Two children enjoying tubing on a lake surrounded by lush green forests and mountains on a sunny day.

20 Best Family Resorts: Fun Vacations for Everyone

Looking for the perfect vacation property to create lasting memories with your kids? With everything you need on-site, from restaurants and rooms to activities and entertainment, resorts offer the ideal mix of relaxation and fun! Finding the right resort, with kid-friendly features and a family-friendly atmosphere, makes all the difference when it comes to truly unwinding and connecting. That’s why we created this list of the best family resorts around the U.S. and beyond to take the guesswork out of planning your next family vacation!

For a safe and fun vacation, check out our family travel tips and gear recommendations! If it's thrills your family is after, look at our list of waterpark resorts! When you’re ready to venture off the resort grounds, we’ve also got you covered with the best things to do and see in top family travel destinations around the country! 

Are There All-Inclusive Resort Options for Kids?

Yes! And if relaxation is what vacation is all about for you, then an all-inclusive resort is the way to go. The great news is that not only are many of our suggested resorts family-friendly, but they also have perks for parents (when you can sneak away), like spas, cocktail mixers, and sunset cruises. Some of the best family-friendly all-inclusive resorts are practically giant playgrounds with features like jungle gyms, go-karts, magic shows, and petting zoos. Plus, the meals are included, so you’ll never have to put energy into where your next meal will be. 

For a stay that covers meals, activities, and everything under the sun, browse our list of all-inclusive, family-friendly resorts.

What Kinds of Features Do the Best Resorts for Kids Have?

Your family’s unique interests and traveling style will determine which features to look for. We’ve found that most good family resorts have some — or even all — of these features:

  • Supervised kids clubs
  • Splash pools
  • Water slides/water parks
  • Game rooms
  • Playgrounds
  • Mini golf
  • Recreation rooms
  • Healthy/appealing kids' menus
  • Comfort items like stuffed animals
  • Multi-room suites/bunk bed rooms
  • Interactive workshops
  • On-site childcare
  • Gear rentals (paddleboards, bikes, kites, etc.)


If you’re staying at an all-inclusive resort, most activities will be included. Otherwise, you can book packages at most other properties for the best savings on experiences and excursions. If you want to experience some of the best resorts with kids in tow, look for the features that pique your interest the most.

Our List of the 20 Best Resorts for Families

Whether you want an oceanfront vacation, a mountaintop getaway, or a lakeside retreat, we’ve curated a list of some of the best family resorts across the U.S. (and a couple just outside of it). So pack your suitcases and get ready for unforgettable family time!


 
    The Ranch at Rock Creek

    The Ranch at Rock Creek, Philipsburg, Montana

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    Cozy up in this property’s rustic amenities, including full two-story log homes, many complete with bunk bed rooms. Plus, book the all-inclusive stay, and your group will get twice-daily housekeeping and three farm-to-table meals per day so parents can fully relax. In the winter, families can enjoy snow activities like sledding and snowshoeing. Come summer, there are horseback riding lessons available for all ages. Curious young ones can join Flint’s Forest Ranger’s Kids Club, an outdoor educational program complete with hiking and stargazing.

    Philipsburg, MT
    Paws Up Montana

    Paws Up, Greenough, Montana

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    If you’ve ever dreamed of staying on a cattle ranch-turned-resort, here’s your chance. Situated on 35,000 acres of wilderness terrain, Paws Up is one of nature’s playgrounds. Guests can ride go-karts, go fly fishing, enjoy over 100 miles of hiking trails, and take horseback-riding lessons. Parents can drop kids ages 3–12 at the Kids Corps of Discovery camp, where they’ll enjoy indoor and outdoor activities. You can choose between vacation houses or glamping tents for your accommodations. House rental guests can even enjoy an SUV, which is included with the stay.

    Bonner, MT
    Suncadia Resort

    Suncadia Resort, Cle Elum, Washington

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    Soak up Pacific Northwest living at Suncadia Resort, part of the Suncadia mountain resort community. Book a stay in one of the diverse accommodation options, including a lodge, inn, condos, or vacation rentals. No matter where you sleep, you can enjoy the three swimming pools, water slides, and splash pad. This might be one of the best kid-friendly resorts for wilderness lovers because, at CampCadia, kids ages 4–12 can learn survival, camping, and gardening skills.

    Cle Elum, WA
    Carmel Valley Ranch

    Carmel Valley Ranch, Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

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    This Hyatt property was made for families. It even has a family recreation area called the River Ranch, where you’ll find a splash pad, kid-friendly pool, fire pits, and a casual cafe. The rec area is also where you’ll find the Adventure Den, the on-site kids club that offers activities like cooking classes, dancing, and story time. The whole family can have fun on the glow-in-the-dark guided hikes. And don’t miss the farm animal meet-and-greets to encounter adorable furry friends or the on-site creamery for a sweet treat!

    Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
    Christian Horan / Four Seasons.

    Four Seasons Oahu at Ko Olina, Oahu, Hawaii

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    Play in the waves at this property, which sits on a dreamy lagoon. With four pools (including the kid-friendly Keiki splash pool) and steps from a white-sand beach, this Four Seasons will keep water lovers happy. Children ages 5 to 12 can join Camp Kohola for a range of activities like lei-making and outdoor recreation. Stop by the on-site photography studio for a cherished family photo, or get active together on the complimentary paddleboards.

    Kapolei, HI

Primary photo:   Paws Up Montana

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