15 Finest Resorts within the USA For Households

There’s nothing like going on vacation with your family and making core memories for your little ones that will last their entire lives. The Family Vacation is an integral part of the American Dream, and it’s something that everyone who has a chance to take one looks back upon fondly for years to come.

Countless places in the United States are perfect for these vacations, but when you choose a family resort as your home base for one, your entire family is sure to have the time of their lives with a little extra effort on your part. The ease, amenities, comfort, and convenience of a family resort vacation is unmatched by any other travel.

Further, family resorts cater to families specifically, so you’ll never have to worry about your kids’ enthusiasm and energy negatively affecting other guests. These types of resorts are made for people of all ages, so those visiting them know what to expect.

A family resort vacation is a wise choice. You’ll find dozens of family resorts in every region of our vast country, but how do you know which ones are the best? We’ve put together this list of the best resorts in the USA for families to help you learn what’s out there so you can choose one, book it, and then start planning the rest of the most epic family vacation of your lives.

TL;DR

Best Family Resorts By Region

The United States is a big place, so we’ve broken down our list of best resorts in the USA for families by region. Consider whether you want to enjoy a waterfront escape or a mountain view while you plan your trip.

Best Family Resorts In The Northeast

1. Mohonk Mountain House, New York

Address: 1000 Mountain Rest Rd, New Paltz, NY 12561

We’ll start this list with one of the very best. Mohonk Mountain House in New York‘s Catskill Mountains is an exceptional resort that is well-known nationwide and across the globe. There aren’t a lot of all-inclusive family resorts in the Northeast, but this is one of them, and everything about it is simply top-notch.

Not only is this resort perched on a private lake, surrounded by mountains in a breathtaking setting, but its all-inclusive nightly rate also includes yoga, meditation, fitness classes, an indoor heated pool with underwater music, guided hikes, lake activities, a nine-hole golf course, tennis lessons, nightly entertainment, and three farm-to-table meals.

Your entire family will love so many of these amenities, but your kids will also love the complimentary kids club, which includes boat rides, lawn games, playground visits, fishing, outdoor movies, crafts, and s’mores. Teens will love practicing archery, taking out a rowboat or canoe, rock scrambling, going to the beach, and more. This resort has everything for everyone, and it’s one of the best resorts in the USA for a family vacation – without a doubt.

Things to Do Nearby:

• Learn about Hudson Valley history at Historic Huguenot Street
• Visit the Samuel Dorsky Museum of Art
• Hike in the resort-adjacent Mohonk Preserve

Pros:

• Beautiful lake and grounds
• Excellent food
• Historical

Cons:

• Some areas need renovations and upgrades

See Related: Best Things to Do in The Hudson Valley, New York

2. Smugglers’ Notch Resort, Vermont

Address: 4323 VT-108, Jeffersonville, VT 05464

Smugglers’ Notch Resort is best known for being a ski mountain, but it’s a great place to visit with your family all year. It’s morphed into an all-season resort over the past few decades and does everything it attempts pretty well.

Spring at Smugglers’ Notch is fun in the spring – the pools and hot tubs are open, but if the weather turns, the whole family can play together in the 26,000 square foot indoor family entertainment complex; you’ll find laser tag, a climbing wall, an arcade, billiards, and more inside.

In the summer, guests and visitors can enjoy outdoor activities like water wars, BBQs, live music, an onsite farmers market, puppet shows, games on the green, a skate park, haunted tours, tie-dying, and dozens of other activities to keep everyone busy and entertained.

Fall is a great time at Smugglers’ Notch for more of the same, plus e-bike tours, yoga, mini golf, art classes, and farm-to-table dinners. In the winter, this resort returns to its roots, and families can enjoy riding the ski resort’s eight lifts and riding and skiing its 78 trails. This area gets over 300 inches of snow per year, so you’ll have plenty of powder to try!

Lodging at Smugglers’ Notch is condominium style, and rooms come with kitchens and laundry. There are five different “communities” on the property, each with its own personality and vibe, and there are free shuttles running continuously to connect guests with all the amenities. Plus, if you don’t feel like cooking, there are 11 dining options on the property, too.

Things to Do Nearby:

• Climb to the top of Mount Mansfield
• Check out other nearby ski resorts like Stowe Mountain Resort
• Visit the Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum
• Explore Vermont’s state capital, Montpelier, on a Scavenger Hunt

Pros:

• Full kitchens in all accommodations
• Free shuttle throughout the resort
• Fun supervised kids club activities

Cons:

• Some rooms have outdated decor
• A little TOO big for some

See Related: Where to Stay in Stowe, Vermont: Best Areas & Places

3. Woodloch Pines Resort, Pennsylvania

Address: 731 Welcome Lake Rd, Hawley, PA 18428

There was a time decades ago when family resorts in Pennsylvania‘s Pocono Mountains were extremely popular with guests who wanted to get away from it all in New York and Philadelphia. As flying grew cheaper, most of these family resorts perished, but there’s one that has not only survived for 65 years so far but has thrived.

That’s Woodloch Pines, or simply Woodloch. It’s been voted the best family resort in the nation three times in the last five years by USA Today, and it has a good chance of winning again this year and beyond.

This resort is kind of like an all-ages, all-inclusive summer camp, and your entire family will love it. There’s a golf course, a spa, fitness classes, bar games, nightly entertainment, and attentive service and staff that adults will love.

The whole family will enjoy amenities like the mini golf course, archery, pool games, go-karts, the petting zoo, Olympic and athletic competitions, hay rides, bingo, carnivals, parties, festivals, and more.

There are even indoor and outdoor pools, an indoor splash zone, row boats, fishing, playgrounds, tennis courts, a rock climbing wall, and ice skating in the winter, too! The kids club serves kids ten and under and includes activities like story times, puppets, games, and crafts. There’s never a dull moment for visitors of any age at Woodloch. You’re going to love this place.

Things to Do Nearby:

Pros:

• Large property surrounded by nature
• All-inclusive
• Excellent food

Cons:

• Can sometimes feel crowded

See Related: Pennsylvania Slang Terms You Need to Know

Best Family Resorts In The Southeast

4. Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, Florida

Address: 2901 W Osceola Pkwy, Kissimmee, FL 34747

Disney’s resorts are pretty fabulous as a general rule, but there are a few that are a step above, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is certainly one of them. This is not only one of the coolest and most unique resorts in Disney’s lineup, but it’s one of the most unique and exciting resorts anywhere in the world – and you and your kids are going to love it.

In addition to lovely guest rooms, award-winning dining featuring American classics and African specialties, and an 11,000-square-foot pool with a waterslide, over 200 hoofed animals live right on the property.

That’s right. You’ll find giraffes, zebras, gazelles, kudu, and over 20 additional species of animals right outside your door.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is like living in the middle of an African safari 24 hours a day. Plus, you and your family can enjoy and participate in animal programs led by Animal Specialists every day. If your kids love animals (and what kid doesn’t?), this will be the perfect resort for you.

Things to Do Nearby:

Pros:

• Animals! Everywhere!
• Cool African safari-themed decor
• Balconies overlooking the savannah
• Top-notch Disney service and amenities

Cons:

• Distant from Disney parks other than Animal Kingdom
• Only one pool, even though it’s huge

See Related: Best Resorts & Hotels With Animals Onsite

5. Dollywood DreamMore Resort, Tennessee

Address: 2525 DreamMore Way, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

Dolly Parton is an American Treasure, so it should be no surprise to anyone that her Dollywood DreamMore Resort in Pigeon Forge is absolutely lovely and pleasant in every way. It was designed to keep families happy.

It certainly succeeds; this resort is popular and well-rated, and many visitors to it come back year after year. Dollywood DreamMore Resort is surrounded by the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains and is just a nine-minute drive from the Dollywood theme park.

This resort is excellent for families. There are different styles of rooms and suites at affordable price points, and amenities include indoor and outdoor pools, a full-service spa, resort dinner shows, and complimentary shuttle service to Dollywood.

Plus, there are five dining options onsite, including a grab-and-go market, in-room dining, a southern eatery, poolside dining, and a casual lounge. An onsite kids club will keep the little ones busy between visits to the theme and water parks.

Things to Do Nearby:

Pros:

• Beautiful natural surroundings
• Close to Dollywood theme park
• Free shuttles to park and Pigeon Forge
• Large rooms

Cons:

See Related: Best Water Parks In The USA

6. Kingsmill Resort, Virginia

Address: 1010 Kingsmill Road, Williamsburg, VA 23185

If you’re traveling to Williamsburg, Virginia, to enjoy Colonial Williamsburg or Busch Gardens Williamsburg, then there’s no better place to stay than Kingsmill Resort. This 2,900-acre property is huge and has everything that you and your family will need to have the vacation of a lifetime.

Mom and Dad will love the spa with seven treatment rooms, the 15-court tennis facility, the onsite marina, and three 18-hole golf courses. Kids will love the water sports rentals, pools, and lazy river, and Kids Camp.

