The 20 Best All-Inclusive Resorts for Families
Updated: Feb. 16, 2024
Take your family on a vacation they'll never forget at one of these all-inclusive resorts...without wiping out your savings.
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Family resorts that cover everything
If you have kids, chances are you’re busy—like, really busy as you attempt to balance school, work, and home. Who has time to add planning a vacation, and coming up with the perfect kid-friendly activities and restaurants to your to-do list? That’s where the magic of the best all-inclusive resorts for families really starts to shine. It’s one-stop shopping for all your vacation needs. Book a room and it includes all your meals, snacks, drinks, activities, and entertainment as long as you stay on the property. And depending on the resort you choose, we’re talking fun family activities like water parks, archery lessons, kayaking, campfire s’mores, and more. While the amenities will differ depending on the resort you choose, these options do exist—and you’ll find plenty of them on this list for a weeklong trip or a quick trip. Even better? Since the full price of your vacation will be clear when you book, you’ll know exactly what to budget for in advance.
How we chose the best all-inclusive resorts for families
To help you narrow down the extensive all-inclusive options for families—including some of our favorite all-inclusive resorts, in the U.S., the Caribbean, and Mexico—we consulted with experts who spend their careers finding the best vacation getaways for kids and families. Then we double-checked their suggestions with user reviews and star ratings on TripAdvisor to make sure consumers agreed that these were great spots with equally impressive activities, entertainment, food, and fun. And finally, we highlighted the best in each category, to make it easy for you to find the best all-inclusive resort for your family.
Best all-inclusive resort for character meet-and-greets
Nickelodeon Resort Riviera Maya, Mexico
Created with families in mind, this new tropical-beach resort in Mexico brings Nickelodeon’s beloved characters and signature elements (including slime!) to life in creative, whimsical, and surprisingly luxurious ways. It features a six-acre water park with more than 20 slides, as well as five stories of oceanfront swim-up suites—including a Ninja Turtles–themed “Lair Suite” and a SpongeBob-themed “Pineapple Suite.” There are also multiple dining venues, including Good Burger, Bikini Bottom Bar, and the Snick Lounge, not to mention myriad opportunities to meet Nickelodeon “celebrities” such as Dora and Diego, Patrick and SpongeBob, Shimmer and Shine, and Wanda and Cosmo, to name just a few. There’s also a Nick-themed Kids Club, the Plaza Orange for dance parties), and an immersive theater experience (think: more slime).
Pros:
- Immersive theming
- All-day entertainment
Cons:
- Better suited for younger kids than tweens and teens
Best all-inclusive resort for families with babies
Beaches Turks & Caicos
Beaches Turks & Caicos hooks kiddos of all ages with its incredible on-site amenities. We’re talking a 45,000-square-foot water park, which includes a story-high SkySlide (the tallest of its kind in Turks and Caicos), plus six swimming pools, multiple kids clubs geared toward infants through teens, an Xbox Play Lounge, and even a teen nightclub. Families can sprawl out in the seaside villas and suites, and with nearly 20 restaurants to choose from, even the pickiest eater can find something to eat. The property also boasts five distinct villages, each one featuring architecture inspired by a different destination, such as Italy, France, and Key West. And then there are the 12 miles of pristine beaches perfect for swimming, lounging, or trying out a bevy of water sports. Beaches Turks & Caicos is the only Caribbean resort to offer a comprehensive scuba program—and it’s included in your daily rate.
But parents of babies and tots just might get the best deal here. A stay at a Beaches Resort includes care from certified nannies at the Kids’ Camp, which has an infant-to-staff ratio of 3:1 for 0 to 11 months, and 5:2 for 12 to 24 months—and nannies are included every day of your stay. (Yes, you read that right!) Additionally, there is a nurse on property all day, every day. Private childcare services are also available at additional cost.
