If you and the fam are looking to get out of town this year, you'll want to explore these best all-inclusive family resorts.
All-inclusive spots are ideal family vacation destinations because everything — activities, food, drinks, etc. — is included in the price, so once you land, your spending is pretty minimal. Plus, if your friends or extended family join your crew on the trip, there aren't awkward moments about who's picking up the check. And, best of all, these resorts give you a well-deserved breather. The supervised programs for kids and teens are so cool that your mini tourists want to check 'em out for a morning or an afternoon or maybe even all day. Spa, here you come!
With many new openings in the last few years, it's easier than ever to find an all-inclusive that aligns with your family's vacation vibe and falls within your budget. While many family all-inclusives are beach resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean, some New England lakeside retreats, dude ranches in the mountains, teen-friendly wellness destinations and ski resorts also offer fantastic pay-one-price options.
Many of the resorts on this list have been vetted by our expert Good Housekeeping Institute team and several have won one of Good Housekeeping's first-ever Family Travel Awards. Search for your crew's next vacation now! It'll feel so good to get away.
Hotel Xcaret México (Playa del Carmen, Mexico)
Adventurous families will have the time of their lives at the 900-suite Hotel Xcaret México, winner of a 2023 Good Housekeeping Family Travel Award. Besides having an incredible pool area on the sprawling grounds, the resort provides admission and transportation to any of the brand's eight adventure parks. The nearby parks specialize in bucket-list experiences. At Xplor, for instance, your crew can zipline in a jungle, raft through an ancient cave and swim in an underground river that leads to a waterfall. "The resort is an especially great vacation spot for a family with elementary school-age kids and up," said our tester. But if you do have a baby or toddler, the brand steps up to provide an array of gear, so you don't have to bring or rent any. "You're welcome to borrow a huge array of baby equipment, including bathtubs, bottle warmers and even strollers that are specifically designed to go on the beach." Our mental load feels lighter already.
Franklyn D. Resort & Spa (Runaway Bay, Jamaica)
At the Franklyn D. Resort & Spa, every family receives their own CPR-trained "Vacation Nanny" for about eight hours daily, from morning to late afternoon. They can take the kids to the pool, make sure they have lunch, put them down for naps and re-stock your fridge with snacks and beverages. They could be an extra set of hands for you, or you could put them in charge and go kayaking, book a spa treatment or read a book on the beach. All the accommodations are all two-bedroom suites. While they're more practical than posh, not having to tip-toe around in the dark to avoid waking up a sleeping toddler more than makes up for the lack of 400-thread-count sheets.
Beaches Turks & Caicos (Providenciales, Turks & Caicos)
Hailed as "the ultimate all-inclusive" in the 2023 Good Housekeeping Family Travel Awards, Beaches Turks & Caicos seems to think of everything families need and want. A variety of restaurants? Beaches boasts 20-plus choices. Fun supervised clubs? They provide programming for babies to teens, and divide it by many age groups, so kids hang with other children within a year or two of their age. They even have a program for children with special needs. One-of-a-kind stuff that will blow your kids' minds? Toddlers and preschoolers can't get enough of their Sesame Street-themed programming, which includes baking with Cookie Monster and a dance party with Elmo. Older kids won't want to leave the fun slides, a lazy river and surf simulator at the pirate-themed water park. "Our kids went to the pool's swim-up soda bar every single day," said our tester. And, for you, of course, there's the spa and a chance to sit by the pool or beach with a drink in one hand and a book in the other. Many rooms accommodate larger groups, so bring the grandparents or family friends. Said our tester: "Beaches Turks & Caicos has everything you could possibly want — including convenience. It's only 10 minutes from the airport."
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The Tyler Place Family Resort (Highgate Springs, Vermont)
Open from late May to early September, The Tyler Place Family Resort offers magical camp-like experiences for families with babies through high-schoolers. With many repeat guests, the resort sells out quickly. In the morning, kids and teens — divided into eight groups by age — participate in supervised nature-based activities on the lake, private shorefront or surrounding fields. Counselors take toddlers on nature walks, fishing for perch or to the playground while pre-teens go on mountain bike rides and navigate a ropes course. Meanwhile, you can actually drink your coffee in peace or enjoy a yoga class or tennis lesson. In the afternoon, families come together for maple snow cones, arts & crafts, bike rides and so much more. Seventy-two cottages and suites comes in a variety of sizes and configurations; the largest one, Farmhouse West, can sleep up to 10 guests.
Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana (Punta Cana, Dominican Republic)
SpongeBob fans, young and grown, will lose their minds at Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana and its new sister property in Riviera Maya, Mexico. Character breakfasts, meet-and-greets and selfies with the golden SpongeBob ensure that there's fun around every corner. Families can complete in the Slime Time Live show or book a personal slime session. Four- to 12-year-olds can hang out at Club Nick while you sink into a Bali beach bed that has butler service. While the kids may just want Krabby Patties, you'll be well-fed thanks to the amazing dining experiences at Gourmet Village and culinary pop-ups. Tastefully themed guest rooms with splashes of orange come in a variety of sizes. Some first-floor rooms even have a small pool directly outside the hotel-room door.
