Where family fun meets convenience: The year's best all-inclusive resorts in America
FamilyVacationist.com
A stay at an all-inclusive resort can make for an easy-breezy family vacation, and you don't even have to travel to Mexico or the Caribbean to enjoy an everything-is-included kind of trip. There are all-inclusive family resorts across the U.S. where lodging, meals, and activities are rolled into a single price, no passport required. Here are my top picks for the best all-inclusive resorts in the United States.
FAMILY TRAVEL MADE EASY: 101 best family vacations in the U.S., Caribbean, and beyond (updated for 2025)
1. Mohonk Mountain House
New Paltz, New York
Mohonk Mountain House makes the most of its scenic Hudson Valley setting on the shores of Lake Mohonk, offering activities like kayaking, swimming, hiking, archery, and a nine-hole Scottish-influenced golf course. The resort's listed as a National Historic Landmark, and kids love its old-fashioned soda fountain, as well as the Junior Naturalist program and the kids club for ages four to 12 (which runs all summer long and on weekends and holidays during the rest of the year).
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
There are seasonal activities like ice skating and snow tubing, plus any time-of-year amenities like an indoor pool. Most activities are part of the all-inclusive resort rate (spa treatments, horseback riding, and rock climbing are an extra cost), along with three farm-to-table meals per day incorporating local ingredients. Special promotions offered throughout the year help add even more value to a stay.
2. C Lazy U Ranch
Granby, Colorado
Easy to reach from Denver, C Lazy U Ranch offers stellar programming for kids and teens, with counselor-supervised activities like archery, swimming, and games, plus off-site trips for teenagers like overnight camping and whitewater rafting. Families eat breakfast together at the all-inclusive dude ranch, then the kids and teens head off with their peers while the adults get to choose their own daily adventures.
Horseback riding is a focus here, but other activities include fly-fishing, hiking, and mountain biking during the warmer months of the year and snowshoeing, snow tubing, ice-skating, and cross-country skiing during the winter. Adults can sneak in some self-care with a cold plunge or sauna session at the new Lazy You Hideaway, and luxe cabins (many of which have stone fireplaces) make for welcome retreats at the end of a busy day.
3. Woodloch Resort
Hawley, Pennsylvania
It's easy to understand why Woodloch Resort continually winds up on lists of the best all-inclusive resorts in the U.S. and beyond. Lodging options include guest rooms that can accommodate up to six people and vacation rental homes for more space to spread out, and each stay includes a meal plan in the resort's dining room.
There are more than 30 activities offered each day, from hayrides and pool games to bingo and archery tag, plus nightly family-friendly entertainment. And that's on top of all the amenities found throughout the Poconos Mountains resort, which include indoor and outdoor pools, indoor and outdoor playgrounds, bumper boats and go-karts, disc and mini golf, and fishing docks. No wonder families come back here year after year.
4. Migis Lodge on Sebago Lake
South Casco, Maine
Migis Lodge on Sebago Lake offers a classic New England lake vacation combined with an all-inclusive experience. Rates at the full American plan resort that's open during the summer and fall include three meals a day and all activities, which range from tennis and pickleball courts, disc golf, and a daily kids camp program to waterskiing, wakeboarding, kayaking, and paddleboarding on Sebago Lake.
Lobster bakes and weekly cookouts on the resort's private island add to the fun, and accommodations include one- to four-bedroom cottages with views of the lake. Located within an hour's drive of Portland, the southern Maine property's been drawing families and multigenerational groups for more than 100 years and provides lots of ways to connect and make memories.
5. Brooks Lake Lodge and Spa
Dubois, Wyoming
Dating from 1922, Brooks Lake Lodge and Spa sits in a prime location in the Rocky Mountains of Wyoming, near Yellowstone National Park and Jackson Hole and just a mile from the Continental Divide. The all-inclusive resort is open for summer and winter seasons, and it's an ideal place to escape from everyday life.
Rates include all meals (including an afternoon tea), the use of amenities like a sauna and hot tub at the spa, and activities that include horseback riding, fishing, hiking, canoeing, and archery in the summer and snow tubing, snowshoeing, ice fishing, and cross-country skiing in the winter. There's also children's programming during the summer, and the resort's Family Cabins offer plenty of room for the whole crew plus great views of the mountains and lake.
