The Best Kid-Friendly Hotels & Resorts in the U.S. (That Are Fun for Parents, Too)
We independently selected these deals and products because we love them, and we think you might like them at these prices. E! has affiliate relationships, so we may get a commission if you purchase something through our links. Items are sold by the retailer, not E!. Prices are accurate as of publish time.
Before I had kids, there were certain amenities I would look for when searching for hotels – fitness centers, spas, massages. But now that I have kids, my travel priorities have changed, and I find myself searching more for kids' clubs, game rooms, outdoor play areas, and more. However, there's no reason that all of these amenities have to be mutually exclusive. In fact, you can find resorts and hotels with all of these features, which means everybody's happy and the family vacation becomes a happy memory for years to come. To help you sort through the hundreds of destinations throughout the United States, I've curated a list of the best resorts and hotels that are kid-friendly, and fun for parents, too.
So, what do you look for? Well, a lot of the perks you'll want depend on your kids. Older kids can enjoy a kids club, while younger kids might benefit from babysitting services (and blackout curtains for a successful night's sleep). You'll also want to keep an eye out for outdoor play equipment, family rooms to accommodate everyone, children activities, and, of course, pool and beach access. Some hotels even allow kids to stay free. Just note, all prices below are dependent on the amount of people in your family and your dates of stay.
From luxury resorts to mountain lodges, here are the best kid-friendly (and parent-friendly) hotels in the U.S. to make everyone content on your next vacation. Happy traveling.
If your family loves the outdoors, then Vail, Colorado is the perfect destination. There's skiing, hiking, and even a pool. Located in the heart of Vail Village with views of Gore Creek, you might feel like you're staying at a European resort. Plus, the hotel has been family-owned for 5 generations and is one of the first-ever MICHELIN Key Hotel recipients in America. Oh, did I mention there's also babysitting so you can sneak off to the spa?
The kids will love…pool, kids club, skiing, hiking
The parents will love…fitness center, spa, babysitting, poolside bar
Extra Amenities: blackout curtains, free parking, breakfast available, business center, family rooms
Located on a quiet Georgia barrier island, this beachview club brings you the finest in southern charm. The kids will love the pool and beach, you'll love the fishing and happy hour. There's also fire pits and scenic views, and fun for the whole family.
The kids will love…pool, beach
The parents will love…fishing, happy hour
Extra Amenities: picnic area, blackout curtains
Your trip will be a breath of fresh air when you stay at the Woodlands Resort. Enjoy kayaks as a family, the network of walking and bike paths, the lazy river, and let the kids go nuts in the waterpark and water slides. Parents have tennis, golfing, and massages. Just remember to take lots of pictures.
The kids will love…pool, boating, kids meals, waterslide, hiking, waterpark, kids pool
The parents will love…golf, tennis, massage
Extra Amenities: blackout curtains, picnic area, airport transportation, family rooms
If you're heading to Hawaii and want to be at the center of it all, then you have to check out the Halekulani Hotel. Right on Waikiki Beach, the views are stunning, and you have pool and beach access, along with babysitting services for some time off. You'll be steeped in luxury and it's worth the splurge.
The kids will love…pool, beach
The parents will love…fitness classes, bar, babysitting, spa, massage, salon
Extra Amenities: blackout curtains, private beach, airport transportation
Complete with a cozy lodge vibe and home-made cookies, the Ocean Lodge is located on prime beachfront property in Cannon Beach, Oregon. There's wine receptions for the parents and activities for kids, including pool and beach access, of course. Everyone can stock up on the free breakfast and head out for a hike, or enjoy some of the nearby state parks. Win win.
The kids will love…pool, beach, hiking, children activities, books/dvds/music for kids
The parents will love…picnic area
Extra Amenities: free breakfast, family rooms
With a 600-foot stretch of shoreline in a prime location, this South Beach hotel in Miami is the place to be. There's a kids club, kid meals, a pool, and parents can kick back with a massage, sauna, or steam room -- there are also babysitting services.
The kids will love…pool, kids meals, bicycles available, kids club
The parents will love…sauna, fitness classes, babysitting, salon, massage, steam room, nightclub
Extra Amenities: private beach, family rooms
This California resort can be found nestled above the Pacific on a high coastal bluff. Kids will love the pool, beach, kids club, and adults will love the babysitting services -- and the massage, salon, and fitness center, of course. The views are spectacular, the service is warm and attentive, and your family will feel well taken care of during their stay.
The kids will love…pool, beach, kids meals, snorkeling, kids club
The parents will love…fitness center, babysitting, massage, salon, trainer, poolside bar
Extra Amenities: family rooms
You'll find the Lago Mar Beach Resort and Club in a secluded location with a 500-foot private beach in the exclusive Harbor Beach neighborhood of Fort Lauderdale. There's a pool, mini golf, and tons of children activities to keep kids busy (and happy). Plus, parents can keep busy with the salon and massages. Best of all, kids stay free.
The kids will love…pool, mini golf, kids meals, table tennis, children activities, outdoor play equipment, private beach
The parents will love…tennis, fishing, massage, salon, fitness center
Extra Amenities: family rooms, kids stay free, blackout curtains
One block away from the waterfront, this Santa Barbara inn has easy access to beaches and downtown, and a warm, friendly staff. There's free parking and free breakfast, plus cookies. Reviewers raved about hitting the beach with their kids and then relaxing in the heated pool afterwards.
The kids will love…pool
The parents will love…free breakfast
Extra Amenities: family rooms, kids stay free
Surrounded by the Smoky Mountains and with close proximity to Dollywood, this resort includes activities for the whole family, combined with a luxury spa and prime dining. The whole experience is designed for the family in mind, from the game room and kids club to the outdoor play equipment and family rooms.
The kids will love…pool, kids club, outdoor play equipment, game room, children activities
The parents will love…massage, spa, sauna, fitness center
Extra Amenities: family rooms
Your kids may not want to leave the Magic Moment Resort and Kids Club. There's tons of kids to enjoy, from the game room, pool, and kids club, to the outdoor and indoor play areas. It's entirely family focused and will give your crew so many lasting memories.
The kids will love…pool, indoor play area, game room, kids club, outdoor play equipment, children activities
The parents will love…fitness center, free breakfast
Extra Amenities: family rooms, kids stay free
Traveling in a car with kids isn't always easy. Here's a list of essentials that can make it a stress-free trip.