This resort stands out because of its beautiful grounds, incredible amenities, and comfortable rooms. There’s a free shuttle to local attractions, so you won’t even need a car during your visit.

Three onsite restaurants offer plenty of great food options, and there’s always something new and fun to do at Kingsmill. You’ll love everything about this resort; you certainly won’t be surprised to meet guests who come back to this place year after year.

Things to Do Nearby:

Pros:

• Fantastic and active Kids Camp program
• Beautiful property
• Three 18-hole golf courses on site

Cons:

• Large property can be hard to navigate

Best Family Resorts In The Central United States

7. Grand Hotel, Michigan

Address: 286 Grand Ave, Mackinac Island, MI 49757

The first thing that comes to most people’s minds when Michigan‘s Mackinac Island is mentioned is the fact that the island is entirely car-free. However, once you visit and stay at the Grand Hotel, you won’t be able to think about anything else.

This impressive property first opened in 1887 to serve vacationers who visited the island by steamer or boat. Today it’s a National Historic Landmark that is still going strong.

There’s plenty to do here that the entire family will enjoy, and you’ll leave with memories that you’ll never forget. Biking, horseback riding, golf, lawn games, a spa, and live music are all perks of staying at this resort, and many of the above amenities, plus meals, are included at this all-inclusive property.

During the summer months, kids 17 and under stay and dine free through the Camp Grand Experience package; families with kids will also get credits toward ice cream and activities, plus free admission to events like movies at the pool in the evenings.

Things to Do Nearby:

Pros:

• Historic property
• Great kids program
• No tipping allowed

Cons:

• Expensive
• Ferry ride required to access

See Related: Things to Do in Michigan & Best Places to Visit

8. Big Cedar Lodge, Missouri

Address: 190 Top of the Rock Rd, Ridgedale, MO 65739

One of the most popular places for a vacation in the middle of the United States is Branson, Missouri, and one of the very best places to stay when visiting Branson is the Big Cedar Lodge in nearby Ridgedale.

This resort bills itself as America’s Premier Wilderness Resort, and while Missouri isn’t necessarily the “wilderness” most people imagine when hearing the word, this place is fantastic. It was created by Johnny Morris, the founder of Bass Pro Shops, to help families get out into nature – together.

This resort has it all – for everyone in your family. It actually is five resorts in one, in a way.

It’s a golf resort with five golf courses, including two 18-hole championship courses, one 19-hole championship course, a 9-hole par 3 course, and a 13-hole walking course. Top of the Rock Ozarks Heritage Preserve is a mountaintop park that has a natural history museum, nature walks, three restaurants, and a wine bar.

Fun Mountain is an entertainment complex that the whole family will love that features a bowling alley, a high ropes course, go-karts, laser tag, a climbing wall, a nature center, and more. On top of all that, Cedar Creek Spa is a huge full-service spa onsite, and Long Creek Marina offers boat rentals, fishing guide services, and waterskiing, tubing, and wakeboarding. Wow!

Rooms at Big Cedar Lodge are as varied as the activities. You can get a room in the lodge, or you can rent a lakeside cottage or private log cabin. And did we mention that you can enjoy 15 different dining options here, too? You’ll never run out of things to do at this resort – you’ll probably even need a vacation from your vacation when you get home.

Things to Do Nearby:

Pros:

• Large, forested, waterfront property with incredible views
• Tons of activities and amenities for all ages

Cons:

• Large property is very spread out

See Related: Best Things to Do in Missouri & Places to Visit

9. C Lazy U Ranch, Colorado

Address: 3640 CO-125, Granby, CO 80446

One of the best-rated resorts in the entire country of any kind is C Lazy U Ranch in Colorado. This all-inclusive dude ranch has been serving guests for over 100 years – it first opened in 1919. It’s been doing what it does so well ever since that we’d be remiss not to include it on any list of the best resorts in the country.

If you’re looking for the perfect mountain vacation with your family, this place will blow you away. It has everything, and you’ll be in awe of the immense beauty all around you the entire time you’re there.

As you might imagine, horseback riding is the focus activity at this dude ranch, and there’s plenty of it for people of all ages and skill levels. However, additionally, you can also enjoy things like archery, bee hive tours, fly fishing, fitness center classes, mountain biking, the zip line and high ropes course, tennis, yoga, and so much more!

And that’s just in the summer – this resort is open year-round, and in the winter, there are winter sports like cross-country skiing, snow tubing, snowshoeing, sleigh rides, and visits to nearby ski resorts, too.

All of the accommodations at C Lazy U are luxury cabins – with an emphasis on luxury. But, if you want to go deep into nature during your stay, onsite glamping adventures are also included.