6. The Ranch at Rock Creek
Philipsburg, Montana
Escape to Montana for a luxury all-inclusive resort experience at The Ranch at Rock Creek. At this high-end dude ranch and family-friendly glamping resort, you can stay in lodge rooms, luxury cabins, log homes, or a converted historic barn, providing lots of options for both small families and multigenerational groups.
Rates at the four-season resort include all daily meals, beverages, and a year-round activities program offering everything from horseback riding and fly-fishing to mountain biking, ice-skating, and archery. The kids will love sapphire mining, learning frontier skills, and exploring the local landscape with a master naturalist, while older guests can take advantage of on-site photography workshops and the hammocks available at the resort's Respite on Rock Creek.
7. The Lodge on Little St. Simons Island
St. Simons Island, Georgia
Located in Georgia's Golden Isles and only accessible by boat, The Lodge on Little St. Simons Island isn't just an all-inclusive resort. It's a whole all-inclusive island, with seven miles of unspoiled beaches, 8,000 acres of salt marshes, 3,000 acres of upland, and personalized naturalist-led activities like bird watching, fishing, hiking, and kayaking to help you explore it all.
Boat transfers, three meals a day, nonalcoholic beverages, use of recreational equipment, guided excursions, and accommodations are all included in nightly rates. With an occupancy limit of just 32 guests, it's easy to find peace and quiet. And if you've got a big enough group, you can even have the island all to yourself, with options available for full-island rentals.
8. Alisal Ranch
Solvang, California
Spread across 10,500 acres in Santa Barbara wine country, Alisal Ranch puts a modern spin on the classic Old West–style vacation. Studios, cottages, and guest homes are done up in contemporary cowboy-chic decor, and nightly rates include accommodations, full daily breakfast and dinner (including beverages), and activities like biking, kayaking, fishing, and wine tastings at local vineyards.
Kids six and under stay for free here, and kids of all ages will love the arts and crafts room, petting zoo, and lawn games. For even more fun, book the Adventure Alisal package to add on two extra activities per night per room, like horseback riding, axe throwing, and golfing at one of Alisal Ranch's two championship courses.
9. Blackberry Farm
Walland, Tennessee
Located near Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the much-lauded Blackberry Farm is the crème de la crème of all-inclusive resorts in the U.S. At this over-the-top luxurious resort, families can book traditional guest rooms, suites, cottages, or multi-bedroom houses.
Rates include all meals during a stay, a true treat considering you'll get to enjoy Blackberry Farm's renowned cuisine that features ingredients from its own garden and land as well as the local region. A seasonal outdoor family pool, tennis and pickleball courts, and an on-property trail system for hiking spanning more than 12 miles will keep everyone on the move. The resort is known for its excellent kids programming, but take note that kids clubs and many other activities are an additional charge.
10. Rocking Horse Ranch Resort
Highland, New York
With a name like Rocking Horse Ranch Resort, it's not surprising that horseback riding is at the center of all the action here, with trail rides for beginner to advanced riders and activities like horse parades and horseshoeing demonstrations if you're not sure about saddling up. In the summer you can ride a banana boat, kayak, hike, play mini golf, or make a splash at the outdoor pools and waterslides.
When temperatures drop, it's time for ice-skating, skiing, snow tubing, laser tag, and the resort's indoor water park. Meals, snacks, and activities are included in the regular resort rate at the Hudson Valley all-inclusive resort, and bunkbed rooms and suites are ideal for families.
11. White Stallion Ranch
Tucson, Arizona
One of the best dude ranches in Arizona, White Stallion Ranch is going to get even better with a total main lodge and bar renovation coming this summer. White Stallion's all-inclusive rates cover meals, accommodations, and most activities, which include horseback riding, axe throwing, rock climbing, and archery.
There's also a petting zoo, movie theater, e-bikes, pools, hot tubs, and a spa at the full-service dude ranch, and an activity concierge and handy phone app help keep everyone in the family busy and on schedule. Horseback riding lessons take place several times a day for different skill levels (for ages five and up), and if you've got little ones, kids five and under stay free here.
