The Best Family-Friendly Resorts For Kids of All Ages

By Esme Benjamin

Nothing beats family trips for precious moments of connection, awe, and playfulness. But for parents, hauling kid-related gear to the destination and ensuring little ones stay entertained all vacation long can add stress to the whole experience. Thankfully, these hotels go above and beyond for little travelers without forfeiting the luxury amenities that pamper weary parents. Read on for the best family-friendly resorts for kids of all ages – from tots to teens. 

Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla

There’s no need to schlep baby essentials to the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla. Just say the word and the hotel provides complimentary baby bathtubs, strollers, cribs, blankets, high chairs, toys, and games for the duration of your stay. You’ll even find mini robes and kid-friendly toiletries in your room, perfect for showering off after a day at the family-friendly bamboo pool. For kids aged five to 12, Four Seasons’ staff counselors organize scavenger hunts, nature walks, cookie decorating, jewelry making, and tie-dye workshops, while teens can try paddleboarding, kayaking, snorkeling, and rock climbing. There’s even the option to enroll them in the tennis or soccer academy, to work on their sports skills with experienced coaches. 

The Breakers Palm Beach, Florida

Situated oceanfront in perennially popular Palm Beach, The Breakers has been a family favorite since it opened in 1896. If you’re traveling with a baby, the resort will childproof your room prior to arrival and loan you essentials like a stroller, bottle warmer, and infant bathtub. Older kids will love The Breakers’ Family Entertainment Center, a sprawling space with an indoor and outdoor playground featuring slides, tunnels and bridges, mini golf, a basketball court, and an arcade. In the mood for a whole-family adventure? Borrow bikes (including ones outfitted with an infant seat, if needed) and explore the island, or go on a watersports excursion right off the private beach. If you’d rather relax, check out the zero-entry family pool or reserve a beach bungalow for the day. Reservations come with plenty of shady spots for nap time and a dedicated concierge to take care of your family’s every need. 

Timbers Kaua’i, Hawaii

Having your own multi-bedroom residence really comes in handy when you’re traveling with a brood. At Timbers Kaua’i, each private oasis comes with a dishwasher, a washer-drier, and handy blackout curtains to ensure little ones get a solid nap while parents venture outside to the plunge pool. During your stay, the concierge can arrange any details that make life easier, from stocking the fridge with snacks to dropping off baby gear or even arranging a babysitter. And when your family is ready to explore The Garden Isle, hiking and biking trails, an on-site organic farm, a wildlife tour, and a plethora of watersports will keep you busy. While the kids are entertained at the resort’s playroom, check out the Jack Nicklaus Signature Ocean Course – Hawaii’s longest stretch of oceanfront golf.

Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, México

Resorts that treat babies like VIPs are few and far between, but that’s exactly what Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit prides itself on. A complimentary baby concierge ensures you have all the items you need, from a crib and carrier to bottles and teethers. They can even arrange a pampering baby massage, first haircut, or birthday celebration for an additional fee. Your little one can enjoy age-appropriate activities and entertainment at the Kids' Club Garden, a dedicated play and learning space for children five years old and younger, while older siblings hangout at the Kids' Club Terrace, a game-filled area for six to 12-year-olds, or the Teens’ Club, which boasts gaming booths, a pool table, and an evening disco. 

Beaches Turks & Caicos

Many all-inclusive resorts market themselves as family-friendly, but few offer child-focused amenities and activities with the same scope as Beaches Turks & Caicos. For starters, trained and certified nannies are included in the rate, offering a kind of tropical daycare service that ensures your infant or toddler is engaged in age-appropriate activities from sun up to sun down. Meanwhile, older kids can participate in talent shows, treasure hunts, beach soccer, tennis clinics, watersports, and more. Beaches’ 45,000 sq. ft. waterpark and Sesame Street® workshops seal the deal – your kids won’t even notice you’ve escaped for an afternoon of spa treatments and cocktails at the swim-up bar. 

Martinhal Chiado Luxury Hotel and Apartments, Lisbon, Portugal

For families who prefer a city break to a beach escape, Martinhal Chiado Luxury Hotel and Apartments is a dream option. Situated in Lisbon’s beautiful old town area, these luxury apartments offer the convenience of a vacation rental (dishwashers, washer-dryers, and baby gear rentals) with the bonus of hotel-level amenities, including a family playroom and a kids club suitable for six-month-olds to teens. Craving a night out alone with your partner at one of Lisbon’s lauded restaurants? Martinhal Chiado’s Mini Disco, for kids three years and up, entertains kids with dancing and dinner at the on-site restaurant, followed by a movie night with popcorn. 

VOMO Island Fiji

It’s a long flight from most places to reach VOMO Island Fiji, but once you arrive at this private island resort it will certainly feel worth the journey. Perfect beaches and unspoiled nature set the scene for family adventures, including snorkeling, picnics, hiking, sunset cruises, and kayaking. When parents are ready for some off-duty time, they can take advantage of VOMO’s baby butler service – four hours of complimentary childcare per day, for up to two kids at a time. Children ages three and above will love The Kids Village, an indoor-outdoor play space with a cafeteria for meals and an extensive program of activities, many with a Fijian theme (think: garland making, dance workshops, and cooking lessons). While the little ones are playing, parents can retreat to The Rocks, a blissful adults-only chill zone with a pool, restaurant, and bar. 

*Featured image courtesy of Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla