What to Look for in a Family-Friendly All-Inclusive Resort

While many all-inclusive resorts say they welcome kids, not all are created equal when it comes to kid-friendly activities and entertainment. Here's what to look for when choosing an all-inclusive resort for your next family vacation:

• Kids Clubs and Teen Clubs: The most family-friendly all-inclusive resorts have dedicated kids clubs, where parents can drop off their kids for supervised play while they go golfing, hit the spa, or just enjoy some child-free relaxation. If you have tweens or teens, you'll want to find a resort with a teen club or lounge where they can meet other teens and play video games, board games, and more.
• Family-Friendly Activities: Many all-inclusive resorts have fun activities the whole family can enjoy together, such as water sports, shows and other live entertainment, arcades, water parks, and more. See what yours has to offer before booking.
• Kid-Friendly Restaurants: Make sure there are on-site restaurants that are child-friendly or have kids menus.
• Kids' Pools: If you're traveling with toddlers or preschoolers, it's ideal if the resort has a wading pool or splash area just for little ones.
• Baby Amenities: Have a baby in the family? See if your resort offers amenities like cribs, bouncers, toys, and babysitting services—many do!

Enjoy the slopes, free kids club, pools, and more at Alta Lodge near Salt Lake City.

Family-Friendly Hotels in the US Where Kids Stay Free

1. Alta Lodge – Alta, UT

Looking for a ski vacation? Head to this family-friendly resort just outside Salt Lake City. Kids can learn how to navigate the slopes in ski school while parents hit the powder. There are pools, fireplaces, free yoga, and a complimentary kids club. But beware—there are no TVs in the rooms. Enjoy hot breakfast and a four-course dinner as part of the standard rate.

Kids Stay Free Offer: Book a four-night minimum stay in a standard room or better during Alta's early winter or spring seasons and children ages 12 and under stay in your room at no additional charge. With two children, this is a savings of over $250 per night! Call 801-742-3500 or email info@altalodge.com to book your stay.

Extend the Fun: Explore Salt Lake City with our list of the 49 best things to do in Salt Lake City with kids.

Kids can swim indoors or out at the majestic Mohonk Mountain House in the Hudson Valley.

2. Mohonk Mountain House – New Paltz, NY

This grand, castle-like resort sits atop a ridge overlooking the scenic Hudson Valley. Loads of activities—most of which are included in the cost of the stay—will keep families busy, from hiking, kayaking, and fishing in the spring and summer to ice skating, snow tubing, and snowshoeing in the winter. Children will love the heated indoor pool with underwater music and the complimentary kids club. All meals and non-alcoholic beverages are included in your stay. Check out our detailed review of Mohonk Mountain House to learn more about the resort.

Kids Stay Free Offer: Available on select dates in spring, summer, and winter, the Kids Stay & Eat Free package includes one free child per adult (for a maximum of two kids per room) and is only available by phone at 855-883-3798. You must book a minimum of two nights to get the deal.

Extend the Fun: With so many fun activities, your family may never want to leave the resort. Our list of 50 fun things to do in the Hudson Valley with kids just might change their minds.

Farming is one of the many activities included in the cost of a stay at Blackberry Farm.

3. Blackberry Farm — Walland, TN

At this luxurious retreat in the Great Smoky Mountains, families can enjoy Camp Blackberry all summer long, which offers activities like geocaching, archery, stream exploration, and farming that are included in the cost of the stay. Swimming, hiking, tennis and pickleball, and a fitness center are also included, as are all meals

Kids Stay Free Offer: Kids 3 and under stay free all year long, while those 4 and older cost $250 per night. A three-night minimum is required for all stays unless otherwise note, and accommodations include a variety of cabins, cottages, and tree houses.

Extend the Fun: Take a day trip to Dollywood, less than an hour away by car! Our guide to visiting Dollywood with kids will tell you everything you need to know about this Dolly Parton-inspired theme park.

Family-Friendly Hotels All-Inclusive Resorts and Hotels in the Caribbean and Mexico Where Kids Stay Free

4. Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe — Cancun, Mexico

This oceanfront all-inclusive resort features multiple pools, water activities, nightly live entertainment, and a dozen restaurants and bars with food and drinks included in your stay. The Beach Bunch kids club for ages 4-12 has a playground and splash pool and an indoor playroom with video games, crafts, and karaoke. The Sandbar Social teens club offers foosball, ping-pong, video games, and board games.

Kids Stay Free Offer: For a limited time, kids and teens ages 17 and younger can stay and eat for free at Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe when you book a stay of three nights or more. There is a limit of one free child or teen per registered adult and two free kids or teens per room. Blackout dates apply.

5. Club Med Punta Cana — Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

The all-inclusive Club Med Punta Cana offers families so many fun activities—a massive water park, a flying trapeze and circus arts, fantastic kids and teen clubs, great pools, gourmet food and drinks, and so much more. There's a reason so many kids dream of "taking home a Club Med vacation!"

