Best All-Inclusive Resorts in the US, Caribbean, and Mexico for Kids

A water park, beach activities, and more await at Coconut Bay's all-inclusive resort in St. Lucia.
A water park, beach activities, and more await at Coconut Bay's all-inclusive resort in St. Lucia.
2/11/23 - By Rose Gordon Sala

All-inclusive resorts are the way to go when you need a family vacation that's both relaxing and activity-packed, where delicious food and drinks flow freely, and where you don't have to worry about pulling out your wallet. The best all-inclusive resorts offer so many fun activities for grown-ups and kids, such as swimming, sports, arts and crafts, and more. Many of them even have kids' clubs so the adults can get a break. Plus, the plethora of fabulous all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean and Mexico make it easy to escape the cold weather for a warm and sunny winter getaway.

We've rounded up some of our favorite all-inclusive resorts in the US, Mexico, and the Caribbean for families. Of course, they don't always come cheap, so we've included a couple of more budget-friendly options, too. These soup-to-nuts getaways will please the most discerning pint-sized guests (and their paying adults).

Check out our Guide to Family Resorts and Hotels for even more great places to stay on your next family vacation.

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All-Inclusive Resorts: Mohonk Mountain House
Get away from it all with a retreat to Mohonk Mountain House in New York's Catskills.

Best Family-Friendly All-Inclusive Resorts in the US

1. Mohonk Mountain House – New Paltz, New York

This pretty Hudson Valley resort beckons families year-round with outdoor adventures like hikes and swimming as well as old-timey indoor pursuits, from board games to dancing. A stay here includes three meals a day, a kids' club, evening entertainment, a number of sports and fitness programs, and innumerable perks such as nightly turndown service. Enjoy the view from the room's balcony or family time around the en-suite fireplace.

2. Woodloch Resort — Hawley, Pennsylvania

Plentiful meals, activities galore, and bedtime-friendly evening entertainment are all included in the price at this top-notch rustic resort on a scenic lake in the Poconos. There’s a petting zoo, a playground, paintball, and much more, so no one will ever get bored. An indoor "splash zone" with slides keeps tots happy year-round. If you’re searching for a multi-generational getaway with the grandparents or a family reunion spot, hospitable Woodloch is a fine choice. This family-run resort is kid-friendly in every way, but adults can have fun on their own when they head to the serene spa at the stunning sister property, The Lodge at Woodloch, located just two miles away.

All-Inclusive Resorts: The Tyler Place
Families can suit up for water sports at The Tyler Place, where personal nannies are on hand for babies.

3. Tyler Place Family Resort — Highgate Springs, Vermont

This seasonal resort is excellent for families with babies and toddlers. The children’s program is comprehensive and includes a personal nanny for newborns to 1-year-olds. They have plenty of baby gear, so no problem if you forget the stroller. Parents will have plenty of time to unwind in strategically placed hammocks. Nearly everything is included in the price (all meals, bike rentals, etc.), but there is an additional fee for the personal nanny.

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All-Inclusive Resorts: Rocking Horse Ranch
Families get unlimited horseback riding at Rocking Horse Ranch.

4. Rocking Horse Ranch — Highland, New York

With supervised programs for babies to teens, parents have the option to choose whatever blend of kid-free time they desire. Three daily meals and all activities are included in the relatively modest price, including an indoor water park, playgrounds, hikes, and nightly entertainment. Ponies and horses abound. Rocking Horse Ranch is only about a two-hour drive from Manhattan.

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All-Inclusive Resorts: Sandpiper Bay Resort
Florida's Sandpiper Bay Resort offers all the amenities of all-inclusive resorts without leaving the US. 

5. Sandpiper Bay Resort — Port Saint Lucie, Florida

Kids will make themselves at home hitting the splash park at this Florida all-inclusive resort that dishes up all of the typical all-inclusive amenities without the need to pack a passport. Located along the St. Lucie River, water sports such as sailing are the top activities here, but so is lounging by the pools. There's also tennis, soccer, beach volleyball, golf, and kids' clubs. Explore nearby Florida cities and attractions, including West Palm Beach and Miami. Families can choose from a number of kid-friendly accommodations, including connecting rooms.

6. Blackberry Farm — Walland, Tennessee

This gorgeous, sprawling resort set in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains gets high marks for its delicious food, abundance of outdoor activities (some cost an extra fee), and friendly staff. Kids will adore meeting the animals at the mountainous estate, hitting the hiking trail, and trying out archery and other old-timey pursuits while parents duck into the spa, drool over the extensive wine cellar, or relax at the pool. Everyone will enjoy horseback riding, carriage rides, and various water sports on the rivers that run through the area.

Choose among luxurious hotel rooms, cottages, and even five-bedroom houses with bunk beds and game rooms. Kids under 4 stay FREE, and a kids' camp gives children and parents a chance to explore. Private babysitting is also available.

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All-Inclusive Resorts: Tanque Verde Ranch
Enjoy the desert and mountain views at Tanque Verde Ranch.

7. Tanque Verde Ranch — Tucson, Arizona

This stunning ranch nestled in the Tucson desert with Saguaro National State Park as the backdrop is on every little cowgirl and cowboy's wish list. A full slate of complimentary children's programming is available for those who opt for an all-inclusive package, with horseback riding, hiking, crafts, nature programs, tennis, and swimming. Parents can unwind at the top-notch spa, while the whole family will enjoy cowboy cookouts, indoor and outdoor pools, and scrumptious southwestern fare. There are a number of Santa Fe-style, adobe-walled cottages and rooms from which to choose, and even a glamping option for the adventurous.

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All-Inclusive Resorts: Beaches Turks & Caicos
The water park at Beaches Turks & Caicos draws kids to its lazy river, water slides, and pirate ship.

Best Family-Friendly All-Inclusive Resorts in the Caribbean

8. Beaches Turks & Caicos

A trip to the famed, luxurious Beaches Turks & Caicos isn't soon forgotten. We're still reminiscing about our 2014 trip to Beaches when the luxury resort opened another "village" within its grounds. Visitors can choose from myriad themed villages with varying accommodations and dine at 21 restaurants, all of which are included in your stay. Kids will be busy manning the cannons and surfing the lazy river at the Pirates Island Waterpark. Miles of white-sand beach, all-inclusive water sports, a complimentary kids' camp for babies and up, and 10 swimming pools make for a scrumptious getaway. Of course, it all comes with a hefty price tag.

9. Finest Punta Cana — Dominican Republic

This gorgeous resort, the latest offering from The Excellence Collection group, combines luxury and family fun for an unforgettable all-inclusive vacation. The resort features several pools, a huge and fantastic kids club, over a dozen restaurants and food trucks, a world-class spa, a fitness center, nightly entertainment, and a spate of family activities to keep everyone busy. Finest Punta Cana has all suites, meaning families have plenty of room to spread out. Our travel editor was struck by the fact that the resort never felt crowded despite being at nearly 80% capacity, and declared Finest Punta Cana to be her "new favorite resort." 

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All-Inclusive Resorts: Franklyn D Resort
Spacious rooms, kid-friendly pools, and a "vacation nanny'" make FDR one of the top all-inclusive resorts for families.

10. Franklyn D Resort — Jamaica

Families love the low-key, practical approach to the Jamaica all-inclusive resort model Franklyn D Resort delivers. The beachfront resort comes with all the typical trappings, including pools, water slides, a spa, offsite excursions, sports courts, and more, but the piece that really attracts parents is the "vacation nanny." The resort assigns a nanny to each family to help watch and entertain the kids for the duration of your vacation!

The kitchenettes and spacious rooms make this resort a win for many families, even if some reviewers have started to describe the property as a bit "dated." It is smaller than some of the other big Jamaica all-inclusive resorts, but that is part of the appeal for those with young kids.

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All-Inclusive Resorts: Sunscape Curacao Resort
A dip in the beachfront pool at Sunscape is enjoyed by all ages.

11. Sunscape Curaçao Resort— Curaçao

This family-friendly all-inclusive resort on the charming Dutch Caribbean island of Curaç​ao flies under the radar of many. Adjoining rooms, an all-day kids' club, a teen zone, sports, and nightly entertainment endear this luxurious resort to families. Explore the resort's attractions, including pools, the beach, six on-site restaurants, and more, or catch a ride into town to see the shops and brightly colored homes that dot the seashore of the nearby capital city of Willemstad. The spa offers both kid and adult services, and the restaurants love to whip up mocktails for the kiddies.

12. Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa — St. Lucia

A water park, a kids' club, multiple pools, and all sorts of water sports including snorkeling and paddleboarding make this St. Lucia south coast resort a hit with kids of all ages. Friendly staff, solid food, and the beach win over parents, too. Don't miss the lazy river and the spa! Families can pick an adjoining room for the kids or twin trundle beds if they have a larger family.

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All-Inclusive Resorts: Spice Island Beach Resort
A low-key but high-end retreat awaits at the Spice Island Beach Resort.

13. Spice Island Beach Resort — Grenada, West Indies

Located on stunning Grand Anse Beach, the casually elegant, intimate Spice Island Beach Resort tops the list of all-inclusive resorts for families seeking an exclusive retreat. Family-owned and operated, your every whim is accommodated. Children age 3 and older can hang out at the Nutmeg Pod, a full-service kids' club. They will arrange child care for younger kids and make sure cribs and any baby gear you need are available. The food is outstanding and the rate includes all meals, even British-style afternoon tea. All beaches in Grenada are public, so you'll be able to mix with friendly locals.

14. Paradisus Palma Real — Dominican Republic

Access to at least five pools and the beach mean kids are never without activities at this all-inclusive Punta Cana resort. Bilingual lifeguards patrol the pools attentively, and an enthusiastic band of poolside entertainers keep little ones mesmerized. Our writer's kids, none of whom were close to legal drinking age, were regular patrons at the swim-up bars, where staff served them virgin daiquiris and pina coladas.

The resort features a host of top-tier restaurants, which tend to fill up at peak vacation periods. However, there is a nightly buffet for those who neglected to make restaurant reservations. Excursions are available to zip lines, amusement parks, and water sports.

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Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana by Karisma
The water park at Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana comes with slides and a side of slime if you like!

15. Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana by Karisma — Dominican Republic

The friendly staff at Nickelodeon Punta Cana go out of their way to make guests comfortable, providing everything you need from cribs and bottle warmers to juice boxes and Frosted Flakes for the minibar. Butlers help book dinner reservations and offsite excursions. The modern, luxurious rooms feature family-friendly perks, such as sliding doors that create a private bedroom. Splurge on a swim-up suite for a room with a pool.

The grounds are manageable enough that you can hop from the beach to the pools to the Aqua Nick water park and still have time to throw on your flip-flops for dinner at one of nearly a dozen eateries. Parents appreciate the 24-hour room service, while kids thrill to meet big-time characters like SpongeBob and Paw Patrol friends. Relax at the spa while the kids enjoy the ball pit and slide at the complimentary kids' club.

16. Club Med Punta Cana — Dominican Republic

Club Med is known for its excellent all-inclusive resorts. High-end luxury with a boutique feel, an all-ages kids' club, and endless all-inclusive activities make this Club Med a fan favorite. Kids can try the trapeze and acrobatics at Circus School while the parents lounge at the pool, play golf, or just slough off stress at the spa. Enjoy breakfast at a beachside terrace and ponder how much, or how little, you'd like to do today! The separate kids' room within a Family Superior Suite makes bedtime a breeze.

