Best Family Resorts in Florida in and Near Orlando

1. Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

Guests at this deluxe Walt Disney World resort feel like they're immersed in an African safari, surrounded by four savannas housing over 200 exotic animals and birds, including zebras, giraffes, and flamingos. Resort amenities include a massive zero-entry pool with a water slide and a wading pool, plus another pool with water slides and a water playground. The resort offers nightly campfire activities, Disney movies under the stars, a "Hakuna Matata"-themed playground, and an arcade.

Why we chose it: The feeling of being on safari without leaving the country; early admission and other perks at Walt Disney World theme parks

2. Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando

Amenities at this premier Universal Orlando resort include a 12,000-square-foot pool with an underwater sound system, a water slide, a sand beach with volleyball, poolside activities, and a game room. Guests can rock out in their rooms with one of over 20 Fender guitars available to borrow. They also receive early admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and free Universal Express Unlimited, allowing them to skip the regular lines at participating attractions at Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure.

Why we chose it: Rock and roll vibe; early admission and line-skipping at Universal Orlando theme parks

RELATED: Best Orlando Hotels for Families and Kids

Kids will love the huge water park at the Holiday Inn Resort Orlando Suites & Water Park. 

3. Holiday Inn Resort Orlando Suites & Water Park

Though it's not a Disney resort, the Holiday Inn is just a five-minute drive to Walt Disney World and offers complimentary shuttle service to the park. The resort's highlight is its 20,000-square-foot water park with multiple water slides and flumes, as well as two pools and a toddler splash area. The resort also features on-site kids’ activities, basketball, an arcade, mini golf, a playground, and more.

Why we chose it: Huge water park; minutes from Walt Disney World

4. Margaritaville Resort Orlando — Kissimmee

Guests staying at Margaritaville feel as if they're on island time from the minute they enter the tropical-themed lobby overlooking the lagoon pool. The on-site water park, open March through November with a separate fee, features technology-inspired water rides. The resort also offers plenty of family activities and an outdoor retail and dining district known as Sunset Walk. Shuttle service to all Orlando theme parks is included in the resort fee.

Why we chose it: Island vibe; high-tech water park; shuttle service to theme parks

RELATED: Best Family Resorts with Water Parks

Cruise down the lazy river at the Grove Resort and Water Park.

5. The Grove Resort and Water Park Orlando — Winter Garden

The 106-acre resort is just six miles from the entrance to Walt Disney World, but sits on a pretty tract of land set back from the major highways in a natural marsh and wooded landscape. It has all the favorite perks of a great family resort, including suites for housing extended family, pools, on-site restaurants, a spa, activities for kids, and a thrilling water park. Check out our writer's glowing review of The Grove Resort.

Why we chose it: Large suites; water park

Best Family Resorts in Florida Along the Atlantic Coast

6. Omni Amelia Island Resort — Amelia Island

This luxury beachside resort features three golf courses, over a dozen restaurants, various water activities, a shopping village, a nature center, a fitness center and spa, and a family activities program. There are also two large heated pools and a nautical-themed splash pad perfect for little ones. Kids will love the Gamer's Lounge, the mini golf course, and the Camp Amelia kids' club for ages 4-10.

Why we chose it: Loads of kids' activities

7. The Saint Augustine Beach House — St. Augustine

This oceanfront boutique hotel sits right on Vilano Beach and features unobstructed ocean views, home-cooked breakfasts, and complimentary beach gear. All of the spacious rooms feature private balconies facing the ocean, seating areas, and kitchenettes, and dogs are welcome. A grocery store, great restaurants, and unique shops are just a short walk away.

Why we chose it: Ocean views and kitchenettes in every room

8. Sandpiper Bay All-Inclusive — Port Saint Lucie

Kids 11 and under stay, eat, and play for free at this fabulous all-inclusive resort. There are free kids and teen clubs for ages 4-17, as well as an infant club and another for ages 2 and 3 that cost extra. A water park and pools, mini golf, sports such as tennis and basketball, and myriad other activities are included in your stay, as are all meals and beverages. Spacious rooms and suites accommodate families of various sizes.

Why we chose it: All-inclusive; kids stay free; loads of activities and amenities

9. Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island Beach Resort & Spa — Riviera Beach

This oceanfront hotel with gorgeous views of the coast has two pools—a lagoon-style pool with a winding water slide and an infinity pool overlooking the ocean. At the kids' club, children ages 4-12 can enjoy arts and crafts, video games, and other daily activities. The resort also boasts a luxurious spa and a fitness center.

Why we chose it: Awesome pools; gorgeous views; great kids' club

10. Pelican Grand Beach Resort — Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale’s only lazy river, a large zero-entry pool, a 500-foot private beach, and spacious guest rooms and suites are only some of the reasons to love the Pelican Grand Beach Resort. Enjoy complimentary chairs, umbrellas, and staff who cater to you and your family on the beach, or participate in a range of water adventures like paddleboarding and Seabob rentals. The resort partners with Funky Fish Ocean Camp for kids to enjoy activities in and out of the water.

