Best Resorts for Families in Florida

Ready to book one of the best resorts for families in Florida? You have come to the right place.

My family and I live in Florida and spend our weekends traveling, so we know all about some of the best places to stay. Today, I’ve put some of our favorite places together for you so that you can get some inspiration for your next family vacation.

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Florida Panhandle

I love the Florida Panhandle for family vacations. The Panhandle offers a perfect mix of smaller, quaint beach towns with stunning, pristine beaches. Some of the most popular destinations in the Panhandle are the towns of 30A (most popular tend to be Seaside, Alys Beach, and Rosemary Beach), Panama City Beach, and Destin.

Here are some of my favorite family-friendly resorts in the Panhandle:

Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa

Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort and Spa has Deluxe Junior Suites that has a bunk bed area and a seating area with a pull-out couch. The entire family will enjoy the beach views.

The resort also has plenty of amenities to keep everyone in the family happy. The resort has activities such as tennis, golf greens, and bike rentals. You can also rent a boat for the day.

Kids 12 and under eat free breakfast with the purchase of an adult breakfast. There is a shuttle throughout the property as well as a shuttle to the Silver Sands Premium Outlets.

The resort itself is beachfront, making the main attraction of your vacation easy to access.

Why I Love It:

• Delux junior suites with a bunk bed area and a seating area
• Beachfront resort with all rooms having at least a partial beach view
• Amenities such as tennis, golf greens, and bike rentals
• Free shuttle to the Silver Sands Premium Outlets

Photo Credit: Hotels.com

Splash Beach Resort Condominiums in Panama City Beach

This property boasts 276 rooms right on the beach in Panama City Beach. It consists of 1, 2, and 3 bedroom condos making it perfect for a family of almost any size. The condos also have private oceanfront balconies, full kitchens, and washers and dryers in the unit.

Splash Beach Resort has a beachfront lazy river, multiple pools (including an indoor pool), a splash pad for the younger kids, play pools with waterslides for the older kids, and dive-in movies. If you’re traveling with someone who can stay with your kids, there is also an adults-only section with a pool and jacuzzi that caretakers will love.

There is also a poolside bar and grill on site so you don’t have to leave for meals if you don’t want to.

Why I Love It:

• 1, 2, and 3 bedroom condos
• Units have private oceanfront balconies
• Full kitchens and washers/dryers in units
• Lazy river, multiple pools, and a splash pad
• Poolside bar and grill on site

Photo Credit: Hotels.com

Northeast Florida

Northeast Florida makes a good family-friendly destination due to its combination of historic attractions, beautiful beaches, and outdoor activities. Some of my favorite towns in Northeast Florida area Jacksonville, St Augustine, and Amelia Island.

I have a blog post on where to stay for Nights of Lights in St Augustine. Jacksonville has plenty of hotels to choose from. The ones we have stayed at have been great for families but nothing I’d purposely travel there for.

So that leaves us with Amelia Island and I would absolutely travel to Amelia Island just for this hotel:

Omni Amelia Island

Omni Amelia Island is a great choice for a laid back vacation with plenty of amenities and activities. The resort has 402 spacious rooms and each room comes with a private balcony overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

The pool is one of the largest pool areas in northern Florida. There is a huge family-friendly pool, a splash pad, and two hot tubs. But if you’re more of a beach person, there is also 3.5 miles of private beach. There is even a mini golf course.

Camp Amelia is a supervised program for kids aged 4-10. They get to explore the resort, do interactive activities, arts and crafts, and other outdoor adventures. It’s fun for the kids while giving the adults some alone time, too.

Finally, there are multiple on-site restaurants, making it easy to stay at the resort if you don’t want to leave.

Why I Love It:

• Huge pool area, including a splash pad and two hot tubs
• 3.5 miles of private beach
• A mini golf course
• On-site kids’ camp for kids aged 4-10
• Multiple on site restaurants

Photo: Hotels.com

Orlando Area Best Accommodations for Families

Orlando is probably the most popular destination for families because of the theme parks.

In general, pretty much every hotel in Orlando is going to be family friendly because of the theme parks that attract families to the city.

