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USA Today
11-02-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Elevate your next trip: The 14 most epic all-inclusive family resorts in the world
Elevate your next trip: The 14 most epic all-inclusive family resorts in the world Show Caption Hide Caption The Bucket List Family gives five tips for traveling with kids The Bucket List Family sold everything to travel around the world. Here are their tips for traveling with children. While many of the best all-inclusive family resorts can be found in the Caribbean and Mexico, some of the top options also include a lakefront retreat in New England, a dude ranch in the Southwest, and a remote lodge in Central America. After staying at many of the best family resorts in the U.S. and abroad, these are my picks for the ultimate all-inclusive resorts for families all around the world (with an assist from FamilyVacationist's expert team of editors and contributors). 1. Beaches Turks and Caicos All-Inclusive Family Resort Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Beaches Turks and Caicos is a bucket list destination for families, with a pristine location on Grace Bay and a seemingly endless lineup of activities. (Read our full review and resort guide here.) Among the highlights are the 45,000-square-foot Pirates Island Waterpark, 10 different pools, kids clubs for all ages, Sesame Street programming and a dance club just for teens. The resort also features more than two dozen restaurants and bars and a variety of accommodations in five distinctly themed villages. Beaches Resorts also has two locations in Jamaica: Beaches Negril and Beaches Ocho Rios. 2. Nickelodeon Hotels and Resorts Riviera Maya Playa del Carmen, Mexico Nickelodeon Hotels and Resorts Riviera Maya caters to kids with a six-acre water park (where daily "slimings" take place); the Club Nick kids club for ages four to 12; and character interactions with the Paw Patrol, SpongeBob SquarePants and more. (Read our full review and resort guide here.) For adults, there's a spa and premium drinks, and the whole family can enjoy dining at six restaurants. All accommodations are suites, and options include swim-up rooms and themed villas. Nickelodeon Hotels and Resorts also has a location in Punta Cana, and it will soon open outposts in Orlando and Turkey. 3. Club Med Quebec Charlevoix Quebec, Canada Given its location, Club Med Quebec Charlevoix is especially fun in the winter. (Read our full review and resort guide here.) This all-inclusive family resort offers unlimited ski-in/ski-out access with lift passes and group lessons included in rates. Other cold-weather activities include ice skating, snowshoeing and sledding. In the summer, go for a hike on one of the scenic trails or try circus lessons, a signature experience at many Club Med resorts. Year-round, you can take advantage of the resort's kids clubs for all ages. 4. Mashpi Lodge Quito, Ecuador This all-inclusive family resort is situated in a cloud forest reserve just outside of Quito, and stays here are considered "expedition experiences," with skilled guides available to help you explore the natural wonders nearby. After a day of hiking, wildlife watching, and learning about the local ecosystem, relax in your sustainable room with floor-to-ceiling windows that provide a front-row seat to nature's show. Meals at Mashpi Lodge are just as impressive, with breakfast and lunch buffets and à la carte dinners served in a stunning two-story dining room. 5. Giraffe Manor Nairobi, Kenya The resident Rothschild's giraffes – known for sticking their long necks into the dining room windows for a snack – are the reason Giraffe Manor is a bucket list resort. A stay here also includes the opportunity to visit orphaned elephants at the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, take a guided tour of nearby Nairobi National Park, or relax at the spa. All-inclusive rates cover airport transfers, all meals, beverages (including house wine, beer, and spirits), Wi-Fi, laundry, and entry to the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife Giraffe Center. 6. Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort Savusavu, Fiji The ultra-luxurious Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort offers everything you'd expect to find at an all-inclusive retreat—water sports, swimming pools, a waterslide and the like – but it excels at making conservation education fun. The resort staffs a resident marine biologist, and its award-winning Bula Club for Kids offers complimentary nature programming. At the end of the day, head back to your two-bedroom private bure (Fijian for "bungalow"), put the kids to bed, and unwind on a hammock or chaise overlooking the ocean. 