You’ve probably seen your friends’ pix on Instagram showing off their vacation with the whole family in tow. Why not plan your own multi-gen trip with you, your parents and your kids? It’s a chance to make epic memories that both your kiddos and grandparents will cherish forever. Here are our top picks for hotels and resorts that cater to multi-gen families with adventures for kids, time for the adults to chill independently and plenty of opportunities for quality family time. Keep reading to see them all.
Head to the Big Easy - New Orleans, LA
NOLA is not just a non-stop party for adults, but an awesome place to share new experiences. Ride the streetcar from bygone days or take a swamp tour and get up close and personal with gators and other creatures. Don’t miss City Park with its old-fashioned merry-go-round and storybook-themed playground. Keep everyone entertained with a French QuaTour, led by teachers ideal for kids 4-18.
Where to Stay: Domio Baronne Street is designed for families, a wonderful combination of home and hotel costing about 25% less than similar-sized hotels. Amenities include spacious rooms, game room, work room, fitness center and 38-foot rooftop pool. With multiple rooms in the suites, grandparents can have their own private bedroom.
Check out our insider's guide for more things to do with kids in New Orleans.
Enjoy an Eco-Friendly Oasis - Huatulco, Mexico
Sun-worshippers will love their day in the sun at nine bays and more than 30 beaches along the Pacific Coast. With a town that focuses on eco-tourism, imagine your fam river rafting, kayaking, sport fishing and hiking through the jungle.
Where to Stay: Las Brisas offers top amenities to please all three generations—mini-golf, five restaurants that appeal to all tastes, dance lessons for the adults, Little Angel’s Kids Club and snorkeling. Eco-tours let everyone spot crocodiles in their natural habitat. The hotel has grandparents in mind with a marble bench in the showers.
Find out more: visitmexico.com/huatluco
Explore Real Reefs - Cancun, Mexico
If it’s the beach you’re after, Cancun is recognized for having some of the world’s most beautiful, including the Great Mayan Reef for snorkeling and scuba diving. For those with the spirit of adventure, swim in an ancient cenote, explore the Coba or Tulum ruins, learn about Mayan traditions and discover the underwater caves in XCaret.
Where to Stay: Award-winning NIZUC Resort & Spa offers accommodations in luxury villas for the ultimate in relaxation. Indulge in a spa treatment at the first ESPA-branded spa in the Mexican Caribbean. The Winik’s Kids Club offers kids cooking classes, ceramic painting and more. Older kids dig the cool new teen lounge. For grown-ups, there are plenty of fitness classes, yoga, cooking classes with the chef and an adults-only pool. Take your pick of multiple beaches with lots of water activities. Explore more of Cancun with off-site excursions, too.
Find out more: visitmexico.com/quintanaroo-cancun
Find Something for Everyone - Branson, MO
Branson, Missouri makes the perfect multi-generation destination because there is literally something for everyone to do together and on their own. From theme parks to natural outdoor recreation and live shows, let your family share the giggles all the way through the town. There are so many family-friendly shows grandparents and grandkids can enjoy together in the live music capital of the world. Have the grands take the kids to pet shows, magic shows and musicals, while the parents step out for a nice dinner. Dolly Parton’s Stampede is always a popular outing with live animals the kids will love.
During summer, there are water sport activities galore, ditto the mini-golf, and thrill rides at Silver Dollar City. During the fall, Harvest Fests come to life and there is nothing like X-mas in Branson to share memories with the whole family.
Find out more: explorebranson.com
Enjoy Culture on the Coast - Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Walk along the Malecon (the seaside boardwalk), and admire the unique sculptures and public art. Experience a downtown food taco tour, and go whale watching. Visit Old Town, and enjoy live music and dance performance at Rhythms of the Night.
Where to Stay: The all-inclusive Velas Vallarta is designed for families, from the restaurants offering kid-friendly menus to the kid's programs that have appealing activities for your whole group. Kids will love the Kids Club, while the adults can relax with yoga, city and cultural tours, weekly Mexican Fiesta, nightly entertainment, eco-friendly activities, water sports and more. Stay in a range of accommodations, including up to 3-bedroom suites.
Find out more: visitpuertovallarta.com
Europe is Calling - Portugal
Explore the cobblestone streets, rich history and cultural traditions. Go dolphin and whale watching, enjoy a cave tour and give your kids a taste of the world.
Where to Stay: Martinhal Sagres Beach Family Resort, Portugal is an excellent resort for families. The resort offers a selection of luxury family villas with tennis, football, swimming and a kid’s club nanny in every restaurant. The whole culture surrounding Martinhal is family friendly and children are especially welcome. It even offers a variety of creative activity programs for the different age groups that teach kids new skills. Family spa treatments, free beach beds and complimentary tennis or Padel tennis are just a few of the amenities. Spend time at the Village Square for warm, memorable evenings.
Get Cultured - Chicago, IL
Chicago is a great family-friendly destination with many fascinating museums, the free Lincoln Park Zoo, Navy Pier, Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Millennium Park’s “The Bean” and, of course, American Girl Place.
While the kids are being entertained by their grandparents, the parents can go out for a great night on the town, starting with cocktails at one of the many rooftop bars. Head to the Skydeck at Willis Tower one of the tallest buildings in the world for magnificent views as far as you can see, while the Chicago Sports Museum delivers interactive fun with Chicago’s sports legends. Many of the hotels like the Four Seasons cater to kids with “make your own sundaes” at night. Of course, if you’re in Chicago, you must try their famous deep-dish pizza.
Check out more things to do with kids in Chicago by clicking here.
Explore Idyllic Beaches - Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Discover over 30 miles of idyllic beaches, excellent golf courses and luxurious world-class resorts in this Caribbean paradise. This is the place to try zip lining, sing and dance with traditional Dominican music or explore the magical lagoons of the Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park.
Where to Stay: The Westin at Puntacana Resort & Club is a luxury hotel that provides a warm welcome to families and offers many activities to share. Two championship golf courses, four outdoor tennis courts, multiple pools and eco-friendly activities are just a few of the ways families can share special moments. Adults can relax with spa treatments, yoga and pilates, while the kids can make new friends in the Westin Kids Club Discovery Room. Together, the resort team has dreamed up all kinds of fun activities to share.
Find out more: godominicanrepublic.com/punta-cana
Have a Caribbean Getaway to Remember - Turks & Caicos
Bring the gang to British Islands of Turks & Caicos for a fun-filled journey. Spend time at the Sesame Sailaway Catamaran Cruise, off-road adventure to Pirate’s Cove, buggy tours and nature reserve. Did you know you can even rent a puppy on the island?
Where to Stay: Head to Beaches for a great multi-generational vacation. Stay at the Key West Luxury Village at the resort, which has three- and four-bedroom villas with private pools. This all-inclusive resort boasts 19 restaurants, plus a world of outdoor water sports like kayaking, snorkeling, and stand-up paddle boarding. For the little ones, look for parades, shows, breakfasts and photo ops with Sesame Street characters. Guests can also read with children at a local school as part of a literacy initiative called Reading Road Trip. It’s a win-win for everyone!
Find out more: turksandcaicsotourism.com
Take a Cruise - Multiple Cruise Lines
Would you rather explore the Caribbean or head for the uncharted waters of Alaska? No matter what your family craves, there's a cruise for you. From the kids club to the large dining rooms and daily excursions, a cruise allows every member of your family to custom-design a vacation that checks all their boxes. Of course, meeting up for dinner and a show at the end of the day makes it a perfect trip for everyone along for the ride. We've rounded up our top picks for best family cruises, click here to see them all.
—Mira Temkin
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