A Florida beach vacation where all the planning is done for you is pretty much a dream come true
Getting away with the family can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. One of the easiest ways to take the stress out of traveling with kids is to leave the planning up to the experts by booking an all-inclusive vacation. That’s where these family-friendly resorts in Florida come in.
With the closing of Club Med Sandpiper Bay, you might be looking for a new beach resort in Florida that offers a kids club, meals on-site, spa treatments, and activities for when you’re done relaxing. These Florida resorts offer all-inclusive packages to help families decompress, have fun, and spend time together in the Florida sun.
Disney Animal Kingdom Lodge | Lake Buena Vista
Imagine waking up to the sounds and views of the grassy savanna without traveling to Africa. It’s possible when staying at the Disney Animal Kingdom Lodge. With a horseshoe design, the lodge gives guests a view of four areas home to more than 200 animals. Rooms include complimentary wi-fi, transportation to Disney parks and attractions, movies under the stars, and nightly campfires. There are also room packages with Disney theme park tickets included.
What’s cool for kids: In addition to getting close to the animals, kids will also enjoy the two African-inspired pools with waterslides, the water playground Uwanja Camp with zones divided by age, the games arcade, and the Hakuna Matata playground overlooking the area where flamingos live. Don’t forget to ask for the field guide that helps identify the species that live on the savanna and teaches children more about African ecosystems.
LEGOLAND Florida Resort | Lakeland
Fans of the plastic interlocking bricks will love spending the day at LEGOLAND Florida Resort Theme Park Water Park and then sleeping on-site. With the choice to stay at the Pirate Island Hotel, LEGOLAND Hotel, or the Beach Retreat, there’s something for everyone. All hotels at LEGOLAND Florida have separate kid’s sleeping areas in every room, complimentary full breakfast, free self-parking or transportation to the theme park, and a welcome gift for the kids. Purchase the all-inclusive package and receive multi-park tickets for each day of your stay. The package also includes complimentary valet parking, a photo package, all meals at the hotel and park restaurants, and free beverage refills at the parks and hotels during your visit.
What’s cool for kids: In addition to the central theme park, LEGOLAND also allows families to cool down in its water park. With 14 slides, a lazy river, a wave pool, and interactive play areas, there’s water fun for kids of all ages and sizes. Younger visitors will enjoy exploring the Peppa Pig theme park next door to LEGOLAND. The first park of its kind in the world, it offers rides, shows, and games featuring Peppa and her friends and family. There are also seasonal events at LEGOLAND, such as Brick-or-Treat, that take place throughout the year to help kids get in the holiday spirit.
Related: LEGOLAND Florida Now Offers All-Inclusive Vacations
Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island | Amelia Island
Oceanfront luxury awaits your family at the Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island. With a private balcony and views of the ocean from every room, you’ll be able to enjoy every sunrise during your stay. Located on the Atlantic Ocean, the resort has access to an 18-hole championship golf course, pools, and a full spa. There are also six on-site dining experiences, including one rated AAA Five Diamond. Guests staying on the Club Level receive complimentary breakfast, snacks, hors d’oeuvres and desserts, non-alcoholic drinks, beers, and a selection of wines. There’s also free valet parking, wi-fi, expedited check-in/check-out, free garment pressing, entrance to Ritz Kids’ Night Out, and candy jars filled with treats for the kids.
What’s cool for kids: Children ages 5 to 12 can learn about Amelia Island through Ritz Kids. Each day offers a different theme throughout the week, teaching about sharks, coral reefs, and other natural wonders. Need a break from the parents? Kids’ Night Out is three hours of dinner, movies, and fun during the weekends. There’s also the opportunity to have a private campout with a tent in your suite or let a pirate tuck-in them in for the night.
Related: Amelia Island: The Florida Family Vacation Spot You Don’t Know About—But Should
Henderson Beach Resort & Spa | Destin
Florida’s panhandle is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. Henderson Beach Resort & Spa in Destin lets guests take in beach views while enjoying plenty of activities during their vacation. Families can stay in rooms, suites, or condominiums at the resort to give everyone as much space as they need. Take time away to relax in the 10,000-square-foot spa or head to the family pool where kids can enjoy the lazy river and splash pad. There are also plenty of places on-site to enjoy a snack, meal, or cool drink. Bike rentals, use of Peloton bikes, paddleboard rentals, kayak rentals, complimentary access to Henderson Beach State Park, and wi-fi are all included.
What’s cool for kids: Little ones need to de-stress too, so head to the spa to enjoy kid and teen treatments, including pedicures, manicures, massages, and facials.
