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As a travel writer, mom of twins and the eldest of four siblings, I know that finding a resort that keeps kids entertained without sacrificing what parents want from a vacation isn’t always easy.
The best family-friendly properties offer more than just a swimming pool and a kids’ menu. Think supervised children’s programs, spacious accommodations, memorable activities and thoughtful amenities that make traveling with little ones less stressful. From a castle-like retreat in New York’s Hudson Valley to a beachfront escape in Maui, here are 12 family-friendly resorts I love for making vacations enjoyable for every generation.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge (Lake Buena Vista, Florida)
Waking up to giraffes and zebras roaming outside your balcony isn’t something you’d expect from an Orlando vacation, but it’s arguably the main draw at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. Inspired by traditional African architecture, the resort overlooks four savannas home to more than 30 species of wildlife. Families can watch the animals from designated viewing areas or savanna-view rooms, participate in cultural activities led by African cultural representatives and cool off in pools with waterslides and children’s splash areas. Dining is another highlight, with African-inspired dishes at Boma and Sanaa, the latter offering views of the animals as they roam outside. Complimentary buses also run to Disney’s theme parks, so there’s no need to rent a car.
Mohonk Mountain House (New Paltz, New York)
With its turrets, stone balconies and lakeside setting, Mohonk Mountain House looks more like a castle than a traditional resort. The historic Hudson Valley property makes the most of its location in the Shawangunk Mountains, where summer days mean swimming at the private sandy beach on Lake Mohonk, paddling rowboats and exploring scenic hiking trails. Come winter, snow tubing, cross-country skiing and ice skating at an open-air pavilion take center stage. Children ages four to 12 can join the complimentary Kids’ Club for nature walks, crafts and a Junior Naturalist program. Don’t miss the resort’s beloved afternoon tea and cookies, a tradition especially popular with younger guests. Although nightly rates are steep, the stay includes three meals a day and many recreational activities, making it a better value than the price might initially suggest.
Villatel Resort Orlando (Orlando, Florida)
Anyone who’s tried coordinating an Orlando vacation with grandparents, cousins and young children knows that finding enough space can be a challenge. Villatel Resort Orlando addresses that problem with four- to nine-bedroom villas that sleep up to 24 guests. Each comes with a private pool, full kitchen and themed children’s bedrooms, while select homes feature game rooms, miniature golf and basketball hoops. The 80-acre property also has its own water park, Aqua Bay, complete with waterslides, a lazy river, a splash area for little ones and a large swimming pool. Private cabanas, pickleball courts and children’s craft workshops round out the offerings. When it’s time to hit Orlando’s theme parks, complimentary shuttles take care of transportation.
Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort (Scottsdale, Arizona)
The pool complex at Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort is practically a destination in itself. Spread across 2.5 acres, its 10 pools include a three-story waterslide that younger guests will want to ride repeatedly. Beyond the water, there’s miniature golf, a dedicated children’s activity area and seasonal programming that has included archery, canoe races, poolside movies and crafts. A $115 million renovation brought refreshed guest rooms, spacious suites and private casitas with floor-to-ceiling windows and secluded outdoor spaces. Dining is another highlight, with menus developed in partnership with celebrity chef Richard Blais, while Spa Avania and nearby Gainey Ranch Golf Club provide a welcome change of pace for adults.
Omni La Costa Resort & Spa (Carlsbad, California)
One of the biggest draws of Omni La Costa Resort & Spa is its Little Sprouts program, which welcomes children as young as six months—a rarity among luxury resorts. Older kids have crafts, games and other activities to look forward to, along with eight pools, including one with a sandy beach entry and two 100-foot waterslides. The 400-acre Carlsbad property is equally appealing to adults, thanks to two championship golf courses, an athletic club and a 43,000-square-foot spa with its own pool and reflexology path. An extensive 2024 renovation refreshed the Spanish Mission–style resort’s rooms, suites and villas, as well as its dining offerings.
Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa (Pigeon Forge, Tennessee)
The fun doesn’t stop when families leave Dollywood’s theme park. At DreamMore Resort and Spa, children can make crafts, swim in the indoor and outdoor pools or join Camp DW activities such as bracelet making, evening s’mores and storytime inspired by Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Even the spa welcomes younger guests for manicures, pedicures and hair services. Bunk-bed rooms and junior suites sleeping up to six make sharing accommodations easier, and a 2025 renovation refreshed the guest rooms. Another advantage of staying here is the theme park perks, including complimentary trolley transportation, preferred parking and TimeSaver passes for expedited access to select rides with valid admission.
