The 11 Best Family Resorts in Florida for a Perfect Stay In the Sunshine State

• Getting There: Fly into MCO (Orlando International Airport) and drive 15 minutes to the resort.
• Rates: from $277/night
• Standout Review: “Our stay at the JW Marriott Grande Lakes Orlando was incredible from start to finish. The property is stunning—beautifully maintained with lush grounds, a relaxing lazy river, and plenty of family-friendly amenities. The rooms were spacious, clean, and very comfortable, with lovely views.”

I stayed here two years ago with my kids (ages 6 and 8 at the time), and it was such an amazing experience that they’re still talking about it and begging to go back. The poolside service was excellent (the chicken fingers and fries were so good that even my husband and I wanted to eat them every day), there were always plenty of loungers and the mini waterpark was a huge hit for the kids (as was the private cabana that I booked for one day of our stay). Our rooms were spacious and spotless, and there was never a dull moment for the kids because the resort had tons of activities for them to participate in. Honestly, if I had known how much they’d enjoy the hotel, I definitely would have skipped the overpriced and decidedly disappointing day we spent at a nearby theme park. In other words, this place has it all.

• Getting There: Fly into MCO (Orlando International Airport) and drive 25 to 30 minutes to the resort.
• Rates: from $301/night
• Standout Review: “The only word that comes to mind after my stay at the JW Bonnet Creek—WOW! Everything about this place is stellar…Truth be told, there are a million hotels to choose from when you visit Orlando. But I can tell you this: on every trip to Orlando from this point on, we will be choosing JW Marriott Bonnet Creek.”

During my trip to Orlando I also checked out the Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa with my kids and was very impressed with the extensive family programming the resort offers, including every manner of kid-friendly activity under the sun and a very nice looking kids club. While I didn’t stay at the hotel as a guest, the many five-star reviews suggest that my first impression was pretty spot-on. Reviewers say the property is gorgeous and immaculate (I agree) and the service is second to none.

• Getting There: fly into MIA and drive 22 minutes
• Rates: from $680/night
• Standout Review: “Nice location for visiting downtown Miami / Brickell neighborhood. Great amenities for families with kids. Hotel has ocean views but this is not a property for beach-goers.”

Executive Editor Alexia Dellner thoroughly enjoyed her stay with friends at the Four Seasons in Miami: “The rooms were spacious with great views, the pool was perfection and we treated ourselves to a spa treatment, which I also highly recommend,” she says, adding that “we didn’t eat at the on-site restaurant, but we did have food at the pool and I can highly recommend the tacos.” As for family-friendly features, the hotel has a dedicated kids’ pool area that’s replete with pool toys, as well as a drop off kids club. There are also other babysitting services on offer and numerous organized activities that are designed with kids and families in mind. If you’re looking for family-friendly luxury in the big city, this resort fits the bill.

• Getting There: fly into Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) and drive 46 minutes.
• Rates: from $434/night
• Standout Review: “Wonderful family vacation for all! This resort has everything here and we didn’t have to leave. It was nice to relax. We enjoyed the pool, beach, shark discovery and playing outdoor games with our kids. The restaurants were great, especially Seaglass where Kelli K, was a great waitress and very attentive. We truly enjoyed our whole stay and hope to come back again.”

This sprawling resort on Amelia Island boasts a boatload of family-friendly attractions, including a mini-golf course, a teen lounge, a bike path, outdoor game areas, a nature center, a huge family pool with sprinklers and a splash pad, plus an expansive private beach. By all accounts, the service is incredibly attentive and accommodating, but the real selling point is that there’s so much to do on the premises that most families never even feel compelled to leave the resort.

• Getting There: Fly into Orlando International Airport (MCO) and drive 25 minutes.
• Rates: from $1,395/night
• Standout Review: “Beautiful resort. The pool area was great for our kids. So convenient to the parks. The rooms were very nice and the restaurants were excellent. Also managed to meet the characters for breakfast. Overall one of the best resorts you’ll ever stay at.”

Take it from our PureWow review, this is the best family resort near the Magic Kingdom: "While you may not think of a Four Seasons as being particularly kid-friendly, the Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney Resort is actually ideal for families. There’s Explorer Island—a five-acre water park featuring a lazy river, splash zone, family pool and water slides; a complimentary kids’ club for children ages 4 to 12; character breakfasts; family-friendly dining and plenty of children’s amenities such as cribs, noise machines, bed rails, and babysitting services upon request. Of course if you’re traveling sans kids, there’s lots for you to enjoy here too, including but not limited to an adults-only pool, fine dining and a luxe spa."

