Combining its endless sunshine and array of sun-kissed beaches, Florida has the perfect recipe for a fun-filled family vacation. Some of the greatest values for families can be found at one of the state’s fun-filled resorts, which offer kid-friendly perks and exciting facilities the entire family can appreciate. Whether you want to be close to the theme parks, have access to a thrilling on-site water park, kid-friendly kids’ programs, or partake in outdoor adventures, you’re spoiled for choice. Read on to discover the best family-friendly resorts in Florida.
Hawks Cay Resort, Duck Key
A perfect getaway destination for adventure-seeking families who crave outdoor activities, Hawks Cay Resort in Duck Key is a slice of paradise and one of the best resorts in the Florida Keys. Boasting 60 acres of lush landscaping in what feels like your small private village, guests arrive by boat as they are greeted by an array of family-friendly features. From the full-service marina to the abundance of water activities, guests can swim with dolphins, cruise on wave runners, snorkel for underwater marine life or paddle to a nearby tropical island. After a day of thrills, the kids can soak in the sunshine and play at the on-site pool, visit the resort’s private lagoon or participate in one of the many kids’ club activities. Adults will find multiple places to unwind, from the on-site Calm Waters Spa to the adults-only pool with bar service.
Key Amenities:
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Kids’ camp and teen activities
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Pools and lagoon with adults-only option
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Marina and swimming with dolphins
Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World, Orlando
Located just at the gates of Walt Disney World, families will find a luxurious vacation destination at Four Seasons Resort Orlando Walt Disney World. Boasting one of the coolest hotel pools in Orlando, guests are treated to the typical Four Seasons type of top-notch service from the moment they step onto the property. In addition to being just steps from the Magic Kingdom, the kids will love the resort’s variety of water slides and lazy river at the 5-acre water park and climbing wall and activity center on Explorer Island. The adults will be delighted with the multiple on-site restaurants and bars, 18-hole Tom Fazio golf course and the 13,0000 square foot spa with luxurious body treatments.
Key Amenities:
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Water park and climbing center
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18-hole golf course
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Complimentary daily kids club
10100 Dream Tree Blvd, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32836, USA— +1 407-313-7777
The Don CeSar Hotel, St. Pete Beach
The famously pink Don CeSar Hotel is a top-rated beach property in Florida that sits along the Gulf of Mexico with a gorgeous stretch of white sandy beach. A historic hotel dating to 1920, it’s known for its elegant Gatsby-era vibes while blending Moorish and Mediterranean architectural elements. While it might sound more like a place that would be for couples, it’s very family-friendly and comes complete with a kids’ camp for ages four through 12. The younger ones can build sandcastles, create beach crafts, hunt for seashells, and more while parents enjoy a massage or another decadent treatment at the spa. A variety of watersports are available, including kayaking and standup paddleboarding, while beachfront yoga is complimentary, hosted in the morning and at sunset. There are also two heated oceanfront pools and multiple dining options with indoor and outdoor seating.
Key Amenities:
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White sandy beach with watersports available
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Two heated, oceanfront pools
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Kids’ camp with activities
3400 Gulf Blvd, St Pete Beach, FL 33706, USA— +1 727-360-1881
Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek, Orlando
Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek is not only ideal for those who want to spend time at the Magic Kingdom, with a complimentary shuttle service that will get you there, but it also offers a ton of fun right on-site. There’s a three-acre lazy river to float around on, waterslides, a zero-entry pool, daily poolside games and activities, and much more. Kids can even take an intro to scuba diving lesson in the pool and dive-in movies are available where you can watch from a raft. There’s also a spa, fitness center, and a wide variety of dining options from casual to upscale. Plus, the Deluxe Guest Rooms offer a view of the nightly Disney fireworks show.
Key Amenities:
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Complimentary shuttle to Magic Kingdom
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Zero-entry pool, waterslides, and one of Orlando’s best lazy rivers
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Multiple restaurants on-site
14100 Bonnet Creek Resort Ln, Orlando, FL 32821, USA— +1 407-597-3600
The Breakers Palm Beach, Palm Beach
A top luxury resort in Florida, The Breakers Palm Beach sprawls across 140 acres of oceanfront space. With historic architecture and lush landscaping, the resort offers an impressive five swimming pools, five whirlpool spas, an 18-hole golf course and nine restaurants. If that’s not enough, it also features ten tennis courts and ten boutique shops. A Family Entertainment Center offers a playroom, arcade, mini-movie theater and arts and crafts room. A Kids’ Camp is available throughout the day, where they can partake in anything from golf lessons to guided snorkel tours in addition to the two on-site kid-friendly pools and a variety of rental equipment, including kayaks, floats and paddle boards.