But here are some that really stand out to me:

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge in Orlando

Staying at the Animal Kingdom Lodge is a really unique experience because you’ll wake up to a safari right outside your window. Animal Kingdom Lodge is home to zebras, giraffes, gazelles, flamingos, and more so you never know what you’ll see when you wake up and look out on your balcony.

They also have a great pool with a water slide and zero entry. It’s one of the largest pools in the area. The resort is also home to some of the best dining at Disney World and there are plenty of activities at the resort for kids.

There is also a shuttle that will take you to the parks from the lobby.

Why I Love It:

• Wake up to a safari right outside your room
• One of the largest pools
• Plenty of resort activities for kids
• Shuttle will take you to the parks

Photo: Booking.com

Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center in Kissimmee

At Gaylord Palms, you’ll have enough to do that you don’t have to leave the resort to have a good time. It really is its own little world!

There is a water park that includes a zero entry pool, a drop waterslide, waterslides, a playground, and more. Even though you don’t have to leave, you’re only 10 minutes from Disney.

They have special events all year long (I especially love their Christmas events!), just know that these occasionally have additional fees.

Why I Love It:

• Year-round special events
• Amazing waterpark
• Plenty of on site dining options, including room service

Photo Credit: Hotels.com

Tampa Bay Area

The Tampa Bay area has so much to offer families. You can explore Tampa, St Pete, and the beaches of Tampa Bay. Plus, there is so much to do within an hour of Tampa Bay that you could never get bored or run out of amazing things to do.

Here are some of my favorite resorts in the Tampa Bay area for families:

TradeWinds Island Grand Resort in St. Pete Beach, Florida

TradeWinds is a massive resort with tons to do. It’s described as a beachfront playground and that that couldn’t be a more perfect description.

There are tons of activities to keep you entertained. You can choose from a 3 story inflatable waterslide on the beach (there is an extra cost for this), one of their 7 pools, dive in movies, tennis courts, bags, s’mores on the beach, and more.

They even have an inflatable waterpark (only open Saturday and Sunday for an additional cost). The waterpark has a trampoline, splashmats, slides, and more. There is also an aquarium that was featured on the show Tanked. And you don’t have to worry about food because there are plenty of on site options with 15 restaurants.

Why I Love It:

• Very large resort with tons of activities
• 7 pools (one is adults only)
• Plenty of on site food options (15 of them!)
• Inflatable waterpark with trampolines, splashmats, slides, and more (open Saturdays and Sundays for an additional fee)
• Huge 3-story inflatable waterslide on the beach which you can purchase a day pass for or pay per slide

Photo: Hotels.com

Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort and Spa

Clearwater Beach in itself is a great family-friendly destination with tons of things to do. The rooms at the Hyatt Regency are spacious and the rooms have kitchenettes. Some rooms even have full kitchens, which is always nice with kids.

There is a pool on the 8th floor with a separate pool for kids.

This is one of those destinations, though, that you’ll appreciate just for being close to all there is to do and experience in Clearwater Beach. You’ll be walking distance to Pier 60, where there is a nightly celebration of performers and vendors as the sun sets. You’ll also be in proximity to plenty of restaurants and boat tours.

Why I Love It:

• Spacious rooms
• Rooms have kitchenettes with some rooms having full kitchens
• Pool on the 8th floor
• Fantastic location for experiencing all that Clearwater Beach has to offer

Photo: Hotels.com

Southwest Florida

My in-laws live in Southwest Florida and in visiting them through the years, I’ve kind of fallen in love. It’s a little more quiet than the Tampa Bay area and I appreciate the slower lifestyle.

Southwest Florida has plenty of beaches, many of which feel like “old Florida” (especially Sanibel, in my opinion). There is also Naples, Fort Myers, and Bonita Springs.

Here are some of my favorite family-friendly accommodations in Southwest Florida:

Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa in Bonita Springs

The Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa in Bonita Springs is well-known for its family-friendly amenities. Hyatt is a popular hotel chain for redeeming points from credit cards and families travel from all over to stay at Coconut Point.

