Astrid Taran, Forbes Staff
Forbes Vetted
The best all-inclusive resorts for families go far beyond the typical beach getaway. Our roundup features classic tropical destinations, as well as a Western dude ranch for horseback riding and an African safari lodge teeming with exotic wildlife—each with plenty of activities to keep both parents and kids engaged.
Our top recommendation is the tried-and-true Beaches Turks and Caicos, home to a water park, lazy river and 23 dining outlets. We also recommend the Grand Velas Los Cabos for luxe amenities, Hotel Xcaret Mexico for theme parks and The Resort At Paws Up in Montana for a cowboy-cation. Here are the best all-inclusive resorts for families in 2026.
Editor’s Picks:
Best All-Inclusive Resort For Families Overall: Beaches Turks And Caicos
Aerial shot of the Beaches Turks and Caicos grounds.
Sandals Resorts
Want to read this story later?
Get a link sent straight to your inbox.
We’ve sent this story to your inbox.
Beaches Turks And Caicos
Who Will Love It: Families with kids of all ages
All-Star Amenities: The resort’s 45,000-square-foot water park
What Not To Miss: Weekly breakfasts with Sesame Street characters
Location: Grace Bay Beach, Turks and Caicos
Restaurant Reservations Required: Only at Kimonos
Beaches Turks and Caicos sits on Grace Bay, a 12-mile stretch of sand often called one of the world’s most beautiful beaches. “Bring your own snorkel gear to view the natural reef right at the water’s edge—perfect for little ones and adults to get a glimpse of the underworld,” says Lauren Doyle, president of The Travel Mechanic. There are Sesame Street shows, Build-a-Bear workshops, an aqua center for grabbing a Hobie Cat to explore the Caribbean Sea and even sensory guides on hand to help neurodivergent family members navigate activities. With ten pools and 23 dining venues—including hibachi, seafood, sushi, Mexican and French cuisine—there are options for even the pickiest eaters in your group.
The star of the show is the 45,000-square-foot water park, which features a surf simulator, 650-foot lazy river, water slides, a splash deck and a zero-entry pool that’s great for toddlers. LaDell Carter, founder and lead luxury lifestyle travel designer at Royal Expression Travels, recommends this hotel for larger families: “The beachfront cottages are beautiful,” she says. “The character programming for younger children paired with elevated dining options and adult areas make it one of the most well-rounded resorts in its class.”
Best High-End All-Inclusive Resort For Families: Grand Velas Los Cabos
Aerial view of the Grand Velas Los Cabos resort.
Velas Resorts
Grand Velas Los Cabos
Who Will Love It: Parents who want luxe amenities alongside spectacular scenery
All-Star Amenities: Baby concierge; baby bath amenities
What Not To Miss: A kids’ club, complete with activities like cookie-decorating classes and treasure hunts
Location: Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Restaurant Reservations Required: Yes, at Cocina de Autor, Frida, Sen Lin and Lucca
Mexico’s Baja California peninsula is known for its rugged coastal scenery and luxury resorts, but Grand Velas Los Cabos stands above the rest when it comes to family-friendly activities and amenities. Each of the hotel’s 304 suites faces the ocean, where you can often spot migrating whales in the winter. An on-site concierge can help set up Mexican cooking classes, sunset yacht trips or snorkeling with sea lions around Cabo San Lucas. Meanwhile, the property’s kids’ club keeps little ones entertained with activities like surfing lessons, beach parties and more. Carter is personally a big fan of the Grand Velas properties: “They’ve exceeded expectations year after year,” she says. “The level of service provided is anticipatory, and their resorts strike the perfect balance between sophistication and accessibility for children.”
Best Value All-Inclusive Resort For Families: Divi And Tamarijn Aruba All-Inclusive Resorts
Exterior of the Tamarijn Aruba resort.
Divi And Tamarijn Aruba All-Inclusive Resorts
Divi And Tamarijn Aruba All-Inclusive Resorts
Who Will Love It: Cost-conscious families
All-Star Amenities: Snorkeling tours; karaoke nights; kids’ club; full-service spa; golf course access
What Not To Miss: Fresh woodfire pizzas at Pizza Per Tutti
Location: Oranjestad, Aruba
Restaurant Reservations Required: Yes, for dinner reservations at all à la carte restaurants
Experience two resorts for the price of one by staying at the Divi And Tamarijn Aruba, both all-inclusive resorts that share amenities. The more family-focused Tamarijn Aruba features a kids’ club, tennis court and a 30-foot rock-climbing wall, with all rooms facing Druif Beach for easy access. The quieter yet still family-friendly Divi Aruba is surrounded by lush gardens for a more private atmosphere. When you book either resort, you have access to five freshwater pools, non-motorized water sports and nightly live performances, plus dining at 12 restaurants. As a bonus, little ones under 2 can stay for free at both properties, and kids and teens have a special reduced rate.
