When you think of all-inclusive family resorts, your daydreams may take you to Mexico or the Caribbean. But did you know there are actually quite a few all-inclusive resorts in the U.S., too? Surprising butF true. You can have easy, closer-to-home, passport-free vacations at the best all-inclusive and nearly all-inclusive resorts in the U.S., and that’s a real game changer for traveling families.
The Best All-Inclusive Resorts in the U.S.A.
America’s best all-inclusive resorts are tailor-made for family vacations, not to mention couples and multigenerational family trips, too. And with fantastic kids clubs that go above and beyond, the resorts that offer all-inclusive vacations in the U.S. pretty much guarantee something for everyone in the package price.
The only real difference between tropical all-inclusive resorts and those within the U.S. is that most of the stateside resorts let you build your inclusive package a la carte, meaning you can 1) opt for a meals-only plan, 2) choose a promotion that offers activities and amenities built into the package price, 3) or get a resort fee credit for spa services. I’ll walk you through all of the options as I run down my list of the top all-inclusive (and mostly all-inclusive) family resorts in the United States.
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1. Migis Lodge on Sebago Lake
South Casco, Maine
There’s a lot to love about Migis Lodge, but the resort’s best feature might just be its location, which is both scenic—it sits on Sebago Lake in Southern Maine—and convenient, since it’s within an hour’s drive of Portland, Kennebunkport, and other well-loved coastal villages and scenic lakes in New England. Another thing that sets Migis Lodge apart is the fact that it offers the kind of all-inclusive package price you simply don’t find at most other family resorts in the northeast.
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The inclusive package is called the Full American Plan, and it combines your accommodations, three meals per day, and most activities and amenities (including access to a private island) into one single rate. Pretty much the only thing that isn’t traditionally all-inclusive at Migis Lodge is that drinks from the bar and personal use of motorboats are not included in the price. Still, with both dining room and outdoor cookout options, plus a children’s dining plan, dining at Migis Lodge is relaxing for the whole family and one less budget item to stress about when you’re planning your family vacation.
2. The Lodge on Little St. Simons Island
St. Simons Island, Georgia
Speaking of private islands, The Lodge on Little St. Simons Island isn’t just an all-inclusive resort here in the U.S., it’s a whole all-inclusive island. It’s located in Georgia’s Golden Isles and is only accessible by boat, which instantly ups the cool factor. Once your family arrives, you can enjoy seven miles of unspoiled beaches, 8,000 acres of salt marshes, 3,000 acres of upland, and personalized naturalist-led activities such as bird watching, fishing, hiking, and kayaking. The resort partners with conservation organizations to help protect the private island‘s flora and fauna.
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Boat transfers, three meals per day, non-alcoholic beverages, use of recreational equipment, guided excursions, and accommodations are all included in nightly rates, and the Instagram-worthy cottages and 32-guest occupancy limit make it feel like you have the island to yourselves. (In fact, you can have it all to yourself: Packages are available for cottages, a single room, or the entire island.)
3. Sandpiper Bay All-Inclusive Resort by Wyndham
Port St. Lucie, Florida
Situated on Florida’s east coast in idyllic Port St. Lucie, Sandpiper Bay All Inclusive Resort by Wyndham (formerly Club Med Sandpiper Bay) is a classic Florida beach resort where your family can enjoy a bona fide, 100 percent all-inclusive resort experience in the U.S. Pickleball, tennis, basketball, bocce, ping-pong, and mini golf are among the kid-friendly activities baked into the all-inclusive price. Swimming pools, water sports, a driving range and golf course, a spa, and private beach access also come as part of your nightly rate.
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Multiple dining areas make it easy to grab a bite between activities, and the free kids club options give different ages something to do in a supervised environment if parents just want to relax. Mini Club is for ages four to 10, Latitude 27 caters to tweens and teens ages 11 to 17, and “Pajama Parties” (which cost extra) free up parents for the evening should you want to wander off resort for an evening out.
Sandpiper Bay is located about an hour’s drive from Palm Beach and about two hours from the Orlando theme parks, though staying on site affords you many sports and adventure options. It’s one of several Florida all-inclusive resorts to consider if you’re planning a family vacation in the Sunshine State.
