For a memorable family vacation, just any hotel or resort won’t do. It takes more than a basic pool and purely functional dining options for a trip that stands out from others. From super cool pool areas to kids clubs providing experiences beyond the norm, the amenities and activities at these must-visit hotels and resorts make for a getaway the whole family will be talking about long after the trip is over.
Why you can trust these picks: Read FamilyVacationist’s methodology for selecting and recommending vacation destinations and hotels.
The best U.S. family resorts and hotels in the Northeast
Mountains. Beaches. Picturesque lakes. You can have your pick of scenic settings in the Northeast U.S. These are our top hotel and resort choices for a family getaway filled with fun activities and memorable views.
1. Inn by the Sea
Cape Elizabeth, Maine
Set on a stretch of sandy beach and just seven miles from Portland, pet-friendly Inn by the Sea helps families slow down and relax with activities like yoga, beach ecology walks, stargazing, and s’mores. A private boardwalk leads to the beach, and the on-site restaurant serves dishes made with locally caught seafood and ingredients from nearby farms.
There’s also a heated pool, bikes to borrow, and a full-service spa offering coastal-inspired treatments like the Sea Waves Massage. One- and two-bedroom suites done up in modern cottage style are ideal for families and include features like balconies and gas fireplaces.
2. Topnotch Resort
Stowe, Vermont
Just minutes from Stowe Mountain, Topnotch Resort offers year-round fun for the whole family. Snowy pursuits might be the focus during a wintertime stay, but at other times of the year you can enjoy indoor and outdoor pools, tennis and pickleball courts, hiking and biking trails, horseback riding through the on-site Equestrian Center, and a spa offering kid-friendly treatments.
There are seasonal organized activities for kids and teens, lawn games, and outdoor firepits for family s’mores nights. In addition to standard hotel guest rooms, the resort also has one- to three-bedroom resort homes with full kitchens, fireplaces, and washers and dryers, with all the necessary gear for babies and kids readily available.
3. Omni Mount Washington Resort & Spa
Bretton Woods, New Hampshire
No matter the season, it’s never a bad time to whisk the family away to Omni Mount Washington Resort & Spa in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Wintertime means activities like sleigh rides and cross-country and downhill skiing, while hiking, biking, horseback riding, and scenic gondola rides can be enjoyed during other seasons.
The historic resort (three U.S. presidents have stayed there) offers amenities like indoor and outdoor heated pools, 27 holes of golf, a spa, multiple dining options, and supervised kids programs. And it sits within easy driving distance of a slew of family-friendly attractions, like Story Land and the Mount Washington Cog Railway.
4. Weekapaug Inn
Westerly, Rhode Island
Not far from the Atlantic Ocean on the southwestern shores of Rhode Island, Weekapaug Inn gives families a luxurious way to enjoy the outdoors. Complimentary daily activities at the Relais & Chateaux property range from naturalist-led beach walks and birdwatching sessions to s’mores around the firepit.
Kids can head to the Boathouse, where staff lead supervised activities, games, and crafts, and the whole family can gather for pool and beach time, bike rides, kayaking, lawn games, and boat tours of the nearby salt pond. The family pooch also gets pampered here, with welcome treats, a designer dog bed in your guest room, and the option to join the family on a private walk with the on-site naturalist.
5. The Sagamore Resort
Bolton Landing, New York
Set on a private island on Lake George and dating from 1883, The Sagamore Resort makes for a modern family getaway brimming with historic charm. Families will find multiple dining venues as well as fun amenities like The Rec, a sprawling indoor entertainment zone with a nine-hole mini golf course, climbing wall, basketball courts, and table and video games.
The all-seasons lakefront resort is home to indoor and outdoor pools, tennis and pickleball courts, a dock where families can go fishing, and a spa featuring the new Salt & Sound Lounge. Rides aboard The Morgan, the resort’s replica 19th-century touring vessel, are included in the resort fee and provide stellar views of the lake and the Adirondacks.
The best U.S. family resorts and hotels in the South
Whether your family’s into golf, nature, or history, there’s a resort or hotel in the U.S. South where you’ll feel right at home. These are our favorite options for a memorable family vacation where it’s easy to get outside and play.
6. Kingsmill Resort
Williamsburg, Virginia
Set on 2,900 acres on the banks of the James River, Kingsmill Resort lures golfers of all ages with its three 18-hole courses and golf academy with junior golfer classes. But it’s a great place for a family getaway even if you don’t play golf, thanks to amenities like three pools, a lazy river, bike rentals, and a marina where you can rent kayaks, paddleboards, and other watercraft.
