would be doing those.
5.) Donkey Sanctuary would be interesting to some for a few hours.
Doing a 2-tank morning dive following by afternoons free for family fun exploring an exotic tropical destination is pretty much the game plan at land-based charter boat op. sites like Cozumel. I haven't been to Curacao, but it is said to have more for non-divers to do (it's said for a dive vacation go to Bonaire, for a vacation with diving go to Curacao). At Cozumel you could probably do one of those dolphin encounter excursions like the cruise ships offer, and that could rock the kids' world! Or dive Belize & take a side-trip to walk in the jungle & see Mayan ruins.
Are these 'country kids' from a rural setting who can amuse themselves walking around looking at plants, lizards, goats & scenery, or are these 'city kids' accustomed to the opportunities & stimulation of more urban settings & fuss if there's no shopping mall?
Richard.