Key Amenities:
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Family Entertainment Center with arcade and theater
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Daily kids’ camp with activities
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Two kid-friendly pools
Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa, Clearwater Beach
A popular option in Clearwater Beach, Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa is a stunning property on Florida’s Gulf Coast. With spacious family-sized rooms, guests will find world-class amenities with attentive service. A favorite with families, the hotel is packed with an array of amenities that include an eighth-floor pool deck, an excellent on-site restaurant, and private balconies overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. After a day of enjoying the beach activities nearby, such as sailing, snorkeling, and catamaran rides, an on-site spa offers parents relaxing facials and body scrubs while the kids can join the resort’s variety of recreational activities. Nearby, Clearwater has an array of family-friendly attractions to enjoy.
Key Amenities:
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Eighth-floor secured pool deck
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Oversized rooms with private balconies
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Climate-controlled private poolside cabanas
301 S Gulfview Blvd, Clearwater Beach, FL 33767, USA— +1 727-373-1234
South Seas, Captiva Island
Consistently ranking high as the most kid-friendly resort in Florida, South Seas is one of the best beachfront hotels on Florida’s Gulf coast. A sprawling property with 335 acres on Captiva Island, it is surrounded by water and offers picturesque views of the ocean from everywhere you stand. An extensive list of amenities makes this resort stand out, as it boasts sparkling swimming pools and exciting water slides, in addition to a golf course, full-service spa and nature center. Sitting on 2.5 miles of beautiful beach, there are also a variety of day trips available for families to enjoy, from nearby parks to tropical islands.
Key Amenities:
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White-sand beach access
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Marina with firepit and S’mores
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Lawn with family activities
Acqualina Resort & Spa On The Beach, Sunny Isles Beach
Perfect for families who enjoy a bit of luxury, Aqualina Resort & Spa On The Beach is one of the top beachfront resorts in the world. A Mediterranean-inspired resort, guests are given the 5-star experience while also catering to travelers with kids. With an award-winning spa and a view that can’t be beaten, the adults are treated well with luxury services, while kids will enjoy the pristine beach just steps away from the room and the fantastic kids’ program, AcquaMarine. Featuring a computer center, the program focuses on all things oceanic, where kids can learn about anything from the Coast Guard to ocean waves or play in the on-site zero-entry pool.
Key Amenities:
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Beach access
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Oceanfront zero-entry pool
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Marine biology-based children’s program
17875 Collins Ave, Sunny Isles Beach, FL 33160, USA— +1 305-918-8000
Resort at Longboat Key Club, Sarasota
Located on the coast of Sarasota, the Resort at Longboat Key Club is nestled on a narrow strip of land between Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. A large property, guests will find an impressive 20 tennis courts, an on-site spa and 45 holes of golf. The expansive white sand beach is perfect for a day of making memories in Florida’s brilliant sunshine, while the multiple on-site restaurants, serving anything from Italian favorites to fresh seafood, are ready for when you’re ready to refuel. A year-round Camp Loggerhead is available for kids, while mother and daughter manicures and pedicures and guided kayak tours through the mangroves offer unique family experiences. Guests are also only 5 miles from the famous Marie Selby Botanical Gardens and only a 15-minute drive from the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art.
Key Amenities:
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Year-round kids’ camp
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Golf course and tennis courts
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Private beach with cabanas
220 Sands Point Rd, Longboat Key, FL 34228, USA— +1 941-383-8821
TradeWinds Island Grand Beach Resort, St. Pete Beach
Located on St. Pete Beach, TradeWinds Island Grand Resort boasts modern rooms spread across its sprawling property. One of the largest hotels in the area, guests will find a palm tree-lined lobby and a beautiful outdoor pond with covered walkways. Nestled on 20 picturesque acres of beachfront property, families will be delighted to discover the resort’s array of water sports available. The highlight of the property for many guests is the giant 60-foot blow-up slide on the beach and the over 15,000-square-foot Splash Island Water Park that floats in the ocean. In addition to a family-friendly pool, guests can find many water sports rentals to enjoy such as paddle boards, wave runners and jetpacks, along the resort’s gorgeous stretch of white-sand beach.
Key Amenities:
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Beach access with floating water park
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Family-friendly pools
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Kids’ club and teen lounge
5500 Gulf Blvd, St Pete Beach, FL 33706, USA— +1 800-249-1667
Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina, Fort Myers Beach
An upscale resort with family-sized guest rooms, Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina is located at the northern end of Estera Island. Located between the Gulf of Mexico and the Matanzas Harbor, guests will find a condo-style resort with full kitchens and plenty of amenities to keep the entire family entertained. Volleyball and water sports are available for use, in addition to a popular Octopool complex with a giant octopus and waterfalls paired with a variety of shells, sponges and underwater speakers for the kids to enjoy. A splash area for kids is available for those who need to cool down. The resort is less than a mile from the center of Fort Myers, where families will find plenty of restaurants, shops and attractions to keep their itinerary full.
