Top 5 Beach Resorts for Kids
For most people, the word "vacation" conjures up
mental images of sinking your toes in the sand, splashing in the ocean,
lounging by a beautiful pool, and maybe even sipping a tropical drink under a
palm tree. Of course, not all resorts are ideal for families.
We've rounded up some of our top picks for beach resorts for
families. Whether you prefer a vacation filled with relaxation and pampering,
or an action-packed adventure, there is something for your family on this list…
Here are our top 5 recommended beach resorts for kids…
Hilton Waikoloa Village - Big Island, Hawaii
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photo @hilton Waikoloa Village |
Looking for an option that is equal parts luxury and fun?
The Hilton Waikoloa Village on the Big Island of Hawaii fits the bill!
Situated on a peaceful lagoon and packed with
amenities, the Waikoloa Village resort has something for everyone. The kids can
play the day away at one of the three unique pools while Mom relaxes at the
spa, and Dad heads off to one of the two championship golf courses.
The list of activities, with an impressive amount of
variety, seems endless! Swim with dolphins, snorkel with sea turtles, dine at
the authentic Polynesian Luau, slide down the 175-foot waterslide, explore the
property to admire the 1,800 museum-worthy paintings, masks and carvings, take
in a hula class (not into dancing? How about lei making or 'ukulele classes?),
bike around the sprawling village, or send the kids off to enjoy the crafts,
games and water activities at Camp Menehune (the hotel's kids' program) while
you relax in the spa with a Hawaiian lomilomi massage
Azul Beach Resort - Riviera Maya, Mexico
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@photo Azul Beach Resort |
When you arrive at the Azul Beach Resort Riviera Maya,
located about 20 minutes from the Cancun airport in the quiet town of Puerto
Morelos, it feels like a boutique spa resort. You are met with the scent of
aromatherapy as you take in the amazing view of the azure Caribbean waters
framed by rows of candles and flowing fabric. But don't let that first
impression fool you! This all-inclusive resort is ULTRA family-friendly and
caters in particular to young families.
The friendly staff will greet you with a glass of chilled
champagne. The kids aren't left out of the special treatment! They will be
welcomed with delicious fruit smoothies and an exclusive check-in just for
them!
The resort partners with Fisher-Price and has toys available
for your room or suite along with baby monitors, strollers, bottle warmers,
changing tables and more. They even have the most adorable child-size bathrobes
for the kids to enjoy!
The Azulitos kids' clubs have a massive list of
activities for kids up to age 12 each day. Activities include immersive and
interactive activities that involve local art, music, and dance to give little
ones a chance to experience the culture of Mexico. The resort even offers
babysitters that can watch the kids on the property if Mom and Dad want to head
off to the spa or have a date night at one of the Gourmet Inclusive
restaurants. Teens aren't left out of the fun either! They'll enjoy their own
space to chill and hang out at Extreme Breeze Teens.
To top off the evening, order up a "Family Movie
Night!" The resort will deliver family-friendly DVDs, popcorn, and drinks
to your room or suite so you can relax and enjoy a family evening in!
Hotel Del Coronado – Coronado, California
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photo @travelandlei |
If you've ever visited Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and
Spa at Walt Disney World, the Hotel Del Coronado, or "The Del" as the
locals call it, will feel quite familiar. Disney mimicked the red-roofed,
turreted towers, elegant white verandas, and glittering grand lobby (complete
with a birdcage elevator) of the Del when they built their flagship
resort.
The hotel may have a glamorous and elegant vibe, but don't
worry about the kids being out of place. They'll receive VIP lanyards at
check-in that will guide them on a scavenger hunt around the sprawling
property. They'll also receive a schedule of all of the kid-friendly activities
such as surf or boogie board lessons, pool times, and where to find all of the
tasty snacks and treats.
The beach at the resort is often featured in lists of the
best beaches in North America. There is never a shortage of teens catching a
wave on surfboards, boogie boards, or just body surfing. Younger kids are found
splashing in the waves and building sandcastles on the shore. They'll also
enjoy spotting military helicopters and jets flying overhead and navy ships in
the distance.
Be sure to watch two blocks down to the Old Town Trolley and
hop on one of the 90-minute narrated tours of San Diego's top attractions. The
kids will love the corny jokes along the way! You can even catch another
trolley to the world-famous San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park, the harbor and USS
Midway, or Old Town San Diego.
The Breakers - Palm Beach, Florida
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photo@theBreakers |
Looking for an East-Coast option within the US? The Breakers
Resort in Palm Beach is one of the best beach resorts in Florida. Not only does
it have a prime-beach-front location, but it also boasts a huge list of
family-friendly activities for all ages.
What is there to do? Well, let's start with four oceanfront
pools, a top-notch 6,100-square-foot Family Entertainment Center, snorkeling on
a fantastic coral reef just off the beach, scuba diving lessons, beach
bonfires, ecotours, kayak and paddleboard rentals, basketball, dodgeball, two
pet tortoises (with scheduled daily feedings), a playground, golf, tennis,
croquet, bike and beach-cruiser rentals, saltwater aquarium, an enormous game
room, kids clubs for ages 3-12, shopping, a world-class spa, and excellent
restaurants.
To top it all off, the service is exceptional! The staff is
there to make sure that everyone in your family is well taken care of at all
times.
Beaches Turks & Caicos – Turks & Caicos
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photo @Beaches.com |
If you've ever looked into an all-inclusive vacation for
your family, you've likely come across Beaches Turks & Caicos. This resort
is consistently ranked as the top Caribbean all-inclusive resort for families,
and it's easy to see why.
The 758-room resort is a destination in itself with four
distinct villages – Caribbean, French, Key West, and Italian – that are themed
in keeping with the architecture of their namesakes.
The kids are sure to love the massive 45,000 sq foot water
park that features eight waterslides, a Body Glove Waves surf simulator, a
650-foot lazy river, and the SkySlide – the tallest in Turks and Caicos. If
that isn't enough water fun for you, the resort also has TEN other freshwater
swimming pools, four whirlpools, and a scuba diving pool. And let's not forget
the drop-dead gorgeous, world-famous 12-mile stretch of Grace Bay beach, which
is often ranked as the #1 beach in the world!
This all-inclusive resort has 21 restaurants, 15 bars
(including swim-up bars) a massive kids camp with certified nannies, teen night
club, Sesame Street character visits, Xbox Play Lounge, Hobie Cats,
paddleboards, kayaks, beach volleyball, basketball, pool tables, tennis, a
luxurious spa, and so much more!
Don't miss the nightly entertainment experience, Voilà . Beaches
has partnered with Creativiva Caribbean to produce this "storytelling
spectacle featuring art, theatre, acrobatics, and must-see surprises." As
of this writing, there are four weekly live performances on the resort's main
stage: Alice in Wonderland, Treasure Island, Jungle Book Live, and Dolce Vita.
The Creativiva performers will also be joining in the fun at the weekly Beach
Party Night, bringing with them a carnival vibe you won't want to miss!