Best All-Inclusive Resort For Families In The United States: The Resort At Paws Up
The Resort At Paws Up in Greenough, Montana.
The Resort At Paws Up
The Resort At Paws Up
Who Will Love It: Families who want an all-inclusive vacation without needing a passport
All-Star Amenities: A Lexus SUV to use during the duration of your stay
What Not To Miss: Horseback riding on a mustang across the plains
Location: Greenough, Montana
Restaurant Reservations Required: Only at Pomp
Just 30 minutes from the Missoula airport, this all-inclusive, ranch-style resort is ideal for families who want a taste of the cowboy life. Guests can wake up to views of bison herds in log cabins, glamping sites or spacious Wilderness Estates. Activities range from cattle drives to horseback riding to ATV rides and more; since the resort is open year-round, families can also enjoy mountain biking, river rafting, snowmobiling and hot-air balloon rides depending on the season. For meals, dinner spot Pomp serves dishes made with local ingredients (think bison rib eye and wild king salmon). In the mornings, huckleberry pancakes at Trough are a guest favorite.
Best All-Inclusive Resort For Families In Cancun: Dreams Playa Mujeres Golf And Spa Resort
Aerial shot of the Dreams Playa Mujeres Golf And Spa Resort.
Dreams Playa Mujeres Golf And Spa Resort
Dreams Playa Mujeres Golf And Spa Resort
Who Will Love It: Families seeking activities that appeal to both children and adults
All-Star Amenities: Water park; two children’s pools; spa; kids’ club; teens’ club; 10 restaurants and 12 bars
What Not To Miss: The exclusive lazy river for Preferred Club members only
Location: Cancun, Mexico
Restaurant Reservations Required: No
Out of all the properties on the Playa Mujeres strip, this resort stands out the most for its family-friendly focus. Here, parents and kids alike can enjoy stage shows, cooking classes and offshore excursions together. The resort is home to ten restaurants, including sophisticated options for adults (such as Peruvian-Japanese dishes at Fusion and French fare at L’Etoile). The staff is attentive and welcoming to children, and extras like Crazy Straws and a non-alcoholic “bar” just for kids add a special touch.
Best All-Inclusive Resort For Families In Los Cabos: Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos
The Casa Cortez Restaurant at Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos.
Rafael Luhrs
Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos
Who Will Love It: Families of all ages
All-Star Amenities: Swim-up suites; oceanfront dining
What Not To Miss: Authentic tacos made fresh at the adults-only pool bar
Location: San José del Cabo, Mexico
Restaurant Reservations Required: No
Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos, one of Mexico’s top family-friendly all-inclusive resorts, just finished a $50 million renovation last summer. Updates include stylish new rooms in Tower B, a new Indian restaurant, and refreshed dining at Farina And Olio (Mediterranean) and Casa Cortez (Mexican seafood). Families can also take advantage of revamped kids’ and teens’ clubs now offering creative workshops, video games and pool tables. Catering to every age, there’s a wide range of entertainment possibilities available, from evening theater shows and a pickleball court to four pools, including one just for adults.
Best All-Inclusive Resort For Families In Playa del Carmen: Hotel Xcaret Mexico
Aerial view of the Hotel Xcaret Mexico resort.
Xcaret Resorts
Hotel Xcaret Mexico
Who Will Love It: Nature-loving families; theme park fanatics
All-Star Amenities: The cenote tour at Ruta de los Cenotes
What Not To Miss: A day trip to one of the eight Xcaret theme parks
Location: Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Restaurant Reservations Required: Yes, at Fuego, Arriba Baja, Las Cuevas, Teatro del Río, Xin-Gao and Ha’
Hotel Xcaret Mexico combines a resort stay with theme park fun in one great package. Along with the usual all-inclusive perks like buffet meals, à la carte restaurants, activities, and drinks, guests also get unlimited access and round-trip transportation to eight Xcaret theme parks. The resort’s five buildings are inspired by fire, water, wind and earth in their design. Families with young kids may like staying at Casa Viento in particular for its proximity to the pool, family club and kids’ club. Dining options are just as varied. Plant-based restaurant Bio, for example, is located in a natural cave, while Teatro del Rio offers a tasting menu with live shows. “This is a fantastic property, and the uniqueness of the grounds is really amazing,” says Doyle. She recommends booking a river suite, where you can jump right off your balcony into the river below.
