"No matter how adventurous we like to think we are, at some point, all parents reach the point when a family vacation becomes all about ease. No-brainer destinations take over as the most appealing destinations, especially when thereâs not much math involved. And what is typically easiest? All-inclusive resorts for families.
In years past, there may have been a slight stigma attached to all-inclusive resorts. But that is far from true these daysâsince they include some incredibly dynamic places that not only guarantee entertainment for your kids at no extra cost but offer world-class cuisine and a beautiful environment, too. Here are 14 of the most exciting all-inclusive resorts for families, no matter your destination.
The Best All-Inclusive Resorts for Families
Editorâs Note: When researching or booking international family travel, itâs important to be cognizant of the latest travel advisories issued by the U.S. Department of State. Click here to view all current travel advisories.
The Ranch at Rock Creek, Montana
For families who adore the great outdoors, this all-inclusive Montana dude ranch is pure heaven. Itâs a year-round playground for the most adventurous kids and adults, but don’t worry, thereâs plenty of luxury baked into the experience (like 5-star feasts and a pampering spa). The new Flintâs Forest Rangers kids club, for kids 4-12, includes an activity passport and guided age-appropriate exploits with themes such as Forest Day, Treasure Day, and Wildlife Day. Thereâs also horseback riding, ropes courses, snowshoeing, archery, fly fishing, and arts courses to fill every day with fun.
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, Mexico
Mixing lush jungle, mangroves, and powdered sugar beaches, this luxury Mexican resort is spacious in every sense, which makes for plenty of places for kids to run a bit wild both on land and in the postcard-perfect Caribbean Sea. There are eight restaurants (so meals never get boring) and three swimming pools. Plus, there is not only a kids club but a teensâ club and baby concierge, too.
Mohonk Mountain House, New York
For a mountainy retreat the whole family will love, thereâs magical Mohonk Mountain House, a Victorian castle-turned-resort on a private glacial lake in the Hudson Valley. It sounds like a fairytale, and parents might just feel it is considering they can drop off children 5-12 at the Kids Club where theyâll go on boat rides, scavenger hunts, try rock scrambling, and participate in sports tournaments. Thereâs even the Junior Naturalist Program (for ages 5-13) that includes fossil hunts, plant identification walks, and arts projects. For adults, thereâs farm-to-table cuisine, an award-winning spa, and more active pursuits such as standup paddleboarding and fishing.
Alisal Ranch, California
With more than 10,000 acres of rolling hills, 50 miles of horseback riding trails, and 73 luxurious Western-themed guest cottages and suites, this full-service guest ranch caters beautifully to children and multi-generational groups. Many return to the same accommodation year after year on the same dates.
Parents can be playing tennis or cyclingâor relaxing at the spaâwhile the grandparents golf or go fishing with the kiddos. Santa Maria-inspired barbecue that is signature to the Santa Ynez Valley is the perfect food for everyone to come together over. Don’t forget to pair it with incredible local wine.
Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya All-Inclusive Resort, Mexico
New and gorgeous, this recently opened all-inclusive highlights very Tulum-type offerings including sustainability workshops, sound healing, Mayan calendar readings, and full moon celebrations. But the resort also boasts nine pools, 13 restaurants and bars, and, any day now, a Family Zone with water park playground. There are daily activities and water sports in a crystalline bay plus a kids-only pool where little ones have ultimate freedom.
Beaches Turks & Caicos, Turks & Caicos
For those who have kids who are obsessed with getting wet and wild, this all-inclusive resort with five different villages has its own 45,000-square-foot water park. Add to that 10 more swimming poolsânot to mention a totally dreamy Caribbean beach that clocks in at a whopping 12 milesâand you have a recipe for the perfect tropical vacation. When not playing in the aquamarine sea, thereâs an Xbox Play Lounge, teen disco, and almost two dozen restaurants featuring gourmet fare from around the world.
Inkaterra Hacienda Concepcion, Peru
For an epic off-the-grid immersion in nature, head to Peru with the family to a former cacao and rubber plantation next to the Amazon River where you can make your own chocolate, canoe on a mirror lake, and take riverboat rides and night walks in the rainforest. Bilingual naturalist guides lead all the programmed excursions, which also involve a canopy walkway 100 feet above the ground for optimal wildlife viewing. Local Peruvian food with native ingredients is part of the deal, too.
