9 Best Family Resorts in Florida

With two coastlines; multiple islands, including the Florida Keys; warm and sunny weather year-round; and Walt Disney World; Florida is a dreamy, family-friendly destination filled with kid-focused resorts for all budgets.

If you are taking your children on a dream vacation to Disney in Orlando, top of the list are the Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek, and the JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes for its impressive water features and swish accommodations. Or, if you've dreamed of traveling to a tropical island, Hawks Cay Resort in the Florida Keys will fit the bill.

If taking the family to the beach is more what you're looking for, the recently renovated The Resort at Longboat Key near Sarasota has long been a favorite.

From hotels for active adventurers and for those in search of all-inclusive properties to luxury resorts, where parents can have some alone time while kids partake in activities designed especially for them, you'll find a Florida resort to meet your expectations.

Plan your trip with our list of the best family resorts in Florida.

Our Top Picks

• Best Overall: Hawks Cay Resort
• Best Waterpark: The Grove Resort & Water Park
• Best Lazy River: JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes
• Best on the Beach: Acqualina Resort & Residences on the Beach
• Best Resort Near Disney: Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek
• Best All-Inclusive: Sandpiper Bay Resort
• Best on the Florida Gulf Coast: The Resort at Longboat Key Club
• Best in the Florida Keys: Hawks Cay Resort

Notable Mentions

• Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge
• Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek

Map of Family Resorts in Florida

Hawks Cay Resort - Best Overall Family Resort in Florida, and for the Florida Keys

Location: Duck Key
Pools: 5
Restaurants: 6
Spa: Yes
Fitness Center: Yes
Parking: Self, paid. Valet, paid
Pet Friendly: Yes, dogs only, $150 fee applies

Hawks Cay Resort on Duck Key in the Florida Keys is an exceptional destination for families seeking a memorable vacation. What sets Hawks Cay apart and makes it to the top of the list is the resort's location on a private island in the Florida Keys. Down here the weather is almost always perfect, even in the depths of winter, unlike resorts further north.

Boasting 60 acres of pristine property, this resort offers an exclusive yet accessible experience. With a host of activities available, it is an ideal retreat for families seeking adventure and fun.

Experience the perfect blend of comfort and luxury in one of the 177 rooms and villas, each adorned with a touch of Florida style. With nine distinct accommodation options to choose from, you can find the one that caters to your every need; from suites with up to three bedrooms and full kitchens to ones with personal plunge pools. And for those seeking the ultimate indulgence, two Penthouse suites - the Coastal Suite and the Stargazer Suite - offer unmatched opulence and extravagance.

If you love to stay active, you'll never run out of things to do. Snorkeling tours, SCUBA diving, deep sea fishing, paddleboarding, and renting a WaveRunner are just a few of the exciting activities you can try out. And if you're looking for a more relaxing time, you can always lounge by one of the five pools or bask in the natural beauty of the sand beach in the lagoon. Kids can have a blast at the Pirate Ship Pool, which features multiple water features and, of course, a pirate ship.

Discover five wonderful restaurants, each with unique flavors and dishes, that will satisfy any craving you may have. Whether you're in the mood for fresh seafood or hearty steaks, juicy burgers, or delicious pizza, these restaurants have got you covered. And if you happen to catch a big fish and want it expertly prepared for you and your loved ones, simply bring it to Angler & Ale, where they'll cook it and take care of everything with the utmost care and attention to detail.

After a long day of adventure and fun, treat yourself to a moment of relaxation and rejuvenation. The Calm Waters Spa offers a unique menu of spa services that integrate the finest natural remedies of the Florida Keys. Indulge in their 100-minute-long Signature Body Buff and Custom Massage, which combines skin treatments and deep tissue rejuvenation to help you achieve a true state of Zen.

Address: 61 Hawks Cay Boulevard, Duck Key, Florida

The Grove Resort & Water Park - Best Family Resort with Water Park

Location: Winter Garden, 6 miles from Walt Disney World Parks
Pools: Water park with Flowrider, lazy river, zero-entry pool
Restaurants: 4 Restaurants, 2 more coming in 2024
Spa: No
Fitness Center: Yes
Parking: Self, paid. No valet
Pet Friendly: No

Located in Orlando, The Grove Resort offers an ideal blend of excitement and leisure for individuals seeking an unforgettable experience. The resort's Surfari Water Park, along with its close proximity to Walt Disney World - a mere six miles away and accessible via complimentary shuttle - makes it the perfect destination for families seeking a fun-filled adventure.

This resort wins in this category due to its incredible assortment of watery fun. With two large slides, one completely enclosed for an exhilarating ride in the dark and the other open-air for those who prefer the outdoors, the water park is sure to captivate your children's attention.

At the splash park, smaller children can experience the joy of riding down the slides while being showered with sprinklers. The zero-entry pool and other water features offer a safe and exciting environment for them to play in. Meanwhile, the lazy river offers a serene and peaceful experience as it winds throughout the park. With nearly 700 feet of gentle currents, it's the perfect way to relax and enjoy the park's beauty.

