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Florida has some of the most beautiful beaches in the U.S. And the best way to fully enjoy those beaches is to stay in one of these amazing family-friendly Florida resorts. With must-have amenities such as bungalows and bunk beds, 4,500-square-foot-play areas and supervised childcare for date night or a day at the spa, it can be tough to choose which resort is the right one for your family.
We’ve got your back! From Orlando to the Florida Keys (and Disney, too), these 14 splurge-worthy family-friendly Florida resorts will have you sprinting to pack your bags for the sunshine state.
1. JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort
400 S. Collier Blvd.
Marco Island, FL
I’m a huge fan of the JW Marriott luxury resorts and I consider the Marco Island property to be one of the best Florida resorts for families. With its luxurious Balinese-inspired design and its prime location on 3 miles of private beaches, the JW Marco Island has all the amenities and activities you crave.
Whether you’re looking for a suite for bigger families or a room with a private balcony and an ocean view, this resort has it!
Activities range from water sports to golf on the two private championship golf courses.
When one of our SheBuysTravel contributors stayed at the JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort, she was “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.”
If you can get away without the kids, the JW Marco Island offers the adults-only Paradise by Sirene. The hotel within the JW offers elevated dining, a private rooftop pool and stylish rooms and suites to guests ages 21+.
Why It Works for Families:
- 3 heated outdoor pools with free pool cabanas
- 12 onsite restaurants
- Full-service spa
- Tiki Tribe Discovery Day Camp for kids ages of 5-10
- Two championship golf courses
- Live Fire Dancer show on the beach that pays homage to the resort’s Balinese inspiration
2. Sandpiper Bay All-Inclusive, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
4500 SE Pine Valley St.
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 Sandpiper Bay All-Inclusive, Trademark Collection by Wyndham in Port St. Lucie, 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 resort location made our list of the best all inclusive resorts in Florida. Formerly a Club Med, the resort was sold to Wyndham in 2022, but it remains an all-inclusive. Your room, meals, snacks, drinks and a long, long list of activities are included in the resort price.
Why It Works for Families:
- Childcare available for kids 4 months and older
- 2 outdoor pools, a family pool and an adults-only pool that is open on the weekends
- 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
3. The Breakers Palm Beach
One South County Road
Palm Beach, FL
This Italian Renaissance-style hotel on 140 acres of oceanfront property was built in 1896, so it has withstood the test of time! Located in the heart of Palm Beach, The Breakers delivers luxury at every turn.
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. The Breakers is known for its extensive holiday decor, which makes it a popular destination for celebrating the holidays.
Why It Works for Families:
- Complimentary access to the Family Entertainment Center that features an indoor play space, arcade, outdoor playground, basketball court, nine-hole mini golf course, bicycle rentals and a family-friendly dining venue
- 4 oceanfront pools
- Free wifi
- 10 onsite restaurants
- Arcade featuring a video game lounge with Xbox Series S and PlayStation 5
- Complimentary chauffeured Tesla house car service
- Watersports excursions including snorkeling at The Breakers’ Reef, paddle boarding, kayaking and surfing
SheBuysTravel 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.
4. Boca Raton Resort & Club, A Waldorf Astoria Resort
Boca Raton, Florida
The Boca Raton Resort & Club is stretched across 200 waterfront acres on the Atlantic Ocean just north of Fort Lauderdale. It has a reputation for catering to families and creating an environment that makes it easy to relax with your favorite people.
The resort, nearly 100 years old, is undergoing a renaissance, with reimagined rooms and suites, new restaurants and an adults-only all-suites hotel in the Yacht Club. There are 7 pools, oceanfront cabanas with butler service, golf, tennis and pickleball. Water sports include surfing, jet skiing, snorkeling, paddle boarding and banana boat rides.
The Bungalows work great for large families, says SheBuysTravel contributor Maria Smith, mom of four. The 58 two-bedroom suites in the Bunglows have terraces or balconies and a private pool. Some units have washers and dryers.
