Choosing a family-friendly resort is an important decision, particularly when planning a vacation with your children. The right resort can make all the difference in creating a memorable and enjoyable experience for everyone – especially you the planner.
However, with so many options available, it can be overwhelming to decide where to go and often you might not be an expert at this. After having planned hundreds of trips myself, I know that it takes quite a bit of experience and know how to plan the perfect vacation.
When looking into how to choose a family-friendly resort, there are several factors to consider, like location, activities and amenities, and cost. With these factors in mind, you can make an informed decision and choose a family-friendly resort that will provide a fun and memorable vacation for your family.
For me, one of the best ways to start researching where to go and what resort to choose is to read reviews. You can use any online tool you prefer to find reviews. For family resorts, you can check on We Review Resorts. They have an extensive list of the best family resorts in the Caribbean, Mexico, and Florida.
Traveling With Your Family
Traveling with your family can be a rewarding and memorable experience. However, it can also be stressful and overwhelming, and it all starts with choosing the right resort.
There are so many factors to consider – a few of which we mentioned above. Location, amenities, activities, and safety should be top of the list.
I’ve traveled a lot with my family and sometimes it goes well, while other times it’s sort of a flop. A lot of that depended on the spot we chose and whether it was actually well suited for our needs. That’s why it’s very important to take each thing into consideration and not leap into a decision.
If you manage to choose a great spot, everyone will be happy.
Top Recommended Destinations for Family-Friendly Vacations
Before we jump into the considerations you should make when finding a family-friendly destination, I wanted to share some of my favorite destinations that you might want to consider. These spots are great for families, have tons of activities to suit everyone, and are easy to visit year round.
| Destination | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Orlando, Florida | Home to Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld, Orlando is a top destination for families with kids of all ages. It also has numerous water parks and family-friendly resorts. |
| Paradise Island, Bahamas | Connected to Nassau by a bridge, Paradise Island is dominated by two massive family-friendly resorts — Atlantis Paradise Island and Baha Mar. Both resorts offer numerous amenities and activities for families. |
| Barcelona, Spain | Barcelona is a great destination for families who want to experience a mix of culture, history, and fun. It has numerous family-friendly attractions such as the Barcelona Zoo, the Aquarium, and the Tibidabo Amusement Park. |
| Cancun, Mexico | Cancun is a popular destination for families due to its beautiful beaches, numerous water activities, and all-inclusive resorts. It also has several family-friendly attractions such as the Xcaret Park and the Mayan Museum. |
| Washington DC | Every family should visit Washington DC to learn more about U.S. history and government and to see the free Smithsonian museums. You can also take a day trip to Philadelphia for more U.S. history! |
| Los Angeles | There are a lot of great things for families to do in and around Los Angeles, in particular Disneyland, Universal Studios Hollywood (they just opened Super Nintendo World!), and the beaches in Santa Monica and Long Beach. |
What Considerations to Make When Choosing a Family-Friendly Resort
Other great family-friendly destinations include Hawaii, London, and Tokyo. When choosing a destination, it’s important to consider the ages and interests of all family members, as well as the budget and time constraints.
By doing some research and planning ahead, families can ensure a memorable and enjoyable vacation for everyone.
Here are some important considerations to keep in mind when choosing the perfect resort for your family vacation:
- Location: Consider the location of the resort and the surrounding area. Is it near family-friendly activities and attractions? Is it in a safe area? How much driving will be necessary to get to your favorite spots?
- Accommodations: Look for resorts that offer family-sized rooms and suites that can comfortably accommodate everyone in your family. Everyone needs a proper bed. Sleeping on the floor leads to bad moods.
- Amenities: Consider the amenities offered, such as a swimming pool, playground, or childcare services. Are there restaurants? Is there housekeeping daily?
- Activities: Consider the activities offered by the resort, including those specifically designed for families, such as kids’ clubs, family-friendly shows, and outdoor activities.
- Dining Options: Look for resorts that offer a variety of dining options, including kid-friendly menus and restaurants that offer healthy meal options. If someone in your family has a dietary restriction, make sure the restaurant can cater to that.
