Florida has family-friendly resorts on both coasts and in the Florida Keys that could rival any resort in the Caribbean. Putting the passports away and heading to the Sunshine State could provide the perfect opportunity for a memorable family vacation. From Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge to Hawk’s Cay, there are ample options to fulfill families’ visions for their dream vacation. Whether it’s luxury villas and a 5-acre waterpark or mini-golf followed by s’mores over a beachside fire pit, these resorts will hit the mark.
LaPlaya Beach and Golf Resort
Uncover spectacular hospitality and find your own personal oceanfront oasis at the LaPlaya Beach and Golf Resort in Naples. Nestled between Vanderbilt Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, the LaPlaya Beach and Golf Resort is among the top voted resorts in the entire state.
It is known for plush guest rooms, a welcoming and luxurious spa, as well as incredible beach activities and golfing.
Spend your day lounging at one of the most desirable beach getaway destinations in the country or head to the 18-hole private golf course designed by Robert Cupp at the LaPlaya Golf Club. Meanwhile, guests looking to be pampered can head to the SpaTerre Naples, a tranquil respite with spectacular treatments, massages, beauty services, and even fitness classes.
9891 Gulf Shore Drive, Naples, Florida 34108; Phone: 239-597-3132
The Don CeSar Hotel
The historical Don CeSar Hotel in St. Pete Beach offers spacious rooms and suites in a luxurious setting as well as onsite beach house suites that are perfect for families and groups. The Don CeSar Hotel has a well-deserved reputation for being one of Florida’s most kid-friendly resorts. Young guests can enjoy crafts and activities at Camp CeSar in half-day or full-day sessions, or attend Kids’ Night Out events on Friday and Saturday evenings.
The whole family will enjoy visiting Uncle Andy’s Ice Cream Parlor for a sweet treat after a delicious meal of coastal cuisine at one of the hotel’s restaurants or lounges.
3400 Gulf Boulevard, St. Pete Beach, FL, Phone: 727-360-1881
The PGA National Resort and Spa
The PGA National Resort & Spa is one of Florida's most unique resorts, noted for its five 18-hole championship golf courses, which host prestigious annual tournaments such as the Ryder Cup and PGA Championship. The 369-room resort is home to a plethora of family-friendly amenities, including a zero-entry pool and children's splash pool area offering safe water play experiences for guests of all ages.
Families can rent fully-furnished poolside cabanas complete with televisions and minifridges or enjoy pickup games of beach volleyball and basketball at the resort's all-ages outdoor courts.
While parents hit the links, children can enjoy age-appropriate yoga courses or try their hand at the driving range under the supervision of professional staff as part of structured kids' club activities.
An annual five-day children's golfing camp is hosted by the David Leadbetter Golf Academy, open to participants ages seven to 17.
No matter when families visit the resort, kids under 17 always stay free with adult supervision.
The PGA National Resort and Spa ,400 Ave of the Champions, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418, Phone: 844-709-6090
Hammock Beach Resort
Focusing on golf and spa retreats, Hammock Beach Resort also boasts its very own marina. Just 90 miles west of Orlando's famous theme parks and close to the region's best attractions (including the Kennedy Space Center), Hammock Beach is a great option for families who want to explore beyond the resort. However, there are also plenty of activities to keep guests entertained at the resort too.
Hammock Beach has a 91,000-square-foot water park, a number of oceanfront restaurants, and sporting activities that include the most challenging golf course in the state, designed by golf champion, Tom Watson. All this is combined with luxurious spa facilities and stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Hammock Beach Resort , 200 Ocean Crest Drive, Palm Coast, FL, Phone: 866-841-0287
Wyndham Grand Clearwater
Wyndham Grand Clearwater is one of Clearwater Beach's premiere luxury hotels, located along the city's beautiful Gulf of Mexico coastline near top attractions such as the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, the Clearwater Beach Marina, and the Intracoastal Waterway. The upscale hotel offers spacious, comfortable guest rooms and suites featuring top amenities such as 50-inch high-definition televisions, Keurig coffee makers, mini fridges, and plush pillowtop bedding, with private balconies and terraces in most rooms offering stunning gulf or waterway views.