4. Mohonk Mountain House
New Paltz, New York
A bucket list New York vacation destination in the Hudson River Valley, Mohonk Mountain House‘s stunning location on the shores of Lake Mohonk affords opportunities for kayaking, row boating, and swimming, while its 40,000 pristine acres of forest means countless trails for hiking and picnicking. Kids love this Victorian castle resort’s old-fashioned soda fountain and glow-in-the-dark disc golf at night, and a kids club runs all summer long (and on weekends during much of the winter and spring) for little ones ages four to 12. There’s crafting, archery, tomahawk throwing, and a Junior Naturalist program to keep children entertained.
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Mohonk Mountain House’s mostly all-inclusive resort rates include nearly all activities as well as three farm-to-table meals per day sourced from local ingredients within the Hudson River Valley. Spa treatments, horseback riding, and rock climbing are available at an extra cost. While Mohonk Mountain House is a four-season resort, it’s especially beautiful during the fall foliage season. The resort is listed as a National Historic Landmark (it was built in 1869) and is located just 90 miles from New York City.
A number of special promotions are routinely offered that can help keep costs down on your vacation as well. These include midweek spa discounts, last-minute savings, and kids-stay-and-eat-free deals on select dates. Mohonk Mountain house maintains a special offers page on its website with all of its current deals.
5. Red Mountain Resort
Ivins, Utah
Opt for one of the promotional packages at Red Mountain Resort (such as the Essential Retreat Package) and you’ll get accommodations, three meals daily at the Canyon Breeze Restaurant, and use of resort facilities covered in one inclusive rate. Plus, you can easily upgrade to a villa—perfect for families—and complement your stay with a visit to Zion National Park, located just an hour from Red Mountain Resort.
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Situated on 55 acres, the resort boasts 82 rooms and 24 villas. Other amenities offered in the Essential Retreat price include fitness classes, daily guided morning hikes with a small group of guests, health classes, and access to the resort’s indoor and outdoor pools. Red Mountain Resort’s “off-the-beaten-path” adventures and experiences add opportunities to hike and bike right on site or go further afield for adventures beyond the resort.
6. Woodloch Resort
Hawley, Pennsylvania
With outdoor activities year-round, Pennsylvania’s Poconos Mountains region is already an ideal place for a family vacation. Add in one of the best all-inclusive family resorts in the U.S.A. as well and you’ve got a family vacation destination that’s extra special. Families return again and again to Woodloch Resort (also called Woodloch Pines), a lakeside getaway that offers a ton of activities in its daily rate, along with meals and lodging. You can bond while competing on bumper boats, at the speedway, or in organized games.
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With adjoining room options, suites, and even on-property multi-bedroom homes, it’s easy to find accommodations to suit your party size. Be sure to check out Woodloch’s seasonal packages and discounts too. And if you’re traveling without kids, consider a stay at the neighboring The Lodge at Woodloch, one of the most romantic hotels in Pennsylvania. More upscale than its family-friendly sister property (with prices to match), the lodge is beloved for its spa treatments, heavenly soaking pools, and outdoor hot tub.
7. Rocking Horse Ranch Resort
Highland, New York
The all-inclusive Rocking Horse Ranch Resort dude ranch in the Hudson River Valley (just 30 minutes by car from another resort on this list, Mohonk Mountain House) offers a full roster of varied activities all year round, from ice skating and snow tubing at the Winter Fun Park in the winter vacation season to banana boat rides, hiking trails, and super bungee jumping in the summer. There’s also an indoor water park called Big Splash (open all year) and outdoor pools with waterslides (open in the warmer months).
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Live music, comedy shows, and fireworks give you something to do as you wind down in the evenings. Even with all those other activities, horseback riding is at the center of all the action at Rocking Horse Ranch, with trail rides, barn tours, and horse parades front and center during your stay. The equine experiences can be tailored for beginner to advanced riders. Visit during a holiday weekend or week for themed events.
Meals, snacks, and activities are included in the regular resort rate. In addition to regular meals, there are also chef’s tasting and coffee/pastry stations available for snacking. With bunkbed rooms and suites, you can fit the whole family comfortably either in Rocking Horse Ranch Resort’s Main Lodge or Oklahoma Lodge.
