Like a lot of New Englanders, we love vacationing in Florida. It’s easy to get to, with lots of direct flights to many different cities. As a peninsula, it has plenty of shoreland with many beautiful sandy beaches.
The Sunshine State features many great attractions for kids, even if you don’t want to visit a theme park. It’s a big state, with lots of different activities.
Surrounding these world-class attractions are gorgeous Florida resorts, filled with wonderful amenities for families. Here are our favorite Florida resorts for kids. Did we include your favorite here? If not, leave us a comment and we may update this post.
Disclosure: We experienced some of these family resorts in Florida (all except for the Ritz Carlton, the Hilton Bonnet Creek, the JW Marriott Grande Lakes, the Hilton Clearwater Beach, and the Marco Beach Ocean Resort), at no cost on various press trips throughout the years. All opinions are my own.
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The Best Florida Resorts for Kids
Omni Amelia Island
As soon as I arrived at the Omni Amelia Island from the Jacksonville Airport, I knew that it was going to be a wonderful experience. The resort is located about 35 minutes from the Jacksonville airport and offers 3.5 miles of beach on 1,350 acres.
In addition to the private beach, you’ll find the largest poolscape in northern Florida (an adult-only infinity swimming pool, a 10,000-square-foot family pool with sprinkler jets, two hot tubs, and a small splash area). The resort also has a nature center, a mini-golf course, and a teen lounge. It’s a huge resort, so you could definitely spend lots of time there – you wouldn’t even need to leave the resort.
The 400 hotel rooms offer a variety of in-room amenities including complimentary WiFi, a coffee maker, a workspace, and a refrigerator. Some of them have balconies with beautiful beach views.
Disney’s Beach Club Resort
Our favorite Walt Disney World resort is Disney’s Beach Club Resort, which is located in the Epcot resort area. It’s our favorite, not only for the location (walking distance to the Boardwalk, Epcot, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios) but for the fun, relaxed vibe.
While we usually spend our Disney days at the theme parks, the Beach Club (along with its sister resort, the Yacht Club), offers a great pool area called Stormalong Bay. Stormalong Bay offers a sandy-bottom pool, a water slide, a lazy river, and much more.
My kids could easily spend a day just hanging out there! We typically eat our dinners in Epcot, so it’s nice to be just a quick walk away from our resort after dinner.
If you are looking for a resort that has a similar feel but a little more elegant decor, the adjacent Yacht Club is a fantastic option. I’ve been to both resorts and have always enjoyed my stay.
Another fun favorite family-friendly resort at Disney World is the Animal Kingdom Lodge. This one is especially popular for kids who love seeing animals – definitely splurge for a savanna-view room if you can.
The Gaylord Palms in Orlando, FL
I’ve been to all of the Gaylord resorts, but I especially love the Gaylord Palms for family travel. Located a short distance away from the variety of family attractions in the Orlando area, the Gaylord Palms offers a 4.5-acre glass atrium, as well as the Cypress Springs Family Fun Water Park.
It’s visually impressive, and so different from your standard hotel. With 9 different food outlets, you really don’t need to leave the resort. If you stay there for your vacation, I’d recommend planning at least one day to just hang out at the resort because there is so much to do.
The Gaylord Palms is centrally located in Kissimmee. You will, however, probably need a rental car if you want to experience the various Orlando attractions in the area. Check prices and book here.
World Center Marriott Resort, Orlando, FL
I’d seen the Marriott World Center resort plenty of times when I was headed to Walt Disney World, but it was only a few years ago when I had the opportunity to visit. This large resort offers 1,889 guest rooms and 120 suites, but my favorite area is the pool area.
The Falls Pool Area features a kids’ splash area, a kids’ zero-entry pool, a slide tower with two, 200-foot winding water slides and one, 90-foot speed water slide, the Fall’s pool bar and grill (with delicious food), and a main pool.
If you can, I’d recommend upgrading to a room with a pool view – you may even get to see fireworks! Like the Gaylord Palms, this is a resort where you’ll want to plan at least one day to just hang out at the resort.
I love the World Center Marriott, but it is definitely a busy resort. If you prefer a more low-key hotel, this is probably not the best option for you. See prices here.
JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes
Looking for a luxury resort in Orlando with a side of nature? The JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes is located adjacent to the Ritz-Carlton Grande Lakes on a combined 500 acres of gorgeous land. Guests of both resorts have access to all amenities, including Shingle Creek, the headwaters of the Florida Everglades.
During my recent stay, I enjoying checking out the beautiful pool area (including water slides). It’s definitely a nice oasis among the theme parks of Central Florida.
We also ate all of our meals on the property. You’ll have access to the restaurants at both resorts, giving you lots of options.
If you’d like to explore nature on your Florida vacation, there are options right at the resort. You can book an eco-tour of the creek, where you’ll be guided on a kayaking excursion through the headwaters of the Everglades (outside of Everglades National Park). See prices here.
Lido Beach Resort, Lido Key
Lido Beach Resort, located about an hour from the Tampa airport and a short distance from the Sarasota airport, offers 223 recently renovated guest rooms and suites right on the white sand beach. This quintessential beach resort is such a great spot for a family beach vacation.