Plus, it’s got a great location for visiting Colonial Williamsburg, Busch Gardens Williamsburg, Yorktown, and Jamestown. Accommodations include guest rooms, one- to three-bedroom condos with full kitchens, and cottage rentals, making it a good option for multigenerational family vacations.
7. The Sanderling Resort
Duck, North Carolina
Nothing beats a family beach vacation in North Carolina’s Outer Banks, and staying at The Sanderling Resort makes it even better, especially because the resort is unveiling a total transformation in spring 2025. That means changes like a new coastal aesthetic in the 123 fully renovated guest rooms and suites and new treatments and refreshed facilities at the on-site spa.
Amenities include two pools, a fitness center, and, of course, the beach, and families can also reserve watersports rentals, tours, bike rentals, and surf lessons right at the resort. For multigenerational groups, The Residences at The Sanderling Resort can accommodate up to 16 people and provide access to all the amenities at the resort.
8. Kiawah Island Golf Resort
Kiawah Island, South Carolina
Located on a barrier island about 20 miles from Charleston, Kiawah Island Golf Resort lets you vacation your way. Families can start by choosing a room at luxury oceanfront hotel The Sanctuary or one of the resort’s villas and private homes. Then it’s on to deciding how you want to spend your time during your stay.
Sporty types will appreciate the five championship golf courses and tennis courts, while outdoors lovers can head to the on-site nature center or canoe through marsh creeks. Make a splash at the beach or three pool complexes, take advantage of seasonal kids’ programming, or rent bikes for pedaling around the island, then refuel at one of the many dining options at the resort.
9. Sea Island
Sea Island, Georgia
Five miles of private beach. Three pools and a waterslide. Activities galore. It’s easy to see why the historic Sea Island resort has been drawing vacationers for almost a century. Situated along the Atlantic Ocean in Georgia’s Golden Isles, Sea Island offers a range of lodging options (including rooms and suites in Spanish-colonial hotel The Cloister and three- to eight-bedroom cottages and homes) and memorable experiences for the whole family, like fishing and crabbing outings for kids, movies and tennis lessons for teens, golf courses and a spa for the grownups, and cooking classes and nature hikes for fun family time. Go horseback riding on the beach, shell by golf cart, or see if you’re brave enough to let a hawk land on your arm.
10. The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island
Amelia Island, Florida
An oceanfront pool, quiet stretch of beach, tennis and pickleball courts, family-friendly game room, and other activities provide lots of ways to fill your days at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island. The Ritz Kids program makes the most of the luxury resort’s scenic North Florida beachfront setting, with daily activities like shark tooth hunts, arts and crafts, and educational experiences led by the resort’s naturalist.
The whole family can also get out on the water with the resident naturalist for a new dolphin tour. When it’s time to turn in, the kids can get a “Pirate Tuck In” that includes milk and cookies, a bedtime story, and a keepsake treasure chest all delivered by a friendly “pirate.”
The best U.S. family resorts and hotels in the Midwest
Lakes are popular getaway spots in the Midwest, so it’s no surprise our list of the best U.S. family resorts and hotels in the Midwest contains several options with lakes at the center of the action. But big city escapes can also be found with just as much appeal.
11. Grand Hotel
Mackinac Island, Michigan
Known as “America’s Summer Place,” Grand Hotel definitely lives up to its name. It’s home, after all, to the world’s longest front porch, offering sweeping views of the Straits of Mackinac. No two of the historic hotel’s 388 guest rooms and suites are alike, adding to the one-of-a-kind experience of staying here. The seasonal hotel’s open from early May through October, and the 2025 season will include the unveiling of extensive renovations to the property’s main floor guest spaces.
Family activities include biking, lawn games, horseback rides, and carriage tours, and the Esther Williams Swimming Pool has a zero-depth beach entry and waterslide for the kids. You can book a package that includes a meal plan, and the summertime Camp Grand Package offers lots of perks for families.
12. Madden’s on Gull Lake
Brainerd, Minnesota
Family-owned and -operated for more than 90 years, Madden’s on Gull Lake offers a classic lakeside family getaway. Open seasonally from late April through late October, the resort sits on a peninsula and boasts more than two miles of lakeshore, with most guest rooms enjoying sunrise or sunset views.
