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Forbes
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
The 15 Best Family Resorts In Florida 2025
The best family resorts in Florida capitalize on the sunshine state's breezy beaches, offering everything from oceanside lounging to thrilling waterslides that will keep the kids entertained all day. The best part? 'Many of Florida's resorts will make you feel like you've been transported to the Caribbean—without needing a passport,' says Anna Fader, founder of family travel website Mommy Poppins and author of The Young Traveler's Journal and Activity Book. Our top recommendation is The Breakers Palm Beach, a classic retreat that has catered to guests young and old for over 100 years. For those heading to Orlando, the Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek is an all-in-one getaway close to Walt Disney World, while in the Florida Keys, Cheeca Lodge & Spa, a tropical island resort with activities for all ages, is not to be missed. Ahead, the best family resorts in Florida in 2025. The resort's stretch of private beachfront is a big draw, and four pools sit oceanfront, including a zero-entry family pool. The Breakers Since 1896, The Breakers has been one of Florida's best addresses, blending modern amenities with architecture modeled after the Italian Renaissance. From endless activities (including bike riding, junior golf and tennis) to childproofed suites decked out with cribs, strollers and bottle warmers, every inch of this beachfront getaway caters to guests young and old. Plenty of sun-soaked adventures await at its four, ocean-facing pools and private beach—but on the small off-chance that boredom strikes, head to the Family Entertainment Center to top the leaderboards at an array of arcade games, shoot hoops on the basketball court or score a hole-in-one on the nine-hole mini-golf course. Once you're all worn out, stop by for family dinner at The Italian Restaurant, an authentic eatery serving fresh pasta and brick-oven pizzas; here, parents can sip on fine wines while children play nearby. Book a family bunk room and the kids will have an area for themselves with their own TV. Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek Looking to stick close to Walt Disney World? The Wyndham Grand Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort is just a few miles from theme parks, so close that you can view their nightly fireworks shows from the property. Shuttles to and from the parks can also be booked at the front desk. On-site, families can enjoy an 18-hole putt-putt course and playground, plus additional perks from the nearby Club Wyndham Bonnet Creek (think: two lazy rivers, five pools and a pirate-themed water slide). For the ultimate kid-friendly suite, reserve a family bunk room with a separate bunk bed area for the kiddos and a private TV. Restaurants, bars and a buffet are all available throughout the premises to satiate any cravings, and when you're ready for a bit of R&R away from your tribe, check out the Blue Harmony Spa for holistic body treatments and massage therapies. A private beach offers opportunities for sandcastle building and other family fun; beach games are included in the resort fee. Pelican Grand Beach Resort Home to the only lazy river in Fort Lauderdale, activities at the Pelican Grand Beach Resort promise plenty of all-day splash action, which Fader praises: 'Families need to be flexible to work around the different needs and moods of everyone in the group, and this is one of the best resorts allowing them to create the experiences they want or need day to day,' she says. The resort's rotating list of activities includes sandcastle contests and coconut races down the lazy river, while at the Funky Fish Ocean Camp, marine biologists walk kids through tailored snorkeling lessons at the pool and beachfront. Its award-winning children's program also includes tie-dyeing, boogie boarding, and arts and crafts. After spending all day in the sun, spacious suites that evoke a charming, coastal aesthetic await; grab a cone from the resort's old-fashioned ice cream parlor, The Emporium, on your way in. Accommodations are condo- and penthouse-style suites ideal for larger tribes. Marriott Singer Island Beach Resort & Spa Fader is a fan of this Palm Beach retreat's kids' club. 'If I'm looking more for a chill location on a beautiful beach,' she says, 'I'm going to pick a place like this one, which has an amazing kids' club that will keep them busy while I enjoy the gorgeous beaches.' Indeed, the Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island Beach Resort & Spa's Kid's Zone hosts supervised games and arts and crafts lessons for kids ages four to 12, and even partners with the Loggerhead Marinelife Center for educational sessions on sea turtle conservation. This gives grownups plenty of time to enjoy beach cabanas by day, or a coveted parents' night out by evening (babysitting services are available Thursday through Sunday from 6 to 10 p.m.). If that wasn't enough, accommodations here are condo- and penthouse-style suites ideal for larger broods, complete with full kitchens, washer/dryers and living and dining areas. At the SoBe Kids Club, kids can take part in arts and crafts, STEM activities and other experiences curated by the Miami Children's Museum. Loews Miami Beach Hotel At this iconic hotel in the middle of Miami's