• Getting There: Fly into RSW (Southwest Florida International Airport) and drive 20 to 25 minutes to the resort.
• Rates: from $246/night
• Standout Review: “Great pools, amazing sunset views, friendly helpful staff. Kids had a great time at the daily activities (bingo, crafts, duck race) and the lawn area is a great place to play outdoor games. Boat ride to the beach was memorable!”

Located in Bonita Springs, Florida, this Hyatt Regency earns high marks for the modern luxury of the accommodations, as well as the numerous family-friendly activities that promise guests of all ages, including the youngest in your brood, a fun-filled stay. Families describe the boat ride to the resort’s private island as a particularly memorable part of their visit, because of the dreamy expanse of beach that awaits and the dolphins you’re likely to see along the way. Other highlights for families include the lazy river and waterpark, both of which can keep kids entertained for hours while the adults in the group get a taste of real relaxation.

• Getting There: fly into Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) and drive 27 minutes
• Rates: from $462/night
• Standout Review: “This is one of the best hotels we have ever stayed in, and one of the best breaks we have enjoyed as a family.  We stayed for New Years and had a fantastic time.  The hotel itself was I presume remodeled in recent years and is impeccably decorated throughout.  We had connecting rooms for the family and I am pretty confident that these are the nicest hotel rooms we have ever stayed in.  They are super chic and super luxurious.”

Reviews of the Four Seasons Hotel and Residences in Fort Lauderdale are mostly glowing, and speak to the brand’s very high standard of accommodations with an emphasis on luxury. Families need not be intimidated by the luxurious set-up, though, as the atmosphere is also described as being very casual and approachable (i.e., the best of both worlds for those traveling with kids). The beachfront location is also a major bonus, as is the hotel’s very close proximity to numerous local attractions.

• Getting There: Fly into RSW (Southwest Florida International Airport) and drive approximately 1 hour to the resort.
• Rates: from $419/night
• Standout Review: “Beautiful property, fast check in, 3 pools, the beach is the reason we stay at JW, delicious breakfast we never wait to be seated, delicious sushi thank you Lesia for suggestion. They have self parking options which is big plus, valet are there too. We will definitely be back!”

The JW Marriott at Marco Island boasts three miles of pristine private beach along the Gulf of Mexico, as well as adjoining rooms and suites with sweeping views of the water, so guests can expect a perfectly postcard-worthy stay. There are adults-only sections of the resort that parents can enjoy after dropping the young ones off at the kids club, or you can easily enjoy a breezy family affair thanks to the many kid-friendly amenities and activities on offer.

• Getting There: Fly into TPA (Tampa International Airport) and drive approximately 30 to 40 minutes to the resort.
• Rates: from $424/night
• Standout Review: “Definitely will stay here again. Staff is amazing, especially housekeeping. We had a junior suite with a gorgeous gulf view. Didn’t meet anyone who wasn’t welcoming at the hotel. Private beach is a big plus as you can walk right out onto the beach. Beach is beautiful. Staff on the beach are great. No problem securing beach chairs and umbrellas.”

Located in Clearwater, Florida, this resort enjoys a prime beachfront location right on the main street, thus providing easy access to all manner of shops and restaurants. Guests also rave about the cleanliness of the rooms, the sweeping views of the Gulf and the excellent service provided at the pristine private beach. Parents will also be pleased to know that there’s a drop-off kids club and plenty of planned activities for children to participate in during the day and evening.

• Getting There: Fly into DAB (Daytona Beach International Airport) and drive approximately 40 to 45 minutes to the resort.
• Rates: from $210/night
• Standout Review: “This is the perfect beach resort for families and couples alike, within driving distance of central Florida. Food was surprisingly phenomenal, the staff were all outstanding, the pool was awesome. Honestly no complaints! It was an amazing experience for our family.”

Head to Palm Coast for a blissful stay at Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa—a favorite family resort in Florida that gets generally high praise, particularly for its numerous amenities. Guests love the lazy river, mini-golf course and beachfront location. The property also boasts a whopping eight pools, so you’ll have no shortage of places to swim and lounge.

• Getting There: fly into MIA and drive 1 hour 15 minutes
• Rates: from $464/night
• Standout Review: “We went as a family for four days.  The property is small, but was beautiful and well maintained.  My son loved fishing off the pier and it was great that fishing poles and bait were provided.  The giant chessboard in the courtyard was fun for an after dinner activity.  The pool and beach offered amazing views.  We couldn't get over how beautiful the water was and how great the view was from our balcony and from the pool area.”

Book a stay off the mainland at this family resort in the Florida Keys for gorgeous views of the crystal clear Gulf waters and luxury amenities galore. Although this property is a little smaller than some of the others on the list, guests report that there’s plenty to do, including lots of kid-friendly activities, a private beach and a large (and very popular) family pool. This resort is also conveniently located within walking distance of many restaurants and shops, so if you feel inclined to eat off the resort, you will be spoiled with choice.