7. Divi Aruba All Inclusive and Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusives Oranjestad, Aruba Guests staying at either Divi Aruba or its sister resort, Tamarijn Aruba, enjoy full access to the facilities and services of both. The resorts' all-inclusive rates cover meals and snacks at 10 different dining outposts. Rates also include access to four freshwater pools, the Sea Turtles Club for children ages four to 12 (featuring a 30-foot rock wall on the beach), non-motorized water sports and guided e-bike and snorkel tours for guests ages 12 and up. More vacation ideas: 8. Tyler Place Family Resort Vermont, United States Tyler Place Family Resort takes full advantage of its location on Lake Champlain in Vermont. There are trampolines and slides in the water, and water sports rentals span paddleboats to Hobie Cats. Most activities, as well as accommodations and all meals, are covered in rates. Kids get to participate in age-specific activities in the mornings, while afternoons are meant for family time. In the evening, parents can enjoy a quiet meal alone while the kids reconvene with camp counselors and new friends. 9. Tanque Verde Ranch Arizona, United States Tanque Verde Ranch offers plenty of activities and kids' programming in a stunning location adjacent to Saguaro National Park. Like all of the best dude ranches, the experience is centered around horseback riding, but other activities include mountain biking, guided hikes, fishing, archery, tennis, and nature and animal programs. Luxury accommodations and three hearty meals a day are included in rates. Plus, cowboy cookouts twice a week include live music and entertainment prior to dinner. 10. The Westin Reserva Conchal, an All-Inclusive Golf Resort & Spa Playa Conchal, Costa Rica The eco-friendly Westin Reserva Conchal is situated on a 2,400-acre property between the rainforest and the beach on Costa Rica's north Pacific Coast. Opt for one of the family suites that come with kid-friendly amenities (think: child-size bathrobes) plus access to the Family Club Lounge. Other family-friendly perks include the Westin Family Kids Club, freshwater swimming pools, non-motorized water sports, tennis courts, table games, and nightly entertainment. Golf, spa treatments, motorized boats, diving, and fishing are available for an additional charge. 11. Pestana Porto Santo All Inclusive Porto Santo Island, Portugal Pestana Porto Santo All-Inclusive is a five-star beachfront resort located on the island of Porto Santo, a secluded spot off the coast of Madeira. For the ultimate experience, splurge on the Pool Villa. Set right on the beach, it features a private pool and accommodates up to six guests. All-inclusive rates cover meals at three restaurants, plus access to a swimming pool, kids' club and fitness center. Families can enjoy water sports, hiking, biking, fishing, and jeep tours, as well as local excursions to historic landmarks. 12. Bocawina Rainforest Resort Hopkins, Belize The Bocawina Rainforest Resort is located inside the boundaries of Belize's Mayflower Bocawina National Park, an ideal location for activities such as ziplining, waterfall rappelling, horseback riding, birding, cave tubing, river paddling, jungle hiking, chocolate making, and visits to Mayan ruins. All-inclusive resort rates encompass airport transfers, accommodations, three meals per day, snacks with local Creole and Mayan flavors, an all-access pass to the national park, and unlimited onsite guided and self-led activities. 13. Emerald Maldives Resort and Spa The Maldives While most overwater bungalow resorts cater to adults, the five-star Emerald Maldives Resort and Spa welcomes families. Elegant villas feature separate kids' bedrooms and baths, a private swimming pool, and either beach and garden access or an overwater deck. Meals and drinks at four distinct restaurants are included in rates, as are activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, windsurfing, kitesurfing, and sailing. There's also a supervised kids' club for children ages three to 12. 14. Pinetrees Lodge Lord Howe Island, Australia While a stay at Pinetrees Lodge is luxurious, the eco-forward resort places an emphasis on spending time in the great outdoors. It's located on Lord Howe Island, which limits the number of visitors to 400 people at a time, and Wi-Fi and TVs are unavailable. Instead, you can bike, hike, swim, snorkel, surf, kayak and more—every day is about choosing a new adventure. Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and four-course dinners are included in rates, and cozy suites and cottages offer decks for enjoying the scenery. More from FamilyVacationist: The views and opinions expressed in this column are the author's and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY. and are owned and operated by Vacationist Media LLC. Using the FamilyVacationist travel recommendation methodology, we review and select family vacation ideas, family vacation spots, all-inclusive family resorts, and classic family vacations for all ages. TourScoop covers guided group tours and tour operators, tour operator reviews, tour itinerary reviews and travel gear recommendations. If you buy an item through a link in our content, we may earn a commission.