Pros:
- Nannies watch the kids at no extra cost
- You can leave your baby gear at home—the resort has everything on site for free
Cons:
- Babysitting costs extra cost
Best all-inclusive resort in Florida
Club Med Sandpiper Bay, Port Saint Lucie, Florida
You don’t have to leave the country to enjoy an incredible stay at Club Med—you just need to head to Florida! Nestled along the St. Lucie River, Club Med Sandpiper Bay offers a seemingly endless list of family activities in a lush, tropical setting. The all-inclusive experience in Florida includes beverages, meals, and snacks at the resort’s buffets, bars, and restaurants. You’ll also get complimentary access to things like sports academies, a flying trapeze school (!), water sports, morning yoga, and kids clubs geared to every age from tots to teens. There are also childcare options for when grown-ups want to sneak away to enjoy a cocktail by the adults-only infinity pool. While you’re in the Sunshine State, you might also want to visit the best Florida beaches locals want to keep secret.
Pros:
- Trapeze school for kids and adults
- Kids’ clubs for every age, including a teen lounge
Cons:
- Not on an ocean beach
Best all-inclusive resort in the Northeast
Mohonk Mountain House, New Paltz, New York
How does a 19th-century resort set in a Victorian castle peering over a lovely lake and surrounded by 40,000 acres of forest sound to you? Nestled in the Hudson Valley and situated on a private glacial lake with views of the Catskill Mountains, Mohonk Mountain House is located at the top of a rocky bluff, and the words scenic and stunning don’t even begin to do it justice. It’s just 90 miles north of New York City, so it’s a great getaway for city folks. Guest amenities at this all-inclusive family resort include three incredible farm-to table-meals a day, archery, arts and crafts, disc golf, tennis, swimming, guided hikes, kayaking, and a spa for the adults. The resort offers a vast slate of winter programming, too, including snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and ice skating. It’s the kind of vacation your family will always remember and one of the East Coast vacations you need to take at least once.
Pros:
- You get to sleep in a real castle
- Driveable from New York City
Cons:
- Lake swimming only in the summer months
Best boutique all-inclusive resort
Sirenian Bay Resort & Villas, Belize
If you think all-inclusive means massive and sprawling, think again. This new resort in on the Caribbean coast of Belize offers a boutique-property stay without skimping on the all-inclusive perks. Among the highlights are spacious two-bedroom villa suites, perfect for families to spread out (plus a range of larger home options for extended family getaways); a private beach; the only mini-golf course and pickleball courts in the entire country; and a separate pool just for dive-in movies. Sirenian also owns local snorkeling and tour companies, so it’s easy to add a ziplining and tubing adventure in the rain forest or a snorkeling trip to a tropical caye to your stay. Placencia, the city where the resort is located, is also a hidden gem for off-season travel.
Pros:
- Intimate environment means you can easily keep an eye on the kids
- Larger villa options for multigenerational vacations
Cons:
- Limited evening entertainment
Best all-inclusive beach resort
Beaches Negril Resort & Spa, Jamaica
Beaches Negril is located on the widest stretch of Negril’s famous Seven Mile Beach, one of our favorite beaches because of its creamy sand, azure water, swaying palm trees, and gentle surf—all of which add up to one perfect spot for swimming and soaking in the sun. This family-friendly resort offers beachfront suites complete with butler service and all the included luxuries that make this vacation as relaxing for parents as it is fun for kids. Just steps from the beach, you’ll find Pirates Island water park, filled with huge waterslides, kid-friendly pools, and swim-up soda bars, not to mention water cannons, whirlpools, and lazy rivers.
Pros:
- Water park with plenty of fun diversions for kids
- One of the best beaches in the world right outside your door
Cons:
- The calm water isn’t a fit for surfers
Best all-inclusive resort for adventurous families
The Landings Resort & Spa, St. Lucia
“Luxe island living” is the perfect description of this resort that offers one-, two-, and three-bedroom villas with private terraces providing incredible views of the resort’s yacht marina and Rodney Bay. The spa’s serene vibe is impossible to resist, so it’s a good thing the kids’ club has so much to offer little ones, including picnics to nearby Pigeon Island, beach cricket and lawn games, and sand-sculpting contests. Families that love adventure will want to take a guided hike up St. Lucia’s signature volcanic spires or go on a family zip-lining expedition for a totally different viewpoint. Adventure seekers can also drive right into the crater of St. Lucia’s La Soufriere Drive-In Volcano and walk between the bubbling sulfur springs and steam pools. Here are more active volcanoes you can actually visit.