Art Deco district, the Miami Children's Museum and Frost Museum of Science have teamed up to deliver a jam-packed assortment of activities (like STEM experiments, crafts, cooking classes and more) at the SoBe Kids Club. Elsewhere, you and the kiddos can spend hours lounging or playing games in an air-conditioned cabana at the pool or beach; a personalized butler will be available to provide snacks and small bites. Other kid-sized dining delicacies can be enjoyed at the Italian restaurant Rao's (which serves favorites like rigatoni bolognese and linguini carbonara) or at Miami Joe Coffee Co., where you can scoop up locally crafted ice cream. Complimentary swim diapers, floaties and sunscreen are also provided on request. Accommodations include private villas ideal for family travel, with one or two bedrooms, full kitchens and plenty of room to spread out. Cheeca Lodge & Spa Located in the 'Sportsfishing Capital of the World,' the Cheeca Lodge & Spa is a hub for a wide variety of watersports that the whole family can enjoy, from fishing and paddleboarding to sailing far into the Atlantic Ocean sunset. Snorkeling tours—both private and large group excursions—regularly depart from the resort, and equipment rentals are offered should you need any. Camp Cheeca is also on-site to entertain children ages five to twelve with crafts, sports and scavenger hunts; drop the kids off at the program before heading to the spa to experience the tropical body wraps, facials and massage treatments of your dreams. When booking your stay, you can choose between 243 elegant suites (several of which have stunning ocean views and free-standing soaking tubs) or 11 fully furnished private villas, outfitted with washing machines and enough room to sleep six. Kids will probably be big fans of the resort's three-acre waterpark, with five waterslides, multiple pools and a palm tree–lined lazy river. Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa The crown jewel of the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa is its massive, three-acre waterpark—a.k.a., the largest resort poolscape in southwest Florida. Between its multiple pools, winding lazy river, and five waterslides (including an inner tube slide and a twisty pair of dueling ones), children will never want to leave; adults are welcome to observe the fun from the comfort of a sleek, poolside lounger. Another highlight is the resort's excursions: Families can hop on a private ferry to the nearby Big Hickory Island to mingle with dolphins up-close and lounge on calm, white sand shores, embark on the high-speed Key West Express for a day of shopping and touring the Conch Republic or join a guided kayak excursion, sunset cruise or fishing trip to make unforgettable memories. At the beach, families can rent standup paddleboards and kayaks for exploring the emerald-green waters. Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa After extensive, $35-million renovations, this full-service beach resort stuns with stylish, upgraded suites, a beachfront deck and a revamped spa (now complete with updated treatment services and lounge amenities, as well as a couples' suite). Outside, expect hours of fun in the sun with a variety of watersports, beach volleyball and three pools (including a dedicated toddler swimming area). Inside, cribs, pack-and-plays and bunk bed suites make your stay all the more convenient when your family needs room to spread out. The resort also partners with a trusted, local babysitting service—perfect for those days when you can use a little extra 'me' time, or for evenings when you long to indulge in the premium wines, expertly aged USDA prime steaks and sophisticated atmosphere at Seagar's, Northwest Florida's first AAA Four Diamond steakhouse. There's a family-friendly pool, nautical-themed splash pad and adults-only pool all surrounded by the largest pool deck in northeast Florida. Omni Amelia Island Resort For those seeking a more isolated stretch of sand, Omni Amelia Island Resort checks all the boxes. It's located on a barrier island off the coast of Florida, where beaches can be relatively uncluttered and offer sweeping, picturesque views of the Atlantic. 'There are so many activities at this resort to keep the whole family busy,' says Fader, who cites this as one of her top family-friendly Florida destinations. Days can be filled with water-wading, lounging and sandcastle-building, and away from the beach, there's plenty of other family fun to be had at the resort's golf experiences: the 18-hole Heron's Cove Adventure Golf mini-course and the beginner-friendly 10-hole Little Sandy Course. Bike rentals are also offered if you want to explore around the island. If guided experiences are preferred, head to the Amelia Island Nature Center to join nature-focused discovery tours led by naturalists, who walk families through everything from sea turtle sightings to shark tooth hunting. Three miles of Gulf Coast beach are at your leisure, as are multiple pools and a water slide. JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort Having visited this property many times as a kid, Florida-based family content creator Brie Mazin loves taking her kids to the JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort. 'It's one of those resorts where you never need to leave the property,' she says. 