Best Family-Friendly Hotels in America in 2022

From the craggy mountain peaks of Idaho to the lush islands of Hawaii and the shores of Lake Huron, the United States offers something unique from coast to coast. However, with so many destinations to choose from, selecting a resort that suits your family's interests and travel style can be a challenge.

With that in mind, TripSavvy compared hundreds of top family-friendly resorts around the nation to find options that appeal to families of all shapes and sizes. As you get ready to plan a memory-filled vacation with the kids, consider these award-winning properties and all they have to offer.

01 of 09

Best Overall: J.W. Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa

See Rates on Tripadvisor.com

Why We Chose It

The J.W. Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa is our top pick due to its abundance of family-friendly amenities including basketball and tennis courts and an outdoor waterpark with an 1,100-foot lazy river.

Pros

Six restaurants and lounges
Expansive views of the Hill Country terrain in every direction
Luxury suites with up to two bedrooms available
River Bluff Water Experience water park
Several expansive pools, including one for adults only

Cons

Most room options only sleep up to four
No kids club
Resort fee required
Extra fee to use fitness center
Large resort requires lots of walking

The JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa is a destination in itself thanks to on-site features like two golf courses and a River Bluff Water Experience with two huge waterslides, a meandering lazy river, children's pools, hot tubs, and a sandy beach. As one of the largest JW Marriott properties in the world, this Texas resort also offers endless activities for families with kids, ranging from family bingo to movie nights and rubber duck races.

Families with an interest in sports can also enjoy a game of basketball, tennis, or pickleball directly on the resort grounds. Adults will love the option to choose from six restaurants and lounges, including a sports bar.

Notable Amenities

Basketball/tennis/pickleball courts
Two golf courses
Lantana Spa
Fitness center

02 of 09

Best All-Inclusive: Woodloch Resort

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Why We Chose It

Pennsylvania's Woodloch Resort offers all-inclusive family fun in the Poconos Mountains; your food, drinks, and entertainment are included in the nightly rate.

Pros

All-inclusive pricing
Family-friendly entertainment offered nightly
Large suites and villas with up to six bedrooms available
Three dining options on-site

Cons

Large property requires lots of walking
No room service available

Families who want to pay one flat rate for endless food and fun should consider the Woodloch Resort, a Poconos Mountains landmark. This property offers more than 30 planned activities each day, which can include anything from bingo to archery classes, scavenger hunts, themed games, athletic contests, and bakery wars. A dedicated kids club also keeps children ages 10 and under busy with group activities, arts and crafts, board games, and puzzles.

This property is located on a lake in the center of nature where activities like hiking, swimming, and boating are readily available. Other standout features include an indoor playground, indoor and outdoor pools for kids, an indoor splash zone, and an impressive lakeside waterslide.

Notable Amenities

Spa
Fitness center
Miniature golf course
Tennis courts
Playgrounds
Splash zone

03 of 09

Best for Disney: Disney's Grand Californian Resort & Spa

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Why We Chose It

We chose Disney's Grand Californian Resort & Spa as best for Disney due to its location on the grounds of Anaheim's Disney California Adventure Park and its reputation for Disney excellence.

Pros

3 themed pools plus poolside cabanas
Great location next to Disney parks
Suites with up to three bedrooms available
Four restaurants and lounges to choose from

Cons

Fee for self parking
Large resort requires lots of walking

The Disney's Grand Californian Resort & Spa is ideal for Disney-lovers due to its Disney perks and experiences and its location near Disneyland Park, Disney California Adventure, and the Downtown Disney District. While you can spend your days exploring Disney theme parks nearby, plan some time at the hotel itself so you can enjoy features like Disney Princess Breakfast Adventures and character breakfasts at Storytellers Café with Mickey, Minnie, and friends.

This Disney-themed resort was built with families in mind considering guests can book suites with up to three bedrooms. Three themed pools provide a place for kids to play and parents to relax. The hotel also boasts extra Magic Hour early access to some attractions, although you'll want to inquire about availability during your stay.