Pros:
- Close to island highlights for adventure outings
- The kids’ club offers nearby excursions
Cons:
- No special teen facilities
Best all-inclusive resort for entertainment
Sonesta Maho Beach Resort, Casino & Spa, St. Maarten
Set on 10 acres of beachfront property, the Sonesta Maho Beach Resort, Casino & Spa is the largest all-inclusive family resort on the charismatic island nation of St. Maarten. The vibrant resort is one of the island’s primary entertainment hubs, with the biggest casino and nightclub on the island for adult diversions. It also features an extensive array of dining and activity options, including the Oasis Pool with a swim-up bar. For the kids, there’s the Beach House Kids Club, an Aqua Park, a pizzeria, play areas, and a separate media-equipped hangout for teens with everything from a pool table to a PlayStation. For something a little closer to home, these are affordable beach vacations in America.
Pros:
- Tons of entertainment and diversions for every age
- Direct access to Maho Beach
Cons:
- Close to the airport
Best all-inclusive resort for chilling out
Royalton Bavaro Resort and Spa, Dominican Republic
The Royalton Bavaro in Punta Cana is the ultimate all-inclusive family retreat nestled on the shores of one of the most-visited beaches in the world. Kids and adults can test their skills on the FlowRider wave-riding machine, float along a 1,200-foot lazy river, tee off on a miniature golf course, or choose from an array of non-motorized water sports. Families can bond over a Dominican cooking class or paddleboarding adventure. And when the adults need a break, there’s a casino and a spa to indulge in. Accommodations include unique swim-out family suites, and there are a whopping eight restaurants to ensure everyone in the group can find something they like.
Pros:
- Cool water-park features, including the FlowRider
- Family swim-out suites
Cons:
- Spread-out property means lots of walking
Best all-inclusive resort for fishing
Salmon Falls Resort, Ketchikan, Alaska
Cool off this summer with an outdoor adventure in the Last Frontier, which happens to have some of the most spectacular all-inclusive resorts in the USA. Salmon Falls Resort is an intimate waterfront property located at the southernmost entrance of Alaska’s iconic Inside Passage—aka the Salmon Capital of the World. Its all-inclusive package includes three meals a day, fishing gear, airport transfers, accommodations, and fish processing, but the fun doesn’t stop there. Sign up for a floatplane fishing adventure, try a salmon roe and wine pairing, step aboard a wildlife-watching boat safari, go bear watching with expert guides, soar above the Misty Fjords in a floatplane, hike a rainforest trail, and explore the waters of Clover Passage by kayak. Make sure you also check out these must-see places in the U.S. to take your kids and teens.
Pros:
- Incredible fishing opportunities
- Unparalleled nature experiences
Cons:
- Very remote
- Accessible only in the summer
Best all-inclusive resort for locally inspired activities
Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa, Mexico
Surrounded by the Sierra Madre Mountains and nestled on the Banderas Bay near downtown Puerto Vallarta, this mountain-meets-ocean resort offers fun for the whole crew, with everything from kayaking and paddleboarding in the aqua ocean to swimming in the area’s largest infinity pool. A kids’ club offers locally inspired activities for kids ages four to 12 with fun, colorful outdoor and indoor play areas, and the club’s staff teaches kids about Mexican culture with Spanish lessons, barro-clay pottery painting, bilingual folktales, and Mexican cooking lessons. Another special feature: The resort features a daily seasonal turtle-release program from June to December, which allows guests to release newly hatched turtles into the ocean right from Marriott’s beach.