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Woodloch Resort (Hawley, Pennsylvania)
For an easygoing vacation that has throwback vibes in the best way possible, look no further than this four-season all-inclusive Pocono Mountain retreat, winner of a 2023 Good Housekeeping Family Travel Award. "If you want the amenities of a hotel but the advantages of a lake house, Woodloch Resort is it," said our tester. Activities, from bumper cars to boat tours to baking contests, are designed to bring families together. Meals are thoughtfully organized: "You're assigned a table and that's your table for the whole stay, so you just walk in and seat yourself when you're ready."
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The Ranch at Rock Creek (Philipsburg, Montana)
A wonderful glamping adventure, The Ranch at Rock Creek creates a personalized itinerary for your family. Your schedule will include two guided activities daily, plus suggestions for what you could do on your own. Sapphire mining, archery and horseback riding are among the cool group activities. After dinner in the Western-themed Granite Lodge, play a round of bowling in the four-lane alley in the Silver Dollar Saloon. Family canvas cabins sleep six and have a reading nook, deck and private bathroom.
Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos (San Jose del Cabo, Mexico)
Nestled between desert dunes and ocean rock formations, the Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos delights parents and kids alike. Little ones have their own water park with slides, a splash pool and sandy playground. Adults are treated to a swim-up bar and state-of-the-art gym. Mexican-inspired nightly entertainment, ranging from magic acts to tropical dance music performed by the resort band, entertain all ages. There's a wide selection of accommodations — the Ziva suite, in particular, is family-friendly with a separate sleeping space for the kids, two bathrooms and prime location near the kids' club and water park. Keep in mind that you can't swim on most beaches in Los Cabos, including this one, because of strong currants. But if your kids prefer the pool anyway, it's not really an issue.
Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort (Labrelotte Bay, Saint Lucia)
Tucked away on a lush mountainside overlooking a bay, Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort will captivate your entire family. The calm and protected bay, perfect for kids to splash around, has sunbeds and in-water hammocks that make a beach day feel extra special. Active families can take advantage of the beachfront volleyball net. At night, the resort's parrot mascot gathers families on the beach for storytelling. For an extra charge, the resort will deliver warm milk and cookies to the kids at turndown. Perfect for larger groups, Mediterranean-style, multi-bedroom villas are built into the hillside. A quick shuttle brings guests to the beach, six swimming pools and tennis courts. You can also book a variety of off-property excursions. These aptly named "Jammin Tours" include a Rainforest Ariel Tram and Sunset Cruise.
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Garza Blanca Resort & Spa Cancun (Cancun, Mexico)
This new oceanfront oasis on Playa Mujeres beach makes it more fun to travel with kids. Instead of lugging your own gear, Garza Blanca Resort & Spa has strollers, car seats, baby monitors and other necessities to borrow. You'll find plush kid-size robes and slippers alongside the adult versions so you can match your mini-me. You can do a ton as a family, like the visit the water park, play tennis and take electric beach bike tours, but this is also a supervised club for kids ages 4 to 12 so you can take some much-needed R&R or head to the adult-only rooftop bar. Multi-bedroom suites and residences that would be ideal for a family reunion are available. Complimentary souvenirs, like a Mexican coloring book and handmade toys, help kids remember the vacation. Big plus: kids eat and stay free!
Mohonk Mountain House (New Paltz, New York)
Every season is fun for families at this historic Hudson Valley retreat, winner of a 2023 Good Housekeeping Family Travel Award. Our tester, who visited Mohonk Mountain House in August with her family, particularly enjoyed boating on the lake. "We even did a few lunches by the water, which was a beautiful backdrop," she said. Other appealing summertime activities include archery, tomahawk-throwing and stand-up paddleboarding. In winter, snow tubing, ice skating and cross-country skiing will keep your crew entertained. Three meals, afternoon tea and cookies and most activities are included in the price. The service is top-notch: "The staff was incredibly accommodating, knowledgeable and kind," our tester said. "They recognize that they are a family destination, and are very prepared to cater to and handle kids. Even when things went a bit amok, I never felt like I had to be apologetic for it."
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Club Med Québec-Charlevoix (Petite-Riviere-Saint-Francois, Canada)
Club Med Québec-Charlevoix sprinkles more magic into a ski trip for families. Nestled between a mountain and river, the all-inclusive provides ski-in and ski-out access to the slopes and delivers gear to your on-site snow locker. Group skiing lessons for ages 4 and up and snowboard lessons for ages 8 and up are included in the price; mini skiers are paired up with other kids at their level. Adults can take lessons too! Family rooms have separate kid and adult sleeping spaces.
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Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana (Punta Cana, Dominican Republic)
The music vibes are strong at this all-inclusive that welcomes rockers of all ages. The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana encourages families to choose one of two experiences at its music lab: Your crew could star in a music video or play in a jam band in front of a live audience. A Rock Specialist will get you ready! The new Roxity Kids Club is groovin' too: Dance lessons, karaoke and other music-themed activities are part of the action for 4- to 12-year-olds. Tunes play at the resort's huge array of pools — hit up the family pool for teen-friendly music. Family suites sleep up to six, and you can even request to have a turntable and 10 iconic records brought to your room. That's music to our ears!
