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Before I had kids, there were certain amenities I would look for when searching for hotels – fitness centers, spas, massages. But now that I have kids, my travel priorities have changed, and I find myself searching more for kids' clubs, game rooms, outdoor play areas, and more. However, there's no reason that all of these amenities have to be mutually exclusive. In fact, you can find resorts and hotels with all of these features, which means everybody's happy and the family vacation becomes a happy memory for years to come. To help you sort through the hundreds of destinations throughout the United States, I've curated a list of the best resorts and hotels that are kid-friendly, and fun for parents, too. 

So, what do you look for? Well, a lot of the perks you'll want depend on your kids. Older kids can enjoy a kids club, while younger kids might benefit from babysitting services (and blackout curtains for a successful night's sleep). You'll also want to keep an eye out for outdoor play equipment, family rooms to accommodate everyone, children activities, and, of course, pool and beach access. Some hotels even allow kids to stay free. And for the parents? That also depends on your likes, you can find destinations with spas, massages, salons, and more, or proximity to hiking trails and bicycle paths. Just note, all prices below are dependent on the amount of people in your family and your dates of stay.

From luxury resorts to mountain lodges, here are the best kid-friendly (and parent-friendly) hotels in the U.S. to make everyone content on your next vacation. Happy traveling.

Photo Courtesy of Hilton

The Woodlands, Texas

The Woodlands Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton

Your trip will be a breath of fresh air when you stay at The Woodlands Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton. Enjoy the network of walking and bike paths as a family, the lazy river, and let the kids go nuts in the waterpark and water slides. Meanwhile, parents have access to tennis, two championship golf courses, and pickleball. Make a point to eat at the delicious dining available on-site, with family-friendly southern-inspired cooking and kid-favorite fare, like chicken tenders and milkshakes. Just remember to take pictures.

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• The kids will love…pool, kids meals, waterslide, hiking, waterpark, kids pool

• The parents will love…golf, tennis, pickleball, fitness center, free parking

• Extra Amenities: blackout curtains, picnic area, room service, connecting rooms, family rooms & suites

Vail, Colorado

Sonnenalp Vail: Vail, Colorado

If your family loves the outdoors, then Vail, Colorado is the perfect destination. There's skiing, hiking, and even a pool. Located in the heart of Vail Village with views of Gore Creek, you might feel like you're staying at a European resort. Plus, the hotel has been family-owned for 5 generations and is one of the first-ever MICHELIN Key Hotel recipients in America. Oh, did I mention there's also babysitting so you can sneak off to the spa?

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• The kids will love…pool, kids club, skiing, hiking

• The parents will love…fitness center, spa, babysitting, poolside bar

• Extra Amenities: blackout curtains, free parking, breakfast available, business center, family rooms

Jekyll Island, Georgia

The Beachview Club

Located on a quiet Georgia barrier island, this beachview club brings you the finest in southern charm. The kids will love the pool and beach, you'll love the fishing and happy hour. There's also fire pits and scenic views, and fun for the whole family.

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• The kids will love…pool, beach

• The parents will love…fishing, happy hour

• Extra Amenities: picnic area, blackout curtains

Oahu, Hawaii

Halekulani Hotel: Oahu, Hawaii

If you're heading to Hawaii and want to be at the center of it all, then you have to check out the Halekulani Hotel. Right on Waikiki Beach, the views are stunning, and you have pool and beach access, along with babysitting services for some time off. You'll be steeped in luxury and it's worth the splurge.

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• The kids will love…pool, beach

• The parents will love…fitness classes, bar, babysitting, spa, massage, salon

• Extra Amenities: blackout curtains, private beach, airport transportation

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Homewood Suites by Hilton Myrtle Beach Oceanfront

When you stay at the Homewood Suites by Hilton Myrtle Beach Oceanfront, you're not only getting a beachfront hotel, you also get an on-site waterpark with slides, a lazy river, and a splash pad. If you want to check out the boardwalk, it's adjacent to the hotel, plus you're just 3 miles away from golf courses, Broadway on the Beach, and the airport. Kids will love the waterpark and pool, adults will love the fitness center, free hot breakfast, and a variety of family-friendly on-site dining options.