Upgraded rooms offer private dining areas and pullout sofas, with room service available 24/7 in all rooms. Guests can use the hotel's luxurious spa, outdoor pool and hot tub, and state-of-the-art 24-hour gym or dine at one of three restaurants, including the Asian-fusion Ocean Hai, the poolside Dock's Pool Bar and Grille, and the eSKPades bar and coffee shop.
100 Coronado Dr, Clearwater, FL 3376, Phone: 727-281-9500
Reunion Resort
Guests at the Reunion Resort in Kissimmee will love how near it is to Walt Disney World and Orlando International Airport. Luxury villas and vacation homes can accommodate families of any size.
Full kitchens and dining rooms make family meals a breeze, and private balconies or patios give guests space to spend quality time together in warmth of the Florida sun.
The property has two playgrounds, a supervised Kids Crew program on select days, and a 5-acre waterpark with poolside activities. Tennis and golf lessons are available for guests who want to improve their game. Casual dining facilities offer kid-friendly options.
7593 Gathering Drive, Kissimmee, FL, Phone: 407-662-1000
Beachside Village Resort
The Beachside Village Resort is a charming New England-style resort with views over the Atlantic Ocean.
Travelers have rated it the second-best hotel in the United States for customer service, and it's easy to see why. Making the guests' stays special is priority number one here. It's a perfect choice for pet owners, with a pet-friendly policy and even a dog-walking service.
The resort also offers a variety of complimentary activities, including paddleboards, tennis facilities, and ocean kayaks.
There's also weekly Friday Sunset Socials held at the side of one of the resort's two heated pools.
4564 North Ocean Drive, Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, FL, Phone: 954-652-1216
Island Bay Resort
Outdoor adventurers will be in their element at Island Bay Resort in the Florida Keys. Guests of the resort can enjoy watersports of all kinds, right from the private beach and dock.
After a day of fun in the sun at the resort in Tavernier, nearby Key Largo, or Islamorada, guests will appreciate being able to relax in air-conditioned comfort.
Families can wind down after a busy day by watching the sunset from their cottage’s private patio while enjoying a meal cooked on the Weber grill. Tiki huts and hammocks add to the laidback ambiance.
Cottages all include wireless internet, flat-screen TVs, and fully equipped kitchenettes.
92530 Overseas Highway, Tavernier, FL, Phone: 305-852-4087
Disney’s Vero Beach Resort
Disney’s Vero Beach Resort is a more sophisticated iteration of the well-loved brand than one might expect. Located on Florida's stunning Atlantic Treasure Coast, the resort offers a full menu of spa treatments, including massage therapies, facials, and even waxing for those who didn't have the time pre-holiday.
A supervised Discovery Club activity center allows parents to enjoy the spa child-free.
Most magical of all, the resort includes part of the nesting grounds for Florida's loggerhead sea turtles.
It is designed with an eye on conservation, thus reducing the impact on hatchlings as much as possible.
9250 Island Grove Terrace, Vero Beach, FL, Phone: 772-234-2000
Fontainebleau Miami Beach
With four bars and clubs and located right in the heart of Miami Beach, Fontainebleau Miami Beach is an ideal choice for guests who want to enjoy Miami's renowned nightlife.
Glamorous, modern, and filled with arts and music, the resort is an excellent option for parents who want to let their hair down a little.
Fontainebleau facilitates this. Fridays and Saturdays see the resort host a Kids' Night Out, so parents can have their Big Nights Out unfettered.
A Kids' Camp and daytime babysitting are also available. In addition to nightlife, guests can relax in the spa, rent an exotic car, or enjoy fine dining.
4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL, Phone: 800-548-8886
TradeWinds Island Grand Beach Resort
TradeWinds Island Grand Beach Resort is located on St Pete's Beach. It earned the number three spot among “Top 10 Best Beach Towns of 2013” by a popular parenting magazine.