People love Coconut Point for its many amenities. There is a 3-acre water park with 5 waterslides, a lazy river, and 4 swimming pools. One of the pools is a lagoon-style pool with a slide for younger kids.

One of the best things about the resort, though, is their complimentary boat shuttle to a secluded island. It’s common to see dolphins on the boat ride to the island, too.

There are multiple on-site restaurants so you don’t have to leave if you don’t want to.

Why I Love It:

• Great pools and water park
• Complimentary boat shuttle to their private island
• Multiple restaurants on site

Photo: Hotels.com

JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort

The JW Marriott in Marco Island has three miles of private beaches. Your reservation gets you two chairs on the beach with an umbrella, making it easy to fully relax and unwind without having to worry about getting a comfortable spot.

There are multiple pools on site as well with one of them being adults only. One of the pools also has a waterslide. There is a flame thrower every night at sunset on the beach for some unique entertainment. You don’t have to leave the resort to eat with their 12 on site restaurants giving you plenty of options.

There is a neat gastropub on site called 10K. During the day, you can play arcade games, go bowling, play mini golf, and play pool. At night, it becomes an adults-only spot for a fun night out.

There is a day camp available for kids aged 5-10 years old if you want some adult time. A lovely way to spend that time could be at the on-site spa.

Why I Love It:

• A shuttle will take you to 2 different golf courses
• Kids club
• On site spa for the adults
• 12 on site restaurants
• Nightly flame thrower on the beach at sunset
• 10K is an on site gastropub with an arcade, bowling, mini golf, and pool tables

Photos: Hotels.com

South Seas Island Resort in Captiva Island

The South Seas Island Resort is secluded and relaxed yet has plenty to do. The resort is located on 330 acres.

Captiva Island already feels like its own little world. The location of this resort is private and relaxing, making it really feel like its own little world. It’s the epitome of vacation.

The resort has 2.5 miles of beaches which are known to be great for shelling. The resort has 3 pools, including one with waterslides and one zero-entry pool great for younger kids. There is also a Starbucks, a bar and grill, and food trucks on site.

South Seas Resort also has activities ranging from things to do as a family, things for adults, and things for kids. The schedule includes things like tennis lessons for adults, hula hoop contests, movies and s’mores, yoga, and more.

A lot of the units here come with full kitchens, washers and dryers, and living rooms.

• A lot of the units have conveniences of home such as washers/dryers and full kitchens
• On site dining
• 2.5 miles of beaches
• Private and relaxing location
• Plenty of activities
• Great pools

Photo: Hotels.com

Southeast Florida

Southeast Florida is home to some of Florida’s most popular cities like Palm Beach, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale. Among these cities are some great resorts for families.

The Breakers in Palm Beach

The Breakers is a luxury resort founded by Henry Flagler in 1896. He is the same man responsible for the Overseas Highway that stretched from Florida’s mainland to Key West.

The Breakers has a private beach and 4 pools, including one with zero entry great for younger kids and one that is adults only. One of the pools is ecslusive for guests in private bungalow rooms.

There is a private beach, tennis courts, a golf course, and several restaurants. There is also a Family Entertainment Center with an arcade, playground, basketball court, mini golf, bike rentals, and more.

There is a huge fitness center with live classes and an on-site spa.

Why I Love It:

• One of the best luxury Florida resorts with historic ties dating back to 1896
• Suites have ocean views, multiple balconies, and personal concierge
• Tons of amenities, including a private beach, tennis courts, golf course, several restaurants, an arcade, basketball, and more.

Photo: Hotels.com

Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach

The Conrad is a nice beachfront hotel. There is a pool and convenient beach access. But what really sets the Conrad apart is their amenities for families with babies and young kids.

They have Nuna SENA Aire bassinets, blackout solutions, baby monitors, sound machines, nursing pillows, high chairs, bath products, and so much more. They literally have everything you could think of when it comes to packing for a baby available to you.

I have never seen another resort do anything close to this. We traveled a lot when our kids were babies so I know first hand how hard it can be to remember every little thing when you’re exhausted. It’s so nice to not have to worry about forgetting something!