Lounge chairs and umbrellas are readily available, and for an additional charge, private cabanas with four chairs, a table, loungers, a television, and an ice chest can be rented.

After a fun day splishing and splashing, you can unwind with your tired little ones in one of the Grove's spacious two or three-bedroom suites. These suites are perfect for families as they are three times larger than a typical hotel room. Rooms come equipped with full kitchens, washer/dryers, and multiple bathrooms with tubs.

You have three options for food: you can order in, cook a meal yourself, or head to one of the three restaurants on the property. The Valencia Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner and offers a good selection of hearty dishes. If you're in the mood for something lighter, the Springs Grill is a great choice, where you can enjoy your meal in their delightful patio setting. And if you want to watch the action on the Flowrider while enjoying a tasty burger, the Longboard Grill is the place to be, it's located right in Surfari Park.

Address: 14501 Grove Resort Ave., Winter Garden, Florida

JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes - Best Resort in Florida for Lazy River

Location: Orlando
Pools: Water park with Flowrider, lazy river, zero-entry pool
Restaurants: 5
Spa: Yes
Fitness Center: Yes
Parking: Self, paid. Valet paid
Pet Friendly: Yes, a $250 fee applies

Lazy Rivers are an integral part of any fun family water-based day in Florida, and the one at the JW Marriott Orlando wins the prize for being the best and newest in Orlando. Noted for being one of the longest in the area at 800 feet, this lazy river winds its way around the water park and past some of the best features.

These include countless waterfalls that cascade down rock faces into the river. You can get as close as you like, depending on how wet you want to get. Each footbridge over the river has water sprayers to keep you cool. You can hop off the lazy river at any one of the pools, waterslides, or the kid's splash area. Each ride takes about eight minutes non-stop, but count on longer as there are many stops along the way.

Accommodation at the resort is a mix of room styles, but the one and two-bedroom suites are ideal for families. Rooms have views of the water park or Grande Lake. While the kids enjoy the water park, perhaps a trip to the spa is in order? The Serenity Spa is 40,000 square feet of pampering paradise. Treatments include muscle therapy, facials, manicures, body wraps, and other soothing options.

Satisfy your family's hunger at no less than five restaurants on the property. Whisper specializes in farm-to-table dining, while the MICHELIN-recommended PRIMO serves up exceptional Italian dishes. More family-friendly is Knife Burger, which offers handheld specialties and frothy milkshakes. Grab breakfast at the buffet before your busy day at Citron.

Address: 4040 Central Florida Parkway, Orlando, Florida

Acqualina Resort & Residences on the Beach - Best Family Resort on the Beach

Location: Sunny Isles Beach (Miami)
Pools: 3
Restaurants: 4
Spa: Yes
Fitness Center: Yes
Parking: Valet parking, no self-parking
Pet Friendly: Pets 25 lbs or less and 14 inches high or shorter, $150 fee per visit, proof of vaccination required

Set on 4.5 acres fronting Miami's Sunny Isles Beach, Acqualina Resort & Residences is a family-friendly luxe resort. The 5-star property is set on a beautiful stretch of beach just north of Miami Beach.

It's an exclusive and small boutique place with 54 rooms and 44 suites to choose from. These come in a variety of floor plans, but all are decorated by Miami designer Isabel Tragash, and exude a modern, luxe Southern Florida vibe.

The resort caters to little ones with its award-winning AcquaMarine kids' club. The complimentary program features thematically planned days for different age groups, from creative activities to outdoor games. There are two daily sessions, and the club is open by appointment only from Thursday through Sunday. Other child-friendly amenities include a kids' pool.

Amenities are also plentiful. While kids are being entertained, parents can enjoy getting pampered at the ultra-posh spa. There is also an adults-only swimming pool and a fitness center. The pool area is designed to resemble a Mediterranean villa, you'll find watermelon red and crisp white colors in the pool cushions, umbrellas, and cabanas.

For on-site dining, choose from Costa Grill, which serves the Mediterranean meets Floridian menu just steps from the sand. Or try Il Mulino New York for acclaimed Italian. The resort's newest restaurant is Ke-UH, which serves high-end Japanese fare.

Address: 17875 Collins Ave, Sunny Isles Beach, Florida

Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek - Best Family Resort Near Disney

Location: Orlando, 5 miles from Walt Disney World Resort

Pools: 5 pools, 2 lazy rivers
Restaurants: 6
Spa: Yes
Fitness Center: Yes
Parking: Self, paid. Valet, paid
Pet Friendly: One pet under 50 lbs, $75 fee

The Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek offers the perfect mix of convenience, luxury, and plenty of water-based fun for families visiting the area to enjoy Walt Disney World Resort.

Wandering around the theme parks and standing in lines can be overwhelming and tiring for kids and adults. Retreating to a hotel that provides entertainment and relaxation options for everyone is a great way to end a day or even take a rest day.