'They have it all: So many dining options, a game room, bowling alley, an indoor shopping mall and more.' Families will never be bored with the vast array of indoor and outdoor activities here: Three miles of Gulf Coast beach are at your leisure, as are multiple pools and a water slide. Each of the resort's twelve restaurants spans global cuisines, but our favorite kid-friendly options are at Mosaico, an al fresco Mediterranean dining experience serving brick-oven pizzas and handcrafted gelato. When your long day of adventure ends, Mazin recommends heading back to the beach to watch a Balinese-inspired fire dancer light up the night sky. This AAA Five Diamond Award-winning property also offers a spa, golf course and multiple restaurants to keep grownups busy. Four Seasons Resort Orlando At Walt Disney World Resort After a day full of magical experiences at the Walt Disney World Resort, families can take a complimentary shuttle back to the nearby Four Seasons Resort Orlando, where the action-packed excitement continues. The luxury getaway is home to a five-acre water park with plenty of slides, pools and a lazy river. Suites on the property—which include deluxe accommodations with direct views of the parks—are elegant and modern, outfitted with luxe linens to ensure a comfy night's rest. In the morning, kids can meet-and-greet with their favorite characters while chowing down on waffles and omelets at Ravello, the on-site Italian eatery that holds Good Morning Breakfasts with Goofy & Pals every Thursday and Saturday. While admission to Disney World isn't required to stay at this resort, its proximity to and affiliation with the parks make tickets highly recommended. There's also an oceanfront pool ideal for cooling down after a family bike ride or workout at the fitness center. Kimpton Vero Beach Hotel & Spa With nightly rates as low as $200, Kimpton Vero Beach Hotel & Spa offers great value for its family-friendly amenities and experiences. On the beach, you'll find complimentary chairs and umbrellas, tours, cabanas and watersports rentals; in your suite, you'll have access to complimentary infant equipment like baby tubs, playards, bassinets and infant seats (limited quantities available upon request). Some rooms feature full kitchens, while others captivate with terraces that center you right in front of the turquoise waters. Every season, a rotating schedule of activities keeps the whole family entertained: Guests can join the new Turtle Talk series for a complimentary educational program from sea turtle experts or reserve the Stargazing on The Sea package to join a private river cruise led by a local astronomer. At the Falls Pool Oasis, the swimming pool and splash zone are ideal for younger kids, while two waterslides offer thrills for older kids. Orlando World Center Marriott If pool time is a priority, look no further than a stay at the 200-acre Orlando World Center Marriott, a premier destination known for its sprawling water park and pool oasis. Despite the resort's proximity to popular Orlando attractions like Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and SeaWorld, you'll have difficulty tearing the kids away from its River Falls Water Park: a vibrant aqua playground with three adrenaline-pumping waterslides. Whether you're grabbing an inner tube to conquer the Boomerango slide—which propels riders 20 feet in the air towards a plunge pool—or floating down the winding, 575-foot River Falls Lazy River, you're guaranteed an epic afternoon of soaking in the sun. The whole family can experience additional aquatic escapades at the resort's lagoon-style swimming pool, which features two additional body slides and a splash zone for the little ones. You'll need a vacation from your vacation after enjoying everything that's included with a stay. Raif Fluker With all that's included in your stay at Island Grand At Tradewinds, you'll never want to leave the resort. There's something for everyone: thrill seekers will go crazy for the beach zipline and inflatable surf simulator; sporty folks will appreciate the volleyball, beach games, mini-golf experiences; watersports fiends can try their hand at jet skiing or hop on a banana boat; small kids will be dazzled by the family pirate shows and floating waterpark. The diverse assortment of activities means you'll always be occupied. Still, when you're finally ready for a more laid-back afternoon, a complimentary beach cabana awaits for basking in the ocean breeze. The resort shares amenities and its beachfront with the neighboring RumFish Beach Resort, so you'll get double the experiences for the price of one stay. Wildlife Field Guides are in each room to help you identify each critter you come across, and additional programs run by animal experts are on-site for even more educational fun. Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge Vacations don't get any more unique or memorable than a stay at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge: an expansive, premium getaway with its own savannas, where over 200 animals across 30-plus species roam free. 'The resort adds a whole level of fun to a Disney vacation,' says Fader, 'and perks like early admission at the Walt Disney World theme parks make the stay worth it.' Wildlife Field Guides are in each room to help you identify each critter you come across, and additional programs run by animal experts are on-site for even more educational fun. Once you've had your fill of animal-viewing for the day, spend time in the 11,000-square-foot Uzima pool, shaded by palm trees, or cruise down the waterslide to cool off in the sun. Suites and guest rooms are decked out with warm hues and African-inspired textiles. 