Notable Amenities

Fitness center
Tenaya Stone Spa
Electric vehicle charging stations

04 of 09

Best Historical Stay: Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island

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Why We Chose It

Mackinac Island's Grand Hotel has a history that dates back to 1886 and a record-breaking porch that is so large it's visible as you approach the Island from Lake Huron.

Pros

Children's programming available
Horseback riding available
Water play area for kids
Activities include biking, lawn games, and more
Suites with up to 2 bedrooms available

Cons

Requires ferry transportation
Extra luggage fee charged
Expensive

Families who want to get away in Michigan can hop on a ferry to Mackinac Island for a stay at the historic Grand Hotel. While renowned for its expansive porch, which is 660 feet long and the world's largest, this family-friendly property aims to keep everyone in your crew dazzled and entertained. Activities include horseback riding, biking, lawn games and swimming in the resort's stunning pools. The Grand Hotel even boasts a water play area for kids, which is complete with zero-depth beach entry for the little ones, a water jet play area, and a water slide.

Rooms are all unique and some are large enough for bigger families, including suites with two separate bedrooms so everyone has their own space. This property also offers room packages with meals included for your convenience.

Notable Amenities

Two 9-hole golf courses
Salon
Spa

Continue to 5 of 9 below.

05 of 09

Best in Hawaii: Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort

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Why We Chose It

The Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort is perfect for families due to its location, amenities, and protected beaches and pools.

Pros

Saltwater lagoon offers safer swimming for kids
6 huge pools with water slides
16 restaurants and food stores
Free kid's club
Family rooms that sleep up to six available

Cons

Huge property can require lots of walking
Daily resort fee required
Can be very busy

Families who are planning a Hawaiian retreat should consider the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort. This property has everything you need for a family dream trip, from its six huge pools with water slides to its interior saltwater lagoon with perfectly swimmable waters. The entire family can also stay active thanks to on-site offerings like stand-up paddle boarding and kayaking.

This giant resort also has numerous dining options to suit your family's taste buds, as well as snack bars, an on-site Starbucks, and food stores for grab and go meals. A kids club is available for families, and guests can enjoy the Waikiki Starlight Luau without leaving the resort grounds.

Notable Amenities

Mandara Spa
Fitness center
Starbucks
Grocery store

06 of 09

Best for Luxury: Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World

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Why We Chose It

Four Seasons Resort Orlando offers an awesome location near Disney parks along with its own 5-acre waterpark, a separate adult pool, tennis courts, jogging trails, and golf.

Pros

Large suites that sleep up to 6 available
Character breakfasts offered at the resort
Complimentary kids camp
Multiple pools with a splash zone, water slides, and lazy river

Cons

Expensive

Four Seasons Resort Orlando is located on 26 lush lakeside acres within the Disney parks. Guests who stay here can enjoy amenities such as tennis courts, jogging trails, a golf course, and a five-acre waterpark with a splash zone and a lazy river.

Families can also book character breakfasts at the property every Thursday and Saturday morning, which feature traditional breakfast favorites like Belgian waffles and bacon alongside Goofy & Pals. Plenty of room options are also big enough for families, including suites that sleep up to six. Some room packages also include breakfast for an even better value.

Notable Amenities

Spa
Fitness center
Golf course
Tennis courts
Disney planning center
Tesla charging station

07 of 09

Best Waterpark: Great Wolf Lodge Wisconsin Dells

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Why We Chose It

The Great Wolf Lodge Wisconsin Dells offers its own water park with 16 different water slides and attractions geared toward adults and kids of all ages.

Pros

Giant indoor water park with huge slides for thrill-seekers, splash pads, a lazy river, and more
Arcade with dazzling lights and games
Premium suites sleep up to 6 guests
Condos with sleeping space for up to 16 available
Themed-suites with kids cabins available

Cons

No spa
Hotel lacks sports facilities

Like all Great Wolf Lodge properties, the Great Wolf Lodge in Wisconsin Dells is home to an enormous indoor water park with slides, pools, agility water games, and hot springs. This resort's location in the Wisconsin Dells also means you're right in the thick of one of the most popular and family-friendly resort destinations in the U.S.

