Travel Resources for Parents

Family Accommodations

• Aulani Resort - This Disney resort located on the Hawaiian island of Oahu has all plenty to offer all members of the family, no matter the age. It is the only hotel in the Hawaiian islands to offer a kids' camp starting as young as 3 years. Plus, the camp cost is included in your room fee.

• Beaver Creek Resort - This Colorado resort offers ski lessons (for kids as young as 3) in the winter and hiking, horseback riding, and miniature golf in the summer. Childcare programs start at just 2-months-old.

• Beaches Resorts – With locations in Jamaica and Turks and Caicos, Beaches is a rare resort option that accepts babies, even newborns, in its Kids Camps.

• Club Med – Camps are available for children aged 4 months-17 years at many of Club Med’s worldwide locations.

• Embassy Suites – Two-bedroom suites are the standard here, as are cooked-to-order breakfasts and laundry facilities. Plus, nearly all Embassy Suites have a pool.

• Enchantment Resort - Located on one of the most spectacular spots of real estate in the world, everything at Enchantment Resort in Sedona, Arizona seems to have been created to allow the scenic landscape take center stage. The kids' camp, Camp Coyote, welcomes children ages 4-12.

• Four Seasons – If you can afford it, there is no resort chain that will lavish your little darlings with more attention, and amenities like bedtime milk and cookies, than the Four Seasons. Their "Kids for All Seasons" program is offered at many locations. The youngest participant age is 5 in most locations but some allow younger kids and babies to participate with a parent in tow, such as the Punta Mita, Mexico location.

• Franklin D. Resorts - This all-inclusive Jamaican resort chain provides a nanny for every family!

• Hilton Garden Inn - This hotel chain is a great choice for families who want comfort and fun extras (like an indoor or outdoor pool and free wifi) at an affordable price.

• HomeExchange – Save money by swapping houses for your vacation. You can view available homes around the world for free. A one-year membership allows you to post and exchange your home.

• Homestead Suites - This chain offers fully-equipped kitchens and more room to spread out but many of the suites are studios, so they don't have a separate bedroom.

• Homewood Suites – This is an upscale, all-suite hotel chain by Hilton. All rooms include a kitchen and a free daily hot breakfast.

• Hostelling International – Hostelling isn't just for college kids! Many hostels feature larger "family rooms" for those traveling with kids. Choosing a hostel instead of a hotel saves money and is a fun way to meet other traveling families.

• Hyatt – Camp Hyatt accepts children aged 3-12 and feature localized activities like hula dancing in Hawaii and a desert scavenger hunt in Scottsdale, Arizona.

• Keystone Ski Resort - Located in Colorado's Rocky Mountains, Keystone caters to families with ski school starting at age 3, annual Kidtopia festivals, and family-friendly accommodations.

• Marriott - This hotel chain makes sure children are welcomes children with its complimentary Tots Travel Too program, which provides parents with a travel crib and laundered COVERPLAY removable crib slipcover. Outlet covers and nightlights are available to keep baby safe and secure away from home. Even toiletries for tots and disposable bibs are on-hand. Plus Marriott will give your wee one an adorable squirting tub toy for bath-time fun to take home with you. This program is available at more than 2,500 Marriott locations, including their brands Courtyard, Fairfield Inn & Suites, SpringHill Suites, Residence Inn, and TownePlace Suites.

• Nickelodeon Suites Resort - This resort in Orlando, Florida mixes two of my favorite things about a family-friendly hotel: 1) suites for a better night sleep for all and 2) a simply fabulous pool! Plus, there are free shuttles to the Walt Disney World Parks and Universal Orlando.

• Omni Hotels - Upon check-in, children receive a goodie bag with toys and sweet treats. Kids also receive milk and cookies delivered to their guest room on the first night and can request to borrow a rolling backpack full of toys, books and games. Omni Hotels in California, Texas, and Boston offer Kid’s Fantasy Suites that have kids’ bedding, bean bag chairs, and an art table, plus a separate room for the parents.

• Residence Inn - These suites are geared toward long-term stays and feel almost like apartments but with the amenities offered by its parent, Marriott Hotels. There are full kitchens plus free hot breakfast.

• Ritz-Carlton - The Ritz Kids program at this high-end resort is for children ages 5-12. Depending on location, activities may include beach games and water sports, nature programs, arts and crafts, sand castle building, water balloons, frisbee games, volleyball, junior tennis, board games and videos, and croquet.

• Smugglers Notch Vermont Resort - In addition to eight pools, four waterslides and outdoor activities galore, this resort offers childcare for children aged 6 weeks+ at the Treasures center.

• Staybridge Suites - These suites include full kitchens with a living room and a separate bedroom. The complimentary breakfast buffet offers hot items like scrambled eggs, bacon, and do-it-yourself waffles in addition to standard continental breakfast goodies.

• Travelodge Sleepy Bear Den Rooms – Kids love sleeping in these bear-themed rooms. Parents love that they come with amenities like a fridge and microwave.

• Tyler Place Family Resort - Located on the Vermont side of Lake Champlain, this kids' camp at this family resort welcomes kids of all ages, including newborns. Parents' Helpers can provide one-on-one care and age-specific programs and activities are also available.

• Uptake - Read hotel reviews and browse family-friendly hotels by state on Uptake.

• Vacation Rentals By Owner – Rent a home away from home. Have room to spread out, often for less money than the cost of renting a cramped hotel room.

• Whistler Blackcomb - This Canadian ski resort offers ski lessons for kids ages 3+ and has childcare for tots 18 months-kindergarten.

 

For more information on this topic see:

• 5 Top Luxury Hotels for Children

• How to Celebrate Your Birthday at Disney’s Aulani Resort

• 10 Best Beach Hotels for Kids

• 10 Best Family-Friendly Hotel Pools in the World

• 10 Best Kid-Friendly Hotel Pools in the USA

• Tips for Staying in Hotels with Kids

Have we missed something? Let us know if there is a travel or parenting resource you particularly love and why so we can add it to our list!