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All-Inclusive Resorts:Azul Beach Resort
Azul Beach Resort delivers a full all-inclusive package, including baby amenities, a kids' club, and meals.

Best Family-Friendly All-Inclusive Resorts in Mexico

17. Velas Vallarta — Puerto Vallarta

Velas Vallarta has all the trappings of a great all-inclusive resort for families—10 acres of gorgeous beachfront, three pools, three restaurants, a kids' club, a luxury spa, spacious suites, and on-site activities including tennis, water volleyball, dancing, and crafts. But what sets it apart is its commitment to being Earth-friendly. We were thrilled to learn on our recent trip that Velas Vallarta composts all of its organic food waste and uses it as fertilizer for the gardens, irrigates the landscaping with reused laundry water, and heats the showers with solar panels.

18. Grand Velas — Los Cabos

This luxurious all-inclusive resort spoils families rotten with touches like constant minibar refills, 24-hour room service, and bilingual concierges eager to fulfill any request. There are also amazing kids' and teen clubs, a fabulous spa, three infinity pools, seven gourmet restaurants, and plenty of family activities. Like its sister resort, Velas Vallarta, Grand Velas makes lots of efforts to be eco-friendly, including using recycled ground water for thirty percent of its water use.

19. Azul Beach Resort Riviera Cancun — Puerto Morelos

Azul Beach Resort is one of the best all-inclusive resorts in the Riviera Maya region of Mexico. It's delivered by the same folks behind the Nickelodeon Punta Cana, so you can expect the same delicious all-inclusive meals and fantastic activities, along with baby amenities like diaper pails, bottle warmers, and strollers. When we first visited in 2013, our reviewer called it a "Caribbean dream vacation for grown-ups that is equally attentive to their needs as parents." There's also a playhouse, a kids' club, cooking classes, various sports and activities, and great pools. Meanwhile, find me at the spa or indulging in the 24-hour room service.

20. Grand Residences Riviera Cancun — Puerto Morelos

After her trip to Grand Residences Riviera Cancun, our writer declared it "perfect for families who want luxurious touches and value elbow room." She praised the resort's two large pools; its beach area with sapphire water; its kids club full of games, crafts, and more; its two on-site sit-down restaurants and casual beachside grill; and its large variety of adult activities including cooking and mixology classes, yoga, and a fantastic spa. All of the rooms are suites that accommodate three to 13 people, making this all-inclusive resort a great pick for families of all sizes. 

21. The Reef Playacar — Playa del Carmen

The Reef Playacar is one of those dream all-inclusive resorts for those traveling with kids thanks to its family-friendly rooms, a range of all-inclusive packages, a kids' club, a spa, and the option to hit the beach, the pool, or the city of Playa del Carmen. Nightly entertainment, kayaks and paddleboards, bicycles, three meals, and afternoon tea and ice cream are included in the most basic package.

22. Dreams Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa — Puerto Morelos

Endless beachside activities for kids, adjoining rooms, multiple pools, and attentive staff help this all-inclusive resort on Mexico's Caribbean coast rack up glowing reviews from families. A kids' club with an indoor romper room, plunge pools, and delicious food help, too. It's a short drive from the Cancun airport to checking in here for some tropical R&R.

23. Hotel Xcaret Mexico — Playa del Carmen

Set between the Mayan rain forest and the Caribbean Sea, the five-diamond Hotel Xcaret (ISH-kah-rhett) offers stunning views and plenty of family fun. But what really sets it apart is its unique All Fun Inclusive concept, which gives guests access to all seven Grupo Xcaret parks. These parks offer all sorts of natural and cultural experiences such as zip lining, water adventures like snorkeling and whitewater rafting, cave tours, live entertainment, monster truck rides, a wacky town full of optical illusions, and so much more.

A version of this article first ran in 2016 by Allison Tibaldi, but it has since been revised and updated.

All photos courtesy of the hotels and resorts