All-inclusive resorts allow you to be the "yes" parent on vacation. Ice cream? Sure. A trip to the arcade? Have fun. Snorkeling? Let's do it! By not worrying about how much everything costs, you can let your heart (rather than your wallet) guide your family experiences. The "one-price" vacation also eliminates awkward moments if you're traveling with extended family or friends. You don't have to divide checks, and it's easy to split up for parts of the day so everyone can try their favorite activities. In fact, a recent survey by the Family Travel Association found that nearly 20% of multigenerational groups are eyeing an all-inclusive resort for their next trip.
With lots of 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. We've also noticed that more all-inclusives are covering some off-property activities, so you can explore the locale as well.
The bulk of the resorts on this list have been vetted by our expert Good Housekeeping Institute team and several have won a Good Housekeeping 2024 Family Travel Award. 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 2024 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 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
The best thing about 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 split off to go kayaking, book a spa treatment or read a book on the beach. All the accommodations are 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
Beaches Turks & Caicos thinks of everything families need and want for the vacation of a lifetime. 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 the 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, VT
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 and crafts, bike rides and so much more. Seventy-two cottages and suites come in a variety of sizes and configurations; the largest one, Farmhouse West, can sleep up to 10 guests.
Flathead Lake Lodge, Bigfork, MT
If you think it's practically impossible to please every member of your extended family on a trip, you haven't been to Flathead Lake Lodge. The lakeside dude ranch truly appeals to all ages and interests because it has "everything you could dream of," according to a Good Housekeeping staffer who recently visited with her daughter, nephews and parents. “The food was delicious. The menu was very well-planned and smart. They obviously care deeply about what they serve. The staff was the nicest, most hospitable I can recall. Everyone was just so polite and so friendly and so helpful and so knowledgeable. Our group had the best time — even my dad who hates everything.”
Although Flathead Lake Lodge doesn't have an official kids' camp, the supervised kids' activities, broken down by age group, run from morning to night. Highlights for adults include mountain yoga, water sports, horseback riding and flower-arranging classes. While the lodge is open seasonally, from May to October, it's not too early to book your summer trip.
Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya All-Inclusive Resort, Rivera Maya, Mexico
If you want to sneak in a little history and culture along with your beach vacation, book a room at the Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya All-Inclusive Resort. Opened in 2022, the resort is located just 8 miles from Mayan ruins, a popular archaeological site. You can explore the area, and then head back to the resort for more cultural activities or hit the Family Zone, home of the kids' club, teen club, pool complex and playground. "The kids' and teen clubs both looked great," said a Good Housekeeping staffer who recently visited with her family. "While all the food was good and plentiful, we especially loved the Mexican restaurant."
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C Lazy U Ranch, Granby, CO
A dream come true for kids who are passionate about horses, C Lazy U Ranch — a GH Family Travel Award winner — fosters riding skills and independence for preschoolers to teens. From sunup to sundown, campers are busy with their supervised activities, so you can mountain bike, take a beehive tour and go horseback riding without the kids in tow. "It's a family trip with alone time for the parents," said a Good Housekeeping tester who recently visited with her husband and three daughters. Kids and adults even eat dinner separately — and that arrangement went over well with our tester's family. "The food is probably 50 percent of the reason people come here," said our tester. Absence makes the heart grow fonder because, at the end of the day, kids are excited to show off what they learned at camp. As our tester noted, "The kids' mini performances are beyond adorable."
Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Riviera Maya, Mexico
SpongeBob fans, young and grown, will lose their minds at Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Riviera Maya, Mexico, winner of a Good Housekeeping 2024 Family Travel Award. Character breakfasts, meet-and-greets and selfies with SpongeBob ensure that there's fun around every corner. Families can compete 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, PA
For an easygoing vacation with throwback vibes in the best way possible, look no further than this four-season all-inclusive Pocono Mountains retreat, winner of a 2024 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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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 a 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, entertains 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 a 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, you probably won't miss it.
Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort, Labrelotte Bay, Saint Lucia
Tucked away on a lush mountainside overlooking a bay, the 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.
Fort Young Hotel & Dive Resort, Dominica
The only all-inclusive on this small island in the eastern Caribbean wants your family to explore beyond the resort. Fort Young Hotel & Dive Resort's "All-Inclusive, Island Included" package for stays of five nights or more covers the cost of excursions, such as a city walking tour and a guided hike to see the island's famous waterfalls. Situated on a historic site, the resort has lovingly refurbished 40 existing guest rooms and suites — and added 60 more. A rooftop wellness garden is in the works for 2024. While kids of all ages are welcome, the resort is best for tweens and teens who would be excited about the excursions. Visit between May and October when you might see three endangered sea turtle species swimming and nesting along the shoreline.
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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. There's a ton to do as a family, like visit the water park, play tennis and take electric beach bike tours, but there 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, NY
Every season is fun for families at this historic Hudson Valley retreat, winner of a 2024 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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Villa La Valencia Beach Resort & Spa, Los Cabos, Mexico
The newish Villa La Valencia Beach Resort & Spa boasts the area's longest lazy river and has a stunning infinity pool that overlooks the ocean. The kids' club offers an array of unexpected activities from Mini Zumba to Mexican Loteria. For adults, cooking classes, tequila tastings and salsa dance lessons are part of the fun. All accommodations are one- to four-bedroom suites. While the beach at this resort is fantastic for long walks, like many Los Cabos beaches, swimming isn't possible because of the strong rip current.
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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.
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
An all-inclusive that welcomes rockers of all ages, 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. A two-time Good Housekeeping Family Travel Award winner, the newish 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."
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Castle Hot Springs, Morristown, AZ
A unique choice for older teens and multigenerational groups, a stay at Castle Hot Springs will revitalize your family — and land you lots of bonding time. This wellness resort for guests ages 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, sky-view cabins provide a telescope on the deck. Truly five-star!
Migis Lodge, South Casco, ME
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 like 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 meal and playtime. The lodge's menu changes daily, but it always includes fresh Maine lobster.