Everything you need for a perfect vacation is located right here. This 4-star resort comes with multiple pools, two lazy rivers, miniature golf, and an assortment of dining options that run from casual to fine dining. For adults who want a little pampering, the resort is home to one of Orlando's best spas. Stop in at the Blue Harmony Spa to enjoy a massage, body treatments, facial, or nail treatments.

Rooms come in a variety of sizes and configurations, some with lake views. These range from regular rooms with two queens or two kings to rooms with an extra set of bunk beds or a Murphy bed.

This resort is less than 15 minutes (5 miles) from Disney's Magic Kingdom and provides a free scheduled shuttle service. You can also purchase advance tickets to the theme parks through the hotel, making the logistics of your visit easy to manage.

Address: 14651 Chelonia Parkway, Orlando, Florida

Sandpiper Bay Resort - Best All-Inclusive Family Resort

Location: Port St. Lucie
Pools: 2
Restaurants: 3
Spa: No
Fitness Center: Yes
Parking: Yes, paid
Pet Friendly: No

Discover the mesmerizing Sandpiper Bay Resort, an idyllic sanctuary situated on Florida's Atlantic Coast. Immerse yourself in the charming environs of Port St. Lucie and participate in abundant all-inclusive activities specially curated for enthusiastic families.

The resort offers an impressive array of sports included with your all-inclusive package. These include sailing, kayaking, basketball, and soccer, to keep you invigorated and engaged. Additionally, the Sports Academy offers, for a fee, an opportunity to enhance your skills, where accomplished coaches are available to help you achieve your maximum potential.

Indulge in a culinary journey without any worries, as all meals are included at the resort's three restaurants. Savor flavors from around the world and delight in traditional North American favorites whenever you want, in any amount.

The resort is in the midst of a massive renovation and rejuvenation that will see the guest rooms completely redone with fresh and bright decor. Plan to go here once they are completed, likely in the summer of 2024.

Address: 4500 S.E Pine Valley Street, Port Saint Lucie, Florida

The Resort at Longboat Key Club - Best Family Resorts on the Florida Gulf Coast

Location: Sarasota
Pools: 1
Restaurants: 5
Spa: Yes
Fitness Center: Yes
Parking: Yes, included in the room rate
Pet Friendly: No

Nestled between Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, lies the Resort at Longboat Key Club, an oasis of tranquility spread over 410 acres that beckon families with its extensive amenities.

With its stunning white-sand beach and a swimming pool overlooking the sea, it's the best place along the Gulf Coast, in our opinion, to bask in the sun and soak up the beauty of nature.

The resort has undertaken extensive renovations to its guest rooms, which now feature marbled breakfast bars, beds, and comfortable furniture, making enjoying the expansive Gulf of Mexico views even better. Choose from regular rooms, studios, or one and two-bedroom suites for families needing more space.

The resort also boasts a rejuvenating spa, multiple tennis courts, and 45 holes of golf. The Longboat Key Resort Marina is one of the best along this coast, guest can berth their boats here for an additional fee.

Five restaurants are on site and range from fine dining to casual offerings, which are ideal for families.

Address: 220 Sands Point Road, Longboat Key, Florida

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge - Best for Safari Adventure

Location: Lake Buena Vista
Pools: 1
Water park: Yes, with waterslide
Restaurants: 9
Spa: No
Fitness Center: Yes
Parking: Free self-parking. Valet, paid
Pet Friendly: No

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge in Orlando offers a unique experience that is particularly appealing to families with children who love animals. The resort, fashioned after an African safari lodge, offers guests a chance to witness the savannah in all its glory.

From the comfort of their balcony, guests can delight in watching the graceful giraffes. Additionally, guests can embark on a safari through the four onsite savannas, which is the perfect opportunity to observe up to 30 different species of wildlife.

The resort also features a large swimming pool with a waterslide and an amazing nine restaurants catering to a range of culinary preferences. Furthermore, Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge provides convenient access to the other Disney parks, elevating the overall guest experience.

Address: 2901 Osceola Parkway Lake Buena Vista, Orlando, Florida

Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek - Honorable Mention Best Overall Resort, Central Florida

Location: Bonnet Creek (Orlando)
Pools: 1
Restaurants: 12
Spa: Yes
Fitness Center: Yes
Parking: Self, paid. Valet, paid.
Pet Friendly: Yes - $75 to $125 depending on length of stay

If you are looking for a resort in central Florida, a good runner-up for the best overall resort is the Hilton Bonnet Creek. It's got a bit of everything that people love - an extensive water park complete with one of the best lazy rivers around, 12 restaurants to choose from, a well-regarded spa, and the service and standard that Hilton Hotels are famous for.

The hotel is ideally located in the Bonnet Creek Nature Preserve and mere minutes from all the major theme parks, allowing you to avoid Orlando's notorious traffic.

Dining is a pleasure here because of the sheer number of choices available. The Hilton and the neighboring Waldorf Astoria properties offer twelve different restaurants.

Address: 14100 Bonnet Creek Resort Lane, Orlando, Florida

Best Florida Family Resorts - Feature Comparison