Its name does not disappoint – it is a resort on a grand scale. It's not actually one, but two resorts, located just 200 flip-flop lengths away from each other.
Guests have access to both the action-packed TradeWinds Island Grand, where such things as flying with a jetpack are possible, and the Guy Harvey Outpost, which boasts a 33,500-gallon aquarium.
For fans of Animal Planet, this aquarium was featured on the hit show “Tanked.”
5500 Gulf Boulevard, St. Pete Beach, FL, Phone: 727-367-6461
yatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa
Families will love this luxury resort in Bonita Springs with its spacious residences and amenities that cater to parents and children alike. Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa is an oasis of fun with indoor and outdoor activities for adults and kids of all ages.
Residences include private balconies, high-speed internet access, and fully equipped kitchens in the one and two-bedroom units. A variety of restaurants offering everything from burgers to seafood will please even the pickiest of eaters.
Kids can enjoy their independence as they hang out at Camp Manatee and take part in planned activities while mom and dad relax at the Stillwater Spa or play a round of golf on the championship course.
11800 Coconut Point Resort Drive, Bonita Springs, FL, Phone: 239-947-7300
CoCo Key
Nestled in the sunny and bustling city of Orlando is CoCo Key , a massive water park and resort perfect for families looking for a fun and action-packed getaway. The resort is home to a massive 54,000 square foot covered and outdoor waterpark as well as a 6,500 square foot arcade. Guests can best enjoy these attractions by booking a stay at one of the resort’s 391 guest rooms.
Aside from the parks, guests can also enjoy meals at the three on-site dining establishments, grab necessities at the resort's convenience store, or take a quick drive to other local attractions and theme parks located nearby.
7400 International Drive, Orlando, Florida 32819; Phone: 407-351-2626
JW Marriott Marco Island
Set on a private white sand beach on the Gulf Coast, JW Marriott Marco Island is the ultimate family resort. Everyone will love spending the day in one of Quinn’s poolside cabanas with ceiling fans, televisions, and even a small refrigerator.
For more adventurous families, the resort offers sailing trips on their private catamarans, guided WaveRunner excursions, and bike tours for adults and children 12 years or older.
The younger set will love the supervised kids’ program at Tiki Tribe, where staff engage “campers” in fun and educational activities and take them to lunch at one of the resort’s onsite restaurants.
400 South Collier Boulevard, Marco Island, FL, Phone: 239-394-2511
Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort and Spa
Activities for every age and interest can be enjoyed at the Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort and Spa. Fall asleep to the sound of the ocean in a spacious suite, grab a quick breakfast at Skimmer’s Coffee Bar or SHOR, and head to the beach to build sand castles, rent a mini-Segway, or indulge in a day of relaxation in your own private climate-controlled cabana.
Guided educational activities await guests from 3 to 12 years old at Camp Hyatt. A typical day “at camp” might include water activities, crafts inspired by nature, free time on the playground, or walks on the beach. Accommodations have balconies overlooking the Gulf of Mexico and full kitchens.
301 South Gulfview Boulevard, Clearwater Beach, FL, Phone: 727-373-1234
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort is the perfect spot for families and groups of all sizes. The accommodations at this Emerald Coast resort range from studios to full-size homes.
Complimentary amenities for resort guests include bike, kayak, and boogieboard rentals, access to the fitness center, court time, preferred parking, and a tram service that transports guests throughout the resort. Families can spend time together on the mini golf course or at one of the four pools.
The perfect ending to a day of family fun is a bonfire around a private fire pit on the beach, complete with beach chairs, a s’mores kit, and kiln-dried firewood.
9300 Emerald Coast Parkway, Miramar Beach, FL, Phone: 800-622-1038
Sandpearl Resort
Every spacious guest room and oversized suite at the Sandpearl Resort has a view of the water and amenities that families will appreciate, including in-room Wi-Fi, twice daily housekeeping, high-definition flat-screen televisions, and refrigerators for keeping snacks on hand.