USA Today
08-02-2025
- USA Today
Slide into fun at these 10 Caribbean family resorts with the coolest water parks in 2025
Slide into fun at these 10 Caribbean family resorts with the coolest water parks in 2025 Show Caption Hide Caption The Bucket List Family gives five tips for traveling with kids The Bucket List Family sold everything to travel around the world. Here are their tips for traveling with children. Many of these resorts are all-inclusive, covering the cost of water park access. These resorts offer additional amenities like kids' clubs, spas, and dining options. Popular destinations for these resorts include Turks and Caicos, Dominican Republic, Bahamas, and Jamaica. When it comes to traveling with kids, beach resorts are a no-brainer — even more so if they have a water park and other family-friendly perks. These top-rated Caribbean family resorts offer everything from lazy rivers and splash pads to wave pools and water slides that kids and adults of all ages can enjoy. Plus, many of them are all-inclusive, so there's no extra charge for the water park fun. BEST TRIP EVER: 101 fresh new family vacation ideas for every age and budget 1. Pirates Island Water Park at Beaches Turks and Caicos Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Beaches Turks and Caicos offers a lot for families: more than 20 dining options, 10 pools, and kids' programming that includes Sesame Street parades and character interactions. But the main attraction is the 45,000-square-foot Pirates Island Water Park, which features thrilling waterslides (and pint-sized versions for little ones), a surf simulator, a relaxing lazy river, a splash zone, and even a swim-up bar with slushies and other treats just for kids. In Jamaica, Beaches Negril and Beaches Ocho Rios offer similar water parks. More about Beaches Resorts: 2. CocoLand at Coconut Bay Beach Resort and Spa Vieux Fort, Saint Lucia Coconut Bay Beach Resort and Spa features CocoLand, the largest water park on Saint Lucia. Here you can brave the enclosed Coconut Cannon waterslide, take on the twists and turns of the Coconut Coaster slide, or relax in the lazy river. There's also a water playground for little ones and, just for the kiddos, a swim-up bar with a mocktail menu. Coconut Bay is split into two wings: Harmony for adults and Splash, a dedicated family area with easy access to all the wet-and-wild fun, plus other amenities. BUDGET-FRIENDLY: 11 cheap family vacations that are super fun 3. Aqua Nick at Nickelodeon Hotels and Resorts Punta Cana Punta Cana, Dominican Republic At the all-suite Nickelodeon Hotels and Resorts Punta Cana, a multi-leveled (and newly expanded) water park features slides, pools and lazy rivers, plus interactive games and signature Nickelodeon slimings. The water park is part of a larger entertainment zone called Nickelodeon Place, where your kids can meet the Paw Patrol pups and other favorite characters. For an extra-special stay, splurge on a swim-up room or The Pineapple, a villa inspired by SpongeBob. If you're interested in a trip to Mexico, check out the similar Nickelodeon Hotels and Resorts Riviera Maya. 4. Aquaventure at Atlantis Paradise Island Paradise Island, Bahamas When it comes to Caribbean resorts with water parks, nothing compares to Atlantis Paradise Island and its 141-acre Aquaventure playground. One of the largest water parks in the world, it features the iconic Leap of Faith waterslide, which starts with an almost-vertical drop from the top of the resort's Mayan Temple and sends riders through a submerged tunnel surrounded by marine life. For easiest access to the water park, book a stay at The Royal (which recently underwent major renovations). YOUR NEXT VACATION: The 10 best places in the U.S. to go with kids in 2025 5. Fins Up Water Park at Margaritaville Beach Resort Nassau Nassau, Bahamas The Fins Up Water Park at Margaritaville Beach Resort Nassau offers four water slides, a FlowRider boogie board simulator, and a 10-foot dive board that sends guests splashing into an ultra-deep pool. But since this is Margaritaville, you can also take it easy with a float in the lazy river or a dip in the zero-entry pool. Other amenities include the Parakeets Kid's Club for young guests, St. Somewhere Spa for the grownups, and dining options for the whole family. 