You’ll find amenities and activities galore here, including four golf courses, an on-site spa, the resort’s Wake Surf & Water Ski School, and the Tennis & Croquet Club recreation center with pickleball and tennis courts, croquet and lawn bowling lawns, shuffleboard, and more. Go for a swim in the resort’s four pools (including a new saltwater outdoor pool) or the lake, where an inflatable water park provides hours of fun from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
13. Big Cedar Lodge
Ridgedale, Missouri
Created by Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris, Big Cedar Lodge helps families connect while enjoying the great outdoors. The resort encompasses 4,600 acres on the shores of Table Rock Lake, and there are lots of ways to play outside. See what you can reel in at the kids’ fishing pond, explore the lake by paddleboat or canoe, or cool down at the multiple swimming pools and lazy river.
When night falls, gather the family for a movie on the lawn or some together time around a bonfire. Big Cedar Lodge is about a 10-minute drive to the popular Missouri vacation destination of Branson, so it’s easy to stay at the resort and also visit attractions like the super-fun Silver Dollar City theme park (where cave lovers should also check out the incredible Marvel Cave).
14. The Osthoff Resort
Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin
Family fun is easy to find at The Osthoff Resort. During the summer, Elkhart Lake’s the place to be for kayaking, paddleboarding, canoeing, and swimming, and the resort’s kids club offers activities like fishing and tie-dying (plus the ability for parents to visit the spa or just take a breather).
At other times of the year, families can hike and bike the trails surrounding the resort, splash around the indoor pool, or take a pasta- or pizza-making class at The Osthoff Resort Cooking School. And the holidays bring the resort’s Old World Christmas Market and other special events. Two- and three-bedroom suites with private balconies are great options for families, especially because they also have two bathrooms.
15. The Langham, Chicago
Chicago, Illinois
Stay in the middle of all the action in the Windy City at The Langham, Chicago, which sits on the Chicago River and offers easy access to sites like Millennium Park and the Magnificent Mile. It’s a great option for families with older kids, who can take advantage of offerings like the weekend afternoon teas at The Langham Chicago’s Pavilion and the hotel’s Resort in the City program, which connects guests with experiences like a behind-the-scenes tour of The Art Institute of Chicago. Plan a family movie night in the hotel’s Cinema Suite, which features a 111-inch screen and comfy seating for up to 12 people, or take a dip in the elegant indoor pool.
The best U.S. family resorts and hotels in the Southwest and Mountain West
Desert landscapes and mountain vistas are big draws in the U.S. Southwest and Mountain West. Our list of the top family resorts and hotels in this region helps travelers enjoy these settings in all kinds of memorable ways.
16. Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa
San Antonio, Texas
Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa has all the ingredients for a great family vacation. For the kids, there’s a five-acre water park with four pools, a two-story waterslide, a FlowRider surf simulator, and a lazy river modeled after the nearby Guadalupe River. For the adults, there’s 27 holes of golf, an indoor/outdoor lobby bar, and a spa that will unveil its refreshed space in 2025.
And everyone will appreciate the renovated ranch-style guest rooms and suites, the regional cuisine served at on-site restaurant Antlers Lodge, and resort activities like campfires, movies under the stars, and wildlife information sessions with the resort’s resident wildlife expert.
17. Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Situated in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe has just 65 guest rooms. A recent multimillion-dollar revitalization gave the casitas some serious Southwest style, with color palettes inspired by the landscape and features like private patios and wood-burning fireplaces. The resort provides the perfect environment for enjoying family s’mores nights around the fire and for dips in the heated outdoor pool.
An on-site Adventure Center helps families explore the area on guided hikes, biking and jeep tours, and other excursions, and there’s a also a ski concierge service during the winter. And the kids get pampered here just as much as the adults, with robes, slippers, and toiletries just for them in the rooms.
18. Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
Scottsdale, Arizona
There’s a lot to love at Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, which has a whopping 750 guest rooms and five restaurants and bars. This escape in the Sonoran Desert will keep the whole family busy, with two 18-hole golf courses, luxe spa services, a basketball court, playground, kids’ club, and teen hangout space.
Everyone in the family can try their hand at pool, ping pong, and arcade games at the Recreation Center, then cool off at the Sonoran Splash Pool, with two 200-foot twisting waterslides and a zero-entry ideal for little ones. That’s just one of six pools here, which also include an adults-only pool with floating bean bags and Sunset Beach, the resort’s largest pool that’s surrounded by soft white sand.
19. YMCA of the Rockies
Estes Park, Colorado
A family vacation at YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park, Colorado, combines affordability with a truly spectacular setting, with 1,000 acres of rolling meadows, aspens, and spruce forests and Rocky Mountain views in every direction. Unplug and reconnect while taking part in activities like archery, disc golf, challenge courses, axe throwing, and a craft and design center, and a weekly activity guide will let you know what’s going on during your stay.