Hilton Cancun, an All Inclusive Resort (Cancun, Mexico)
On a secluded stretch of the Mayan coastline, Hilton Cancun, an All Inclusive Resort, leans into local culture and food. Winner of a 2023 Good Housekeeping Family Travel Award, the new resort has 12 places to eat, including the Mexican restaurant Maxal. "I would have come here for every meal," said our tester. "It had tons of regional dishes and during the day, it turns into a taquería with delicious offerings." Nightly happenings, like a culturally immersive Fiesta Show, entertain families. But if you wanted to drop off 4- to 12-year-olds at the kids' club, that works too. Themed parties, glow-in-the-dark games and even a mini disco keep the kids happy before bedtime. It's just one of the ways "this resort really does a great job to accommodate everyone."
Castle Hot Springs (Morristown, Arizona)
The ultimate high school or college graduation gift, a stay at Castle Hot Springs will revitalize your family — and land you lots of bonding time. This wellness resort for guests age 16 and up includes a robust lineup of adventurous experiences in the heart of the Sonoran Desert mixed with mindfulness offerings and, the pièce de résistance, soaking in the natural geothermal hot springs. Guided canyon hikes, archery lessons, classes to make sun prints and body scrubs and even paddleboard yoga are among the standout offerings. Farm-t0-table meals refuel you after a busy (but wonderful) day. Bungalows, cabins and cottages all have thoughtful details. For instance, skyview cabins provide a telescope on the deck. Truly five star!
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Migis Lodge (South Casco, Maine)
For a classic New England vacation, rent a lakeside cottage at Migis Lodge, an all-inclusive retreat on Sebago Lake about 40 minutes northwest of Portland. Take the kids canoeing or fishing, or simply soak up the peaceful lake vistas from your porch. Camps for kids ages 4 and up lean into nostalgic fun — fairy housebuilding and talent shows for little ones and games like capture the flag for tweens. There's a special family dining room where young kids can roam around. At dinner, parents are welcome to eat at their leisure while kids enjoy a fun supervised dinner and playtime. The lodge's menu changes daily, but it always includes fresh Maine lobster.
Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa (Vieux Fort, St. Lucia)
Families have their own wing at Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa. The winner of a 2023 Good Housekeeping Family Travel Award, this resort boasts the island's largest water park, supervised clubs for babies through teens and a variety of room layouts that fit families of various sizes. Lazy river races, sandcastle building and glow parties are among the daily activity lineup. "If you're a family that wants a relaxing all-inclusive vacation without having to worry about keeping your kids entertained or having fun with them, this is a great resort," said our tester. It's also an ideal place to bring the grandparents. They might want to stay in the adult-only section or, better still, let them enjoy a few days with the kids while you and your partner book a room on the adult side.
Vista Verde Guest Ranch (Clark, Colorado)
An all-inclusive dude ranch near Steamboat Springs, Vista Verde Guest Ranch offers amazing winter and summer experiences for families with children ages 6 and up. In December and from President's Day through late March, the resort's winter wonderland is the backdrop for sleigh rides, tubing, sledding and horseback riding. Kids can do these activities with you or with other young vacationers in the children's program. In summer, horseback riding, nature scavenger hunts, panning for gold and lake activities are on the jam-packed agenda. Upscale cabins, ranging from one to four bedrooms, have wood-burning stoves and some include decks and hot tubs so everyone will be comfortable.
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Divi & Tamarijn Aruba (Oranjestad, Aruba)
Set on a mile of gorgeous white-sand beach, these sister resorts both welcome children and have special family packages. They share the supervised Sea Turtles Club for kids ages 4 to 12. While the kids are playing games and doing arts & crafts, you can go to the state-of-the-art fitness center or hang out at one of the freshwater pools. In addition to a regular menu and plenty of kid-friendly choices, restaurants have special wellness menus. The Divi offers two-bedroom suites, which are ideal for larger families.
Carlisle Bay Antigua (Saint Mary Parish, Antigua)
A stunning luxury resort, which was renovated in 2019, Carlisle Bay Antigua is surrounded by a rainforest and leans into wellness programming. But while you're at the open-air yoga pavilion or playing a round of tennis, your kids could be having a blast at the supervised club broken into two age ranges: 4 to 7 and 8 to 12. Activities change daily, but kids may go on beach scavenger hunts, make sandy rainbow crafts and even have a teddy bear picnic. All accommodations are suites — the Beach Terrace Suites, which are just steps from the sand and have two bedrooms, are best for families. The restaurants use locally grown produce, including fruits and veggies from the on-site garden, but offer menus to please the whole family.
Karen Cicero
Karen Cicero is a seasoned journalist who specializes in food, travel, home and new product coverage; she has visited almost every state — look out, Alaska, she's coming for you next! A mom who goes overboard for all the holidays, she lives in the Christmas city itself: Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.