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 water sports including snorkeling, paddle boarding, beach catamaran
- Banyon Bunch Kids Club play and babysitting for children ages 4-12 and The Break for kids ages 11-15 featuring a virtual reality gaming system, a recording booth where they can create their own podcast or film a 360-degree TikTok video
- Complimentary transportation around the resort by shuttle and water taxi and free rides within two miles of the resort
- Spa treatments available for kids ages 12-17 with an adult
- Dogs are welcomed at the Bungalows, Yacht Club and Cloister with water and food bowls and a plush dog bed; dog-friendly activities include walking trails and paddle boarding
SheBuysTravel Tip: Check out our list of the best Florida beaches for families to visit.
5. Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa
4000 Sandestin Boulevard South
Miramar Beach, FL
This dreamy beachfront getaway is located near Destin, Florida, 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).
Water sports on the Gulf include stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking, snorkeling, shelling and dolphin-watching cruises. Or just book a lounge chair on the beach and while away the day enjoying the warm ocean breezes.
SheBuysTravel contributor Heidi Gollub said this about the Sandestin: “Kids can go for a swim in one of the resort’s 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!) Or order a crib or pack-and-play for your room.
- 7 onsite restaurants, plus room service and kid menus
- 2 outdoor pools and one indoor pool
- Pool side cabanas
6. The Ritz-Carlton Grande Lakes
4012 Central Florida Pkwy.
Orlando, FL
This AAA 5-Diamond luxury resort in Orlando, Florida is located only 10 miles from Walt Disney World. This is the Florida resort for active families, with a variety of onsite activities at The Ritz-Carlton such as kayaking, fishing, tennis courts and a championship golf course.
There are 582 luxury guest rooms and suites and 11 onsite restaurants, plus a 40,000-square-foot spa, 24-hour fitness center and 18-hole Greg Norman-designed golf course. In addition to the resort pool, there’s a private lap pool at the spa and Ritz guests can use the Grande Lakes Waterpark at the adjacent JW Marriott featuring a lazy river, waterslides and Jacuzzis.
Grande Lakes Sports Experiences feature a fishing school and private guided Eco-Tours on Shingle Creek, the headwaters to the Florida Everglades
SheBuysTravel’s Maria Smith said The Ritz-Carlton brand has some of the best luxury hotels for families around 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 never have to leave the resort.
Why It Works for Families:
- In addition to the resort pool, there’s a private lap pool at the spa and Ritz guests can use the Grande Lakes Waterpark at the adjacent JW Marriott featuring a lazy river, waterslides and Jacuzzis
- A variety of onsite restaurants
- Plenty of recreational activities for kids and Ritz Kids Club drop-off programming
- A 40,000-square-foot spa with a salon.
- 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.
SheBuysTravel 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
61 Hawks Cay Blvd.
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 with clear turquoise waters and endless sunshine.
This beautiful resort has 117 elegantly decorated guestrooms and suites with private lanais and views of the lush resort grounds. There are even rooms that comfortably fit a family of five.
SheBuysTravel writer Heidi Gollub said this 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. 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:
- There are rooms that accommodate a family of five — a rarity among family resorts! The 376-square-foot 5th sleeper rooms have two queens and a child-sized pull-out bed and the 480-square-foot family rooms have a king and bunk beds with a twin and full-sized bed.
- Snorkeling, SNUBA and dolphin encounters available on property; excursions to the reef, sunset cruises, private excursions, paddleboard and kayak rentals available through Solé Watersports onsite.
