Sunshine, Sandcastles, and Smiles: Best Family Resorts in Florida
Planning a vacation with little ones in tow can be tricky. You want sunshine, relaxation, and fun for everyone, but not at the expense of meltdowns and logistical nightmares. Florida, with its endless beaches, theme park thrills, and natural wonders, seems like the perfect destination, but with so many options, choosing the right resort can feel overwhelming. Worry not, adventurous parents!
This guide will navigate you through the Sunshine State’s best resorts for families with young children, ensuring a trip filled with laughter, sandcastles, and memories that will last a lifetime. Here are some top resorts in Florida for Families with young kids!
Theme Park Paradise
#1 – Walt Disney World Resort: The undisputed king of family vacations, Disney World offers something for every age and interest. From thrilling roller coasters in Magic Kingdom to the cute critters of Animal Kingdom, Disney crafts magical experiences around every corner.
Disney World has its perks for traveling with young ones. All hotels have a place to buy those forgotten necessities, The parks also have Disney’s Baby Care Centers that offer a haven for weary parents; with private nursing rooms, diaper-changing stations, and playful distractions to keep little ones happy during park adventures.
Stay at one of the many Disney-run resorts for ultimate convenience and immersive theming, like the Polynesian Village Resort’s tropical vibes or the Port Orleans French Quarter’s charming New Orleans ambiance.
Staying at a Disney World Resort also gains you early entry or late hours at one of the three parks. Don’t forget character breakfasts, evening fireworks spectaculars, and the beloved monorail transportation system – Disney World truly is where dreams come true.
Find hotels near Disney World here.
#2 – Universal Orlando Resort: If your crew craves adrenaline-pumping action, Universal Orlando is your haven. Experience the thrills of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, where you can soar through Hogwarts on a broomstick or explore Diagon Alley’s hidden shops.
I love the hidden dark areas there and watching the shrunken heads sing. Now it is going to be even better with Universal Studios Orlando’s new park opening in 2025!
PRO TIP – If you stay at a Universal hotel, and have a paid pass to the park, you get a FREE Fast pass each day you stay at the hotel.
For dinosaur enthusiasts, Jurassic World VelociCoaster offers a heart-pounding raptor encounter, while younger kids will adore the playful rides and characters of Seuss Landing. This is why Universal is one of the top resorts in Florida for Families with young kids.
Universal’s on-site hotels like Cabana Bay Beach Resort and Volcano Bay Waterpark provide family-friendly accommodations and convenient access to the parks.
You can find the best hotels near Universal Studios here.
#3 – Legoland Florida: For families seeking a brick-tastic adventure, LEGOLAND® Florida Resort is tailored specifically for youngsters. Imagine stepping into a giant LEGO® creation, where playful rides like the thrilling Dragon coaster wind through mythical lands, and mini-drivers navigate the twists and turns of the Ford Driving School.
After a day of imaginative thrills, families can unwind at the LEGOLAND® Water Park, featuring splashtastic slides, a lazy river, and a build-your-own raft adventure.
The resort even offers the best themed hotels near Legoland Florida, like the castle-inspired LEGOLAND® Hotel, where bedtime stories come alive amidst giant LEGO® models. So, grab your minifigures and get ready for a vacation where creativity and laughter reign supreme!
You can find the best hotels near Legoland Florida here.
Beach Bliss
#4 – Siesta Key Beach Resort: Let your worries melt away on the sugar-soft sands of Siesta Key Beach, consistently ranked among the finest in the US. This idyllic barrier island offers calm, shallow waters perfect for splashing with little ones, and the resort itself boasts multiple pools, a kids’ club, and beachfront dining. Build sandcastles, collect seashells, and watch the sunset paint the sky in fiery hues – Siesta Key is a haven for beach bums of all ages.
Immerse yourself in the vibrant charm of Siesta Key Village, where walkable streets wind past delightful shops. Bask in the natural beauty of Siesta Key Beach and Lido Beach, or explore the wonders of Coconuts Family Entertainment Center and Jim Neville Marine Preserve.
You can find some of the best hotels in the Keys here.
#5 – JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort: Escape to a secluded paradise on Marco Island, where pristine beaches meet the sparkling Gulf of Mexico. This luxurious resort caters to families with spacious suites, a kids’ club with supervised activities, and a lazy river winding through tropical gardens.
This beachfront haven seamlessly blends luxurious comfort with endless possibilities for leisure and adventure. For the avid golfer, the resort sits nestled beside a championship course, promising emerald fairways and exhilarating challenges.
But JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort caters to more than just fairway fanatics. Just steps away, Marco Island Ski & Watersports ignites the thrill-seeker within with a kaleidoscope of aquatic activities.
From kayaking through mangrove forests to carving through turquoise waves on a jet ski, the crystal-clear waters beckon with endless possibilities.
Let the little ones splash in the zero-entry pool while you indulge in a spa treatment or savor fresh seafood on the beach. JW Marriott Marco Island promises relaxation and rejuvenation for everyone.
You can book this paradise in Florida here.
Natural Delights
#6 – Hawks Cay Resort: Nestled in the Florida Keys, Hawks Cay Resort is a nature lover’s paradise. Kids will be awed by encounters with dolphins and sea turtles, while guided kayak tours and nature walks reveal the wonders of the mangrove forests. The resort boasts multiple pools, a water park, and even a pirate ship playground, keeping little adventurers entertained for hours. Hawks Cay’s focus on environmental education and conservation makes it a vacation with a conscience, teaching kids valuable lessons about protecting our planet.
The resort also has a spa, Calm Waters Spa, which offers a variety of treatments, such as body scrubs, sports massages, and detox wraps. There are also 5 restaurants on site, which feature international cuisine and al fresco dining. The gym offers aerobics classes and yoga classes, and other things to do include basketball, snorkeling, and boat tours.
Find rooms for Hawks Cay here.
#7 – JW Marriott Grande Lakes Orlando: Experience the magic of Florida’s natural beauty at Grande Lakes Orlando. This sprawling resort sits on Lake Bonnet Creek, offering pontoon boat rentals, fishing excursions, and scenic nature trails. Kids will love the interactive aquarium and the chance to spot playful otters and turtles in their natural habitat. While the little ones are occupied, parents can unwind at the spa or tee off on the championship golf course. Grande Lakes Orlando proves that luxury and nature can coexist perfectly.
Book a getaway at the JW Marriott Grande Lakes Orlando here
Remember, the best resort for your family is the one that caters to your unique needs and interests. Consider your children’s ages and preferences, your budget, and desired level of activity. Do you crave theme park excitement or laid-back beach vibes? Do your kids love animals or water sports? Tailor your choice to your family’s ideal vacation, and get ready to make memories that will last a lifetime in the Sunshine State!
Bonus Tip: Book your resort stay in advance, especially during peak season, to secure the best rates and availability. Many resorts offer family-friendly packages with discounted theme park tickets, meals, and activities, so be sure to explore their websites for deals.
With careful planning and the right resort choice, your Florida vacation with young children will be a symphony of laughter, adventure, and unforgettable moments. So pack your swimsuits, sunscreen, and sense of wonder, and get ready to create memories that will have your little ones begging to come back year after year!