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• The kids will love…pool, waterpark (slides, lazy river, splash pad)

• The parents will love…fitness center, in-room kitchens, close to golf courses, the boardwalk, Broadway on the Beach & Myrtle Beach International Airport

• Extra Amenities: city & ocean views, balconies, free hot breakfast, on-site dining

Cannon Beach, Oregon

The Ocean Lodge

Complete with a cozy lodge vibe and home-made cookies, the Ocean Lodge is located on prime beachfront property in Cannon Beach, Oregon. There's wine receptions for the parents and activities for kids, including pool and beach access, of course. Everyone can stock up on the free breakfast and head out for a hike, or enjoy some of the nearby state parks. Win win.

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• The kids will love…pool, beach, hiking, children activities, books/dvds/music for kids

• The parents will love…picnic area

• Extra Amenities: free breakfast, family rooms

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San Diego, California

Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter

San Diego is a great city for kids, especially older ones who might love the hustle and bustle of the Gaslamp Quarter. This recently renovated Hilton hotel is close to it all, but still includes a pool for when the family needs a break. There's also an on-site restaurant, connecting rooms, and a terrace with plenty of space for relaxing parents.

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• The kids will love…pool, proximity to the San Diego Zoo

• The parents will love…the Wild Hare Lounge with hand-crafted cocktails, craft beers, & Californian wine, fitness center, central location

• Extra Amenities: pet-friendly rooms, on-site dining, proximity to aquariums & Old Town San Diego

Miami Beach, Florida

1 Hotel South Beach

With a 600-foot stretch of shoreline in a prime location, this South Beach hotel in Miami is the place to be. There's a kids club, kid meals, a pool, and parents can kick back with a massage, sauna, or steam room — there are also babysitting services.  

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• The kids will love…pool, kids meals, bicycles available, kids club

• The parents will love…sauna, fitness classes, babysitting, salon, massage, steam room, nightclub

• Extra Amenities: private beach, family rooms

Laguna Beach, California

Montage Laguna Beach

This California resort can be found nestled above the Pacific on a high coastal bluff. Kids will love the pool, beach, kids club, and adults will love the babysitting services — and the massage, salon, and fitness center, of course. The views are spectacular, the service is warm and attentive, and your family will feel well taken care of during their stay.

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• The kids will love…pool, beach, kids meals, snorkeling, kids club

• The parents will love…fitness center, babysitting, massage, salon, trainer, poolside bar

• Extra Amenities: family rooms

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Lago Mar Beach Resort & Club

You'll find the Lago Mar Beach Resort and Club in a secluded location with a 500-foot private beach in the exclusive Harbor Beach neighborhood of Fort Lauderdale. There's a pool, mini golf, and tons of children activities to keep kids busy (and happy). Plus, parents can keep busy with the salon and massages. Best of all, kids stay free.

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• The kids will love…pool, mini golf, kids meals, table tennis, children activities, outdoor play equipment, private beach

• The parents will love…tennis, fishing, massage, salon, fitness center

• Extra Amenities: family rooms, kids stay free, blackout curtains

Santa Barbara, California

Avania Inn of Santa Barbara

One block away from the waterfront, this Santa Barbara inn has easy access to beaches and downtown, and a warm, friendly staff. There's free parking and free breakfast, plus cookies. Reviewers raved about hitting the beach with their kids and then relaxing in the heated pool afterwards.

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• The kids will love…pool

• The parents will love…free breakfast

• Extra Amenities: family rooms, kids stay free

Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Dollywood's DreamMore Resort & Spa

Surrounded by the Smoky Mountains and with close proximity to Dollywood, this resort includes activities for the whole family, combined with a luxury spa and prime dining. The whole experience is designed for the family in mind, from the game room and kids club to the outdoor play equipment and family rooms.

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• The kids will love…pool, kids club, outdoor play equipment, game room, children activities

• The parents will love…massage, spa, sauna, fitness center

• Extra Amenities: family rooms

Kissimmee, Florida

Magic Moment Resort and Kids Club

Your kids may not want to leave the Magic Moment Resort and Kids Club. There's tons of kids to enjoy, from the game room, pool, and kids club, to the outdoor and indoor play areas. It's entirely family focused and will give your crew so many lasting memories.

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• The kids will love…pool, indoor play area, game room, kids club, outdoor play equipment, children activities

• The parents will love…fitness center, free breakfast

• Extra Amenities: family rooms, kids stay free

Traveling in a car with kids isn't always easy. Here's a list of essentials that can make it a stress-free trip.

—Originally published June 16, 2024 at 4:00 AM PT.