An onsite four-star restaurant, climate-controlled lagoon-style pool, and private boat slips will make this a vacation to remember.
Guests can shop for all the essentials like sunscreen and Starbucks at The Marketplace or pick up a souvenir at Collections, the resort’s signature boutique.
Camp Ridley provides supervised fun for kids under 10 in afternoon and evening sessions.
500 Mandalay Avenue, Clearwater Beach, FL, Phone: 727-441-2425
South Seas Island Resort
Captiva Island is home to this eco-friendly resort with generously sized accommodations in traditional hotel rooms, condos, beach villas, and cottages. Families are treated to seasonal activities for all ages at Skully’s Family Interactive Center. Educational programs teach interested guests about the wildlife in the 330-acre preserve that surrounds the resort.
Full-service restaurants, a poolside tiki bar, and an old-fashioned malt shop are just some of the many dining options at South Seas Island.
The Captiva Provision Company and Ships Store sell souvenirs and sundries. An in-house photographer is available for portrait sessions to preserve memorable family moments in this unique setting.
South Seas Island Resort , 5400 Plantation Road, Captiva, FL, Phone: 239-472-5111
Sundial Beach Resort and Spa
The award-winning Sundial Beach Resort and Spa on Sanibel Island offers luxury accommodations and exclusive guest amenities. Island-style decorations create the perfect atmosphere for a relaxing family vacation.
Units include multi-bedroom options, kitchenettes, screened balconies or porches, and garden or water views.
Newly renovated, state-of-the-art sports facilities offer something for everyone, like Pickleball – a paddle sport with simple rules that is easy for beginners to learn and a great family activity.
Guests have a range of dining options from pizza to sushi, and Turtle’s Pool & Beach Bar has a kids’ menu and virgin daiquiris to drink.
1451 Middle Gulf Drive, Sanibel, FL, Phone: 239-472-4151
Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa
If you are planning a family reunion in Florida, Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa has over 30,000 square feet of meeting and event space.
With its dedicated event team on hand to make sure everything runs smoothly, Eau Palm Beach is an ideal choice for hosting events with pizzazz.
There three ballrooms, 10 breakout rooms, and an outdoor event space.
But it's not all about big events.
Guests can enjoy the small things too, from piña colada cupcakes at Breeze Ocean Kitchen, visiting the Loggerhead Marine Life Center – a sea turtle hospital responsible for 9.5 miles of beach and thousands of hatchlings annually, where turtles can be viewed in the special gallery – or just dipping a toe in the luxurious pool.
100 South Ocean Boulevard, Manalapan, FL, Phone: 561-533-6000
Hawk’s Cay
Located on Duck Key in the Florida Keys, Hawk’s Cay Resort is a haven for watersports lovers.
They offer WaveRunner rentals, parasail rides, a dolphin experience, a kids’ club, and an 85-slip marina.
There’s a tropical lagoon for guests who prefer their recreation a little more on the leisurely side.
One of the coolest perks is the chance to get up close and personal with marine life – from snorkeling and diving expeditions to swimming with dolphins.
Scuba divers may even be lucky enough to dive with harmless nurse sharks.
Multi-bedroom villas are perfect for family vacations. The award-winning Hawk's Cay Resort was voted as having the Best Hotel Kids Program in the country.
61 Hawks Cay Boulevard, Duck Key, FL, Phone: 888-395-5539
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
For families with Disney obsessions, this one is a no-brainer. Based largely on a Lion King theme, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge allows families to adventure together into lush savannas filled with exotic birds and wildlife.
Over 30 species roam the park, including flamingos, giraffes, and zebras. The resort also boasts award-winning dining and an 11,000-square-foot pool designed to mimic an African watering hole; here, guests can channel their inner Pumbaa and splash to their heart's content.
Animal Kingdom also offers supervised playtimes, so parents can relax too. For a little extra Disney magic, in-room celebrations are available.
2901 Oscola Parkway, Lake Buena Vista, FL, Phone: 407-938-3000