'Plus, they also have two- and three- bedroom villas that are great for larger groups,' says Fader. The Forbes Vetted travel team has researched, written and reported on a wide variety of hotels and resorts across the globe. We conducted extensive research on top-rated hotels across the state, factoring in testimonials, hotel rewards and family-friendly amenities. Florida family resorts vary widely in experiences and amenities, so your vacation may look very different depending on where you end up booking. Before reserving your room, here are some key things to consider: 'Multigenerational travel is hot and resorts are increasingly adding options for larger villas,' says Fader. For larger groups, seek out properties with spacious accommodations that have enough amenities to make you feel like you're staying at a home away from home. For instance, the Cheeca Lodge & Spa, Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge and Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island Beach Resort & Spa all offer villa, penthouse and/or condo-style residences perfect for larger families. Most come equipped with full kitchens and washers and dryers for convenience. Mazin also recommends reserving accommodations during quieter months when planning a trip with many people. 'You can find the best rates when it's off-season,' she says, 'and sometimes Florida families are given special offerings.' Whether you book an all-inclusive package or choose to pay for individual meals depends on what you prioritize: value or convenience. For value, à la carte pricing is typically the way to go. 'Sometimes families have picky eaters or end up paying for things they don't use,' says Mazin. For those on the more budget-conscious side, à la carte options alleviate the stress of having to consume your money's worth. They're easier on your wallet so you won't have to, as Fader puts it, 'pay $25 per person for a breakfast buffet where your child will eat only one pancake.' On the other hand, all-inclusive experiences can be ideal for those who don't want to ruminate on costs while relaxing on their holiday. 'I hate having to nickel and dime on vacation and constantly worry about whether this or that activity is 'worth it,'' adds Fader. 'Sometimes, not worrying about money is a great investment.' A majority of resorts have a comfortable blend of adult and kid-oriented attractions, while others skew on the more kid-friendly side (such as themed getaways like Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge.) 'We need lots of options for a family resort to be truly great,' says Mazin, 'like engaging kids' activities, wellness options for parents, spacious rooms and easy dining options.' For Mazin—and other wellness-focused adults—a spa is always a fantastic benefit. To ensure the whole family will have something to be entertained by, look for kids' clubs and waterparks: They'll unlock hours of fun for the kiddos, plus give extra parental relaxation time for when you need it. 'They're both mega-perks because it's nice to know our kids are safe while we have a bit of adult time,' says Mazin. Plus, if you're staying in a theme park haven like Orlando, 'On-site water parks always keep the fun going back at the resort,' says Fader. I am a New Jersey-based editorial assistant working across the beauty, fashion, travel and home & kitchen categories here at Forbes Vetted. As a Caribbean descendant, I've spent ample time lounging on the beach since I was young, including multiple trips to Florida. I graduated with bachelor's degrees in English and Psychology from Amherst College and attended the Columbia Publishing Course. In addition to Forbes Vetted, my work can also be found in Make Muse and The Common.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Yahoo
6 Amazing All-Inclusive Family Resorts in Cancun That Promise the Perfect Tropical Getaway
PureWow editors select every item that appears on this page, and some items may be gifted to us. Additionally, PureWow may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story. All prices are accurate upon date of publish. You can learn more about the affiliate process here. You can learn more about that process here. Yahoo Inc. may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below. Read the original article on Purewow. Cancun has a reputation for being a spring break destination for young partying singles, but having recently visited with my tween daughter, I can say that this beautiful city on the Yucatan Peninsula has tons to offer families, too. In fact, the many luxury resorts boast so many attractions that you never even have to leave the property for a truly dreamy and fun-filled vacation. Read on for our top picks of all-inclusive family resorts in Cancun and pack your bags for a getaway that will please the whole gang. 13 Best All-Inclusive Family Resorts in Mexico Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe There's an abundance of luxury resorts in Cancun, but this is the only all-inclusive that I can personally vouch for, having stayed there just last year with my 10-year-old for a mother-daughter trip, and it did not disappoint. I highly