Best All-Inclusive Resort For Families In The Caribbean: Windjammer Landing Resort And Residences
An Ocean Point Residence at Windjammer Landing Resort And Residences.
Windjammer Landing Resort and Residences
Windjammer Landing Resort And Residences
Who Will Love It: Large families; multigenerational groups
All-Star Amenities: Dive center; daily programming for kids and teens; complimentary windsurfing; bath amenities by L’Occitane En Provence
What Not To Miss: The spacious Ocean Point Residences with kitchens, terraces and private infinity pools
Location: Gros Islet, St. Lucia
Restaurant Reservations Required: Yes, at Upper Deck Steakhouse, Papa Don’s and Dragonfly
At St. Lucia’s Windjammer Landing Resort and Residences, car seats, cribs and high chairs are ready when you need them, and nannies are on call for parents who need a bit of downtime at the spa. Families can relax in spacious villas (each starts at 1,875 square feet, and all have sweeping ocean views), while kids ages 4 through 12 can join the Jacquot Fun Club for interactive workshops, arts and crafts, tennis lessons and movie nights. Teens also have their own club with themed events like coconut bowling, jewelry-making and exciting off-site trips.
Best All-Inclusive Resort For Families In Jamaica: Beaches Negril Resort And Spa
Bedroom in the Firesky Villa at Beaches Negril Resort And Spa.
Sandals Resorts
Beaches Negril Resort And Spa
Who Will Love It: Kids who prefer the pool but love a good beach romp, too
All-Star Amenities: Beachfront water park with a lazy river, slides and splash park
What Not To Miss: Character breakfasts with the Sesame Street crew
Location: Negril, Jamaica
Restaurant Reservations Required: Yes, at Kimonos, Yaku and Stella
Beaches Negril is located on Jamaica’s beautiful Seven Mile Beach and has plenty for families to appreciate. The resort is home to an 18,000-square-foot pirate-themed water park featuring two long slides, a 650-foot lazy river and three swimming pools. Children can also try scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, sailing on Hobie Cats or join the supervised kids’ camp; Sesame Street entertainment and an Xbox play lounge are also available. For bigger groups, the new Firesky Reserve Villas have four bedrooms spread across three-story accommodations, making them a great choice for large families. “I stayed here years ago and loved its intimate feel,” says Doyle. “The beach is great for littles, and the staff was so caring, especially in the kids’ club.”
Best All-Inclusive Resort For Families In Punta Cana: Dreams Flora Resort And Spa
Aerial of the Dreams Flora Resort And Spa.
Dreams Flora Resort And Spa
Dreams Flora Resort And Spa
Who Will Love It: Kids and teens; sports-loving friend groups
All-Star Amenities: Teens’ club; kids’ club; body treatments at the Dreams Spa
What Not To Miss: Beach volleyball on the white sands of Cabeza de Toro
Location: Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Restaurant Reservations Required: No
Not only is this Punta Cana property known for its family-friendly perks—including an on-site waterpark, five pools, dance classes, and a variety of sports on and off the beach—it also has one of the area’s best teen clubs. “All-inclusive resorts offer teens more freedom because they can get snacks, non-alcoholic drinks and meals without relying on parents,” says Jodi Grundig, founder of Family Travel Magazine. Indeed, at Dreams Flora’s Core Zone Club, guests ages 13 to 17 can sip on made-to-order mocktails while gaming on arcade machines, Xbox and PlayStation consoles. There are 21 additional restaurants and bars to choose from, so there’s no shortage of options for the entire family. Just note that some spots, like the dedicated family pool bar, are for Preferred Club members only. Doyle, who regularly sends clients here, also shouts out the bunk bed options in family suites.
Best Private Island All-Inclusive Resort For Families: Vomo Island Resort Fiji
Luxury villa at the Vomo Island Resort Fiji.
Vomo Island Resort Fiji
Vomo Island Resort Fiji
Who Will Love It: Ocean-loving families; parents traveling with budding marine biologists
All-Star Amenities: Diving courses for the whole family
What Not To Miss: The resort’s traditional kava ceremony and Fijian feasts
Location: Mamanuca Islands, Fiji
Restaurant Reservations Required: No
Vomo Island Resort Fiji is set on a 225-acre private island filled with swaying palms. Every detail is taken care of here: Rates include a personal “baby butler” for up to four hours a day, so you can partake in activities like hiking up Mt. Vomo for sunset views or relaxing poolside at The Rocks, the resort’s adults-only pool. The kids’ club, open all day, also hosts arts and crafts sessions, supervised outdoor dining and a library for little ones. If you want to be close to the water, stay in one of the island’s beachfront residences or villas, which have outdoor showers and tubs surrounded by tropical foliage for privacy.
