16 Best Family Resorts in the USA
From experiencing the magic of a Disney resort for the first time in Orlando to learning to ski in Winter Park, Colorado or just relaxing on a gold-sand beach in San Diego, the US is packed with family-friendly resorts and adventures that will keep you entertained year-round.
Resorts in the US know exactly how to cater to families, with amenities like activity-packed kids' clubs, separate family swimming pools, children's menus in restaurants, and interconnecting rooms and suites. Whether your children are five or 15 and whether you are looking for five-star pampering or just good bang for your buck, the resorts listed here offer something for everyone in the family.
Find the best place to stay on your next vacation with our list of the top family resorts in the US.
1. The Broadmoor, Colorado Springs, CO
Accommodation: The Broadmoor
A long revered family favorite in Colorado Springs, The Broadmoor is a 5-star property that turned 100 years old recently and might offer more kid-friendly adventures than any resort in America. Set on beautiful grounds in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, The Broadmoor has a number of family-focused activities on offer.
Young guests can sign up for horseback riding, junior tennis camp, or ziplining on two separate courses. There is also a bowling alley on-site, and kids under 12 can play golf for free with an adult after 2pm on the resort's two award-winning 18-hole golf courses.
If parents need some alone time (maybe relaxing in the delightful spa on-site), there is an immersive camp program for an extra fee. It is available to kids between the ages of three and 12 and includes field trips, arts and crafts, and even lunch and dinner.
And then there is the property itself, with nearly 800 rooms and suites, all of which come with 5-star service and are poshly decorated (think monogrammed bath towels and thick robes). There are no less than 10 restaurants on the grounds, as well as multiple swimming pools and even a lake.
Address: 1 Lake Avenue, Colorado Springs, Colorado
2. Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Orlando, FL
Accommodation: Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
If you are going to take the kids to the Magic Kingdom in Orlando, then Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is the top place to stay. Walt Disney World's flagship property, this four-star hotel is just a three-minute tram ride from the theme park's gates. It is also close to EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Disney's Animal Kingdom.
The resort boasts more than 800 rooms, suites, and villas in all shapes and sizes. All are luxe and comfortable with ornate detailing and lots of royal red and gold accents.
The property sits on 40 acres and caters to families with events like Kids Nite Out that give parents a break. In-room babysitting can also be arranged.
There are multiple restaurants on-site including one done up like a 1900s carousel that offers character-themed breakfasts.
Address: 4401 Floridian Way, Orlando, Florida
3. Four Seasons Resort Lanai, Lanai, HI
Accommodation: Four Seasons Resort Lanai
If you're looking for a luxury family vacation in a gorgeous tropical location then check out the Four Seasons Resort Lanai. Located on the tiny island of Lanai, which is about 45 minutes by boat from Maui, this 5-star property overlooks beautiful Hulopoe Bay.
The Four Seasons is known for its child-friendly amenities, which include everything from a kids' club to child-specific welcome amenities and a lagoon-style family swimming pool with ocean views. The beach in front of the resort is part of a protected marine park, and you will find great snorkeling just offshore that will appeal to families with slightly older children.
Other amenities include a few different dining options with kids' menus and a Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course that adults will appreciate.
Address: 1 Manele Bay Road, Lanai City, Lanai, Hawaii
4. Ponte Vedra Inn & Club, Jacksonville, FL
Accommodation: Ponte Vedra Inn & Club
Located just southeast of Jacksonville, the beachfront Ponte Vedra Inn & Club is a beachfront property with an upscale country club vibe and lots of family-focused activities.
The Kids Camp has a long list of programs that cater to children of various ages. Little ones can enjoy afternoon PJ and pizza parties, while teenagers can sign up for a Junior Lifeguard Camp. There are also activities that you can do as a family. These include taking out ocean kayaks, stand up paddleboarding, or just hanging out in the zero-entry family swimming pool.
The resort features a range of floor plans. The suites are great for families since they come with at least kitchenettes and also add separate living space.
There are multiple on-site restaurants, as well as a giant spa and fitness center running more than 100 classes per week. There are also 36 holes of golf to play and 15 tennis courts. Basically it is hard to run out of things to do here, which is another reason it is perfect for active families.
Address: 200 Ponte Vedra Blvd, Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida
5. Fairmont Grand Del Mar, San Diego, CA
Accommodation: Fairmont Grand Del Mar
Likely the best luxury resort for families in the San Diego area, the Fairmont Grand Del Mar has the vibe of a Tuscan country retreat. Located on 400 acres in the Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve, it is a gorgeous Mediterranean-style affair.
It also boasts a convenient location for exploring kid-friendly area attractions, including LEGOLAND, located to the north, and Balboa Park, located to the south.
There are so many on-site amenities catering to children, however, that you might not want to leave. Besides the Explorer's Club for kids, with organized activities for different age groups, there is also a large family swimming pool and a wading pool for toddlers to splash around in.
Older children can participate in a junior golf program on the Tom Fazio-designed course here. And the on-site equestrian center offers everything from horseback riding lessons to guided family trail rides through the reserve.
