Let’s be honest, a lot has happened in 2025, but people are choosing to both stick to a budget and live closer to home for a variety of reasons. At the same time, Millennial parents are craving old-fashioned vacations that consisted of family car rides, nearby destinations, and family-based activities (in addition to being much cheaper).
When I went on a three-week trip to Europe with my kids, wonderfulthere’s something to be said about taking a ’90s road trip or even a shorter flight to a US resort focused on fun and family. Here are some recommended items selected by our editors.
Florida: Best resorts for kids
Westgate Town Center Resort | Kissimmee, Florida
The Westgate Town Center Resort in Kissimmee puts you right next to Disney at a super affordable price. That said, there are plenty of action-packed activities on-site. Spend a day (or two or three) at Shipwreck Island Water Park. There are slides, bridges, fountains and lots of things to climb here. There’s also the Jurassic Park Mini Golf Course for prehistoric adventures, the Disney Movie Theater for children’s entertainment, sports fields, bike rentals, a playground, and more. When your crew gets hungry, there are eight on-site beverage and dining options to choose from, including an Italian chophouse, a sports bar, and an ice cream shop.
Sirata Beach Resort | St. Pete Beach, Florida
If you’re looking for a relaxing seaside vacation or have toddlers too young for most children’s attractions, consider Sirata Beach Resort in St. Pete Beach as an idyllic vacation destination. Does your family love staying by the water? With 13 acres of private beach, three restaurants, two pools, and two beach bars, you don’t even need to rent a car.
Would you like to go on an adventure? Downtown St. Pete is just a short drive away (via Uber or taxi), where you’ll find museums, craft breweries, restaurants, and more. Suncoast Water Sports is also nearby, offering activities such as parasailing, paddleboarding, kayaking, snorkeling, and sunset cruises, and Sirata guests receive a 10% discount.
The Grove Resort & Water Park |Orlando, Florida
For fun in the sun here in the United States, The Grove Resort & Water Park is sure to provide thrills for action-loving families. It is a safari water park that guests can use without any admission fee. There, you can experience the FlowRider surfing simulator, float along a lazy river, slide down a winding water slide, splash in a children’s activity pool, or hang out in a private cabana. If you’re looking for a little escape from the sun, there are also plenty of indoor activities at the Kids Activity Center (with activities scheduled Friday through Sunday) and Flip Flop’s Family Fun Center, with friendly competitions and arcade games.
If you’re interested in the magic of Disney, this resort is conveniently located close to the parks. But when you need a break from the hustle and bustle, you’ll love coming back to The Grove to pamper yourself at the spa or lounge by the pool.
Opal Key Resort & Marina | Key West, Florida
Enjoy all the perks of a tropical island vacation without leaving the United States. This trip is especially suitable for families with tweens and teens, allowing you to explore everything Key West has to offer together (with minimal eyesight!). This luxurious oceanfront hotel features a pool, spa, and three dining options, including casual restaurant Bistro 245 and poolside bar Castaways.
But what you’ll really love about Opal Key Resort (formerly Margaritaville) is its location, location, location. Staying close to water sports, shopping, dining, and attractions like the Key West Aquarium and Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum means you’ll experience everything this city has to offer.
Evermore Resort |Orlando, Florida
Trust us when we say that Evermore Resort is unlike any resort you’ve ever stayed at. This is a truly home-away-from-home resort that the whole family can enjoy (some homes can sleep up to 12 people!). Offering apartments, villas and houses with up to 11 bedrooms (yes, 11!), you’re sure to find something that’s perfect for your family. All vacation homes feature gourmet kitchens, private heated pools, ample parking, and more.
The best thing about Evermore is that it’s a resort where none of that happens. feel Like a resort unless you want to! Unlike typical vacation rentals, Evermore offers a hybrid experience that combines the comforts of a private vacation home with the ultimate resort getaway. We will assist you with cleaning with our a la carte service. There are 12 restaurants on-site, perfect for when you’re hungry but don’t feel like cooking. Golf courses, arts and crafts, and water activities to name a few.
Bonus: Evermore is close to almost every theme park in Orlando.
Idaho: Best resorts for kids
Sun Valley Resort | Sun Valley, Idaho
Sun Valley Resort is one of our great four-season resorts, with plenty to do at any time of year, from skiing in the winter to swimming in the summer to horseback riding in the fall. This huge Western experiential resort offers all kinds of outdoor activities, from shooting ranges to ice skating, as well as great indoor facilities like a bowling alley and arcade. Parents can also enroll their children in both summer and winter camps, where kids can relax for a day while having the time of their lives doing activities such as treasure hunts, nature outings, biking, swimming, and relay races.
Texas: Best resorts for kids
Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa | Lost Pines, Texas
For an escape to nature (without running away) too much Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa offers an outdoor experience combined with upscale comfort. This lakeside retreat is located 37 miles from Austin and is set against the backdrop of the Texas countryside. Families will enjoy quiet relaxation, but there’s still plenty for kids to enjoy. Kayak down the Colorado River, hike through nearby McKinney Roughs Natural Park, or go on a horseback riding adventure. You can hang out by the pool or spend a lazy afternoon floating in the resort’s lazy river.
