The Best Family-Friendly Summer Destinations and Hotels

With 7 thrilling water slides and a 575-foot lazy river, the water park at Orlando World Center Marriott is a kid favorite.

Best for On-Site Water Park: Orlando, Florida

Where to Stay in Orlando: Orlando World Center Marriott

Complete with its own epic water park and complimentary shuttle service to Walt Disney World and Disney Springs, look no further than Orlando World Center Marriott. Parents will appreciate the resort’s 18-hole championship golf course and luxurious full-service spa, while kids won’t be able to get enough of the 575-foot lazy river, “dive-in movies,” and the nightly Laser Light Show. Spacious rooms and suites plus 10 different dining outlets–from Starbucks to authentic hibachi–make it an easy fit for the whole family.

What to Do: While the on-site activities are plentiful (did we mention the hotel’s packed calendar of family-friendly crafting workshops, animal encounters, dance classes, and more?), Orlando World Center Resort puts you minutes from Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld. You also have easy access to LEGOLAND, the Kennedy Space Center, Busch Gardens, and other iconic Florida parks and attractions. Sports fans can catch an Orlando Magic game at the nearby Amway Center or a race over at Daytona International Speedway.

Best for City Fun: Chicago, Illinois

Where to Stay in Chicago: Fairfield Inn & Suites Chicago Downtown/Magnificent Mile

An urban adventure calls for a sleek and modern family-friendly hotel, and Fairfield Inn & Suites Chicago Downtown/Magnificent Mile delivers. Located in downtown Chicago on the Magnificent Mile, Fairfield is the perfect place to recharge between busy days exploring the city–complete with complimentary breakfast, a convenient grab-and-go snack shop, and a 24-hour fitness center. Choose from spacious rooms and suites with locally-inspired decor, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, large workstations, and comfy pillowtop mattresses topped with custom duvets and fluffy pillows.

What to Do: Magnificent Mile is packed with more than 450 different shops, over 275 restaurants (including many award-winning options), plus some of the city’s most beloved landmarks and attractions. While you’re in town, stroll along the Chicago Riverwalk, visit the Lincoln Park Zoo, catch a game at Wrigley Field, stop by the Art Institute, or head to Millenium Park–home to the iconic “Bean.” To really take in the sights, try a hop-on-hop-off doubledecker bus tour or opt for a scenic Chicago boat tour.

With boat rentals, tennis courts, and nearby horseback riding, Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass is full of outdoor adventure.

Best for Adventure Seeking Families: Phoenix, Arizona

Where to Stay in Phoenix: Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass

The Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass is both totally luxurious and remarkably kid-friendly. Centered around an expansive pool area with an 111-foot waterslide, a kiddie pool, and plenty of comfy loungers and umbrellas, the picturesque resort features an indigenous-inspired spa, a world-class Native American restaurant, tennis courts, and two championship golf courses. Parents can choose to enroll kids in the weekly adventure-filled Quail Kids Camp or drop them off at the Adventure Club on weekends–with evening camps also available. Rooms and suites are spacious enough for families, and private balconies with mountain and desert views make the stay extra memorable.

What to Do: Unsurprisingly, Quail Kids Camp and the Adventure Club are a big hit with young hotel guests, keeping them busy with crafts, indoor rock climbing, outdoor activities, video games, movies, and a very cool clubhouse. Also on-site, you’ll find paddle board, kayak, and boat rentals for some family fun, and miles of paved and natural walking trails to explore. Just outside of the resort, head to the Koli Equestrian Center for lessons and trail rides, catch a race at the Motorsports Park or get your adrenaline pumping at the Radford Racing School, visit the Phoenix zoo, try your luck at Wild Horse Pass Casino, and take to the skies in a hot air balloon for the most breathtaking views.

Best for Theme Park Lovers: Anaheim, California

Where to Stay in Anaheim: Springhill Suites Anaheim Maingate

Newly renovated and just 3 minutes from Disneyland, Springhill Suites Anaheim Maingate is a perfect pick for park enthusiasts. Fuel up each morning with a free hot breakfast, spend the day exploring SoCal’s prized theme park and other attractions, then unwind back at the hotel with a dip in the outdoor pool or hot tub and a hangout around the fire pit. Choose from five different styles of suites, each complete with a trundle bed, free WiFi, a microwave, a mini-fridge, Netflix® TV, and a work space. Opt for the One-Bedroom Suite for a fully-equipped kitchen with a dining space, and room for up to 8 guests.

What to Do: Of course, Disneyland’s likely to be at the top of your family’s Anaheim to-do list! But the Springhill Suites are close to many beloved kid-approved attractions, including Knott's Berry Farm, the Anaheim Packing District, and the Anaheim Garden Walk. The nearby Honda Center is home to the Anaheim Ducks–as well as tons of family shows and top-billed concerts–and the Angel Stadium is also a short ride away. The quick 13.2-mile trip to John Wayne Airport (SNA) is an added travel day perk.

The beach access and views at Marriott Myrtle Beach Resort & Spa at Grande Dunes are tough to top.

Best Family Beach Town: Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Where to Stay in Myrtle Beach: Marriott Myrtle Beach Resort & Spa at Grande Dunes

Marriott Myrtle Beach Resort & Spa at Grande Dunes is an easy choice for beach-loving families. The AAA-rated Four Diamond oceanfront hotel features enormous indoor and outdoor pools, a rejuvenating full-service spa, all-day dining with kid-friendly options, a complimentary health club, and easy access to miles of beautiful beach and nearby attractions. Guests can choose from a number of spacious room and suite styles, all with high-speed WiFi, premium channels, room service, and private balconies with beautiful beach views.

What to Do: Myrtle Beach Resort & Spa puts you right near a number of beloved tourist destinations. Broadway at the Beach–likely the most popular Myrtle Beach hot spot–is home to tons of shops and restaurants, plus Ripley’s Aquarium, Hollywood Wax Museum, Broadway Carousel, and so many other family attractions. Nearby, you can also grab tickets to a show at The Carolina Opry Theater, explore art and nature at Brookgreen Gardens, catch a concert or fireworks display at Barefoot Landing, or test your swing at one of the area’s premier golf courses.

Benefits of Becoming a Marriott Bonvoy Member

These days, there are many ways to book a family vacation. But, by becoming a Marriott Bonvoy Member for free, you’ll reap some very valuable benefits when you book directly on Marriott.com:

• You’ll be guaranteed the best rates around.
• You’ll have the option to join the rewards program, which gives you access to special member rates, free Wi-Fi, mobile check-in and mobile room keys, and the ability to chat with hotel staff during your stay.
• You’ll be able to redeem points for a free night’s stay or take advantage of other perks, like using points to bid on exclusive experiences.

So, consider signing-up for your free Marriott Bonvoy membership now, and browse more family-friendly Marriott Bonvoy hotels and resorts here!

All photos courtesy of Marriott Bonvoy