8. Skytop Lodge
Skytop, Pennsylvania
Family-friendly Skytop Lodge‘s location on 5,500 sprawling acres in Pennsylvania’s Poconos Mountains myriad outdoor activities for families ranging from hiking, biking, and kayaking to zip lining, paintball, and archery tag (a game that combines dodgeball, paintball, and archery with foam-tipped arrows) at the action-packed Skytop Adventure Center. Skycap Lodge posts a weekly activities schedule so you can plan ahead before and during your stay for things like ping-pong competitions, lakeside strolls, ice skating lessons (seasonally), and even bartending classes.
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While Skytop Lodge isn’t a traditional all-inclusive resort, you can typically find inclusive packages that allow you to combine accommodations and some meals in one rate, including B&B and “modified American plan” options. With varied accommodations in the lodge, the inn, and free-standing cottages, Skytop has plenty of variety in both activities and accommodations, making it a great all-inclusive-like vacation option for all kinds of family travel.
9. Miraval Arizona Resort
Tucson, Arizona
If you’ve got little kids, Tucon’s Miraval Arizona Resort won’t be an option. But for families with college-age or adult kids aged 18 or older, it’s one of the best wellness-focused all-inclusive resorts in the U.S. In addition to a world-class spa, the resort ups the activities ante with creative offerings like aerial yoga, equine activities, archery, culinary experiences, and even beekeeping.
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Instead of going with the standard plan, choose the Miraval Unlimited Package, which is the resort’s most popular lodging option. It covers all meals, snacks, smoothies, and non-alcoholic beverages; unlimited wellness activities like fitness classes, yoga, and hiking; access to the resort’s Life in Balance Spa; free airport transfers; and five nights accommodations for the price of four. When you book the inclusive package, you also get a $175 nightly resort credit.
10. White Stallion Ranch
Tucson, Arizona
A more kid-friendly all-inclusive resort option right in the heart of Tucson is White Stallion Ranch, one of the best dude ranches in Arizona with activities for all ages and interests. And it’s not just a full-service dude ranch, either. Beyond horseback riding, rodeos, and a shooting range, White Stallion Ranch has a spa, pools, hot tubs, petting zoo, movie theater, rock climbing, archery, and even e-bikes. And bonus for parents with young ones: Kids five and under stay free.
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White Stallion’s all-inclusive rates cover meals, accommodations, and most activities. Be sure to look into the variety of special packages offered before you book as well. Horseback riding lessons serve different skill levels (ages five and up) and are offered several times per day. You can add private lessons for an extra fee. An activity concierge and a helpful phone app help keep everyone in the family busy and on schedule.
11. Blackberry Farm
Walland, Tennessee
Kid-friendly Blackberry Farm is the creme de la creme of all-inclusive resorts in the U.S. (especially for toddlers), so much so that past guests have included Carrie Underwood, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, and Neil Patrick Harris. Located in Great Smoky Mountain National Park, this over-the-top luxurious resort is known for its unique programming for kids, including kids’ clubs and youth discovery classes that focus on geocaching, stream ecology, acrylic painting, and textile arts.
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The whole family can come together to get in on the play with both daytime and evening activities (s’mores, anyone?) for the young and young at heart. While the kids go for a naturalist-led hike, adults have the opportunity to enjoy activities like wine and food tastings to artisan cooking demonstrations. Guests can stay in cottages and multi-bedroom houses, as well as traditional guest rooms and suites. With an on-site brewery and spa, there are endless options for relaxation and entertainment.
12. Grand Hotel
Mackinac Island, Michigan
Known as “America’s Summer Place” and in continuous operation since 1887, the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island has been a popular Midwest vacation destination for generations of families. The historic hotel easily transports you to yesteryear from the moment you arrive by ferry (the only way to get there) with activities including lawn games (think croquet and bocce) and afternoon tea. Your family can enjoy the view from the world’s largest porch or dance to the beat of the hotel’s very own Grand Hotel Orchestra.