Pros:
- Mexican culture and crafts at the kids’ club
- Turtle-release program
Cons:
- No teen club
Best all-inclusive resort for adrenaline junkies
Club Med Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
There aren’t many all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean where you can “join the circus,” but at Club Med Punta Cana, that’s exactly what you’ll do at Creactive by Cirque du Soleil, a playground for adrenaline junkies where adults and kids alike can hang from aerial silks, jump on trampolines, and pretend to be acrobats on a flying trapeze. Water lovers can try out the resort’s giant stand-up paddleboards designed for two or sign up for sailing school. There are also kids’ clubs for ages four to 17, as well as a range of special amenities for babies, tots, and toddlers. Babysitting is available for children as young as four months. Extra bonus: This tropical oasis is just 10 minutes from the airport.
Pros:
- You can join the circus!
- Kids’ activities for every age group
Cons:
- Babysitting costs extra
Best all-inclusive resort for meeting locals
Divi Little Bay Beach Resort, St. Maarten
Adventure lovers and beach bums alike love Divi Little Bay Beach Resort, a stunning all-inclusive Caribbean resort situated a private peninsula between Little Bay and Great Bay. Hilltop suites come with full kitchens and large living rooms perfect for families, and both suites and guest rooms have sweeping bay views. Activities include kayaking, scuba diving, and swimming in your choice of three freshwater pools, and kids 12 and up can join in without adults. St. Maarten is known as the friendliest of the Caribbean islands, and it’s easy to explore and meet the locals; Phillipsburg, the charming Dutch capital, is an easy drive from the resort.
Pros:
- Beautiful views
- Full in-room kitchens for late-night snacking
Cons:
- No special activities for younger kids
Best all-inclusive resort for late-night snackers
Grand Solmar at Rancho San Lucas, Mexico
With sweeping vistas, infinity pools, swim-up bars, and spacious suites that allow plenty of room for the whole family, the Grand Solmar starts out strong as a top all-inclusive resort. All the rooms have full kitchens, like your very own beach house rental, so you can always have snacks nearby, and you can enjoy a pristine private beach and watch migrating whales pass. But what puts it over the top for families is the mini water park and saltwater lagoon with rope swings and waterslides that will keep the kids occupied for hours; you can even paddle a kayak around in the lagoon. In addition, the property has a kids club for ages four to 12 (included in the all-inclusive rate), so Mom can go the spa and Dad can play golf at the new Greg Norman Signature golf course.
There are also multiple restaurants, cooking classes, movie nights, and a weekly market with live Mexican music and crafts. Plus, there’s a 24-hour tacos and tamales menu in case you get a late-night craving!
Pros:
- Round-the-clock tacos
- Rooms with full kitchens
Cons:
- No kids’ clubs for children under four or over 12
Best all-inclusive resort for teens
Hilton Vallarta Riviera All-Inclusive Resort, Mexico
Located on a spectacular beachfront setting with views over Bahia de Banderas and the tropical forests of the Sierra Madre Mountains, this all-inclusive Hilton is perfectly situated just five minutes from Puerta Vallarta’s historic downtown. The resort recently debuted a new kids’ club (for ages four to 12) alongside kid-friendly activities such as jewelry making and cooking classes. For teens ages 13 to 17, there are street art and photography workshops, contemporary music and dance classes, and Teens Zone, an exclusive lounge area where teens can relax and socialize. At the end of the day, regroup as a family and dress up for the evening to enjoy live music and a large variety of entertainment.
Pros:
- Close to the Puerto Vallarta historic center
- Numerous activities for teens and younger kids
Cons:
- No programming for kids under four
Best budget-friendly all-inclusive resort
Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Yup, there’s more than one Nickelodeon Resort, and this one in Punta Cana actually came on the scene first. It’s a boost for anyone looking for a bargain, since prices are lower than its Mexico sister property, and it’s a more affordable kid-friendly experience than Disney World, with just as much of a fun factor for your tiny travelers. You can book a stay here for just $149 per person, and all meals, beverages (alcoholic and otherwise), and 24-hour room service are included. Kids will also get to meet Dora the Explorer, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and other beloved characters from Nickelodeon. Oh, and they’ll get slimed—as in, really covered with green goo like on TV—and that’s sure to make them smile long after the trip is over.