- Coral Cay Activities & Adventure Club for kids ages 5-12 offers activities and educational programs, game room, pirate ship pool, playground, putting course and basketball and volleyball courts
- Daily resort fee includes basic wifi internet access, transportation throughout the resort, self-parking, daily access to Coral Cay Club and Calm Waters Fitness Center; unlimited use of the putting course, sports field, tennis and pickleball courts, and bikes, kayaks and paddleboards in the saltwater lagoon
8. The Palms Hotel & Spa
3025 Collins Ave.
Miami Beach, FL
Take eco-conscious teens to The Palms Hotel & Spa, which is Florida Green Lodging accredited. This resort “employs a unique emphasis on total wellness, with environmental awareness and health-consciousness at the center of each guest experience.” Its “Inspired by Nature” Program includes efforts to reduce, reuse and recycle, a “Fill-A-Bucket” beach clean-up initiative, quarterly community cleanups and an in-house Green Team.
The hotel’s 251 newly renovated guest rooms include 141 City View rooms, 28 Partial Ocean View rooms, 78 Oceanfront rooms with floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows overlooking The Palms’ tropical gardens, expansive shoreline and the Atlantic Ocean.
There’s a heated outdoor swimming pool, expansive pool deck with lounge chairs and sun umbrellas and a Zen Garden with an outdoor Aveda Spa treatment cabana, a meditation circle and a trellis area with rope swings and hammocks.
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.
- Free beachfront yoga classes.
9. LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort
9891 Gulf Shore Dr.
Naples, FL
This luxury resort with private oceanfront guest rooms took a direct hit from Hurricane Ian in September 2022 and is just beginning to reopen. The LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort has opened Bay Tower, private beach access, a satellite location of Naples’ beloved SpaTerre, Elements Bar and a new beach bar and grill. The Gulf Tower has reopened its beachfront doors to overnight guests with limited availability.
For the latest on the resort’s recovery and reopening, click here.
Why It Works for Families:
- Access to one of Florida’s most beautiful beaches.
- 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.
10. Acqualina Resort & Residences on the Beach
Sunny Isles Beach, FL
The Acqualina 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, it was named the #1 Best Resort in the U.S.A. and the #1 Best Hotel in the U.S.A. in the 2023 U.S. News & World Report’s Best Hotels rankings.
The resort amenities are focused on luxury and convenience for the entire family. That includes the complimentary Aquamarine program that teaches kids ages 4-12 a new appreciation, love and respect for the sea through educational hands-on activities.
Each of the 54 guestrooms and 44 suites at this 5-Diamond resort is 600 square feet or larger and come with a private terrace with a view of the ocean or the Intracoastal Bay. There are four resort restaurants as well as special dinners on the beach and in-room dining.
Why It Works for Families:
- 3 outdoor swimming pools
- Acqualina Spa by ESPA, the first ESPA-branded spa in the U.S (a 20,000-square-foot spa!).
- Curated childcare by providers trained in the itavi Method (an acronym for “it takes a village”) who lead children through dynamic programming that includes playtime, arts & crafts, movement, learning and reading.
- AquaMermaid experience that teaches guests ages 7 and older how to swim like a mermaid. Children ages 2-7 can “swim with a mermaid.”
- Family activities such as football, basketball, cornhole, soccer, sandcastle building, kite flying and water relay games are available daily, weather permitting
- Private swim lessons available
- You can arrange a family photo session
11. Tradewinds Island Resorts
Located on Florida’s beautiful Gulf Coast in St. Pete Beach, Tradewinds Island Resorts is comprised of two fabulous hotels: Island Grand and RumFish Beach Resort. The resorts are set on 31 acres of beachfront property and are jam-packed with pools, restaurants and family-friendly activities.
Between the two hotels, there are seven pools, including an adults-only pool at each of the resorts. Beach activities abound, from water sports, such as parasailing, paddle boards and snorkeling, to beach volleyball, mini golf, tennis courts, a game room and a variety of other beach activities.
The 14 onsite restaurants and bars between the two resorts mean that there is an option for every appetite.
Check out these 10 reasons Tradewinds Island Resorts work for families.
