And if you want help booking one of these resorts for your family, we can help you plan and book your trip at no extra cost (plus get you some extra PERKS included) — just fill this out or send me an email at jessica.darrington@fora.travel, and we’ll help you figure out the best resort, room category, and travel dates for your family!

1. Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa – Ko Olina, Hawaii

Aulani seamlessly blends Hawaiian culture with Disney magic, creating an enchanting paradise for families. Situated on Oahu’s western shore, the resort offers beachfront access, immersive storytelling, and a plethora of activities for children.

Kid-Friendly Highlights:

• Aunty’s Beach House: A complimentary kids’ club featuring Hawaiian-themed activities and character interactions.
• Waikolohe Valley: A water wonderland with pools, lazy rivers, and splash zones.
• Disney Character Experiences: Meet and greets with beloved characters in Hawaiian attire.
• Family Activities: Hawaiian crafts, storytelling sessions, and themed parties.

Nightly Price Range: Approximately $705–$1,145 for standard rooms.

2. LEGOLAND California Resort – Carlsbad, California or Florida or NY

Designed for children aged 2–12, LEGOLAND offers a vibrant theme park experience complemented by a LEGO-themed hotel. The resort is a haven for young LEGO enthusiasts.

Kid-Friendly Highlights:

• Themed Rooms: Options like Pirate, Kingdom, and LEGO Friends rooms with separate sleeping areas for kids.
• Interactive Features: In-room treasure hunts with LEGO prizes and nightly entertainment.
• Exclusive Park Access: Early entry to LEGOLAND Park for hotel guests.
• On-Site Amenities: Heated pools, play areas, and character meet-and-greets.

Nightly Price Range: Starting from $89 per person, with additional resort fees.

3. Serenity Shores Resort – Branson, Missouri

Nestled on Table Rock Lake, Serenity Shores offers spacious villas perfect for large families. The resort combines luxury accommodations with a plethora of kid-centric amenities.

Kid-Friendly Highlights:

• Water Attractions: A 5,000 sq. ft. pool with lazy river, splash pad, and waterslide.
• Entertainment: Free arcade, movie theater room, and paddle boards.
• Outdoor Fun: Fishing poles, snack shack, and covered patios overlooking the lake.

Nightly Price Range: Varies by villa size and season; specific rates available upon inquiry.

4. Nemacolin – Farmington, Pennsylvania

Set on 2,000 acres in the Laurel Highlands, Nemacolin offers a luxurious retreat with a focus on family-friendly activities. The resort combines upscale accommodations with a diverse range of experiences for children.

Kid-Friendly Highlights:

• Kids Club: Supervised activities including swimming, mini-golf, arts and crafts, and scavenger hunts.
• Outdoor Adventures: Zip-lining, wildlife encounters, and nature trails.
• Indoor Fun: Bowling alley, arcade, and art classes.

Nightly Price Range: Approximately $558–$1,175, depending on room type and season.

5. Villatel Orlando Resort – Orlando, Florida

Villatel offers a unique blend of private villa accommodations with resort-style amenities, catering especially to large families and groups. Located near major theme parks, it’s an ideal base for Orlando adventures.

Kid-Friendly Highlights:

• Themed Villas: Homes with private pools, game rooms, movie theaters, and themed bedrooms.
• Resort Amenities: Lazy river, splash park, waterslides, and sports courts.
• Convenience: Full kitchens, spacious living areas, and shuttle services to Disney and Universal.

Nightly Price Range: Starting from $284 for a four-bedroom villa; rates vary based on villa size and season.

6. Sun Valley Resort – Sun Valley, Idaho

Sun Valley Resort combines the charm of a historic mountain lodge with modern amenities, offering year-round family-friendly activities in a picturesque setting.

Kid-Friendly Highlights:

• Winter Fun: Children 12 and under ski free with a paying adult during certain promotions.
• Summer Activities: Horseback riding, mountain biking, and outdoor pools.
• Family Entertainment: Bowling alley, ice skating rink, and movie theater.

Nightly Price Range: Approximately $130–$374, depending on accommodations and season.

7. Great Wolf Lodge – Multiple Locations

Great Wolf Lodge is a chain of indoor water park resorts with locations across the U.S., offering a rustic, cabin-themed experience combined with modern amenities. Each lodge provides a variety of attractions and activities designed for families with children.

Kid-Friendly Highlights:

• Indoor Water Park: Year-round access to water slides, wave pools, and splash areas.
• MagiQuest Adventure: An interactive game where kids use magic wands to solve quests throughout the resort.
• Story Time and Character Appearances: Evening events featuring costumed characters and bedtime stories.
• Kid-Themed Suites: Rooms designed with bunk beds and playful decor to delight young guests.

Nightly Price Range: Approximately $200–$400, varying by location and season.

The following we have not personally tried yet, but they are on our list to visit!

8. Mohonk Mountain House – New Paltz, New York

Nestled in the Hudson Valley, Mohonk Mountain House is a Victorian castle resort offering a blend of natural beauty and family-friendly activities. The resort provides a tranquil setting with a focus on outdoor adventures and relaxation.

Kid-Friendly Highlights:

• Kids’ Club: Supervised programs with activities like pony rides, hikes, and arts and crafts.
• Lake Activities: Canoeing, paddleboarding, and swimming in a pristine mountain lake.
• Winter Sports: Ice skating, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing during colder months.
• Evening Entertainment: Family-friendly movies and campfire s’mores.

Nightly Price Range: Approximately $500–$1,000, including meals and many activities.

9. Wilderness at the Smokies – Sevierville, Tennessee

Located near the Great Smoky Mountains, Wilderness at the Smokies is a family resort featuring both indoor and outdoor water parks. The resort combines the excitement of water attractions with the beauty of the surrounding mountains.

Kid-Friendly Highlights:

• Indoor Water Park: A 66,000-square-foot facility with slides, a wave pool, and a lazy river.
• Adventure Forest: A dry, indoor park with ropes courses, mini-golf, and laser tag.
• Family Suites: Spacious accommodations with bunk beds and kitchenettes.
• Proximity to Attractions: Close to Dollywood and other family-friendly destinations.

Nightly Price Range: Approximately $150–$350, depending on room type and season.

10. Tyler Place Family Resort – Highgate Springs, Vermont

Tyler Place is an all-inclusive, family-run resort on the shores of Lake Champlain. It offers a unique blend of individual family time and separate activities for kids and adults, fostering both togetherness and independence.

Kid-Friendly Highlights:

• Age-Specific Programs: Nine different age groups with tailored activities and counselors.
• Outdoor Adventures: Biking, kayaking, and nature exploration.
• Family Suites and Cottages: Accommodations designed for comfort and convenience.
• Evening Entertainment: Family-friendly shows and social events.

Nightly Price Range: Approximately $500–$700 per adult; children’s rates vary by age.

11. Disney’s Wilderness Lodge – Lake Buena Vista, Florida

Inspired by the national park lodges of the American Northwest, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge offers a rustic yet elegant retreat within Walt Disney World Resort. The resort provides easy access to the Magic Kingdom and other Disney attractions.

Kid-Friendly Highlights:

• Themed Pools: Featuring a waterslide and splash areas for children.
• Character Dining: Opportunities to meet Disney characters during meals.
• Recreational Activities: Movies under the stars, fishing, and bike rentals.
• Proximity to Parks: Complimentary transportation to Disney theme parks.

Nightly Price Range: Approximately $400–$800, varying by room type and season.

Each of these resorts offers a unique experience tailored to families with young children, ensuring memorable vacations filled with fun and relaxation.