12. Vista Verde Guest Ranch
Clark, Colorado
For an active, all-inclusive vacation in the mountains, plan a trip to Colorado's Vista Verde Guest Ranch. Open for family stays in the winter and summer (plus adults-only stays during the fall), the all-inclusive dude ranch takes care of everything during your trip. That includes lodging in either private cabins or lodge rooms, three meals a day (with beverages), and a wide range of seasonal activities.
Horseback riding, hiking, fly-fishing, and paddleboarding are on the schedule during the summer, while sleigh rides, ice fishing, snow tubing, and cross-country skiing will fill your days during the winter. The resort offers programs for kids, tweens, and teens, including a new morning program for three- to five-year-olds (leaving time for naps in the afternoon).
13. Paws Up Montana
Greenough, Montana
Luxury meets the great outdoors at Paws Up Montana. Set on a 37,000-acre ranch along the Blackfoot River, the resort features 28 luxury homes and 36 glamping tents done up in modern western style. Nightly rates include three meals per day (including beverages at lunch and dinner), airport transfers, on-property transportation, and a slew of activities like archery, cross-country skiing, snow tubing, pony rides, and hiking along miles of marked trails. There's enough to keep everyone busy among the included activities, but you can also add on additional guided experiences that include horseback riding, dogsledding, fly-fishing, and rappelling. Think of it as a choose-your-adventure kind of all-inclusive vacation.
14. Fair Hills Resort
Set on the North Shore of Pelican Lake, Fair Hills Resort feels like sleepaway camp for the whole family—and that's what guests love about it. You'll stay in simple but comfy one- to four-bedroom cabins, most of which have been renovated recently but still have plenty of wood paneling for that rustic vibe. Three meals a day are part of the all-inclusive rate, along with so many activities and amenities you'll need a vacation from your vacation.
There's tennis, pickleball, sailing, waterskiing, and golf, and daily sports lessons are included with your stay. Swim in the lake or heated outdoor pool, or take part in daily activities and events like water aerobics, bingo, and ice cream socials. The Tuesday night Hootenanny—performed by resort staff—is the longest-running musical show in the Upper Midwest and a guest favorite.
15. Tyler Place Family Resort
Swanton, Vermont
For a classic summer vacation with the kids, Tyler Place Family Resort definitely delivers. Set on Lake Champlain and open from late May through early September, the Vermont resort offers something for everyone in the family. All-inclusive rates cover nightly accommodations (think cozy cottages or family suites with a separate bedroom for parents), a ton of activities, and three meals a day (plus snacks).
Ten age-staggered programs for babies to teens in the mornings and evenings give the kids time with their peers and the grownups a chance to explore some of their own interests, with the afternoons are reserved for family time. One of the resort's unique perks is separate dining for parents and kids at dinner, allowing the adults to enjoy some cocktails and conversation.
This year's 15 best all-inclusive family resorts in the US originally appeared on FamilyVacationist.com.
