Best Family Resorts for Kids

When families think of kid friendly vacations, the first resorts that usually come to mind are Disney and Universal resorts in Florida.  Both are excellent choices for families but did you know how many hotels and resorts beyond Disney are family friendly?

If you don't want to obtain passports, Parents Magazine named the Loews Coronado Bay Hotel as the best beach family resort. Besides having three pools and four restaurants, this hotel offers many activities for kids, such as beach explorations, pizza making and marshmallow roasts. The hotel has a Pottery Barn Kids Club which offers plenty of activities as well, such as scavenger hunts and magic tricks.

All inclusive resorts usually offer the best value for families, since your food, drinks and non-motorized water sports are included. Club Med, which has all inclusive resorts throughout the world, has the only true all inclusive resort in the United States with the Club Med Sandpiper Bay Resort in Port St. Lucie Florida. While it is not on a beach, it is on the St. Lucie River and has activities such as paddle boarding that can be done on the water. You won't find the most luxurious rooms here but you will find an outstanding kids' camp with daytime and evening sessions;clown, tennis  and trapeze classes,late-night group childcare; four swimming pools, all staffed by lifeguards; dive-in movies; playground; loaner strollers; Baby Welcome program with infant bathtubs, childproofing kits, and baby food and clown and  complimentary shuttle to a nearby beach. There is tennis and golf for the adults.

Apply for passports and you will truly find a resort for every budget. Beaches is the most well known name for family travel and is all inclusive, with resorts in Jamaica and Turks/Caicos.  They have excellent kids programs for all ages, from small kids to teens with teen nightclubs.

Mexico is making a name for itself with the sheer number and variety of family oriented resorts. If you are a foodie, Azul Resorts in Riviera Maya call themselves "gourmet inclusive" and back if up with the food quality.  At Azul hotels, you can literally travel with just baby - they have plays pens, pack and plays, cribs, stroller, baby bathtubs, baby monitors and just about everything you can think of to make your vacation easy.  There is a Kids Pool with small water park and small beaches that are not too overwhelming for the small ones.

Hard Rock Resorts offer plenty to do for the kids and more important, teenagers who can sometimes become bored hanging with the family.  They have locations in the Dominican Republic, their first and signature all inclusive resort and Mexico. Their new Cancun location hosts a Little Big Club features shows with Bob the Builder, Angelina Ballerina, Thomas the Tank and Barney.

Need more suggestions? Stay tuned for Part 2!  Call us to book any of these great resorts. 516-608-0568