Caribe Royale Orlando | Orlando
A getaway with everything at your fingertips awaits the family at Caribe Royale Orlando. The rooms give families plenty of space to relax and sleep at the end of the day. They are available as suites, which have two separate areas, or villas, which include two bedrooms and bathrooms, a full kitchen, and a dining area that seats six. During the day, enjoy the five dining areas on-site, a full-service spa, fitness center, swimming pools, and a live DJ on the weekends. There’s also complimentary time on the tennis and basketball courts and complimentary rentals of tennis equipment, fishing equipment, basketballs, and bicycles. With so much to do at the resort, there’s no need to think about leaving during your stay. But if your family needs some time away, hop on the complimentary hotel shuttle to the Disney World parks and attractions. This resort is Walt Disney Good Neighbor Hotel and you can purchase tickets in the lobby before leaving (a huge timesaver!).
What’s cool for kids: Older children can enjoy the 75-foot-long twisting slide at the pool, while the smaller ones can cool down at the kiddie splash pool and fountains. The resort also hosts movies under the stars at the pool on the weekends.
Related: If You’re Going to Disney World, a Good Neighbor Hotel Is a Lifesaver
Acqualina Resort – Sunny Isles | Miami Beach
Built with wellness and well-being in mind, Acqualina Resort, a AAA Five Diamond Resort, is an escape that welcomes families to its luxury Mediterranean-style location. Located at the north end of Miami Beach, Acqualina allows guests to explore the area, whether kayaking at the nearby state park or shopping at the world-famous Bal Harbour. There’s also an on-site spa, oceanfront pools, and direct beach access for families to enjoy. Keep an eye out for special rates that include complimentary valet parking and no resort fees. Free wi-fi, a reading program, welcome amenity, newspapers via the resort app, and twice-daily housekeeping services are included.
What’s cool for kids: The complimentary AcquaMarine children’s program is a marine camp experience the kids won’t forget. Using computers and iPads, attendees will learn about the ocean and its inhabitants in two daily sessions. There is also a mermaid experience, swimming lessons, family scuba diving lessons, and group activities such as soccer, kite flying, and water races to enjoy.
Hawks Cay Resort | Florida Keys
Head south down the Overseas Highway to be surrounded by water and relaxation at Hawks Cay Resort. Located halfway down the Florida Keys, this resort has an authentic Florida feel and will keep families as busy or unbusy as they’d like to be. Each room has a private patio to sit outside and enjoy the weather. Five pools are on-site, including one with a pirate’s ship theme for kids to enjoy water cannons, slides, and shallower areas. Six restaurants provide options from steak to seafood to pizza when it’s time to eat. Wi-fi, resort transportation, parking, the putt-putt course, pickleball area, and rentals for bikes, kayaks, and paddleboards are all included.
What’s cool for kids: Don’t miss the on-site dolphin experiences, where you can observe from the docks, swim with the dolphins, or be a trainer for a day. The resort also offers watercraft rentals with private captains so families can snorkel, swim and fish at sea.
Island Grand at Tradewinds Resort | St. Pete Beach
White sand and warm Gulf of Mexico waters await at Island Grand at Tradewinds Resort. Direct beachfront access lets everyone soak up the rays while playing in the floating water park or aquabanas. Five pools give more water moments, and the ten on-site restaurants are ready to serve a variety of food choices. The resort fee includes beach cabanas, unlimited rides on four water activities, campfire s’mores, tennis racquet use and court access, paddleboats, self-parking, and wi-fi. There’s also access to RumFish Beach Resort, the sister property next door, for more fun and activities.
What’s cool for kids: Take a quick swim just offshore to enjoy the resort’s floating water park. Kids can have plenty of fun with inflatable slides, ocean loungers, rafts, and water trampolines. Not tired of the water yet? Hop on the High Tide water slide. Two hundred feet long and three stories tall, it’s a fun ride.
Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina | Fort Myers Beach
Experience a family beach getaway in southwest Florida at Pink Shell Beach Resort. With a private 12-acre beach and chickee hut rentals, there are many ways to enjoy the beach, swim in the Gulf of Mexico, or go shell hunting. Parents can head to the full-service spa for massages and body treatments alone or take their little ones for a joint manicure and pedicure. There are three beachfront pools for those who don’t want sand between their toes and several restaurants for snacks and meals when everyone gets hungry. The resort’s marina also offers boat rentals and fishing excursions. Breakfast for all family members, a beach bag, daily lounge chair and umbrella, wi-fi, valet parking, kayak and standup paddleboard rentals, and steam room access are complimentary.
What’s cool for kids: Being on vacation doesn’t mean kids can’t get close to nature. With the Junior Ranger program, children can spend several days with a ranger to learn about the local beaches and participate in activities. Older kids can enjoy a back bay kayak tour with their parents to see the seagrass beds that help the ecosystem survive. And don’t forget to sit by the seaside fire pit at night to make s’mores and talk about the day.