More from FamilyVacationist:
The views and opinions expressed in this column are the author's and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY.FamilyVacationist.com andTourScoop.com are owned and operated by Vacationist Media LLC. Using theFamilyVacationist travel recommendation methodology, we review and selectfamily vacation ideas,family vacation spots,all-inclusive family resorts, andclassic family vacations for all ages. TourScoop coversguided group tours and tour operators,tour operator reviews,tour itinerary reviews andtravel gear recommendations.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Wire
20 hours ago
- Business Wire
CreateFuture Secures Strategic Tech Partnership With Skyscanner
EDINBURGH, Scotland--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- CreateFuture has secured a technology partnership with Skyscanner which will see the digital consultancy work closely with the global travel marketplace's tech teams across its Edinburgh, Glasgow, London, and Barcelona offices in areas including audience experience, data and AI tooling, and app experience. Euan Andrews, CEO and Founder of CreateFuture, said: 'Skyscanner began life here in Scotland, and is now the leading global travel app that scans over 80 billion prices daily. We are excited to be working with their world-class engineering team to accelerate, grow, and contribute to their future success.' Andrew Phillips, Chief Technology Officer at Skyscanner, said: 'CreateFuture's proven capabilities, culture match, and overall collaborative approach made them the ideal choice for us, and we fully expect their team to be instrumental in helping us to achieve our engineering goals.' CreateFuture was appointed after a multi-stage process from a national and international pool of consultancies, and was recognised for its engineering expertise, cultural alignments, and track record around delivery. Skyscanner joins a client list at CreateFuture which includes PayPal, adidas, NatWest, Baillie Gifford, MoneySavingExpert, Penguin Random House, Simple Online Healthcare, Multiverse, and FanDuel. Euan Andrews added: 'As a Scotland-headquartered company, we think it's notable that we're now working with the country's two tech unicorns - Skycanner and FanDuel - and that this says something about the continuing evolution of the Scottish technology ecosystem as a whole. And for our business, it not only strengthens our position at the forefront of digital transformation in Scotland, but helps to lay the ground for further expansion across the UK and internationally.' Founded in 2010 by CEO Euan Andrews, CreateFuture now has around 500 people working across 3 UK offices plus a European base - delivering end-to-end digital transformation and covering CX strategy, product innovation, AI enablement, cloud and infrastructure, and data and analytics. The company rebranded from xDesign following the acquisition of CreateFuture in 2023, and is backed by investment firm Soho Square Capital.
Time Business News
07-08-2025
- Time Business News
Off the Beaten Trail: How the Manaslu Circuit Is Boosting Sustainable Adventure Tourism in Nepal
High in the Himalayas of western Nepal, a lesser-known trekking route is quietly revolutionizing how adventure travel impacts local economies. The Manaslu Circuit, remote and culturally rich, is becoming a case study in how sustainable tourism can support fragile mountain communities while offering travelers authentic, immersive experiences. Unlike the heavily trafficked Everest or Annapurna regions, Manaslu remains off the beaten path, accessible only with a special permit and the help of licensed guides. But that exclusivity is not a disadvantage; it is part of its growing appeal, both for conscious travelers and for local trekking businesses like Sole Encounters Adventures that are deeply rooted in the region. Situated in western Nepal near the Tibetan border, the Manaslu region was opened to tourists in the 1990s but remains a restricted area, requiring a special permit and government-registered guide. The circuit trail begins in Machha Khola and ends near Dharapani, where it connects with the Annapurna region. The restrictions have had a silver lining; limited foot traffic has helped preserve local culture and reduce environmental stress, creating a blueprint for controlled tourism growth. For trekking entrepreneurs, the model allows for higher service quality, lower impact, and community-first business practices. Villages along the trail offer more than just views; they offer a glimpse into Tibetan-influenced traditions, ancient monasteries, and yak-herding communities. This kind of deep cultural immersion is rare in today's adventure travel landscape and has become a unique selling point for boutique trekking agencies. The challenging yet rewarding Larkya La Pass (5,100m) and scenic highlights like Birendra Lake are drawing seasoned hikers who are willing to trade convenience for authenticity. With no roads beyond certain points, the route remains a true Himalayan trekking experience, supported by basic but steadily improving teahouse infrastructure. In an era where travelers crave both adventure and purpose, the Manaslu Circuit's reputation is spreading. North American and European hikers are increasingly choosing it over the crowded Everest Base Camp trek. Word of mouth and content-driven marketing by agencies like Sole Encounters Adventures have helped fuel this