The Great Wolf Lodge in Wisconsin Dells offers something to do every hour of the day, whether you want to seek thrills in the water park, compete against one another in the on-site arcade, or take part in ShadowQuest and MagiQuest adventures. You can also book premium suites that sleep up to six as well as condos that sleep up to 16 if you're planning an extended family vacation.

Notable Amenities

Build-a-Bear Workshop

08 of 09

Best Dude Ranch: Red Horse Mountain Ranch

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Why We Chose It

This all-inclusive dude ranch lets families enjoy nature and take part in ranch activities among 560 deeded acres in Idaho.

Pros

Pricing with meals and activities included
Activities include horseback riding, fishing, zip lining, hiking, golf, kayaking, and more
Kids program for ages 3 to 10
Large cabins and homes that sleep 8 or more guests

Cons

Expensive
No spa

Idaho's Red Horse Mountain Ranch is the best place for families who want to enjoy each other's company in the great outdoors. This ranch offers all-inclusive pricing, so every meal and activity you take part in is included in the nightly rate. Horseback riding, hiking, rock climbing, fishing tours, zip lining, and golf are just some of the activities on offer.

Families can also book big cabins with multiple bedrooms and expansive living space. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are also included, mostly in buffet-style in order to accommodate every guest's tastes. Chefs even prepare a special multi-course Wine Dinner for adult guests once per week.

Notable Amenities

Golf courses
Zip line park
Horse stalls

Continue to 9 of 9 below.

09 of 09

Best Themed Resort: LEGOLAND New York Hotel

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Why We Chose It

LEGOLAND New York Hotel features interactive LEGO features throughout, as well as themed rooms and proximity to the LEGOLAND New York Theme Park.

Pros

Entire resort is LEGO-themed
Location next to the entrance to LEGOLAND New York Theme Park
Breakfast included
Nightly children's entertainment included
Take part in a creative workshop with Master Builder

Cons

Outdoor pool is not open year-round
No spa
Limited dining options

LEGOLAND New York Hotel is the first and only LEGO themed hotel in the Northeast, and it is situated next to the LEGOLAND New York Theme Park. LEGO lovers will relish the kingdom-, Ninjago-, and pirate-themed rooms. All rooms and suites on the property also feature a kids sleeping area with a bunk bed and a selection of LEGO bricks to play with during your stay. Every room at the property can sleep up to five guests.

LEGO enthusiasts can take part in an on-site creative workshop where they can build their own creations alongside Master Model Builders. Daily entertainment is also on offer, with visits from LEGO characters and a castle-themed LEGO playground. A heated outdoor resort pool is available during warmer months.

Notable Amenities

Electric car charging station
Fitness center

Final Verdict

Families who want to explore America can consider any number of family-friendly hotels for their next getaway, but we believe the hotels that made our ranking are the best of the best. A trip to Disney's Grand Californian Resort & Spa, Woodloch Resort, the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort, or Red Horse Mountain Ranch is bound to impress even the pickiest travelers in your crew and leave you with memories that last a lifetime.

Compare the Best Family-Friendly Hotels in America

Property	Resort Fee	Room Rate	Number of Rooms	Free WiFi
J.W. Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa Best Overall	$39	$$	1,002	Yes
Woodloch Resort Best All-Inclusive	No	$$$$	160	Yes
Disney's Grand Californian Resort & Spa Best for Disney	No	$$$	750	Yes
Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island Best Historical Stay	No	$$$$	388	Yes
Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort Best in Hawaii	$50	$$	3,386	Yes
Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Best for Luxury	No	$$$$	443	Yes
Great Wolf Lodge Wisconsin Dells Best Waterpark	No	$$	436	Yes
Red Horse Mountain Ranch Best Dude Ranch	No	$$$$	20	Yes
LEGOLAND New York Hotel Best Themed Resort	$30	$	250	Yes

Methodology

To find the best family-friendly hotels in America, we compared hundreds of properties based on their amenities for children. Features we looked for included kids clubs, kids dining menus, pools and water features, organized activities, and outdoor adventures. We also sought out properties that have larger rooms geared to families with children. Finally, we poured over customer reviews and testimonials to find properties with mostly positive guest experiences.