Pros:
- Great deals
- AquaPark and lazy river
- Nick-themed kids’ club and characters
Cons:
- Slime (which is actually a pro for kids!)
Best all-inclusive resort for relaxation
Curtain Bluff, Antigua, West Indies
Curtain Bluff, an iconic and leading Caribbean family resort on the south coast of Antigua, is surrounded by two beautiful sandy beaches, and the property even has a “Beach Concierge” designed to ensure that your day on the beach as goes as smoothly as your stay in the hotel. The quiet and self-contained resort makes it easy for Curtain Bluff visitors of any age to enjoy themselves, with activities such as scuba, sailing, and waterskiing included in your options. The CeeBee Kids Club (ages three to 10) offers activities from crafting to crab races, and with no TVs in the room, families can truly unplug and connect with one another. Add a stop at the tranquil spa to really gild the all-inclusive lily.
Pros:
- Large array of included amenities
- Quiet
Cons:
- No TVs in your room
Best all-inclusive resort near national parks
Red Mountain Resort, Ivins, Utah
Nature lovers, this one’s for you! You probably already know that Utah is home to some of the best state and national parks in the country, which makes it an amazing place for a family vacation. But you may not know that there’s an all-inclusive resort that makes it incredibly easy to visit some of them. The Red Mountain Resort in Ivins is just 40 miles from Zion National Park and about 140 miles from Bryce Canyon National Park (a two-and-a-half-hour car ride). Plus, Snow Canyon State Park is right down the road.
But you don’t even have to go anywhere to get an amazing view. Just look out your window to be treated to red-rock bluffs rising out of the Southern Utah terrain. Choose from 82 rooms and 24 villa suites and you’ll also get three healthy meals a day, access to swimming pools, complimentary loaner bicycles, s’mores at the fire pit, Tuacahn amphitheater performances, guided hiking and biking, cooking demonstrations, and more.
Pros:
- Great home base to visit national parks
- Stunning scenery
Cons:
- No kids’ clubs
Best all-inclusive resort for sailing
Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort, St. Lucia
Set within more than 100 acres of pristine rainforest in the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Val des Pitons, Sugar Beach offers breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea and the Pitons, along with all of the 18th-century colonial charm that St. Lucia is known for. The recently renovated resort boasts a variety of different luxury rooms, cottages, bungalows and villas—all of which have private pools and butler service, a luxurious perk for exhausted parents.
Children ages four to 12 years old can head to the kids’ club, which offers fun activities like treasure hunts, arts and crafts, archery, and coconut bowling, as well as fish feeding and sandcastle building at the beach. Teens can join the onsite Sailing Club to learn the basics of sailing, including rigging, basic boat handling, and seamanship. And the whole family can set sail to discover the beauty of the Val des Pitons from the sea.
Pros:
- Every accommodation comes with its own butler
- Private plunge pool in every room
Cons:
- One-hour drive from the airport
Best all-inclusive dude ranch
Tanque Verde Ranch, Tucson, Arizona
Your family will want for nothing at Tanque Verde Ranch. All-inclusive options at this bona fide dude ranch, which was established in 1868, include three delicious meals a day, horseback riding, cowboy cookouts with live entertainment, and indoor/outdoor swimming pools. There’s also an incredible array of rotating daily activities for kids as young as four and an optional day camp (ages seven to 12) for an additional charge. It might be a good way to keep the young ones distracted while you indulge in add-ons like a massage at the spa. If you’re able to pull yourself away from the resort’s amenities and 60,000 acres, check out the nearby Saguaro National Park and Coronado National Forest and maybe even tack on a proper Arizona road trip.
Pros:
- Horseback riding for every level and ability
- Large variety of daily activities
Cons:
- No programming for kids under four
Next, check out the best resorts in Puerto Rico to book for an incredible vacation.
Originally Published: February 18, 2022