If you have older kids, you’ll love GO H20! It’s an education program for kids aged 4-17 and it’s not your typical hotel daycare/activities. They offer snorkeling lessons, boogie boarding, treasure dives, jewelry making, and more. Your kids will be learning about the ocean while having a blast doing it.

Why I Love It:

• The best service for families with babies offering basically anything you could ever need for a baby on a vacation
• An incredible education program for kids to learn more about the ocean in an exciting, hands-on way
• Oceanfront location

Photo: Hotels.com

Acqualina Resort and Residences on the Beach in Sunny Isles Beach

The Acqualina somehow feels private despite being a high rise building. Most rooms have views of the beach. The rooms are also spacious and most rooms come with kitchens (which we all know are great when traveling with kids).

There is a kids program where the kids aged 4-12 can learn about sea life and conservation.

Restaurants on site include Italian, Japanese, and Mediterranean cuisine.

The resort has 3 pools with one being adults-only. There is also a pool in the spa, technically making it 4 pools.

• Rooms are spacious and have amazing views
• Kids program is marine biology themed so kids can learn about sea life and conservation
• 3 pools (one is adults only), plus another pool in the spa
• On site restaurants

Photo: Hotels.com

Florida Keys

The Florida Keys are one of my favorite family-friendly destinations of all time. I love the color of the water, spending time outside, snorkeling, boating, and basically anything and everything on the water.

Most resorts in the Florida Keys are pretty family friendly. There are some geared towards adults will be in Key West since Key West has more bars and nightlife. Here are some of my favorite family-friendly resorts in the Florida Keys:

Bakers Cay in Key Largo

Bakers Cay is a huge 15 acre property located right on the water in Key Largo. You never have to leave the resort to enjoy your vacation here.

The water is typically calm here, making it great kids of all ages. They also have two pools (one is adults only). There are activities like silent disco parties, foam parties, scavenger hunts, pool games, dodgeball, movie nights, s’mores, and more.

They also have plenty of water sports such as kayak and paddleboard rentals.

And of course, there are restaurants on site ranging from laid back to a bit more upscale.

Why I Love It:

• Large, beautiful property right on the water
• Plenty of amenities such as a beach, pools, kayaking, paddleboarding, and more
• Fun things to do such as silent discos, dodgeball, foam parties, and more
• Restaurants on site

Islander Resort in Islamorada

Islamorada is one of my favorite spots to stay in the Keys. When we’re staying there with family, the Islander Resort is one of our go-to choices.

They have suites and villas available for extra room to spread out. The resort has 2 pools and activities such as volleyball, basketball, shuffleboard, and more. There are also boat tours that leave from the Islander’s dock so if you want to go snorkeling, dolphin watching, or for a sunset cruise, you don’t even have to leave the resort.

Like many other resorts in this article, there are also on site restaurants. The Islander resort is also in a convenient location to so much of what Islamorada has to offer.

Why I Love It:

• Large, gorgeous property
• Option to book a villa or a suite for more space
• Two pools and plenty of activities
• On site charter for water activities such as snorkeling
• Convenient location to some of the best things to do in Islamorada

Hawks Cay Resort in Duck Key, Florida Keys

Hawks Cay is a great spot for families. It’s located between Marathon and Islamorada for a great location if you want to take day trips throughout the Florida Keys.

There is a kids program called Camp Hawk where kids can learn about nature and wildlife in the Florida Keys. There is a daily fee for the camp.

The resort has a game room, 5 pools pools (including a pirate ship pool great for younger kids), playground, putting course, and volleyball courts.

Why I Love It:

• 5 swimming pools
• Good location for exploring throughout the Florida Keys
• Their kids program was named one of the best hotel kids’ programs by Travel + Leisure
• Plenty of activities such as a playground, several pools, putting course, and more

Photo: Hotels.com

With so many amazing places to stay for families in Florida, it might be hard to decide! But hopefully this guide helped you find the best place to stay for some family fun and amazing memories!

If you have another family-friendly resort I should know about, I’d love to hear about it!