Key Amenities:
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Octopool complex with splash area
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Private beach access
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Condo-style rooms with full kitchens
275 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931, USA— +1 888-222-7465
Lido Beach Resort, Sarasota
Lido Beach Resort offers access to what’s often named one of the country’s most stunning beaches, the pristine white sands of Siesta Key. It boasts a private, 300-foot stretch with a beachfront tiki bar, and offers many other facilities, including two outdoor pools, one for the whole family and one that’s adults-only. Snorkeling, sea kayaking, and surfing are available with gear for rent, while the main restaurant on the top floor serves fresh seafood with a breathtaking view. Rooms are spacious and there are also condo-style suites with multiple bedrooms making it much more comfortable for families. Some have kitchenettes and others come with full kitchens, which can help you save on dining out.
Key Amenities:
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A 300-foot stretch of white sandy beach, watersports rentals available
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Two outdoor pools
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Multiple eateries, including one with Gulf Coast & sunset views
700 Benjamin Franklin Dr, Sarasota, FL 34236, USA— +1 941-388-2161
Cheeca Lodge & Spa, Islamorada
The Cheeca Lodge & Spa has been a hit with families for decades. It’s one of the original luxury properties in Islamorada and one of the largest in the Keys, spread over 27 acres with gorgeous grounds that include a 1,200-foot private beach. If you want to get out on the water, complimentary kayaks and paddleboards are included. There are three pools, a kids’ club for ages five through 12, and an educational program for children along with multiple oceanfront eateries. All rooms have furnished balconies and if you want more space, book a suite as they come with a separate living room. Some have full kitchens too.
Key Amenities:
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1,200-foot private beach with complimentary kayaks and paddleboards
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Three outdoor pools
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Kids’ club for ages five through 12
81801 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036, USA— +1 305-664-4651
The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island
Amelia Island offers a peaceful getaway, often with miles of empty beach along with scenic trails and historical sites to explore. It’s also home to the dreamy Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island which offers the Ritz Kids program that includes special activities like scavenger hunts, nature exploration, and even hands-on cooking classes to help the younger ones in the family engage with the destination. There’s an outdoor and an indoor pool with skylights as well as an 18-hole golf course, a day spa, and a gym that parents might want to take advantage of while the kids play. Multiple restaurants are on-site, including the award-winning Salt restaurant. The wide range of room options includes balconies and suites with separate living areas.
Key Amenities:
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Ritz Kids program with activities
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Indoor and outdoor pool
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18-hole golf course, spa, and gym
4750 Amelia Island Pkwy, Amelia Island, FL 32034, USA— +1 904-277-1100
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, Orlando
A truly magical property for both kids and adults alike, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is like stepping onto a real-life wildlife preserve in Africa. One of the best Disney resorts in Florida, guests at the Animal Kingdom Lodge can wake up in the morning and stroll to their private balcony to watch a giraffe casually enjoying their breakfast only a few feet away. Perfect for animal lovers, next visitors might spot a gazelle, zebra or colorful flamingo roaming through the preserve, as 30 species of wildlife are found throughout the four lush savannas that the property sits on. After soaking in the views of exotic animals, kids can refresh at the 11,000-square-foot pool with a waterslide and spring pool, all surrounded by large canopy trees and Floridian palms.
Key Amenities:
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Private balconies on animal preserve
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Pool with waterslide
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Complimentary bus transportation
2901 Osceola Pkwy, Kissimmee, FL 34747, USA— +1 407-939-1936
JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort, Marco Island
The JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort offers a classic Florida family vacation with access to three miles of unspoiled powder sugar-like sands along the Gulf of Mexico. It has a beachfront tiki bar and four pools, including the famil-friendly tiki pool with a slide. There are two championship golf courses, a luxurious spa, and a wide range of dining options with a dozen different eateries, including a gastropub and a steak and seafood restaurant. Book a suite for a panoramic view of the Gulf and more space, including additional bedrooms, separate living/dining rooms, and extra bathrooms.
Key Amenities:
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Three miles of white sandy beaches
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Two championship golf courses & four pools
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A dozen on-site eateries
400 S Collier Blvd, Marco Island, FL 34145, USA— +1 239-394-2511
Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach, Fort Lauderdale
The stylish Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach sits right across from North Fort Lauderdale Beach. It has its own dedicated space there, complete with daybeds, beach chairs, and umbrellas. The ocean-facing Sky Deck on the sixth floor is a definite highlight, complete with a heated pool, Jacuzzi, private poolside cabanas, a poolside grill, and a fire pit. It also offers a marine-inspired kids’ club and a wealth of perks for parents of babies. The infant program includes items like a travel crib, a baby camera and monitor, a sound machine, and a changing table. When you want to go to the pool, play foam mats, mineral-based sunscreen, and swim diapers are all available. There are child-friendly dining options, and when it comes to accommodation, there are multi-bedroom suites with galley kitchens and furnished terraces.
Key Amenities:
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A heated outdoor pool and Jacuzzi on the 6th-floor Sky Deck
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Kids’ club + numerous baby amenities
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Dedicated stretch of North Fort Lauderdale Beach
551 N Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304, USA— +1 954-414-5100
