12 Kid-Friendly Florida Resorts that Are Worth the Splurge

Florida is one the most popular destinations for family-friendly vacations. With so many resorts to choose from you might be wondering which is the best fit for your family. We’re sharing our top picks for the best resorts for a family getaway to the sunshine state!

12 Kid-Friendly Florida Resorts

Florida has some amazing resorts located on some of the most beautiful beaches in the U.S which means it’s also home to some of the best kid-friendly resorts. Our family has found such a variety of different destinations in Florida that we are happy to visit year after year. 

If you’re looking to find the perfect family-friendly resort in Florida you might be overwhelmed by the options. For this reason, we’ve created a list of the top resorts in Florida that welcome families. These are the resorts our TravelingMoms have visited and loved. 

TravelingMom Tip: Many of the resorts have temporarily suspended some of the onsite activities and amenities due to Covid-19. Please check the resort’s website to learn more about their Covid policies and procedures.

1. Club Med Sandpiper Bay  

Port St. Lucie, FL

You don’t have to fly to a Caribbean island to find an all-inclusive resort. Just head down to the Club Med Sandpiper Bay resort in Port St. Lucia, FLorida. This is where to head for a vacation when you’re in need of a real break. This full-amenity resort takes care of everything; you just have to show up, relax and have fun. 

This Club Med location made our list of the Best All Inclusive Resort for Families. TravelingMom Mimi Slawoff said this about the resort: “In the sports academy you can learn or hone your skills in water-skiing, sailing and kayaking. Fly through the air on a trapeze in Club Med’s famous circus school. Superb children’s programs cater to kids ages 4-17, with tons of activities. The resort offers all-day gourmet dining, open bar, nightly entertainment and much more.”

Why It Works for Families:

• Childcare available for those 4 months and older
• 3 outdoor pools
• Several outdoor activities including tennis courts and a golf course
• Kids clubs for ages 4-17
• Unlimited water & land sports
• Day and night entertainment for the whole family

CHECK CURRENT RESORT PRICES HERE

2. The Breakers

Palm Beach, Florida

This resort was built in 1896 which means it has withstood the test of time! It’s an Italian Renaissance-style hotel on 140 acres of oceanfront property. You can’t miss it because it’s located in the heart of Palm Beach. The Breakers is one of the more expensive resort stays in Florida.

This resort has many of our favorite family amenities, including childcare, activities for tweens and teens, a large arcade and many other activities that work for the entire family. You have the option of enjoying water sports, movie nights and family fitness classes. The Breakers is known for its extensive holiday decor, which makes it a popular destination for celebrating the holidays.  

Why It Works for Families:

• Playground with 4,500 square feet of outdoor space featuring slides, tunnels, bridges, puzzles and interactive games.
• An extensive array of activities tailored to children, including nature walks, science labs, snorkeling lessons and much more.
• Family golf clinics every weekend.
• Family fitness classes.
• Watersports excursions including snorkeling at The Breakers’ Reef, paddle boarding, kayaking and surfing.

CHECK CURRENT RESORT PRICES HERE

TravelingMom Tip: Are you planning to drive to Florida? Consult our Road Trip Planner for tips on planning an epic family road trip in 5 easy steps. 

3. Boca Raton Resort & Club, A Waldorf Astoria Resort

Boca Raton, Florida

The Boca Raton Resort & Club is located just north of Fort Lauderdale on the Atlantic Ocean. It has a reputation for catering to families and creating an environment that makes it easy to relax with your favorite people. In addition to the many great amenities and activities at the resort, there are also nearby attractions for families to explore including the Red Reef Park and Sugar Sand Park.

TravelingMom Maria Smith, mom of four, says of the Boca Raton, “the Bungalows worked well for our family because of their gigantic size.” 

Why It Works for Families:

• Boat charters can be reserved; it’s a fun activity for the entire family.
• The resort offers a variety of watersports including snorkeling, paddle boarding, beach catamarans, wave runners, and banana boat rides. Guest can even learn to fly on the FlyBoard.
• Quest Kids Clubhouse offers one complimentary 2-hour drop-off session per day for children ages 5-12.
• Golf academy  
• Surf lessons
• Option to purchase a family photoshoot.

CHECK CURRENT RESORT PRICES HERE

TravelingMom Tip: Check out our list of the Best Florida Beaches for families to visit.

4. Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa

Miramar Beach, FL

This dream beachfront getaway is located near Destin, Florida. The Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa is located on one of the most beautiful white-sand beaches along the Gulf of Mexico. This resort is great for families because the trip from your room to the sand is short, making for an easy commute to and from the beach (which is ideal for families with kids under the age of 5).