You don’t have to go far to find delicious snacks either. There are several dining options on-site, from Southern-style Firewheel Cafe to McDay’s Emporium and Ice Cream Saloon (a children’s paradise). As the sun sets, sit by two roaring fireplaces and enjoy s’mores and cocktails for some screen-free fun. (Please note that there are currently some restrictions on amenities and meal options.)
The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas | Dallas, Texas
Taking your kids on vacation doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice luxury. The Ritz-Carlton in Dallas offers an upscale urban experience while allowing young travelers to enjoy their stay. “The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas’ unique family-friendly appeal stems from our commitment to fostering a warm and welcoming environment,” explains Andrew Davidson, general manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas. “Children of all ages will feel comfortable in a luxurious environment with interactive learning opportunities that encourage them to use their imaginations to explore the land and their surroundings.”
So what will it be for them? The Ritz Kids program features activities such as scavenger hunts and creative projects that teach environmental responsibility and cultural awareness. We also include a VIK (Very Important Child) check-in experience and milk and cookie turndown service so they know they’re valued guests too. The Ritz is conveniently located near family-friendly attractions such as the Dallas World Aquarium, Perot Museum of Nature and Science, Nasher Sculpture Center, and the Dallas Museum of Art. Now let’s find all this in your average 5-star hotel.
JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa | San Antonio, Texas
The JW Marriott in San Antonio is located on 600 acres of lush landscape, offering the best of both worlds: the tranquility of nature and proximity to city amenities. That is, if you leave the resort. The property’s River Bluff Experience features an expansive lazy river, multiple pools, and adrenaline-pumping slides. Worried about it being too cool to swim? The water is heated and can be enjoyed all year round.
But if your family is feeling stuck, there are plenty of other things to do. There are several dining options on site, as well as a golf course and spa. Alternatively, you can head into town from off-site. Nearby are the San Antonio Zoo and Aquarium, SeaWorld, Shops at La Cantera, Natural Bridge Caverns, and Six Flags Fiesta Texas.
Lakeway Resort and Spa | Lakeway, Texas
With unobstructed views of Lake Travis, an on-site spa, access to water activities, and pools for kids and adults, there’s something for everyone here. In particular, the Kids Zone is packed with fun activities such as bounce houses, air hockey, and a mini putt-putt golf course to keep your kids running around. Potty-trained children ages 5 and up are supervised, so mom and dad can spend a few hours at the spa before everyone gathers for a swim in the family pool in the courtyard.
When it’s time for dinner, head to TR Restaurant & Bar or explore nearby Austin for countless dining options. You’ll also want to devote at least a day or two of your vacation to exploring the sights of this bustling city.
Pennsylvania: Best resorts for kids
Woodloch Resort | Poconos, Pennsylvania
What could be a more classic, nostalgic family vacation than heading to the Poconos, surrounded by mountains and lakes? We love the Lodge at Woodloch because of its amazing list of staff-guided and self-guided activities. Visitors can go to the Lily Pad for kayaks, bicycles, stand-up paddle boards, disc golf discs and scorecards, fishing equipment, GPS devices for geocaching, and s’mores kits. Or choose from a huge list of family-friendly activities, including mountain climbing, ice skating, snowshoeing, hiking, shooting, and ax throwing.
At the same time, mom and dad can escape to do their own quiet activities like yoga or head to the adults-only spa across the lake.
Maine: Best resorts for kids
The Salt Cottages | Bar Harbor, Maine
Don’t worry, parents will be greeted with a glass of blueberry prosecco when they check into Salt Cottages. They are doing everything they can for their children.
Decorated with impeccable beach flair, the cottages come in one-, two-bedroom, and studio styles, with ocean views right from your cottage door. Each night at Salt Cottages, a campfire is set up by the pool where kids can toast marshmallows and make s’mores. The resort also plans special events each night, including a professional ghost storyteller and an evening glow party, to make your stay special for families. Additionally, the resort also has a dedicated gaming house featuring classic Ms. Pac-Man and table tennis.
In the heart of the cottages, Salt Cottages has a cafe and snack shop called Picnic, which serves breakfast and dinner. Small snacks, ice cream, and other treats are available throughout the day, and kids can easily run from the pool to the picnic. The reception area of Salt Cottages has games, toys, and puzzles for guests to play with and take back to their rooms. For a change of pace, Salt Cottages guests can also stroll across the street to Hull’s Cove Beach. Children can search for seashells and snails in a small rocky area.
Oregon: Best resorts for kids
Sunriver Resort | Bend, Oregon
If you’re looking for fun in the Pacific Northwest, look no further than this ultra-idyllic resort focused on outdoor recreation and family fun. First, choose whether you want to stay in a guest room, a suite, or an entire villa. Then explore our extensive list of activities for adults and kids, including golf, biking adventures, water adventures, pickleball, horseback riding, water activities, swimming, and more. There’s a whole nature center and observatory that makes this place even more special.