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The Grand Hotel is nearly all-inclusive, too, as most specials and packages include breakfast and dinner, as well as accommodations (no two guest rooms are alike) and all resort amenities (including complimentary kids’ programming, a golf course, swimming pool, tennis courts, lawn games, and carriage tours). Lower rates and themed weekends may be an added incentive to head to the Grand Hotel early in the season.
13. The Ranch at Rock Creek
Philipsburg, Montana
Escape to Montana for a luxury all-inclusive resort experience at The Ranch at Rock Creek. This high-end dude ranch and family-friendly glamping resort offers luxury cabins and homes (ideal for a little extra privacy) as well as lodge rooms and a historic barn. Unique activities covered in the rates include sapphire mining, learning frontier skills, and taking a photography class.
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Off-ranch excursions such as ATV tours and float trips are available for an additional fee. A four-season all-inclusive resort, the property has things to do on-site year round, including horseback riding in the summer, master naturalist classes in the fall, cross-country skiing in the winter, and a ropes course in the spring.
14. Canyon Ranch Lenox
Lenox, Massachusetts
Teenagers 14 and older are welcome at Canyon Ranch Lenox, a wellness retreat in the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts. With daily activities (think snowshoeing in the winter and canoeing in the summer), indoor and outdoor pools, fitness center, a high ropes course, and even airport transfers included in the price, it’s a nearly all-inclusive option for a family vacation with teenagers. Canyon Ranch is known for its outstanding spa experiences, so be sure to book a treatment for added pampering during your stay.
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You should also take advantage of the retreat’s unique wellness features, for instance aerial yoga classes and shiatsu massages. Canyon Ranch’s kitchen inspires even the most picky eaters, and the all-inclusive nature of your resort stay will encourage your teens to try something new (and healthy). Bonus: The resort’s cooking classes just might inspire your next weekly meal plan. The glorious Berkshire mountains and a bevy of fun college towns like Northampton and Amherst are nearby if you want to go off-property and explore.
15. Tyler Place Family Resort
Swanton, Vermont
For a lakefront resort where you can enjoy a classic summer vacation with the kids, head to Tyler Family Place Resort on the shores of Lake Champlain in Vermont, open yearly from late-May through early-September. The resort’s all-inclusive rates cover nightly accommodations (think cozy cottages or family suites with a separate bedroom for parents), most activities (land and water sports), and three meals per day (plus snacks).
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One of the resort’s unique perks is separate dining for parents and kids at dinner. Children are encouraged to bond with other kids while parents enjoy some much-needed peace and quiet. But it’s not only the dining options that set Tyler Place apart. The all-inclusive resort also has nine different kids programs for children as young as infants all the way to teenagers. Parents and adult family members will appreciate the adult spaces and evening activities, such as live music, dancing, and cocktail hour.
Of course, for families looking to stay together, there are family-centered activities throughout the day and evening.
16. Aulani, A Disney Resort and Spa
Oahu, Hawaii
You may not find any all-inclusive resorts in Hawaii in the traditional sense of the term, but you can get pretty close with a stay at Aulani, A Disney Resort and Spa, a favorite among Disney Vacation Club members. Located on the island of Oahu, Aulani’s nightly rates cover more than 30 resort activities and offerings, including access to a private beach, kids’ clubs, live entertainment, and a daily schedule of kid-friendly events. There’s no resort fee, either, so what you see is what you get when it comes to the activities included in the base price.
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One thing the inclusive rate does not cover is food, so that’s an added expense but also an opportunity, because Aulani has a lot of restaurants ranging from grab-and-go eateries to elaborate multi-course dining rooms. Your stay will likely include a mix of them, and we’ve created a helpful guide to the restaurants at Aulani so you can sort through all of the options.
Disney worked closely with local artisans, chefs, and historians to respect the land on which this resort was built and showcase the magic that is not just Disney but also Hawaiian culture. With local food options and art from indigenous craftspeople, you can get a real taste of Hawaii while at Aulani.
17. Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Puerto Rico Golf and Beach Resort
Rio Grande, Puerto Rico
There are only a few Puerto Rico all-inclusive or semi all-inclusive resorts, but they all pack in the family-friendly fun. The Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Puerto Rico Golf and Beach Resort is a family favorite all-inclusive resort that has three gorgeous lagoon pools and a massive sundeck from which to enjoy the two-mile stretch beach just outside your door. The hotel occasionally offers a meal plan package for guests staying three or more nights, and it consistently offers a daily breakfast package that includes your morning meal served a la carte at this Wyndham resort’s Marbella Restaurant.