- Childcare Services: Want a night out? Make sure the hotel has childcare options!
- Cost: Determine your budget and look for resorts that fit within your price range. Keep in mind that some resorts offer all-inclusive packages that may be more cost-effective in the long run. With that being said, if the resort ONLY offers all-inclusive, that might not fit your budget or what you’re hoping to get out of it.
Location
Location is also an important consideration. Choose a resort that is easily accessible and located near attractions and activities that are of interest to you. Whether it’s a beach, theme park, or outdoor adventure spot, the resort should be in close proximity to the main reason you’re going there – like Disneyland, the beach, or the ski slope.
Proximity to Attractions
Resorts located near theme parks, beaches, museums, and other family-friendly destinations can save you time and money on transportation. Plus, it’s really convenient to be close to attractions in case you need to take a break or return to your room for a nap, especially at theme parks.
- Keep in mind that resorts located near popular attractions may also be more crowded and noisy. If you prefer a more peaceful and quiet vacation, consider a resort located away from the hustle and bustle of tourist hotspots.
- Resorts and hotels near major attractions can also be quite a bit more expensive. For instance, Disneyland hotels are incredibly pricey, but you can stay in a Disneyland-adjacent hotel for much less.
Climate and Weather
The climate and weather of your chosen location can also greatly impact your vacation experience. Make sure to research the average temperatures and weather patterns of the location during the time of your visit.
If you can be flexible with timing, it might be easier to choose WHEN you vacation based on the weather. For instance, I prefer visiting Washington DC in the spring or fall, versus summer or winter because of the weather. It’s more fun to walk around when the temperatures are mild.
If you’re planning a beach vacation, the weather needs to be warm and sunny. If you’re planning a ski trip, you’ll want to make sure there’s enough snow on the ground.
Time of Year
Also consider the time of year you’re planning to visit. Some locations may be more crowded during peak travel seasons, while others may offer more affordable rates during off-peak seasons.
Keep in mind that weather patterns can also vary depending on the time of year. If you’re going to Whistler, Canada, for skiing, go in winter. For ziplining and white water rafting, go in summer.
For international destinations, always check the calendar to make sure you’re not going during a national holiday you don’t know about. Places often close during holidays and you’ll have trouble finding a hotel and getting reservations. This has happened to us numerous times (I really need to take my own advice!).
Accommodations
Room Size and Layout
When choosing a family-friendly resort, it’s important to consider the size and layout of the rooms. A cramped room can make for an uncomfortable stay, especially with children. Look for rooms that offer plenty of space for everyone to move around and relax.
Many family-friendly resorts offer suites or connecting rooms, which can provide extra space and privacy for parents and children. Suites often include separate living areas and bedrooms, which can be helpful when trying to put children to bed while adults stay up.
All Inclusive vs A La Carte
The easiest style of vacationing is at an all-inclusive resort. These resorts can be found around the world, but mostly in tropical or beach locations, like Cancun or Dominican Republic, or on cruises.
If you like the ease of making one payment and enjoying everything on the resort without having to lift a credit card, this style is for you! Usually it will include lodging, food, some drinks, and some activities. Be sure to check the fine print.
A la carte resorts might be a more flexible option for you if you want to pick and choose what you like, or if you have picky eaters in the family. You won’t get your money’s worth.
Amenities
Another important factor to consider when choosing a family-friendly resort is the amenities offered. Look for resorts that offer amenities that your family will enjoy, such as:
- Swimming pools
- Water parks
- Kids’ clubs
- Playgrounds
- Game rooms
- On-site restaurants
- Convenience stores
Some resorts may also offer additional amenities, such as laundry facilities, babysitting services, or transportation to local attractions. Consider which amenities are most important to your family and look for resorts that offer them.
Activities
The resort should have activities that cater to your children’s ages. This might include things like kids’ clubs, pools with play areas, and organized activities like scavenger hunts or arts and crafts. Believe me, your kids will thank you for this, and so will you!
