Best Resorts for Year-Round Family Fun

Perhaps there is nothing better than creating lifelong memories with the people closest to you on a family vacation – during the summer season and beyond. With this in mind, we wanted to share some of the top resorts and destinations in the U.S. perfect for a relaxing yet immersive getaway for both parents and children.

Discover Waikiki with The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach – Honolulu, HI (pictured)

• The Ritz Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach is an upscale resort that seamlessly blends the amenities of a private residence with the exceptional services of a luxury resort and  unobstructed Pacific Ocean views, creating an unforgettable vacation experience. The resort’s family package, The Art of Ho'omāka'ika'i, is perfect for families seeking to explore meaningful and educational travel experiences through offering families the chance to connect with the local community, land and traditions by exploring a range of immersive offerings on Oahu. Package elements include a Keiki Culinary Experience for kids to delve into traditional Hawaiian cuisine, Hawaiian Language Lesson, Creating Pāpale (Hats) where guests can participate in a hands-on class making hats handwoven from lauhala (pandanus leaves) that were inspired by paniolo (cowboys) in Hawai‘i during the 1800s, an Ocean Excursion and Beach Clean Up where families will experience the breathtaking beauty of the ocean while learning about measures to safeguard Hawaii's marine ecosystem for future generations and more.

Endless Family Fun at Carneros Resort and Spa – Napa Valley, CA

• Surrounded by rolling vineyards and picturesque countryside, Carneros Resort and Spa offers a plethora of immersive experiences and activities designed for kids. A world of imaginary exploration awaits in the great outdoors of the backyard of guest cottages through the resort’s Camp Carnerosprogram. Inclusive of a backyard tent, sleeping bag, lanterns, kid-friendly campfire and fireside s’mores kit, Camp Carneros effortlessly creates a whimsical and memorable experience for children. Little ones can also visit Otto’s Pool – a family-friendly pool offering plenty of relaxation areas on the spacious deck, and a zero-edge wading pool. Additionally, kids are invited to get their hands dirty and connect with nature in ways never experienced through the Little Green Thumb Garden Tour. Kids can meet at the resort’s on-site organic culinary gardens and “Chick-Inn” to explore, feed chickens and discover how the resort’s garden-to-table fare sprouts to life each season.
• For more information on Carneros Resort and Spa’s family-friendly offerings please visit here.

Family-Friendly Resorts Abound in Scottsdale – Scottsdale, AZ

When in Scottsdale, planning a vacation with the kiddos is easy through the destination’s array of kid-friendly resorts. From thrilling outdoor excursions and hands-on creative projects to lounging poolside or playing a round of pickleball, it’s everything and more parents need to keep the whole crew happy and engaged! Please find standout properties below.

• The Boulders Resort & Spa
  • The Boulders is a top choice for families with teens and up, thanks to its spacious one- to four-bedroom villas and an impressive line-up of outdoor adventures. Rock climbing clinics, desert hikes and high-octane mountain biking excursions among the towering Saguaro cacti – it’s all on the menu at this stay-and-play resort. Families can also take things down a notch on an expert-led desert photography tour or a stargazing session with the resort’s resident astronomer. And definitely don’t miss The Boulders’ pair of championship golf courses or more casual play at the “Pebble Tees” short course. While you’re at it, why not sign-up for a family golf clinic at The Boulders Golf Academy!

• Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch
  • Fun is purposeful when kids stay and play at Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch, where programming at Camp Hyatt centers on Arizona culture and the bounty of the Sonoran Desert. Mini explorers learn all about the Grand Canyon State – from geography to flora and fauna – and even take a deep dive into the region’s Native American past and present through hands-on projects, which can include creative crafting of dream catchers, rain sticks or Southwestern sand art. Other themed discoveries include “mad scientist” experiments, Wild West days and “under the sea” journeys. Once the kiddos are ready for some more free-flowing thrills, they can head to the water playground, complete with 10 pools, a white sand beach, a 30-foot high-speed waterslide and a 28-foot climbing wall.

• The Phoenician
  • One of Scottsdale’s brightest gems, The Phoenician is an evergreen family favorite where kids of all ages have plenty to dig into. In the 2,100-square-foot Game Room, little ones will find an arcade plus video games, classic and modern board games, shuffleboard, and pool and foosball tables. There are also pickleball and basketball courts for easy all-ages entertainment, while The Athletic Club offers complimentary two-hour bike rentals for guests – a perfect way to sightsee the resort’s plush grounds or nearby attractions. And, The Phoenician’s pool complex is an absolute must-see. There’s the adults-only Mother-of-Pearl Pool when parents need a quick break, as well as a kid-friendly upper pool deck where the real star of the show – besides the 197-foot twisting waterslide, of course – is the Kid Zone splash pad with suspension bridge and treehouse, plus falling buckets of water and spray-guns.

• The Westin Kierland Resort and Spa
  • Scottsdale resorts for kids are chockfull of awesome amenities and The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa is no exception. Kids and grownups alike gleefully take on the waves of the Kierland FlowRider, a surfing simulator that pushes out and cycles nearly 30,000 gallons of water per minute with speeds up to 30 miles per hour. Also at the Adventure Water Park, guests can explore the Tommy Bahama “private island,” as well as a 110-foot waterslide and 900-foot lazy river. Then, retreat to one of the resort’s Casita Suites, that’s designed with the needs of a family in mind with a well-appointed living area and kitchenette, on-demand resort transportation and exclusive access to the water park.

Indulge in Activities, Dining and Relaxation at Viceroy Los Cabos – San Jose del Cabo, Mexico

• The architecturally stunning, Instagram-worthy resort, Viceroy Los Cabos,  offers an array of family friendly offerings. From the resort’s spacious casitas and villas to its V Team Kids Club, guests of all ages can find fun throughout the resort. The kids club offers daily activities including bracelet making, face paint, piñata making, sandcastle building and more. Plus, families can unwind in the resort's five luxurious pools, stay active with private fitness classes, and enjoy an on-property movie theater plus a game room. For off-site excursions, the resort also offers complimentary bikes to explore the surrounding city and beaches. Latest family-friendly packages and programs include:
• "Festive in July" Package - accommodations in the resort's ultra-luxe, spacious villas and casitas plus private family activities such as a guided art class, cooking classes, private in-villa dinners, spa treatments, and more, all seamlessly coordinated by a dedicated private concierge.
• Little Chef-iche - hands-on culinary experience that allows children and parents alike to connect through a guided cooking class in which they learn how to make delicious, fresh ceviche. The experience is hosted at the resort’s signature restaurant, Dalia, guided by the resort’s talented Executive Chef Bernard Prim.
• Summer dining packages – for families keen to try all the resort’s culinary program has to offer. The ‘Dine Around’ package includes an appetizer, main course and dessert for three dinners at Dalia, Cielomar and Nido. For guests looking for a more luxurious and social experience, the resort is hosting curated beach dinners from June to September inclusive of live music, a firepit, artist performances and culinary selection of fresh oysters, ceviche, catch of the day, prime meat cuts, a healthy salad bar, dessert bar and full cocktail bar.