Kids Stay Free Offer: Kids under 4 stay free at all Club Med all-inclusive resorts. The resort also often has specials where kids ages 4-11 stay for up to 50% off and those ages 12-15 stay for up to 20% off.

6. Moon Palace Jamaica — Ocho Rios, Jamaica

This all-inclusive resort is loaded with activities for all ages. Moon Palace's program just for kids, The Dreamery, ensures children have a fantastic time hanging out in the kitted-out kids club or gaming lounge, getting royal spa treatments, enjoying sweet treats from a roving candy cart, and relishing in-room amenities like kid-sized robes and slippers. Families can also spend time at the pool or beach, enjoy water sports, and eat and drink to their hearts' content.

Kids Stay Free Offer: Kids 17 and under stay, play, and eat for free at Moon Palace Jamaica.

Kids can stay for free and enjoy free activities at Blue Haven Resort.

7. Blue Haven Resort – Providenciales, Turks and Caicos

Kids will flip for the water trampoline, beach volleyball, giant chessboard, horseshoes court, kayaking, snorkeling, hammocks, and free kids club at this boutique all-inclusive resort set on its own private beach. You also have access to the resort’s sister property, Alexandra Resort, via free shuttle. A nearby marina offers additional aquatic adventures.

Kids Stay Free Offer: Kids 12 and younger stay and eat free with paying adults any time of year.

8. Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya — Rivera Maya, Mexico

This eco-chic resort all-inclusive resort is nestled in a secluded bay overlooking white sands and blue waters. With eight resort pools, 13 restaurants, a Family Zone with kids’ and teens’ clubs, and access to the neighboring Conrad Spa and private pool, Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya embodies the allure of Mayan civilization and modern-day Mexican culture.

Kids Stay Free Offer: Kids and teens ages 17 and younger can stay and eat for free at Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya on stays of three nights or more for a limited time. The limit is one free child or teen per registered adult and two free kids or teens per room. Blackout dates apply.

Extend the Fun: Our guide to visiting Playa del Carmen and Riviera Maya with kids has over 20 fun things to do during your tropical vacation.  

9. Cap Maison — St. Lucia

This boutique resort is set on its own secluded beach not far from the island's main tourism area of Rodney Bay. Enjoy the resort's pool, spa, fitness center, water sports, restaurants, and nightly entertainment, then head to Rodney Bay for shopping, dining, and more.

Kids Stay Free Offer: Up to two children ages 12 and under stay free and eat free with paid adults in a one-bedroom villa or larger for a minimum of five nights. This package also includes three hours of free babysitting!

10. AVA Resort Cancun — Cancun, Mexico

This all-inclusive resort offers oceanfront views from every room. Families can enjoy a private beach, pools, 17 restaurants, a kids club and teen lounge, arts and crafts, and so much more. The hotel also offers laser tag, racing simulators, a bowling alley, and more for an additional fee.

Kids Stay Free Offer: Kids and teens stay free through December 18, 2026, though the resort may continue to offer this promotion in future years.

11. Hilton Vallarta Riviera All-Inclusive Resort — Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Tucked into a private cove at the base of the Sierra Madre Mountains, this all-inclusive resort offers something for every family member. Parents can relax on a private beach or unwind at the award-winning eforea Spa, while kids enjoy the kids’ club and two infinity pools. Family-friendly activities include beach and poolside games, cultural art and dance classes, and more. With seven specialty restaurants and diverse dining options, everyone will find something to love at this stunning Pacific Coast retreat.

Kids Stay Free Offer: For a limited time, book a stay of three or more nights and kids and teens ages 17 and younger can stay and eat for free at Hilton Vallarta. There's a limit of one free kid or teen per registered adult and two free children or teens per room. Blackout dates apply.

Extend the Fun: Check out our list of the 21 best things to do in Puerto Vallarta with kids. 

FAQ About Family-Friendly Hotels and All-Inclusive Resorts Where Kids Stay Free

Q: Do any hotels in the US offer "kids stay free" deals?
A: Yes! Kids stay free at Alta Lodge in Salt Lake City, Utah; Mohonk Mountain House in New Paltz, New York; and Blackberry Farm in Walland, Tennessee. Other US hotels may also have "kids stay free" deals—it doesn't hurt to call and ask!

Q: What age do these "kids stay free" offers apply to?
A: That depends on the resort or hotel! Some allow kids and teens ages 17 and under to stay free, while others have younger age limits. Check with your specific property when booking.

Q: Are there any other requirements to get a "kids stay free" deal at a hotel or all-inclusive resort?
A: Most require one paying adult for each free child and have a maximum of two free children per room. Some also require you to stay a certain number of nights to get the deal.

Q: Are these "kids stay free" deals valid all year long?
A: At some hotels and all-inclusive resorts, yes! Others only extend the "kids stay free" offer during certain times of year, like early winter and spring at Alta Lodge in Salt Lake City. Still others only offer the "kids stay free" deal for limited time periods.

Photos courtesy of the hotels and resorts

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