Corendon Mangrove Beach Resort, Curaçao
Imagine dependable 84-degree weather every day of your island vacation, surrounded by the clearest blue Caribbean water. Thatâs what the island of Curaçao promises, plus fun like ATV tours and snorkeling. This all-inclusive resort has plenty of waterâincluding a lazy river and two silent pools for quiet kid-free time. It also has a six-slide Aqua Park that includes the ultimate waterslide excitement: the King Cobra.
Club Med Sandpiper Bay, Florida
You donât actually have to leave the country to find beachy all-inclusive resorts for families. This little paradise between Miami and Orlando fits the bill. Itâs perfect for active familiesâthanks in part to the Sports Academy with highly ranked coaches in tennis, volleyball, soccer, and more. While the Kids Clubs are open to ages 4-17 (and thereâs a Baby Club Med), thereâs an all-day unlimited premium open bar for parents, plus a dedicated adult infinity pool, activities such as sailing and golf, and, of course, a spa.
Tanque Verde Ranch, Arizona
Though it has Ă la carte rooms, the most popular way for families to experience this old-time Arizona cattle ranch is on the all-inclusive getaway package, which includes supervised childrenâs programming for ages 4-11, horseback trail rides and lessons, arts and crafts, mountain biking, hiking, sports, and nature programs. There are cowboy cookouts, in addition to the delicious standard fare of a guest ranch, and also activities and entertainment in the evenings after vibrant desert sunsets.
Nickelodeon – Riviera Maya, Mexico
For families who love a themed hotel experience, consider Nickelodeon all-inclusive resort in gorgeous Riviera Maya. Itâs no surprise that a Nickelodeon resort would be all about kids, but the resort does a good job of making sure adults are taken care of too with spa experiences and premium dining options. Of course, the kids will also love the Good Burger replica restaurant, a Ninja Turtles-themed pizza restaurant, and meals with SpongeBob and other characters.
The kidsâ club at the resort is epic with a variety of activities and a multi-story indoor slide. They also have kid-friendly activities planned every night, including a Slime Night. Some resorts have very little to do at night thatâs family-friendly and Nickelodeon stands out for ensuring that kids are never bored from dawn âtill dusk.
The water park at Nickelodeon is an enormous six acres, with features for all ages; from a Paw Patrol-themed splash pad to huge water slides teenagers will love. Every room at the resort has a private pool, so being able to roll out of bed and take a dip is something sure to be memorable.
Angama Mara, Kenya
It doesnât get more once-in-a-lifetime than a safari for Planet Earth-loving families, and Kenya is an incredible place to pair kids of all ages with awe-inspiring wildlife experiences. Angama Mara, which overlooks the famous Maasai Mara National Reserve, recently opened a stunningly remote sole-use tented camp for up to eight guests (perfect for a big family adventure!) where experiences are completely tailored to your groupâs timing and preferences. Imagine searching for cheetah, prides of lion, mega elephant herds, and more than you could ever imagine in the Great Rift Valley.
Hacienda AltaGracia, Costa Rica
For families looking for a wellness vibe, with opportunities for kids to connect with nature, Hacienda AltaGracia, part of Auberge Resorts, is an appealing place to stay and is located in one of the worldâs few âBlue Zones.â The resort has a kidsâ club that takes advantage of everything Costa Rica has to offer. Kids who participate in the resortâs Junior Adventurersâ program go on forest hikes, make crafts inspired by local artisans, learn how to cook regional dishes, and play at the resortâs extensive rope course. While the kids are exploring, parents can relax with any of the variety of wellness experiences that embrace the locale.
The resort is also full of activities families can do together, including an on-site coffee plantation, horseback riding, a butterfly farm, and night hikes. Two-bedroom casitas are the propertyâs most spacious accommodations, providing an ideal escape for families to gather and enjoy the rich nature of Costa Rica.
Andaz Mayakoba Resort â a Concept by Hyatt, Mexico
Families with children have always loved the extensive lineup of activities like treasure hunts, eco-cruises around the lagoon, and piñata making at the Andaz Mayakoba Resortâa Concept by Hyatt. And the newest addition to the Kimbo Kids’ Club lineup is geared toward an even younger crowd. Designed for guests 3-months to 4-years-old, Kimbo Baby provides a dedicated space with age-appropriate toys and Mexican tassel-adorned cribs for safe fun and snoozing under the supervision of trained childcare professionals who can also administer bottles and change diapers. In other words, itâs like a really awesome vacation daycare.
Families can decide whether to take advantage of the all-inclusive package, which includes all meals and an open bar with premium beverages at the restaurants for adults. Spa credits are also given for the length of your stayâperhaps for the parents to relax while the kids enjoy the Kimbo Kids’ Club.