Once the kids are covered, the resort should also offer options for the adults, so you can relax and unwind, such as spa treatments or adult-only areas. My favorite Cancun family resorts always have adults-only pool areas that are away from the joyful shrieks of the kids.
On-Site Activities
One of the benefits of staying at a resort is the range of on-site activities that are available for guests. Look for resorts that offer a variety of activities, such as:
- Swimming pools with water slides and other fun features
- Beach access with water sports equipment rentals
- Kid’s clubs with organized activities and games
- Sports facilities, such as tennis courts, basketball courts, and golf courses
- Spas and wellness centers for parents to relax and unwind
Make sure to check if there are any additional fees for on-site activities, or if they are included in the resort’s all-inclusive package.
Off-Site Activities
While on-site activities can be convenient, it’s also important to consider what off-site activities are available in the surrounding area. Look for resorts that are located near family-friendly attractions, such as:
- Amusement parks and water parks
- Nature reserves and hiking trails
- Historical landmarks and cultural attractions
- Shopping and dining districts
Check with the resort to see if they offer transportation to off-site attractions, or if they can help you arrange transportation.
Dining Options
When choosing a resort, you might want to look at the restaurant and dining options. Some hotels and resorts have multiple restaurants, pool bars, cafes, etc. This might make it easier for you in terms of convenience, and if it’s an all-inclusive resort you will be able to take full advantage of the dining plan without getting bored.
Another important factor to consider is the ambiance of the restaurants. Some resorts offer family-friendly restaurants with a casual atmosphere, while others have more upscale options for adults. It is important to choose a resort with a variety of restaurants to suit everyone’s tastes and preferences.
However, if you’re someone like me who likes to try different restaurants and eat all the local food, you might not care at all about the restaurants and might opt for a hotel that doesn’t have dining options, which often cost less.
Childcare Services
It’s great having the kids around, but if you want to enjoy a night or two without the kids, or if you’re planning to participate in a special event, like a friend’s birthday or a wedding, you’ll want to make sure there are options available.
Supervised Activities
Many resorts offer supervised activities for children, which can include arts and crafts, games, and sports. These activities are often age-appropriate and designed to keep children entertained and engaged. You can rest easy knowing your kids are having fun and being looked after by trained professionals.
It’s important to check the schedule of activities to make sure they align with your schedule. Some resorts offer full-day programs, while others may only offer a few hours in the morning or afternoon. It’s also a good idea to check if there are any additional fees for these programs.
Babysitting Services
If you want to enjoy a night out or some alone time during the day, many resorts offer babysitting services. These services can be in-room or group babysitting, and are often provided by licensed and trained professionals.
It’s important to check the age requirements for babysitting services, as well as the availability and cost. Some resorts may require advanced notice or have limited availability, so it’s best to check before arriving at the resort.
Cost
I’m not sure why I saved this one for last, because it’s often the most important factor for choosing your destination and resort.
Likely you’ve saved for your vacation or a while and you know about how much money you can spend, but if you haven’t gotten that far yet, you’ll want to keep in mind these things for building your budget:
- Hotel costs
- Car rental
- Transportation to and from airport
- Airfare and associated costs (checked bags, seats, priority boarding)
- Gas
- Food and dining costs
- Tips and gratuities
- Tour costs
- Incidentals
- Passport renewal fees
- Visa costs
- Packing costs (luggage, travel clothes, shoes, sunglasses, etc)
It costs a lot to take a vacation. And the hits just keep on coming. It’s always best to make yourself a budget of what you can spend, look into all the costs for your destination, and make sure you have at least a 10% buffer in case something unforeseen happens.
Conclusion
It’s a lot, right? The planning and preparation for a vacation is probably half the reason why many people don’t ever take the actual vacation. But you won’t let that stop you! You’re now armed with all the information you need to choose the perfect family-friendly resort.
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Laura Lynch, creator and writer of Savored Journeys, is an avid world traveler, certified wine expert, and international food specialist. She has written about travel and food for over 20 years and has visited over 75 countries. Her work has been published in numerous guidebooks, websites, and magazines.