On top of all that, the food is excellent and again, all included. As you might imagine, this resort is on the expensive side, but it’s absolutely worth it if you can afford it. There’s a reason that this spot is one of the best-rated resorts in the nation.

Things to Do Nearby

• Visit Rocky Mountain National Park
• Ski at Winter Park Resort
• Rent a boat and go fishing on Shadow Mountain Lake

Pros

• All-inclusive
• High-end everything
• Fantastic activities and amenities
• Incredible views

Cons

• Very expensive per-person rate

See Related: Best Ski Resorts in Colorado

Best Family Resorts In The West

10. Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, California

Address: 1600 Disneyland Dr, Anaheim, CA 92802

Another fantastic Disney resort to consider is Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel in Anaheim, California, just moments away from Disneyland. It’s one of the very best family resorts on the west coast and it’s the most popular and luxurious resort of the three official accommodations serving this park.

It opened in 2001, but it was remodeled in 2017. It’s quite large with 44 suites, 71 villas, and 948 rooms, but as always, and even despite its massive size, Disney doesn’t miss a thing. Your experience here will likely be perfect.

The Tenaya Stone Spa is an amenity worth mentioning, as is the early entry to the theme parks that guests automatically receive when staying onsite at Disney. Further, this resort has three swimming pools, hot tubs, rentable private cabanas, and three restaurants.

The children in your party will love all the Disney character-inspired decor and will be especially thrilled when they run into Mickey in the lobby. Further, a three-course breakfast with Disney Princesses is offered daily in the Napa Rose restaurant; you’ll be able to capture images at that event that your family will treasure always.

Things to Do Nearby:

Pros:

• Disney perks and amenities
• Comfortable, stylish rooms and a spectacular lobby
• Great pool complex with waterslides

Cons:

• Very large, but always busy

See Related: Where To Stay In Los Angeles: Best Areas & Neighborhoods

11. Tanque Verde Ranch, Arizona

Address: 14301 E Speedway Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85748

If you’ve been dreaming of a dude ranch-style vacation with your family that is far fancier than sleeping in a bunkhouse with some other random cowboys and cowgirls, then Tanque Verde Ranch near Tucson is the property that you have been seeking. This old-time cattle and guest ranch has been a working ranch for over 100 years and has been hosting excited guests for decades – and it keeps getting better.

Tanque Verde Ranch is on 60,000 beautiful acres, offers 69 accommodations that range from simple guest rooms to elaborate suites, and has over 100 horses on site for horseback riding, cattle drives, and more! This resort has been named one of the best all-inclusive family resorts in the nation, and your whole family will have an incredible time during your visit.

Together, everyone can enjoy activities like riding, riding lessons, watercolor painting, Jeep tours, mountain biking, swimming, yoga, tennis, fishing, archery, falconry, nature center presentations, and more, plus incredible, included meals three times a day.

Adults can enjoy the spa and fitness center, plus UTV rentals, and an onsite saloon, and the kids club, which serves kids ages 4 to 12, has so many activities that you may not even see your kids again after you arrive. This place is incredible, and you’ll want to stay long after it’s time to depart.

Things to Do Nearby:

Pros:

• Excellent kids program
• Beautiful desert setting
• Horseback riding, horseback riding, and more horseback riding

Cons:

See Related: Unwind in Style: The Absolute Best Resorts In Arizona

12. Sunriver Resort, Oregon

Address: 17600 Center Dr, Sunriver, OR 97707

Oregon’s Sunriver Resort is a 3,300-acre resort community near the middle of the state. Although many people visit Oregon for its coast, if you’re looking to spend time in its interior surrounded by mountains and pine trees, you might just fall in love with this place.

Sunriver is a mix of vacation homes, condos, hotel rooms, and suites; some people even live on the property all year. Visitors will love the amenities and the neighborhood vibe of the place.

There are four award-winning championship golf courses within Sunriver, plus a spa, 45 miles of paved bike paths (and bike rentals), multiple pools indoors and out, horseback riding opportunities, and a marina that offers water sports rentals on the Deschutes River.

If you love to stay active, you can enjoy yoga, pickleball, tennis courts, and so much more. Many accommodations options come with full kitchens, but there are also ten onsite restaurants to try if you don’t feel like cooking.

Sunriver Resort doesn’t have a kids club, but there are things to do onsite and nearby that will keep your kids busy and happy the whole time you’re there. This resort is very popular with families from Oregon and beyond, so your kiddos will likely make some friends during their stay, too.