Rest up in a lodge room (some sleep up to six guests) or two- to five-bedroom private cabin, many of which have fireplaces. A second location in Winter Park called YMCA of the Rockies – Snow Mountain Ranch offers cabins, lodge rooms, yurts, and campsites in an equally picturesque location.
20. Under Canvas Zion
Virgin, Utah
Set on 196 acres bordering Zion National Park, Under Canvas Zion puts families close to all the outdoorsy action in the area. The fully solar-powered glamping resort offers seven different tent options (all with private bathrooms), including the spacious Angels Landing Suite with room for six and a private deck and firepit. And since all 13 Under Canvas properties are now part of the World of Hyatt program, you can earn points for your stay.
On-site activity coordinators help connect guests with guided hikes, horseback riding excursions, mountain biking tours, and other adventures, and activities at the resort include morning yoga, live music, nightly campfires with complimentary s’mores, and some spectacular stargazing. The on-site dining concept, Embers, serves up breakfast and coffee in the morning and dinner in the evening plus grab-and-go options for lunch or snacking.
The best U.S. family resorts and hotels in the West
Whether you want to enjoy the mountains or soak in the sun at the beach, there’s a family resort or hotel in the U.S. West where you can do just that. These are our favorite options for a family vacation you’ll always remember.
21. Suncadia Resort
Cle Elum, Washington
Part of the Destination by Hyatt brand, Suncadia Resort offers a family escape to the Cascade Mountains that’s just 80 miles east of Seattle. There’s lots to do throughout the year, including more than 40 miles of trails, fishing, water sports (the resort has direct access to the Cle Elum River), guided nature experiences, and resort events like outdoor movies and culinary classes. Two golf courses, indoor and outdoor pools, and a spa where guests can enjoy nature-inspired treatments add to the fun. You can stay in a traditional guest room, suite, condo, or vacation home, many of which have private balconies, fireplaces, and amazing views.
22. Sunriver Resort
Sunriver, Oregon
Not far from Bend, Oregon, the 3,300-acre Sunriver Resort offers an action-packed escape at any time of the year. You can even bring the family pup along, as there are pet-friendly accommodations available among the resort’s guest rooms, suites, vacation homes, and condominiums.
There are indoor and outdoor pools, four golf courses, a full-service spa, and activities that range from snowshoeing and ice skating in the winter to pickleball, biking, horseback riding, and paddleboarding when the weather’s warmer. Eleven on-site restaurants should keep everyone happy and well fed, and a nature center and observatory help guests take a closer look at what’s around them.
23. Carmel Valley Ranch
Carmel, California
Set in the foothills of the Santa Lucia Mountains on the Monterey Peninsula, Carmel Valley Ranch, part of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, makes for a dreamy family getaway. The kids will probably gravitate toward the River Ranch activity center, with its pool and splash zone, children’s activity center and playground, and basketball and tennis courts.
But you’ll want to make sure to leave time for a visit to The Market for demonstrations and tastings by the Ranch’s artisans-in-residence, new family-friendly offerings like teen pickleball mixers and kids’ spa treatments, and a round of golf on the only Pete Dye-designed, bentgrass golf course in Northern California. Newly refreshed studios to four-bedroom suites have private decks for enjoying the setting.
24. Hotel del Coronado
Coronado, California
The iconic Hotel del Coronado has been welcoming guests for more than 135 years, but it focuses on the future as much as the past. In fact, the resort is in the final stages of a more than $550-million restoration and renovation project that’s enhanced the guest experience at the legendary Southern California hotel.
Lodging options can be found in five distinct resort neighborhoods, with Beach Village and Shore House ranking as great choices for families. The beach is of course a big draw here, with activities like the Jamie O’Brien Surf Experience and private beach bonfires available for families. The Ocean Explorers kids program is also a big hit with younger guests.
25. Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa
Ko Olina, Hawaii
When you add Disney plus Hawaii, what’s not to love? You can go all in on magical vacation experiences at Aulani, with meet-and-greets and breakfasts with Disney characters and make-your-own Mickey ears craft sessions. But it’s also easy to enjoy the magic of the Hawaiian Islands here, with guided tours focused on Hawaiian art and nature, ukulele lessons, and a gorgeous stretch of white-sand beach.
The kids will want to spend hours in the pools, splash zones, lazy river, and private snorkeling lagoon, but you’ll also want to leave time for the luau, stories told around the firepit, sunrise yoga on the beach, and activities like surfing lessons.