Why we chose it: Lazy river; private beach; fun kids' club

11. Fontainebleau Miami Beach — Miami Beach

This iconic, 22-acre beachfront hotel on Collins Avenue may be known for its fantastic nightlife, but it's also quite family-friendly. Its 11 distinct pool experiences include small dipping pools and an interactive children’s poolscape with a water slide. Families can also book premium child-care services that include crafts, exercise, and other fun activities. Other hotel's amenities include a two-story spa and salon, a gym and fitness center, beach and water sports equipment rentals, and more.

Why we chose it: Lots of pools; child care

RELATED: Naples, Florida with Kids: 30 Best Things To Do in Naples, FL

Relax on the pristine white-sand beach at the JW Marriott Marco Island. Photo courtesy of the Everglades Convention Visitors Bureau

Best Family Resorts in Florida Along the Gulf Coast

12. JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort — Marco Island

Enjoy a white-sand beach, two resort-private championship golf courses, a spa and fitness center, swimming pools, land and water activities, and more at this gorgeous resort. Kids ages 5-10 will love the Tiki Tribe Discovery Day Camp, where they can enjoy games, arts and crafts, movies, and other fun activities.

Why we chose it: Private golf courses, loads of activities; awesome kids' club

13. Naples Grande Beach Resort — Naples

There's lots for families to love about the Naples Grande—its Mangrove Pool with a twisting, 100-foot water slide; its secluded white-sand beach reached via a golf-cart tram; its golf course and tennis club; its luxurious spa; and its array of family activities. Choose from a variety of rooms and suites.

Why we chose it: Great pool with water slide; secluded beach; lots of activities

14. The Residences on Siesta Key Beach — Siesta Key

Siesta Key, a barrier island off the coast of Sarasota, is continuously voted one of the best beaches in the US. These spacious, condo-style Hyatt residences (ranging from 1,800 to 3,000 square feet) are a great place for the family to spread out. There's also a pool overlooking the ocean, a fitness center, and two on-site restaurants.

Why we chose it: Huge residences on one of the best beaches in the country

15. The Don CeSar — St. Pete Beach

This legendary pink hotel, located on a gorgeous private beach, is full of history—it's been open since 1928. The Don CeSar is also loaded with family-friendly amenities, including two heated outdoor pools, a full-service spa, a fitness center, free bike rentals, water sports, kids' and teen activities, on-site restaurants, and more.

Why we chose it: History; private beach; loads of activities

16. Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa — Clearwater Beach

This resort, located only steps from the Gulf and the famous Pier 60 with its shaded playground, features oversized rooms and suites for families to spread out in, a relaxing spa, a fitness center, a pool overlooking the beach, bike rentals, three on-site restaurants, and more fun activities and amenities.

Why we chose it: Great location near Pier 60; huge rooms

17. Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa — Miramar Beach

Stay steps away from the sand at this oceanfront resort, which has more than 600 rooms (some with bunk beds in a pirate alcove for the kids), three pools (two outdoors and one indoors), a toddler splash area, and four golf courses. Enjoy kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, volleyball, and bonfires on the beach, plus bike rentals and on-site babysitting services.

Why we chose it: Great golf courses and pools; lots of beach activities

Enjoy the tranquility of Playa Largo Resort & Spa while the kids are engaged in activities.

Best Family Resorts in the Florida Keys

18. Playa Largo Resort & Spa — Key Largo

Our writer and his family loved their stay at Playa Largo—just check out his glowing review. The gorgeous resort features a zero-entry pool with poolside activities, four on-site restaurants, water sports like parasailing and snorkeling, and one of the few true beachfronts in the rocky Florida Keys.

Why we chose it: Location on one of the Florida Keys' few true beachfronts; awesome pool and activities

19. Cheeca Lodge & Spa — Islamorada

With a variety of rooms, suites, and casitas (some with full kitchens), this 27-acre beachside resort offers lots of amenities for families. Visitors will find a private beachfront, two oceanfront family pools and one adults-only pool, several on-site restaurants, a fitness center, a nine-hole golf course, various water sports including snorkeling and kayaking, a fishing pier, and the Camp Cheeca kids' club.

Why we chose it: Private beachfront; great kids' club; casitas for larger families

RELATED: Best Florida Keys Hotels and Resorts for Families

Tranquility Bay Beachfront Resort has its own private bay.

20. Tranquility Bay Beachfront Resort — Marathon

This beachfront resort offers both guest rooms and private beach houses, as well as a 2.5-acre swimming beach on a private bay. Amenities include a zero-entry lagoon-style pool, an adults-only pool, and a tropical garden pool. On-site water sports are available such as snorkeling, kayaking, and sailing. Located directly next to the resort is Marathon’s Turtle Hospital, a home for injured sea turtles dedicated to their rehab and release.

Why we chose it: Private beach houses; great pool; next door to turtle hospital

21. Southernmost Beach Resort — Key West

This resort is located on one of the largest beaches in Key West. Amenities include three pools (one for adults only), a fitness center, bike rentals, lawn and beach games, parasailing, and jet skiing. The resort is within walking distance of many famous Key West attractions, including Mallory Square, the Key West Aquarium, and the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum. Guests can stay in a room, a suite, or a B&B-style guesthouse.

Why we chose it: Lots of activities; walking distance to attractions; variety of accommodations

Unless noted, photos courtesy of the resorts

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