quiet growth. Unlike large-scale tourism ventures, operators in Manaslu are often small, locally owned, and deeply tied to the community. This fosters a model where the financial benefits are more equitably distributed, rather than concentrated in the hands of a few urban-based tour operators. High-Value, Low-Volume: Special permits, limited access, and challenging terrain attract a more prepared and responsible type of traveler, willing to spend more for quality. Local Employment: From porters to guides and teahouse owners, most employment stays within villages, reinforcing circular income flow. Sustainability Focus: Smaller trekking groups generate less waste, respect local customs, and minimize environmental degradation, a win for long-term viability. Niche Branding: Agencies are successfully positioning the trek as a premium, ethical experience, which commands loyalty and positive word-of-mouth abroad. One standout in the region is Sole Encounters Adventures, a Nepali-owned company committed to responsible trekking. Unlike some foreign-owned firms, they reinvest profits into the communities they serve, hire guides from the Manaslu area, and support porter welfare. As global consumers increasingly care about who profits from their trips, such ethical transparency gives smaller operators a competitive edge. It also ensures that the people who make the trek possible, porters, teahouse cooks, and village families, see the benefits firsthand. The Manaslu Circuit shows that scaling a tourism product does not have to mean compromising its integrity. With smart permit policies, support for local entrepreneurship, and eco-conscious education for tourists, the region is poised for measured growth. Nepal's tourism sector contributes significantly to its GDP, and trails like Manaslu offer a sustainable blueprint for future development. Adventure tourism is not just about adrenaline anymore it is about conscious connection with people, places, and the planet. If you're a travel business or adventure seeker looking to engage with ethical, community-driven trekking, this Manaslu Circuit trek package offers an unforgettable journey and a responsible way to explore Nepal's hidden gem. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
CNN
06-08-2025
- CNN
Three brothers, one boat, a potential world record and a 9,000-mile mission for clean water
Most people would be somewhat alarmed at the prospect of spending over 100 days alone with their siblings, let alone if they had to do so on a cramped boat in the middle of the ocean. But three Scottish brothers think their familial bond is pivotal in their mission to complete the fastest-ever unsupported three-man row across the Pacific Ocean. The trio of Ewan, Jamie, and Lachlan Maclean are now in the final stretch of their 9,000-mile journey across the Pacific, made in pursuit of both a world record and the goal of raising £1m to fund clean water projects in Madagascar. In 2020, the brothers looked for a way to support charities fighting for clean drinking water around the world and thought of the potential impact of undertaking a big physical challenge. As such, the Macleans decided to row the Atlantic Ocean, setting a record in the process by crossing in just 35 days. Once back on dry land, they realized their mission for clean water was not over and quickly decided that the best way to promote the cause was to go one step further and 'take on the biggest body of water on the planet,' they recalled to CNN Sports on their 101st day at sea. They set out from Peru's capital, Lima, on April 13 with the initial goal of reaching Sydney, Australia, by August 2. Their family-run, non-profit organization, The Maclean Foundation, works to secure clean water for communities through pairing up with partner organizations in Madagascar to build boreholes. The Pacific challenge aims to raise awareness and funding to build boreholes for the whole of the Ambohimanarina municipality in Madagascar, where currently only 14% of the population has access to safe, clean drinking water. The aim for the brothers is to provide clean water for over 40,000 people. 'We want to have a positive impact on other people, that is ultimately what this journey is about,' Ewan, 33, said. 'Seeing the donations come in and the messages of support have really helped us through some pretty bleak times.' The Macleans' boat, Emily-Rose – named in tribute to their unborn sister – was co-designed by the brothers and the Ocean Rowing Company and built using Formula One technology. Constructed entirely of carbon fiber, the vessel weighs just 280 kg (about 617 pounds) unladen, a stark contrast to the 2,200-pound boat they previously used to cross the Atlantic. The team used a 3D printer to create customized components and, thanks to its ultra-lightweight build, the boat can ride waves like a surfboard. The reduced weight has also allowed the Macleans to carry 150 days-worth of food and supplies, enabling them to complete the challenge without stopping to re-stock. The brothers spent two years training for the challenge, undergoing immense mental and physical preparation, including logistical feats such as home cooking and dehydrating over 1,000 meals. 