Why It Works for Families
- High Tide Inflatable Waterslide that is three stories high, 200 feet long and has four lanes to race to the finish line. No surprise this is one of the most popular family-friendly activities at Tradewinds. Even the adults have fun zipping down the slide. (Note that kids must be 42 inches tall to ride the slide.)
- Daily resort fee covers a long list of family friendly amenities,including unlimited use of the two-person cabanas right on the beach, unlimited rides on Island Grand’s waterway paddleboats, a family pirate show, guided beach walks, campfire s’mores and so much more.
- Room options include suites with kitchenettes.
- 14 onsite restaurants and bars, so there is an option for every appetite. One, RumFish Grill, boasts a 33,500-gallon aquarium that was featured on Animal Planet’s hit series, “Tanked.”
- Great location just 40 minutes from Tampa International Airport and two hours from
Walt Disney World .
12. Diplomat Beach Resort
3555 S Ocean Dr.
Hollywood, FL
Located on Florida’s east coast, The 4 Diamond Diplomat Beach Resort has a retro, laid-back luxury feel that’s so welcoming, you won’t want to leave the resort. The property, one of
Read our full review of Diplomat Beach Resort for all of the resort details!
Why It Works for Families
- 2 large beachfront pools, a zero-entry pool equipped with thrilling water slides and the Dip + Slide kids splash zone. And there are plenty of lounge chairs and umbrellas for shade.
- Diplomat Kids Club, where children ages 4 to 12 engage in fun and educational activities such as scavenger hunts, beach excursions, castles in the sand, arts & crafts projects (like kite crafting and shell art) and more.
- Free one-hour kayak or paddle board rental each day.
- Parents can get some well-deserved pampering at The Diplomat Spa.
- Close to the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport
11. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
4401 Floridian Way
Lake Buena Vista, FL
This list would not be complete without a couple of our favorite
There are so many resort options to choose from but the Grand Floridian is one of our favorites. The Victorian design, heightened level of elegance, next-level service and easy access to Disney theme parks by walking path, monorail and boats make this resort always worth the splurge.
The resort has one of the best Disney resort pools, the spa is unparalleled and there are a variety of room choices, from standard guestrooms to expansive villas with full kitchens.
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 and from Magic Kingdom by foot, monorail or water taxi.
- 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!
12. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
2901 Osceola Pkwy.
Kissimmee, FL
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.
The savanna is home to 30 species of African wildlife, including zebras, giraffes, gazelles, kudu and flamingos. There are few things as exhilarating as walking out onto the balcony in the morning and being face to face with a giraffe! Look for a Wildlife Field Guide in your room to help the kid identify what animals they’re seeing.
The pools at Animal Kingdom Lodge are some of the best at Disney World resorts. The 11,000-square-foot Uzima pool has a waterslide and zero-depth entry point, a children’s wading pool and 2 whirlpool spas. Lodge guests also can use the Samawati Springs Pool, which also has a waterslide and 2 whirlpool spas a short walk away at Kidani Village.
Plus, Animal Kingdom Lodge has some of the best dining at WDW — Boma, Jiko, The Mara and Sanaa bring the flavors of Africa to Orlando.
Room choices range from standard hotel rooms that sleep four (but might come with a morning sighting of a giraffe just off your balcony!) to villas at Kadani Village that come with full kitchens and can sleep up to 12.
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.
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. Visit David’s Vacation Rental to see which Disney hotels are available during your travel dates.
SheBuysTravel contributors 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 are substantial:
- $1,567 saved at the Grand Floridian
- $1,206 at the Animal Kingdom Lodge
Read more about renting DVC points.
More Florida Family Vacation Ideas
- Where to Find All Inclusive Resorts in Florida
- Fun Florida Road Trips with Kids
- Best Florida Beaches for Families
- Not-to-be-Missed Florida State Parks
- Central Florida Theme Parks: Disney and Beyond
- Fantastic Hidden Gems to Explore in Florida
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