Things to Do Nearby:

Pros:

• Wide variety of accommodations options
• Lots of trails for hiking and biking
• Excellent stables and horseback riding experiences

Cons:

• Can be buggy in the summer

See Related: Best Things to Do in Seaside, Oregon

Best Island Resorts In The US For Families

13. El Conquistador Resort, Puerto Rico

Address: 1000 Avenida El Conquistador, Fajardo, 00738, Puerto Rico

Slightly problematic name aside, El Conquistador Resort is one of the most popular and famous resorts in the Caribbean, and you don’t even need a passport to get there. Located on the eastern end of Puerto Rico, this resort is huge.

Although many of its rooms were damaged by Hurricane Maria in 2017, about half of its 750 rooms are open and operational currently, and it continues to restore and renovate the rest of them with a projected completion date of 2025.

You’ll love this resort because it’s oceanfront, unique, and beautiful. Your kids will love the onsite El Coqui Water Park and the resort’s private island – Palomino Island.

Everyone in your family will enjoy taking the resort’s narrow gauge funicular railway from the main hotel building to the marina. And that’s only the beginning.

Other resort amenities include an 18-hole golf course, a fitness center, a full-service spa, tennis courts, 13 food and beverage options, and a robust schedule of daily activities. On top of all of that, the rooms are clean, comfortable, spacious, pleasant, and airy. You’ll feel right at home at El Conquistador Resort.

Things to Do Nearby:

Pros:

• Onsite water park
• Private island
• Incredible views

Cons:

• Currently under renovation
• Some noisy areas

See Related: Best Resorts in Puerto Rico

14. Aulani Disney Resort Oahu, Hawaii

Address: 92-1185 Aliinui Dr, Kapolei, HI 96707

Are you looking to have the ultimate Hawaiian vacation? Disney can help. Aulani is a spectacular Disney resort on Oahu.

It has a beach, a spa, a salon, a kids’ salon, and a spa, plus a lazy river, a splash zone, a private snorkeling lagoon, cabanas, whirlpool spas, and three swimming pools. Further, families visiting Aulani can enjoy stargazing programs, live entertainment, Disney character encounters, shopping, fireside storytelling, local excursions, golf nearby, and so much more.

Rooms include standard rooms, one and two-bedroom suites, or one, two, or three-bedroom villas that come with kitchens and living rooms. Plus, the food options at this resort are vast and varied; you can choose from a cafe, a fine dining restaurant, a casual restaurant, a seafood bar and grill, a snack bar, a market, and a nightly luau buffet!

Your kids will want to spend most of their time in the kids club, which is top-notch, of course, as Disney kids’ amenities tend to always be. This is one of the best family resorts in Hawaii, and your whole family will be sure to have the ultimate family beach vacation that they’ll never forget.

Things to Do Nearby:

Pros:

• Amazing pool complex
• Disney and everything that comes with that fact!
• So many activities the whole family can enjoy together

Cons:

• Somewhat isolated
• Few off-resort activities nearby

See Related: Where to Stay in Oahu, Hawaii: Best Areas & Neighborhoods

15. The Westin St. John Resort Villas, St. John, USVI

Address: 300B Chocolate Hole Rd Great, Cruz Bay, St. John, USVI 00830

The United States Virgin Islands are a little slice of tropical heaven right here in the United States, and the very best island among them is St. John. This tiny island is covered mostly by national park land, and the few resorts on the island are spectacularly beautiful.

Perhaps the best resort on St. John is The Westin St. John, and it’s a lovely spot for a family vacation. This kid-friendly beachfront resort has everything that you’ll need for the perfect beach getaway.

You’ll fly into St. Thomas and then take the ferry from there; The Westin is not far from the island’s main town, Cruz Bay, and its ferry dock. The resort itself has an incredible, white sand beach and a large beautiful pool with an integrated pool for the little ones.

Other amenities include two beachfront restaurants, villas with kitchens, a 24-hour fitness center, water sports rentals, and plenty of activities. Kids will love the Westin Family Kids’ Club, which offers both indoor and outdoor activities, and parents will the spa and all-inclusive dining.

This place is lovely, and you’ll never need to leave the resort if you don’t want to. However, if you do, there are restaurants, shops, and off-site activities nearby as well. The Westin is lively during the day but quiets down at night – which makes it a perfect spot for a family vacation.

Things to Do Nearby

• Visit the town of Cruz Bay
• Check out St. John’s world-class beaches
• Charter a boat and check out the surrounding islands

Pros

• Fantastic beach
• Lovely rooms and suites
• Lively Kids’ Club

Cons

• Expensive resort fee
• Far from the airport

See Related: Best Resorts in St. Thomas

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