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For children, there’s a kids-only pool and waterslide, dive-in movies, a playground, and a nature preserve right on site with a walking trail. When you check in you’ll get a rundown of the scheduled activities for kids during your stay, and these could include anything from salsa dancing and aqua aerobics to hair braiding and arts and crafts. There are also 10 restaurants on site, all of them kid-friendly. And for parents, the spa and golf course are both right at your fingertips.
18. Vista Verde Guest Ranch
Clark, Colorado
Colorado’s Vista Verde Guest Ranch is ideal for families looking for an active all-inclusive vacation in the mountains. Open in winter and summer (avoiding the spring “mud season”), Vista Verde offers family time as well as scheduled weeks for bookings without kids. Vista Verde caters to the audience in attendance, and once you’re on site you can kick back and let the resort take over on the planning, including kids programs organized by age.
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With lodge rooms and private cabins, you’ll have a choice of accommodation types, though no matter where you lay your head you can expect to be treated to delicious snacks and meals throughout the day. And you’ll need that sustenance for the wide range of seasonal activities, including ice or fly fishing and fat tire or mountain biking. This is a great all-inclusive resort option for families with kids ages six and up; children under six may not be a good fit, but you can contact the dude ranch directly if you want to discuss bringing a younger child.
19. Fair Hills Resort
Detroit Lakes, Minnesota
A low-frills, high-fun family resort open seasonally every May through September, Fair Hills Resort is as close to a sleepaway camp for the entire family as you’re likely to find at any of the all-inclusive resorts in the U.S. With activities, games, and meals centered around play and together time, Fair Hills is all about family. And “all-inclusive” truly is the name of the game at Fair Hills, with golf, tennis, sailing, and even waterskiing lessons included in your rate.
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Most accommodations are cabins with one to four bedrooms, and these are assigned based on your family’s size. There are several cabins with fully stocked kitchens (you bring the food), however you must still use the resort’s One Meal Plan when taking this option during peak season. Whether you decide to go to Fair Hills or not, be sure to take down Grandma’s Brown Bread recipe!
20. Alisal Guest Ranch and Resort
Solvang, California
Spread across 10,500 acres in Santa Barbara Wine Country, the nearly all-inclusive Alisal Guest Ranch and Resort puts a modern spin on the classic Old West-style vacation. Accommodations are done up in cowboy-chic decor, and the nightly rate includes two daily ranch-style meals (plus beverages) and an array of complimentary activities. Families will love the fact that kids six and under stay for free.
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The resort’s built-in activities include courtesy bikes, arts and crafts sessions, non-motorized recreational watercraft and fishing equipment, lawn games, a petting zoo, and a year-round pool and hot tub. Additional activities like horseback riding, golf, and guided excursions can be added on to your stay à la carte, or you can opt for special packages that incorporate some of your extra must-dos.
21. C Lazy U Ranch
Granby, Colorado
Easy to reach from Denver, C Lazy U Ranch is another all-inclusive dude ranch in the U.S., and it’s been welcoming guests for more than 100 years. Horseback riding is a focus here, with regular trail rides on the schedule and the opportunity for extra riding instruction sessions. When you’re not saddling up, you can fly-fish, hike, swim, mountain bike, or take on the ropes course during the warmer months of the year. Cold weather means sleigh rides, snowshoeing, sledding and snow tubing, ice skating, and cross-country skiing.
This popular dude ranch offers stellar programming for kids and teens, with counselor-supervised activities like archery, swimming, and games, plus off-site trips for teenagers like overnight camping and whitewater rafting. Families eat breakfast and dinner together, then the kids and teens head off with their peers while the adults get to choose their own daily adventures. You stay in luxe cabins, most of which have stone fireplaces and hand-crafted wood furniture made at an on-site lumber mill.
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Additional reporting by Amanda Norcross, Josh Roberts, Nina Cohen, and Beth Luberecki.