This dog-friendly resort offers two beachfront pools (one family pool, and one adult-only pool), three jacuzzis, a sundries shop, and a small fitness center, as well as three on-site restaurants.
St. Armands Circle, which is home to restaurants and shops, is a short distance away. There is plenty for kids to do in Sarasota, making it a nice spot to stay in. While you are there, be sure to visit the famous Ringling Museum.
See prices and book here.
The Resort at Longboat Key Club
The Resort at Longboat Key Club, a luxury resort in the Sarasota area, offers 223 large rooms and suites (some with full kitchens). The resort offers a pool, fitness center, tennis courts, a kids’ club, 27 holes of golf, 8 on-site restaurants, and a beautiful beach.
While I loved looking at the pool from my hotel balcony, I preferred to hang out at the beach right on the Gulf of Mexico. The resort is located on a barrier island off the coast of Sarasota.
You can easily spend multiple days at the beach, and you can rent beach loungers, beds, cabanas, and umbrellas from the resort (hotel guests receive complimentary chair rentals). I loved the beach – it’s such a beautiful spot for a family vacation.
Be sure to book a tennis lesson or a spa treatment for a luxurious vacation splurge during your trip.
See prices and book here.
Marco Beach Ocean Resort, Marco Island, FL
When we booked our JetBlue Getaways trip to Marco Island years ago, I wasn’t familiar at all with the island. I looked at online reviews as well as prices and ended up booking the Marco Beach Ocean Resort. This luxury resort offers a number of family amenities including an outdoor pool, beachfront access, watersports, and family suites.
We spent most of our time at the resort, but when we did dine out, it was easy to walk to a few local places. We loved our stay there, and definitely want to return.
Marco Island Beach is definitely one of the best Florida beaches for families. While you are in Marco Island, make sure you check out the Dolphin Study Eco-Tour and Cruise, which my kids absolutely loved.
See prices and book here.
Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne
I visited the Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne for a conference, and I’ve been wanting to go back with my family since then. This luxurious family resort offers two pools (including a family pool with waterslides), beachfront access, a spa and fitness center, and more.
There’s also the popular Ritz-Carlton kids club, as well as water sports activities. It’s located about 20 minutes from the Miami airport, so it’s easy to access. You’ll probably want to rent a car so that you’ll be able to leave the key and explore the rest of the Miami area.
Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort and Spa
If you are planning to visit Clearwater Florida for a family beach vacation, you’ll want to find a resort right on the white sand beach. During our recent family vacation, we stayed at the Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort and Spa, located adjacent to Pier 60.
Kids will love the various lawn games located on the beach, and there’s also a large outdoor pool, ping pong table, pool, beach bar, and so much more.
The resort is located within walking distance of most of the Clearwater Beach activities so you won’t need your car much. We loved walking to the various beach restaurants in the area.
Like other Clearwater Beach hotels, this hotel does charge for the rental of beach chairs, sunbeds, cabanas, and umbrellas. If you are staying for a longer vacation, you may consider renting these from a separate company so that you can save money.
It can be booked here.
Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek
This resort, located within the gates of Walt Disney World, is a great option for a Disney vacation. Although it’s not an official Disney property, it’s very close to Disney Springs and the Walt Disney World theme parks.
It’s located with its sister resort, the Waldorf Astoria, and between the two resorts, there are plenty of restaurants to choose from. There’s also a great pool area with a lazy river, so plan on spending some time at the resort. The Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek can be booked here.
JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort and Spa
The JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort and Spa completed a renovation recently, including a huge water park. While it’s not located right on the beach, there is a complimentary shuttle that will take you to the beach during your stay.
Kids will love the brand-new water park complex, which includes a lazy river, triple Flowrider, zero-entry pool, water structure for younger kids, and water slide tower with 7 different slides. You’ll easily be able to spend at least one full day there.
The rooms at the resort are lovely and are all very convenient to the water park. The resort is also adjacent to a mall, with shopping and dining options. You can fly into either the Fort Lauderdale or the Miami airport for your stay. See prices and book your stay here.
Ritz-Carlton South Beach
This luxurious, family-friendly resort, located in the heart of South Beach Miami, is one of my favorite Florida resorts. It offers beach access as well as a large pool in the center of the property.
Once you arrive at this hotel, you won’t have to drive anywhere. There are countless restaurants located just a quick walk away, and you can walk right down to the beach.
The resort offers a spa, fitness center, and day bed/cabana rentals, as well as several restaurants and bars.
What is your favorite Florida resort?
Viktoria Altman
Wednesday 8th of January 2020
Hi Jodi! I was just researching our next family vacation in Florida and came across your article on pinterest. You have some great suggestions. I have a question about Marco Island. Do you happen to know the best time to visit to get to see the dolphins? My boys love dolphins and I'd love to actually see them in the wild (we have tried cruises before and had no luck seeing dolphins). Thank you so much,
Viktoria
Jodi Grundig
Thursday 9th of January 2020
Vikotria - We went in April, and we saw tons of dolphins. I definitely recommend doing the Dolphin Explorer because we saw so many!
Tracy
Saturday 26th of August 2017
I have spent 2 vacations in World Center Marriot Resort. The whole resort is very luxurious. During vacation the resort is full of tourists from different countries. It's a pleasure to get introduced with them. The other resorts are on my list. Hope we would visit there soon.