'I had sleepless nights leading up to us departing because I was convinced that we maybe got the packaging wrong or hadn't done the process right,' Jamie, 31, admitted. One key aspect was working with Chloe Lanthier, an elite multi-sport athlete and human physiology scientist for the NASA space program – she has formerly worked with tennis star, Rafael Nadal – 'She designed the whole program to help us stay physically fit but also with a lot of mental exercises,' the brothers said. 'We spent a lot of time writing down what our greatest fears were; one of those was if someone went overboard,' they added. That fear became a reality two weeks ago, when 40mph winds and what the brothers described as 20-foot waves swept Lachlan, 27, overboard. 'Everything was thrown everywhere. I thought we were going over,' Ewan recounted. The youngest Maclean was switching shifts with Ewan during the night when he was suddenly thrown overboard and found himself being dragged behind the boat. He felt totally 'at the mercy of the sea,' before his eldest brother was able to pull him back onboard thanks to a safety line he was attached to. 'We had three knockdowns (when the boat turns approximately 90 degrees on its side and then re-balances),' Jamie said, adding that the terrifying incident was 'a bit of an awakening.' 'Thankfully, we didn't roll it all the way over.' With support from an active shore-based team and a social media posting routine, the brothers have also become something of a viral sensation. Their extraordinary journey has captured the attention of celebrities, including actors Mark Wahlberg and Ewan McGregor, as well as Flea, bassist and co-founder of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. 'This is real man sh*t you guys are doing,' Wahlberg told the brothers during a video call. 'It is awe inspiring.' The actor has been tracking their journey closely, checking in with them twice and even suggesting that the Hemsworth brothers – actors Chris, Liam and Luke – should portray the trio in a film adaptation of their journey. McGregor, 54, has also expressed strong support, promising to join the brothers for a row once they return home to Scotland. Many of these conversations have been uploaded onto their podcast, 'Dinner with the Macleans.' With the help of their on-shore team, replicas of the onboard meals are sent to celebrity guests, who then join the brothers on a video call for humorous and, at times profound, conversations. When asked about the idea behind the podcast, the brothers joked: 'We are somewhat like a think-tank without a tank out here – there are a lot of thoughts but no container.' Their momentum continues to grow. The Macleans' Instagram account, filled with videos and vlogs documenting life at sea, has now surpassed 133,000 followers. Recently, the brothers fulfilled a teenage dream by live-streaming Jamie's bagpipe performance from the boat for the prominent rock band, the All-American Rejects, during their headline act at Fandom's Comic-Con party. When asked about the public recognition, Jamie told CNN Sports: 'I can't really put it into words. It really helps us feel that what we're doing out here has meaning.' For the Macleans, a close relationship has become one of their most valuable assets in facing the challenge. 'We are able to speak very directly to one another,' Jamie said. 'Good communication has been key to this journey.' Now over the 100-day mark, the brothers have found this chapter of their voyage the most testing. After getting caught in a cyclone in early July, rapidly shifting weather systems have continued to push them further north from their planned course. The weather has brought large waves and heavy rain, meaning that the team has had to deal with consistent setbacks. On July 27, the brothers posted an emotional video that offered a glimpse into the intense mental strain they have faced during this final stretch. Jamie tearfully said on camera that 'the last couple weeks have been really hard, but the last few days have been horrible.' Their official ship's logs of that day recounted the challenging nature of the weather they were coming up against. 'We always knew that this part of the crossing would be the most challenging,' the log reads. In describing a relentless easterly wind, Jamie wrote, 'no matter how hard I try, every attempt to push west, or south, or even north, is in vain.' The team was eventually forced to deploy a para-anchor and accept the adverse weather. 'The whole journey is a test of endurance, but it is just so uncomfortable. Every aspect of every waking and sleeping moment is there to challenge you,' Jamie said. Despite the extreme challenges, the brothers have been able to stay positive, often finding moments of joy in the harshest of times. 'It is not all grim,' Jamie noted. 'There are just utterly magical moments out here.' 'We've seen remarkably so few other forms of human life,' he said, noting that they have only seen five planes and a handful of boats since setting off from Peru. 'It is really just us and nature, and the vast expanse of the Pacific surrounding us.' With roughly 1,000 nautical miles left, the team is pushing toward Sydney, hoping to reunite with friends and family before September. These last miles will be easier because they are brothers, the Macleans told CNN Sports. All three are fully aligned to the larger mission at hand and in day-to-day decision-making. 'Trying to row across this ocean and raise one million pounds (about $1.33 million) to provide 40,000 people with water. That's just that's so important to all three of us. And we are all together on that – it makes it much easier,' Ewan said.