The Fairmont may not be located directly on the beach, but should you wish to play in the surf, they will be happy to transport you to nearby Del Mar Beach and even pack you a picnic lunch and beach chairs. In summer, there are also family movie nights with s'more roasting on the hotel grounds.
Rooms and suites here are five-star luxe and come in a variety of sizes and shapes to accommodate families with ease. Other amenities include multiple restaurants and a five-star spa. If you are traveling with your dog, the Fairmont is even pet friendly.
Address: 5300 Grand Del Mar Court, San Diego, California
6. The Phoenician, A Luxury Collection Resort, Scottsdale, AZ
Accommodation: The Phoenician, A Luxury Collection Resort, Scottsdale
The Phoenician is a landmark five-diamond, five-star resort in Scottsdale. It is set on 250 acres of gorgeous grounds at the base of Camelback Mountain. The property is very family friendly with an on-site kids' club with scheduled activities that change daily. They also have a Kids Zone in their nine-swimming-pool complex that features a waterslide and treehouse.
Families will love the suites or casitas at The Phoenician, which have enough space to move around and plenty of posh amenities.
For dining, choose from eight restaurants, including a number with children's menus. Other amenities include a spa and 27-hole golf course.
Address: 6000 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale, Arizona
7. The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami, FL
Accommodation: The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami
The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne is a Miami-area resort that runs a fun kids' club. At Ritz Kids, your little ones between the ages of five and 12 will have an opportunity to engage in a number of environmentally focused activities involving the ocean.
Beyond its kids' program, the 5-star property on a barrier island features luxe rooms and suites that are spacious and comfortable. It also has a number of on-site restaurants, a spa, and access to a beautiful (and less crowded) stretch of beachfront.
Address: 455 Grand Bay Drive, Key Biscayne, Florida
8. Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina, Hawaii
Accommodation: Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina
Kids love the amenities at the Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina, where they are treated as royally as adults. Set on sprawling grounds on Oahu's western Leeward Coast, away from the bustle of Waikiki Beach, the hotel has a fully staffed kids' club with cultural and adventure activities tailored by age.
Amenities for wee ones don't stop at the kids' club, however. Children can also play in the family swimming pool and even join mom or dad for a kid-friendly spa treatment.
The resort is located on a gorgeous stretch of white-sand beach, and there are plenty of activities to book, depending on age, from sea kayak adventures to snorkeling or riding on the back of a Jet Ski. The five on-site restaurants serving up everything from Asian to Italian fare also have special kids' menus.
The 5-star resort has 371 rooms and suites, many with direct ocean views. All are elegantly decorated. The suites work great for families, as they are quite spacious and airy. Rollaway beds can also be added depending on your family's size.
If you need even more space, book the huge two-bedroom penthouse with separate living and dining rooms and multiple baths.
While children are at the kids' club, parents can enjoy a treatment at the spa or just lounge pool or beachside.
9. Brasada Ranch, Powell Butte, Oregon
Accommodation: Brasada Ranch
From horseback riding to catch-and-release fishing and multiple swimming pools (including one with a waterslide), there is plenty to keep the kids entertained at Brasada Ranch in Central Oregon's high desert, less than 30 minutes from Bend. Unlike other parts of the state, the area around the ranch sees more than 300 days of sunshine per year, so you won't have to worry too much about rain ruining your holiday plans.
Set on 1,800 sage-brush-covered acres with panoramic views of the Cascade Mountains, this sprawling property offers two-, three-, and four-bedroom cottages for families. Some are even equipped with bunk beds. The cottages are modern, mountain chic and very spacious, with large porches and full kitchens. They are also pet friendly.
Brasada also has a well-known 18-hole golf course where no two holes are parallel to each other, providing amazing views from each. If you want to play, babysitting can be arranged for the children. Other amenities include two restaurants, a game room, and a spa.
Address: 16986 SW Brasada Ranch Rd, Powell Butte, Oregon
10. Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island, MI
Accommodation: Grand Hotel
The Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island in Michigan can only be accessed by ferry boat or plane. The car free island is a great place for families, and staying at this 5-star hotel feels like stepping back in time to the late 1800s when it initially opened.
The Victorian-era, grand dame property has 397 rooms and suites, all of which are charming and comfortable. They also come in a range of sizes, from standard rooms to four-bedroom cottages.
Activities abound here, and many have an old fashioned Americana feel-play some lawn games, croquet, or bocce ball or sign up for arts and crafts, Quidditch matches, or horseback riding. Kids will also love the free snow cones served at the 220-foot-long swimming pool. The front porch, complete with rocking chairs, is another great place to just hang out.
Address: 286 Grand Avenue P.O. Box 286, Mackinac Island, Michigan
11. The Royal Sonesta San Juan, Puerto Rico
Accommodation: The Royal Sonesta San Juan
Fronting beautiful palm-lined Isla Verde Beach in Puerto Rico's capital city of San Juan, The Royal Sonesta San Juan is a family-friendly Caribbean beach resort that doesn't require a passport for Americans to visit. For children, there is a kids' club with an outdoor playground and a lagoon-style swimming pool complete with a waterfall.