recommend upgrading your stay to the 'enclave' level, which allows for special VIP privileges, including exclusive access to rooftop pools with stunning views and a bar that serves some of the best ceviche I have ever tasted. If you can't swing it, though, fear not—all 11 of the restaurants are amazing, the beach is pristine and the pools are designed to make a family vacation feel like a total breeze. (There's even a mini water park with multiple slides and a fun, bucket-dumping feature that kept my daughter entertained for hours…and you can watch your kid run around from the comfort of the neighboring adult pool with a swim-up bar.) Aside from the aforementioned splash pad, my daughter says the highlight of the stay was the kids' club. The warm and caring staff were amazing—the engagement was genuine, the activities were fun and exciting and she made close friends after only visiting the club a couple of times. TL;DR: Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe gets a 10/10 from me and my tween when it comes to all-inclusive resorts that cater to kids and adults alike. book now Garza Blanca Editor-in-chief Jillian Quint visited this luxury resort with her family and raved about the generously-sized rooms, gorgeous views and relaxed atmosphere. 'Here, the beach is pristine, the pools are abundant (each one calibrated to a different temperature), and the vibe is palm-tree-casual meets penthouse-luxury, with ratan chairs and woven hammocks against marble floors and gold deco flourishes,' she says. Garza Blanca Cancun is decidedly more serene than some of its hotel zone neighbors—think plush daybeds, impeccable service and a general air of low-key indulgence that makes it feel exclusive without being pretentious. Families will love the suite-style accommodations (hello, in-room washer/dryer!) and the impressive range of dining options, with everything from fresh ceviche by the pool to upscale tasting menus. The kids' club is also awesome, notes Quint. If you're looking for a refined but family-friendly escape, this one is hard to beat. book now Hard Rock Hotel Cancun The Hard Rock franchise is still going strong and happy reviewers report that their all-inclusive family resort in Cancun lives up to the hype. As you might expect from a Hard Rock hotel, this particular property has a very vibrant atmosphere, which means there's lots of lively entertainment and not necessarily peace and quiet to be found in every corner. (That said, when you're traveling with kids, it's kind of a blessing not to be the loudest guests around, right?) By all accounts, the service is stellar—particularly the butler/concierge service and a certain Jessy that gets called out left and right for making everyone's stay amazing—and the pool and beach amenities get glowing reviews as well. As with most resorts, there are some mixed reviews, but as far as I can tell, the spattering of complaints suggest that the Hard Rock vibe is kind of just a love it or hate it type of thing. book now Moon Palace-The Grand Cancun Waterpark, bowling alley, volleyball court, playrooms—Moon Palace-The Grand Cancun is, well, truly grand (and pretty much every kid's dream come true.) Indeed, there is no shortage of amenities to keep every member of the family thoroughly entertained, whilst allowing for ample adult relaxation time, including gorgeous adult-only pools where you can chill while the brood hangs out at the kids' club. While the reviews are overwhelmingly positive about everything from food to service to accommodations, it's still worth noting that a couple verified guests have called out this property for overeager salesmanship that borders on harassment…so if you choose to shell out for a spectacular experience at this resort, be sure to shut that down swiftly. bookLocated on a gorgeous peninsula and designed as a cluster of buildings that boast a village-like feel, the Hyatt Ziva Cancun is one of the most scenic properties on the list. In addition to the sweeping beachfront views and prime location, the resort also offers guests an abundance of amenities and truly exceptional dining options. There's also a kids' club, indoor play areas and regular family-friendly programming, so it's highly unlikely that anyone will complain about being bored during their stay. book nowClub Med Cancun stands out for its vibrant entertainment options and abundance of amenities. It's also great for those seeking a more active stay, since the resort offers numerous daily activities, as well as exciting excursions to nearby attractions. In other words, families will have no trouble filling their itinerary with fun, both on and off the resort. book now The 17 Best All-inclusive Family Resorts, from Los Cabos to Marrakech PureWow's editors and writers have spent more than a decade shopping online, digging through sales and putting our home goods, beauty finds, wellness picks and more through the wringer—all to help you determine which are actually worth your hard-earned cash. From our PureWow100 series (where we rank items on a 100-point scale) to our painstakingly curated lists of fashion, beauty, cooking, home and family picks, you can trust that our recommendations have been thoroughly vetted for function, aesthetics and innovation. Whether you're looking for travel-size hair dryers you can take on-the-go or women's walking shoes that won't hurt your feet, we've got you covered.
