12 Best Vacations With Babies and Toddlers

Valet parking, laundry and dry cleaning, theme park transportation, fitness center, kids’ activities and caregiving

The Swan and Dolphin is three separate Marriott-owned hotels: the smaller Swan, the larger Dolphin, and the new Swan Reserve. While the size of the Swan is appealing, the Dolphin has more amenities, like a grocery store, and the Swan Reserve is a quieter, more adult-focused hotel. The three share an aquatic complex that includes five heated pools, waterslides, hot tubs, a sand beach on the lake, and swan boat rentals. The resort is a standout among the Walt Disney World hotels; it’s the only non-Disney accommodation that has direct access to the parks, so you can easily get back and forth for nap time or to take an afternoon swim break. The Swan and Dolphin’s location on Crescent Lake, which connects Epcot and Hollywood Studios, means both parks are walkable and accessible by water taxi, as are other excellent locations like the entertainment and dining options at Disney’s Boardwalk Inn. The hotel offers a kids club with activities for kids ages 5 to 12, caregiver service starting at 6 weeks, and referrals to an in-room babysitting service.

Fitness center, laundry and dry cleaning, valet parking, spa, salon

Aulani is a Disney resort, but don’t expect it to feel like Disneyland. This luxury hotel is all about the water. Not only is there access to a cove beach with water sports shared with only two other hotels, but the resort has 10 pools and whirlpools, including volcano-themed waterslides and a lazy river. The saltwater snorkeling lagoon with tropical fish is the only one of its kind on Oahu. Kids’ activities include Aunty’s Playhouse (a kids-only club with activities), Disney character encounters, storytelling around the fire, and babysitting for babies as young as 6 weeks old. For adults, there’s a spa with mineral pools. On-property dining includes cafes and lounges, higher-end fare and regular luaus.

Marina access, bicycle rentals, pet-friendly, ironing service, free fitness classes

The secluded Oceans Edge Key West Resort was built in 2017. The property has so much to do, you may never take the free shuttle to Key West’s downtown Duval Street. Activities like yoga classes, movie nights, and kids’ marine biology exploration with live sea animals are included in the resort fee. Rentals, like bicycles and stand-up paddleboards, are free for the first few hours. The hotel’s location on the marina allows for easy access to fishing boats ready to take you on an adventure. Every room has a waterfront view, as does the restaurant, which also has live entertainment some nights. And for the parents who need a night out, local babysitting services provide in-room child care. 

Fitness center, spa, barbecue area

This expansive property on Maui’s Kaanapali North Beach is luxurious in every sense, from the on-site spa to the oceanfront dining at Duke’s Beach House. Though the hotel has one-, two-, and three-bedroom suites with private balconies and lanai space, all of the rooms in the hotel (even the studios) come with full kitchens and washers and dryers in-unit. For kids, there are daily activities like surfing lessons. The three acres of water features includes a network of pools, hot tubs, and waterfalls waiting to be enjoyed. A kids’ club for ages 3 and up offers fun children activities, and the resort offers babysitting services too.

Game room, fitness center, spa

Dunes Village Resort is the kind of destination where everyone will be entertained. The large indoor-outdoor water park—one of the most extensive in Myrtle Beach—has waterslides and pools just for adults or kids, and a teen pool with water basketball or volleyball. There’s an indoor play area for kids, and a kids’ club with extensive activities (which require a parent present). Some rooms have kitchens, but the five restaurants and cafes will keep everyone well-fed, too. The concierge can recommend a reliable babysitting service.

Convenience store, picnic area, free parking, outdoor fireplace

The oceanfront view rooms at Ragged Point Inn and Resort offer gorgeous vistas from atop a 350-foot cliff. But if that’s not your speed, there are also beautiful mountain view rooms in this San Simeon hotel near Big Sur. A plaza, with shopping and dining, hosts free concerts on the weekends, and offers quick access to food and necessities parents will appreciate. Ragged Point allows guests to bring up to two dogs per room. Per their pet policy, if other guests hear excessive barking, there could be a noise fee. Nearby on the California coast, there are beaches to explore, some with elephant seals. 

Electric vehicle charging, fitness center, picnic area, laundry services

Whether you have little knights, princesses, wizards, ninjas, or pirates in tow, Legoland California Resort has a themed room for them—complete with a treasure hunt build that leads to a welcome gift. The resort has two hotels: the Legoland Hotel and the Legoland Castle Hotel. All rooms have separate sleeping areas for kids. And both hotels serve the Legoland theme park and water park, with packages that include free breakfast and early park admission.

Laundry service, bicycle rentals, beach towels and chairs

The only certified eco-friendly hotel by the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Winter the Dolphin’s Beach Club has everything from energy-efficient windows to biodegradable coffee pods, in addition to offering guests complimentary boxed water. The resort fee is actually a “conservation resort fee” that goes to support the aquarium, which is home to Winter the Dolphin, the bottlenose dolphin from A Dolphin’s Tale who swims with a prosthetic tail. In exchange, there are educational marine life events at the resort with surprise guests. Hotel guests get discounts on admission and merchandise at the aquarium, and can book VIP tours.

Electric vehicle charging station, fitness center, complimentary welcome drink, laundry service

A luxury hotel geared towards kids and families is a rare find, but Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa manages to do both. The resort provides a luxe environment for adults in its restaurants, golf course and spa; and gives kids plenty to do with its Splashtopia water park and extensive kids’ entertainment. The water park includes water slides, a lazy river and a splash pad. Daily programming includes fun games like a water balloon toss, nightly movies, and crafts like DIY lava lamps and tie-dye. While there is a $50 nightly resort fee, it covers overnight parking, Wi-Fi, and admission to the water park.

Free parking, spa, gift shops, playground

Many resorts claim to have something for everyone, but in the case of Rocking Horse Ranch in upstate New York, it’s actually true. The property has extensive activities, including horseback riding, outdoor sports, boating and mountain tubing in the summer, skiing and snow tubing in the winter, an indoor water park, rock climbing, laser tag, an arcade, archery, and shooting. The room rate is high, but is based on four people per room (children ages 2 and under are free) and includes all activities and all meals. A supervised kids club is available for kids age 6 and up, with a childcare nursery also available for younger kids.

Fully equipped kitchenettes, free parking, shuttle service 

Smugglers’ Notch might be known as a ski resort, but there are good reasons to visit in all seasons. In the warm weather, there is swimming, outdoor sports and games, plus mini golf available for guests. On weekends, the hotel hosts family socials with live music and games. In the chillier months, in addition to skiing, Smuggers’ Notch offers activities like snowshoe adventure dinners and bonfires. All accommodations, from studios to three-bedroom suites, are apartment-style with kitchenettes or kitchens. A child care center is available during the week, and in-condo babysitting is available on weekends.