TravelingMom Heidi Gollub says this about the Sandestin: “Kids can go for a swim in one of the resort’s three heated pools, or step down to the private beach to enjoy water sports. Day and nighttime children’s programs are also available through Kids Krew. These could include anything from stilt-walkers and snow cones on the beach to a movie in the resort’s movie theater. Hilton Sandestin also offers 400 Deluxe Junior Suites with bunk beds, which are perfect for families.”

Why It Works for Families:

• Suites with bunk beds (This is one of our absolute FAVORITE features of a family-friendly resort!)
• Kid-friendly restaurants and menus.
• Pool side cabanas.
• Kids Krew and our Kids Night Out program for kids 5-12.
• Known for their exceptional customer service.

CHECK CURRENT RESORT PRICES HERE

5. The Ritz-Carlton Grande Lakes

Orlando, Florida

This nature-inspired luxury resort in Orlando, Florida is located only 10 miles from Walt Disney World. This the Florida resort for active families, with a variety of onsite activities at The Ritz-Carlton such as kayaking, fishing, tennis courts and championship golf course.

TravelingMom Maria Smith says this about the resort: “The Ritz-Carlton brand has some of the best luxury Florida hotels for families throughout the world. However, families are a special focus at the Orlando property. Oversized rooms, unsurpassed service by the staff, and tons of activities mean you won’t ever have to leave the resort”

Why It Works for Families:

• A variety of dining establishments.
• Plenty of recreational activities for kids.
• A 40,000 square-foot spa with a salon for mom.
• 24-hour state-of-the-art fitness center.
• An 18-hole Greg Norman-designed golf course.
• Easy access to many family-friendly attractions near the resort.
• Only 10 miles to MCO airport and Walt Disney World.

CHECK CURRENT RESORT PRICES HERE

6. JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort

Marco Island, FL

I’m a huge fan of the JW Marriott luxury resorts and I consider this to be one of the best Florida resorts for families. It’s located on 3 miles of private beaches and has all the amenities and activities that make a resort the right fit for any family. Whether you’re looking for a suite for bigger families or a room with a private balcony and an ocean view, they have it all!

Our TravelingMom had this to say about the JW Marriot Marco Island Beach Resort: “Although we read about Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort, Golf Club & Spa’s many amenities prior to arrival in Florida, we were still blown away by all their services and how truly modern and expansive the resort was with lots of dining options, family activities, a beautiful beach, large lagoon pools with water slides, golf courses, shops and more.” 

Why It Works for Families:

• 12 restaurants.
• Full-service spa.
• Children’s club.
• Supervised childcare/activities.
• Two championship golf courses.

CHECK CURRENT RESORT PRICES HERE

TravelingMom Tip: Looking for more ideas for the best destination in Florida to visit with kids? Check out this list of 21 Ideas for a Fabulous Florida Vacation for Families.

7. Hawks Cay Resort Florida Keys

Duck Key, FL

Ready to sit poolside and relax with your favorite people? The Hawks Cay Resort is a short distance from Key West and located on a small secluded island called Duck Key.  

Cindy Richards had this to say about her stay at the Hawks Cay Resort; “So much to do. So little time. That’s what you’ll say when arriving at this Florida Keys resort. There is an abundance of things to do at Hawks Cay Resort. From water adventures to winding down at the spa, the most difficult choice will be in deciding what to do first.”

Why It Works for Families:

• USA TODAY named Hawk’s Cay Resort as one of the top 10 Best Family Resorts in 2020
• The kids will love the pirate ship pool.
• Activities and educational programs for kids ages 4-12.
• Coral Cay Activities & Adventure Club that features a playground, putting course, basketball & volleyball courts and more!

CHECK CURRENT RESORT PRICES HERE

8. The Palms Hotel & Spa

Miami Beach, Florida

Take a break from your hectic work schedule and plan a stay at The Palms Hotel & Spa which is Florida Green Lodging certified. This resort is focused on environmental awareness, which gives it a special place in the hearts of eco-minded families. 

Cindy Richards had this to stay about The Palms Hotel & Spa: “This oceanfront hotel on Collins Avenue has a traditional Florida resort feel with a strong eco twist.” This resort is family owned and boasts that it practices family mindedness through the amenities and family-friendly atmosphere that you’ll find at the resort. 

Why It Works for Families:

• The calm resort atmosphere. The Palms Hotel Miami is a long walk or short Uber ride from the South Beach crowds and activity.
• Secure beach access. This makes the resort feel safe and protected from strangers who might otherwise wander in from the beach.
• Beachside location. A pretty boardwalk through lush gardens leads to the wide beach, where there are plenty of blue cushioned beach chairs and umbrellas reserved for use by The Palms guests.
• Poolside food deliveries from the Tiki Bar.