6. Sugar Mill Falls at Hilton Rose Hall Resort and Spa Rose Hall, Montego Bay, Jamaica The oceanfront Hilton Rose Hall Resort and Spa features the Sugar Mill Falls water park, billed as the second-largest water complex in the Caribbean. A 280-foot waterslide brings the thrills, while the lazy river and three terraced pools offer plenty of places to chill. Young guests can also make a splash in the park's waterfalls or venture across a rope-and-wood suspension bridge in the jungle garden area. Live music, daily activities and games, and a swim-up bar add to the fun. NO PASSPORT NEEDED: 19 best family resorts and hotels in the U.S. 7. Royalton Splash Punta Cana, an Autograph Collection Resort and Casino Punta Cana, Dominican Republic There are several waterslides to choose from at Royalton Splash Punta Cana, including a rollercoaster-style slide and a multilane water slide where riders hit speeds of nearly 45 feet per second. Little ones will love the splash pads and water slide area that's just their size, and the whole family can bob around in the wave pool. For even more time in the water, head to the adjacent Royalton Punta Cana Resort for some snorkeling or paddle boarding. 8. Mangrove Beach Corendon Curacao All-Inclusive Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton Willemstad, Curacao King Cobra isn't just a name for one of the waterslides at the all-inclusive Mangrove Beach Corendon Curacao. It also inspired the twisting slide's look, which actually resembles a snake. It's one of six waterslides you can enjoy at the on-site waterpark, where you'll also find a splash playground for the younger set and the Aquabar for food and drinks. The resort also features a private beach, four pools, nine different dining outlets, an on-site dive center for snorkeling and scuba diving, and a spa. TEEN-FRIENDLY TRIPS: 10 best vacation ideas for families with teenagers 9. Rockaway Bay Water Park at Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Punta Cana Punta Cana, Dominican Republic The all-inclusive Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Punta Cana takes an all-inclusive approach to its Rockaway Bay Water Park, too, with 26 water slides that offer options for the whole family. This Caribbean family resort also has a family pool and a food truck area for refueling amidst all the activity. For even more fun, the kids can head to the resort's Hard Rock Roxity Kids Club for cooking classes, crafts, and games, while the adults can take a fitness class or enjoy a spa treatment. 10. Coqui Water Park at El Conquistador Resort Fajardo, Puerto Rico All accommodations at El Conquistador Resort overlook the Caribbean Sea, and guests enjoy amenities like four pools, five restaurants and bars, an 18-hole golf course, and access to a private island. But it's the on-site Coqui Water Park, with its high-octane speed slide and peaceful lazy river, that elevates it to one of the best Caribbean water park resorts. When you need a break, head to the water park's infinity pool and admire its sweeping Caribbean views. Slide into fun at these 10 Caribbean family resorts with the coolest water parks in 2025 originally appeared on More from FamilyVacationist: The views and opinions expressed in this column are the author's and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY. and are owned and operated by Vacationist Media LLC. Using the FamilyVacationist travel recommendation methodology, we review and select family vacation ideas, family vacation spots, all-inclusive family resorts, and classic family vacations for all ages. TourScoop covers guided group tours and tour operators, tour operator reviews, tour itinerary reviews and travel gear recommendations.