Best All-Inclusive Resort For Adventurous Families: Mashpi Lodge
Exterior of the Mashpi Lodge.
Mashpi Lodge
Mashpi Lodge
Who Will Love It: Families who want to immerse themselves in the Spanish language and experience incredible nature
All-Star Amenities: Naturalist-guided hikes through the rainforest to swim in waterfalls
What Not To Miss: A ride aboard the resort’s Dragonfly Canopy Gondola
Location: Mashpi Reserve, Ecuador
Restaurant Reservations Required: No
Located just outside Quito, this intimate all-inclusive resort in Ecuador welcomes only 47 guests at a time. It’s tucked away in a 6,177-acre private forest, offering amazing views and ample opportunity to explore nature. At Mashpi, kids become explorers, whether they’re joining family night walks to spot glass frogs, riding a sky bike to look for birds or learning about butterflies from resident experts. A ride aboard the resort’s Dragonfly Canopy Gondola, an open-air cable car, is a highlight for families. All-inclusive rates cover meals made with local ingredients, customized naturalist tours, transfers to and from Quito and more.
Best All-Inclusive Resort For A Family Safari: JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge
Aerial view of the JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge.
JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge
JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge
Who Will Love It: Safari-exploring families; those looking to book with rewards points
All-Star Amenities: Luxe en-suite tents with private outdoor soaking tubs and decks
What Not To Miss: Storytelling sessions with the Maasai people
Location: Maasai Mara, Kenya
Restaurant Reservations Required: No
At JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge, families can embark on drives to see the “Big Five” game animals and other amazing East African wildlife. Engaging with the local Maasai people is another highlight of a stay, with family activities like storytelling, traditional dancing and village visits in the mix, geared toward younger travelers. On site at the property, amenities include a whirlpool on each tent’s private deck and a kids camp. At sunset, families can gather around the fire pits, looking out over the plains and listening to the river below. Rates include meals, non-alcoholic and non-premium alcoholic drinks, game drives, sundowners (a happy hour in the African bush at sunset), binoculars to use during your stay, Wi-Fi, airport transfers and laundry service.
Best All-Inclusive Resort For Foodie Families: Blackberry Farm
The Bramble Hall at Blackberry Farm.
Blackberry Farm
Blackberry Farm
Who Will Love It: Foodies with a penchant for Southern hospitality
All-Star Amenities: On-site art studio with courses on pottery, painting, basket-making and more
What Not To Miss: An Appalachian-inspired dinner at the hotel’s award-winning restaurant, The Barn
Location: Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee
Restaurant Reservations Required: Yes, at The Barn and The Dogwood
Located in the Great Smoky Mountains, Blackberry Farm is an all-inclusive resort that celebrates the region’s rich history through food. Families can explore the 4,200-acre mountain estate by mountain biking down rolling byways, learning to fly fish in Hesse Creek, horseback riding or searching for salamanders in the streams. After a day of adventure, everyone can gather at the lodge for a meal spotlighting the farm’s Appalachian roots: The “Foothills Cuisine” here pulls ingredients from the farm’s gardens as well as the greater surrounding region. The property employs its own forager, cheesemaker, butcher, master gardener and sommelier.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
The Forbes Vetted travel team has researched, written and published dozens of hotel guides featuring cities across the globe.
- This story was written by former senior travel editor Astrid Taran, an eight-year industry veteran who’s visited over 40 countries and stayed at numerous properties on this list, including Grand Velas Los Cabos, Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos, The Resort At Paws Up and Mashpi Lodge.
- This story was edited by deputy editor Jane Sung, who oversees the travel vertical. She has over two decades of experience covering lifestyle topics, and as a seasoned traveler has visited many of the locales on this list.
- Our team regularly reviews this story to ensure all information is accurate and up to date. It was last updated in March by editorial assistant Whitney Bruno.
- For additional commentary, we reached out to Jodi Grundig, founder of Family Travel Magazine, Lauren Doyle, president of The Travel Mechanic and LaDell Carter, founder and lead luxury lifestyle travel designer at Royal Expression Travels.
How We Chose The Best All-Inclusive Resorts For Families
We compiled our list of contenders based on extensive research, guest testimonials and personal stays.
- For this story, Taran combined first-person experience at resorts she’s stayed at with hours of research, combing through reviews on TripAdvisor, Booking.com, hotel websites and more.
- We included a mix of resorts that cater to all types of family vacations, from classic beach escapes to trips centered around activities like safari and dude ranch adventures.
- We included a diverse range of resorts across domestic and international destinations.
