Family travel is huge now, as resorts are more accommodating than ever and as millennials (the largest generation!) are starting families but still have that feeling of wanderlust. But the way you travel as a young adult differs greatly if you’re bringing your kids along with you, so it’s incredibly important to know that the destination and resort you choose have the right amenities and accommodations to meet your family’s needs.
We’ve covered this before, naming Royalton Riviera Cancun, Riu Montego Bay, Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort and Hard Rock Hotel Punta Cana as some great family picks, and here are seven more.
Reflect Krystal Grand Cancun Unlimited - Luxury®
Though this resort welcomes travelers of any kind (friends, families, and couples), we love it for families for three big reasons. First, it’s only 25 minutes from the Cancun International Airport, so antsy kids (or parents) won’t have to wait long to get their vacation started. Next, the resort has rooms that are made for families. Oversized family-friendly accommodations plus bookable connecting rooms make it easy for every family to have the space they need. And lastly, you can’t forget about the Explorer’s Club, which gives kids a chance to live it up and gives parents a little alone time.
Riu Palace Bavaro
Three words for you: Splash Water World. That’s right, RIU’s Punta Cana complex, where Riu Palace Bavaro is located, is an aquatic, entertainment funplex created exclusively for RIU guests. This brand-new water park offers a variety of rides and attractions for a thrilling new adventure the entire family will love. We could go on about this resort on a paradisiacal beach in the Dominican Republic, but Splash Water World is really all you need to know for families.
Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort & Spa
You’ve got to hand it to Palladium for their dedication to family fun. With Raggs & Friends, five colorful canine characters of the very exciting Play at Palladium with Raggs program, the whole family is destined for fun. The activities include dining and musical experiences, activities and fully-produced live musical stage shows at the resorts’ theater. Visitors should not miss out on the Raggs daily pop in appearances throughout the resort for some fun and Insta-worthy photos. The pirate show and the surf party are simply amazing and the character breakfast surprises children every time with food sculpted to resemble their favorite Raggs characters.
Universal’s Aventura Hotel
Looking for a hotel within walking distance to Universal's Islands of Adventure™, Universal Studios Florida™ AND Universal's Volcano Bay™? Universal’s Aventura Hotel is here for you. Plus, every morning you get to breeze into one of the parks before other guests, with Early Park Admission. With complimentary shuttles, it’s a quick hop back and forth to the hotel to catch some sun at the pool or mingle at the rooftop bar whenever you like. The hotel’s open areas are designed for sharing and gathering, making it the perfect choice for families.
MGM Grand Hotel & Casino
Yes, kids can go to Vegas! You don’t need to be part of a bachelorette party to visit Sin City. There are plenty of amazing family-friendly activities and so many hotel options, including MGM Grand. The onsite entertainment at this iconic hotel is especially great for families: the legendary David Copperfield (only for kids 6 and up), KÁ Imperial Experience by Cirque de Soleil (also only for kids 6 and up) and Jabbawockeez, the most influential dance crew voted "Best Family Show" and "Best All Ages Show” for three years in a row. Plus you’ll be close to Siegfried & Roy's Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat, The Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay, Adventuredome at Circus Circus and so much more.
Sheraton Vistana Resort Villas, Lake Buena Vista/Orlando
Orlando is a huge family vacation destination, which is obvious when you think of all the theme parks there. The hotels in the area are doing more and more to cater to families, and that could not be more evident than at Sheraton Vistana Resort Villas, Lake Buena Vista/Orlando. With 1- and 2-bedroom villas (complete with fully-equipped kitchens or kitchenettes, washers and dryers), a marketplace with grab-and-go food and an ideal location just minutes from the Walt Disney World® Resort, Sea World® and Universal Studios® theme parks, this hotel is truly home away from home.
Melia Nassau Beach
Attention beach-loving families: this is the resort for you! Located on a 1,000-foot stretch of white sand along the Atlantic Ocean on Nassau's Cable Beach, Melisa Nassau Beach is a Caribbean paradise with amazing accommodations for families. Plus it’s only minutes from the Lynden Pindling International Airport (score!). Kids can enjoy a plethora of activities like beach games, playground fun, junior chef, video games, pool splash around, parties and games. Parents with little ones can also take advantage of the resort’s in-room babysitting services (available for an hourly fee). What a dream!
What are you favorite family-friendly resorts and destinations? Tell us in a comment below – we’d love to hear from you!
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