The 4-star hotel boasts just under 400 rooms and suites, which recently underwent a multimillion-dollar renovation. All now feature a soothing blue-and-white color scheme, floor-to-ceiling windows, and comfy beds. Suites also come with Jacuzzi tubs and private terraces with city or ocean views.
There are four restaurants to choose from on-site, as well as a hot tub, spa, and fitness room.
Address: 5961 Avienda Isla Verde, Isla Verde, Carolina
12. Marriott's OceanWatch Villas at Grand Dunes, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Accommodation: Marriott's OceanWatch Villas at Grand Dunes
Families will appreciate the accommodations at Marriott's OceanWatch Villas at Grande Dunes, as all are two-bedroom villas. These have plenty of space for kids to run around and, best of all, come with full kitchens, so parents can prep and cook meals, saving on dining out costs and evening meltdowns.
Villas also have separate living and dining space and furnished balconies. Many come with panoramic ocean views.
Right on the sand in Myrtle Beach, the resort is located on the grounds of a sprawling residential community. There is plenty to keep little ones busy here as well. You can drop the children off at the kids' club; take them to the playground; or let them try their skills at shuffleboard, table tennis, or hitting balls on the putting green.
Indoor and outdoor swimming pools are also found on-site. And of course there is plenty of fun to be had in the warm ocean waves out front.
If you want to dine out, there are a few restaurants to choose from. The Sand Dollar Grille is the signature place to eat. It cooks up American fare, including tasty made-to-order pizzas. The Marketplace Express is where to go for a quick snack or to stock up on supplies for cooking in your villa.
Address: 8550 Costa Verde Drive, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
13. Hotel del Coronado, San Diego, CA
Accommodation: Hotel del Coronado
Kids will love building sandcastles on the long, gold-sand beach fronting the Hotel del Coronado on San Diego's Coronado Island. The island is connected to the mainland by a bridge, just a five-minute drive from the city.
The historic hotel (it is rumored to be haunted) is San Diego's grand dame property and an impressive Victorian-era affair that was built in 1888. When it opened its doors, it was the world's biggest hotel and also the first (in 1904) to boast an outdoor electric Christmas tree.
Families will love the themed rooms here that come with bunk beds. There are also family suites. If you need more space, try one of the beach cottages, which have direct beach access and a more secluded location, slightly removed from the main building and with their own amenities.
The Del also has seven on-site restaurants, two swimming pools, a hot tub and spa, and a gym. Live music plays some nights in the on-site lounge.
Address: 1500 Orange Ave., Coronado, California
14. The Vintage Resort Hotel & Conference Center, Winter Park, CO
Accommodation: The Vintage Resort Hotel & Conference Center
Winter Park Resort is one of Colorado's most family-friendly ski and snowboard mountains, and at the Vintage Resort Hotel & Conference Center, you can sign the kids up for ski school right from the hotel. The Vintage is located just 300 yards from the Cabriolet Lift, which takes you down to the Village where you can catch a number of chairlifts up the mountain. Once on the ski slopes, you'll find a mix of terrain, from easy to expert.
The 3-star vintage is also affordably priced, which makes it all the better for a family vacation. There are 114 rooms, suites, and studios, and most come with kitchenettes and fireplaces.
On-site amenities include a kid-friendly restaurant serving pizza, burgers, and sandwiches, as well as a heated swimming pool and hot tub facing the slopes. The Vintage is also right next to the Coca-Cola Tubing Hill, which is another favorite winter activity for little ones.
Address: 100 Winter Park Drive, Winter Park, Colorado
15. Legoland California Resort, Carlsbad, CA
Accommodation: Legoland California Resort
Right by the entrance to the Legoland California theme park, this hotel is about an hour outside of San Diego. If your kids are into Lego, they will love the bold Lego-themed rooms and suites. There are separate sleeping areas for kids with bunk beds, and parents will appreciate the extra space.
Guests at the Legoland California Resort can access the theme park before the general public in the morning, which is a perk. Breakfast is also included in the rate and at night, older kids will love the age-appropriate DJ dance parties. Other amenities include an outdoor swimming pool, gym, and two restaurants.
Address: 1 Legoland Drive, Carlsbad, California
16. Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort, Hilton Head, SC
Accommodation: Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort
On a private 15-acre island estuary on Hilton Head, this Disney resort is another kid-focused beach resort. Created to resemble a fishing lodge from the 1940s, this resort has a kids' club with organized daily activities and a family swimming pool with a waterslide.
The accommodation is also made for families with studios and one- or two-bedroom villas that can sleep up to 10 people and are perfect for multi-generation vacations. All units come with contemporary decor; comfy beds; and perks parents appreciate, like mini-fridges, microwaves, and pullout couches in the living rooms. The bigger villas have full kitchens and washer/dryer combos.
Other resort amenities include multiple restaurants and a free shuttle to the Disney Beach House, which is right on the sand and has its own pool.
Address: 22 Harbourside Ln, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
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More Family Resorts: If you decide you want to expand your search zone for family vacations, have a look through our guide to the top all-inclusive family resorts in the Caribbean to find a selection of beachfront luxury properties. For something a little more exotic, see our list of the best family resorts in the Fiji.