Sea Island (Sea Island, Georgia)
Horseback rides along the beach are just one of the memorable experiences at Sea Island, a luxury coastal retreat with five miles of private shoreline. Fishing excursions, falconry, tennis and bicycle rides along the Georgia coast offer plenty of ways to explore beyond the sand. Children ages three to 14 can join supervised, age-specific activities at Camp Cloister, and Sea Strike & Pub adds bowling to the mix. Families traveling with grandparents or a larger group can opt for private cottages with three to eight bedrooms, combining the comforts of a vacation home with access to the resort’s pools and other amenities.
Paws Up Montana (Greenough, Montana)
At Paws Up Montana, the great outdoors is the main attraction. Set on 37,000 acres along the Blackfoot River, this luxury ranch gives guests access to 100 miles of trails, horseback riding, fly-fishing, guided cattle drives and ATV excursions. Young adventurers can join the Kids Adventure Club or Junior Wrangler program, while multi-bedroom vacation homes accommodate larger groups. Three daily meals, select beverages, airport transfers and gratuities are included in the resort’s meal plan. Most guided adventures cost extra, so families can tailor their itinerary to their interests and budget.
OKANA Resort & Indoor Waterpark (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma)
Opened in spring 2025, the $400 million OKANA Resort & Indoor Waterpark brings a major new family attraction to Oklahoma City. Its 100,000-square-foot indoor water park packs in 15 waterslides, while the 4.5-acre outdoor adventure lagoon features a sandy beach, cabanas and an inflatable obstacle course. Thrill-seekers can also zip, jump and slide into the water at a dedicated activity pool. Away from the water, OKANARAMA! has arcade games, arts and crafts and prize-winning opportunities. Accommodations include Bunk Balcony Suites with two queen beds and a bunk bed, plus Family River Suites with semi-private sleeping areas. With 14 food and beverage venues on-site, there’s no need to venture far for meals.
Nemacolin (Farmington, Pennsylvania)
Miniature ponies, off-road Jeep excursions and an extensive art collection aren’t amenities you’d ordinarily expect to find at the same resort. But Nemacolin, set across more than 2,200 acres in Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands, has an unusually eclectic mix of experiences. Younger children can tackle a kid-friendly ropes course, visit the arcade or join supervised Kids Club sessions. Older kids and teenagers might prefer archery, paintball or Jeep adventures, and parents can enjoy golf or the spa. Of the resort’s three hotels, the all-suite Grand Lodge is a particularly good choice for families, with connecting suites and two-bedroom accommodations. The Chateau is another option, and private homes and estates provide additional space for larger groups. Falling Rock, however, is reserved for guests ages 16 and older.
Grand Hotel (Mackinac Island, Michigan)
Getting to the aptly named Grand Hotel is part of the experience. Located on car-free Mackinac Island, the historic Michigan property welcomes guests into a world of bicycles, horse-drawn carriages and leisurely afternoons overlooking the Straits of Mackinac. Inside, bold colors, vibrant floral patterns and whimsical interiors give the landmark hotel plenty of personality. Children can swim in the Esther Williams pool, play the 18-hole miniature golf course or ride around the 400-foot Cedar Grove Adventure Track. The Woodlands Activity Center adds pickleball, bocce and shuffleboard, and Sadie’s Ice Cream Parlor serves scoops of Michigan-made ice cream. Optional meal plans covering breakfast and dinner or all three daily meals simplify dining, leaving more time to enjoy the hotel’s famously long front porch and traditional island atmosphere.
Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea (Wailea, Hawaii)
One of the biggest perks at Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea is Kids For All Seasons, a complimentary supervised program for children ages five to 12. Running daily from 9am to 5pm, it features games, crafts and indoor and outdoor activities, giving parents a chance to unwind at the adults-only infinity pool, book a spa treatment or enjoy some quiet time on Wailea Beach. Younger children have a dedicated pool of their own, and snorkeling, paddleboarding and complimentary Hawaiian cultural activities provide opportunities to experience Maui together. It’s an especially appealing choice for parents who want a luxury beach vacation with built-in children’s programming.