CHECK CURRENT RESORT PRICES HERE

9. LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort

Naples, Florida

How does this sound to a stressed family: a luxury Resort with private oceanfront guest rooms? The LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort believes that even the youngest guests deserve to be indulged. The onsite concierge is always available to help make reservations for a family dinner, to help find family-friendly activities or even to help you arrange for childcare during your stay. Having someone else to handle all of those details means it can be a relaxing vacation for mom and dad too.

Bonus points that the resort offers a front-row seat to one of the most beautiful beaches in southern Florida. 

Why It Works for Families:

• Children’s menus available at the Tiki Bar and beach service
• Complimentary use of cribs and outlet covers
• You can ask the front desk for sand castle toys to be used by young guests
• A concierge is available to assist with reservations, activity planning and more

CHECK CURRENT RESORT PRICES HERE

10. Acqualina Resort & Residences on the Beach

Sunny Isles Beach, FL

The Acqualine Resort made our list of the best luxury spring break destinations for families. We’re not the only ones who have been impressed by this resort. In fact, in 2020, it was named the #1 Best Destination Resort in the United States, #1 Best Waterfront Hotel in the United States and #1 Best Hotel Spa in the United States in USA Today’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards. It’s also one of the few Florida resorts that maintains a 5 star rating from TripAdvisor reviewers. 

 The resort activities are focused on luxury and convenience for the entire family.   

Why It Works for Families:

• Acqualina Spa by ESPA, the first ESPA-branded spa in the U.S (a 20,000 square-foot spa!)
• 500-square-foot AcquaMarine children’s center
• The AcquaMarine program allows kids ages 5-12 to use computers and iPads to participate in seven different themed hands-on learning experiences
• Daily kid-friendly activities such as football, baseball, basketball, cornhole, soccer, kite flying, foosball match and ping pong.

CHECK CURRENT RESORT PRICES HERE

11. Grand Floridian Walt Disney World Resort

Orlando, Florida

This list would not be complete without a couple of our favorite Walt Disney World Resorts. If you’re planning to visit the Walt Disney World theme parks we highly recommend staying on-site because of the perks that Disney guests receive. 

There are so many resort options to choose from but the Grand Floridian is one of our favorites. Our TravelingDad Rich Christenson says “The chance to ride both the monorail and boats from the resort is part of the adventure.” And it’s one of the many reasons why we recommend it.

Why It Works for Families:

• A great resort for families with tweens-teens. It’s not as Disney-themed as other resorts.
• It’s the closest resort to Magic Kingdom.
• You can travel to from Magic Kingdom on both the Monorail and the Boat.
• You can watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks from the resort.
• It’s so lovely that it’s one of the Disney resorts you should visit even if you aren’t staying there!

BOOK THIS RESORT AT A DISCOUNT

12. Animal Kingdom Lodge Walt Disney World Resort

Orlando, Florida

We’ve visited Disney World many times and the Animal Kingdom Lodge is by far my family’s favorite Disney resort. Waking to a safari right outside your window each morning is as thrilling for my husband and me as it is for our kids. The resort is full of exciting fun for the kids outside of the parks. This is great for rainy afternoons or days off from the theme parks.

TravelingMom Sarah Ricks says, “In addition to the splashy fun of the huge pool area, the hotel offers specific activities for kids. Activities like cookie decorating and face painting. And also fun educational activities, like a drum circle lesson. Or learning about the animals that wander the savanna outside the hotel.” Read more here about why Sarah says the Animal Kingdom Lodge is worth the money.

Why It Works for Families:

• A variety of resort activities for kids.
• The Savanna-view rooms are a treat for everyone. 
• Animal Kingdom Lodge has some of the best dining options so you won’t have to fight the crowds inside the parks for a good meal. 
• One of the largest Disney World resort pools.

BOOK THIS RESORT AT A DISCOUNT

How To Book Luxury Disney World Resorts at a Discount

Book a stay at the Grand Floridian or Animal Kingdom Lodge as well as many other Disney World resorts using other people’s Disney timeshare points through David’s Vacation Rental. You don’t have to be a DVC member; in fact, there is no membership required at all. Visit David’s Vacation Rental to see which Disney hotels are available during your travel dates.

TravelingMoms and other families have saved thousands of dollars on a Disney vacation by booking this way.

Here is an example. We searched for the two Disney resorts we’ve recommended, The Grand Floridian and the Animal Kingdom Lodge on David’s Vacation Rental and compared it to booking the same resort rooms for the same dates directly through Disney.

The savings is substantial:

• $1,567 saved at the Grand Floridian
• $1,206 at the Animal Kingdom Lodge

Read more about renting DVC points.

Let us know if you’ve stayed at any of the 12 Florida resorts mentioned in this post and why it worked for your family.