My family has stayed at our fair share of all-inclusive resorts over the years, and I’ve learned a thing or two in the process. Some resorts that are perfect for toddlers can leave teens and tweens totally bored. Some of the best resorts for older kids, on the other hand, may leave little ones (and their parents) feeling cold. And let’s be honest—not every family needs (or wants to pay for) over-the-top luxury.
That’s why I’ve rounded up the FamilyVacationist team’s picks for the best all-inclusive family resorts in one at-a-glance place. Whether you’re traveling with little ones, big kids, or a mix of both, these resorts hit the sweet spot for different age groups, budgets, and activity levels.
How we chose these all-inclusive family resorts: Read our methodology for selecting hotels and all-inclusive resorts.
1. Nickelodeon Hotels and Resorts Riviera Maya
Playa del Carmen, Mexico
My family stayed at the Nickelodeon Hotels and Resorts Riviera Maya location when both of my kids were tweens. Neither was particularly into Nickelodeon characters at the time, although there may have been some residual good feelings for SpongeBob and the Paw Patrol crew. It still checked all the boxes for us. The accommodations are all-suite and every room features a swim-up pool. Yes, even those on the upper floors!
The Nickelodeon theming includes the AquaNick water park, meet-and-greets with characters, and game shows like Slime Time Live in front of a live studio audience—which we participated in (and won!). The resort’s drop-in kids club, Club Nick, is also included in the price. For a great all-around all-inclusive resort for families, this is top-notch. Even the food is pretty good.
2. Paws Up Montana
Greenough, Montana
Head to Paws Up Montana for an over-the-top luxurious stay where even the family dog can be pampered. Upon arrival, your canine companion will be welcomed with a dog bed, food bowls, treats and toys. There’s also a complimentary kennel and pet-friendly room service, and you can try sound bowl therapy or forest bathing with your dog. And with activities for kids ranging from horseback riding and dogsledding to go-karting and target shooting, there’s always something exciting to do at this all-inclusive resort.
3. Beaches Negril
Negril, Jamaica
You can’t go wrong with any of the three Beaches Resorts in the Caribbean, but Beaches Negril is extra special for those planning a multigenerational family vacation. With snorkeling, kayaking, a big water park, nightly entertainment, and a kids club divided by age groups from babies to teens, this all-inclusive family resort is big enough that there’s always something to do. The Eventide Penthouse Collection suites are especially ideal for large groups, with three or four bedrooms and expansive terraces.
4. Royalton Bavaro Resort and Spa
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
No one would call Royalton Bavaro Resort and Spa cheap, but it’s certainly a bit easier on the wallet than you’d expect for a luxury-class resort in the Dominican Republic. The all-inclusive rates include a pool, 1,200-foot lazy river, and splash pad for younger kids; nine-hole mini-golf; access to beautiful Bavaro Beach for snorkeling, kayaking, and other water sports; meals and alcoholic beverages; kids activities; and nightly resort entertainment.
5. Hilton Cancun, an All-Inclusive Resort
Cancun, Mexico
Planning a vacation with teens presents a unique set of challenges. Teens typically want more independence, and they’re deeply suspicious of any activities or spaces that feel like they’re made for younger kids. Hilton Cancun solves both of these problems with a beachfront pool for family time along with a teen space that actually feels appropriate for teenagers. Supervised sports tournaments, quizzes, video games, pool and beach games, volleyball, and water sports are among the teen-friendly activities at this resort, and churro and ice cream shops are there to feed their bottomless appetites.
6. Coconut Bay Beach Resort and Spa
Vieux Fort, St. Lucia
Situated along 85 acres on St. Lucia’s south coast, Coconut Bay Beach Resort and Spa offers kids programming for babies as young as three months at its CocoLand Kidz Club. Supervised activities include splash park visits and nature walks. The resort has a zero-entry pool and an entire wing called “Splash” devoted just to families. Coconut Bay also houses the island’s biggest water park, so it’ll more than satisfy the big kids in your group, too.
7. Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort Fiji
Savusavu, Fiji
For a true once-in-a-lifetime all-inclusive family vacation, you simply can’t beat Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort Fiji. With a resident marine biologist and a complimentary kids club that leans heavily into nature-oriented programming, children come away with an education and memories to last a lifetime. As for parents? Your free time can be spent snorkeling, scuba diving, taking guided reef walks, riding in glass-bottom boats, or simply hitting the spa for a traditional Fijan treatment.
8. Lopesan Costa Bávaro Resort, Spa, and Casino
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
With more than 1,000 guest rooms, a 16,000-square-foot water park, seven pools, and a seemingly endless range of dining options, the five-star Lopesan Costa Bávaro Resort makes a convincing case that bigger really is better when it comes to all-inclusive resorts for families. A stay here puts you on the soft sand of Playa Bavaro, where scuba diving, windsurfing, sailing, and waterskiing are available. A spa, casino, and swim-up bar will keep grownups happy, while a bowling alley, arcade, escape room, ice cream shop, and clubs for kids and teens mean there’s plenty to do for kids, too.
9. Mohonk Mountain House
New Paltz, New York
This four-season historic Victorian castle resort is located just a few hours from New York City. In the warmer months, you can hike, swim, kayak, or golf on the lakefront setting at Mohonk Mountain House. Ice skating, snow tubing, cross-country skiing, and a heated indoor pool are winter delights. Delicious meals — including an all-American breakfast buffet featuring locally sourced ingredients, an upscale lunch buffet, and a sophisticated multi-course dinner with delightful desserts — are included in rates, as are most activities.
10. Woodloch Resort
Hawley, Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania’s scenic Poconos Mountains set the backdrop for one of the most consistently popular family resorts in the United States. Woodloch Resort takes full advantage of its scenic lakeside setting with family activities ranging from bumper boats and go-karts to archery and escape rooms. There’s also nightly entertainment (think magic shows, comedians, and live bands) alongside resort amenities such as indoor and outdoor pools and an adventure playground. All of this plus two to three meals per day are included in the nightly rate.
11. Tyler Place Family Resort
Highgate Springs, Vermont
Though it’s only May through September ever year, Vermont’s Tyler Place packs a whole year’s worth of family fun into its short vacation season. The all-inclusive summer camp vibe is great for all ages, but it’s an especially good fit for families with toddlers. Daily programming for toddlers includes groups for ages 12 to 18 months, 18 to 30 months, and 30 months to three years old. The private cottages and spacious suites are equipped with footstools and diaper bins, and the resort has plenty of loaner gear, too.
12. Club Med Québec Charlevoix
Québec, Canada
While Club Med Quebec Charlevoix is a four-season resort, it’s especially magical in the winter thanks to activities like ice skating, luging, dog sledding, and skiing. You can choose from a variety of vacation packages that include ski-in, ski-out access to the mountain. Lift tickets and group lessons are included in the nightly rate, as is childcare for ages four and older. After a day on the slopes, head to the 75-foot indoor pool and hot tubs, from which you can take in views of the surrounding mountains and river.
