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These Are the Best Family Vacation Ideas for Your Next Trip
If you're itching to organize a big family trip in the year ahead, behold our heavily researched, expert-vetted list of the best family vacation destinations to visit now, many of which are winners of Good Housekeeping's 2023 Family Travel Awards. These kid-friendly locations used downtime at the beginning of the pandemic to rethink, renovate or both. Many properties upgraded their pools, some refreshed guest rooms and others revamped their activities and amenities. A few were even built from scratch in an eco-conscious way.
Whether you're looking to chill out at an all-inclusive resort, get active in the great outdoors, check out new attractions at a theme park, hit the beach or cozy up in a cabin, there's a destination or experience here to match every mood. And, since intergenerational travel remains more popular than ever, we've also included options that will please everyone in your crew, from the youngest traveler to the oldest.
One thing to note: With the COVID-19 pandemic still an ongoing concern, travel activities and offerings are ever-changing. It's smart, especially when you're traveling with kids, to verify with your resort or destination that everything you want to do is open and available before booking your trip. But once you've confirmed your plans, be sure to check out the Good Housekeeping Institute's tried-and-tested list of essential travel gear and accessories to get ready for your trip. Bon voyage!
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Mexico and the Caribbean
Spend your days rolling in the waves, relaxing by the pool or enjoying some quiet time (thanks to some superior kids' clubs) at these island resorts.
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Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts (Punta Cana, Dominican Republic and Riviera Maya, Mexico)
Sure, the kids have it made at these sister all-inclusive resorts — both with massive waterparks, daily slimings and Nickelodeon characters galore. But grown-ups aren’t left out of the fun. Tequila tastings, spa treatments and romantic dinners can be on your agenda thanks to the supervised club for kids ages 4 to 12. And while you probably wouldn’t be booking a SpongeBob-themed room if you didn’t have the kids in tow, the decor is as mod and classy as it can be.
All the accommodations are suites that sleep up to five and have two bathrooms. In the Riviera Maya location, all suites have direct access to a pool from the balcony. (Yes, even on the top floor!) All-inclusive rates that are part of the brand's Summer of SpongeBob promotion start at $193 per person per night.
RELATED: Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana Is the Best Place to Travel With a Baby and a Sibling
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Atlantis (Paradise Island, Bahamas)
One of the most talked-about resorts in the Caribbean and the Bahamas, Atlantis is a top choice for families of all ages looking for a mix of relaxation and adventure. This luxurious resort, a Good Housekeeping 2023 Family Travel Award winner, features three beaches and 14 pools where parents and kids can spend the day relaxing in the sun. There's also a casino for adults and a variety of restaurants on the property to make dining easier.
But what really makes Atlantis stand out is its extravagant 141-acre Aquaventure park, featuring limitless water activities like high-speed slides and the Bahama’s longest river where you can go white water rafting. The resort is also home to a stunning aquarium, where guests can observe more than 50,000 animals and exotic sea creatures in their habitat. For those seeking even more adventure in this Bahamian paradise, you can book fun activities like swimming or kayaking with dolphins at Dolphin Cay, playing with sea lions, snorkeling and more. Rates start at $500 per night.
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Club Med Michès Playa Esmeralda (Dominican Republic)
Movies under the stars, trapeze lessons, windsurfing — with cool activities like these, kids will never want to leave this newish resort in the lush, away-from-it-all part of the island. Supervised clubs for babies through teens keep the good times rolling while you’re at the adults-only Zen pool or doing treetop yoga. (Yes, that’s a thing.) Solar panels, recycling, plastic-free water bottles and other sustainable initiatives are part of the eco-minded resort culture. All-inclusive rates start at $173 per person per night, $77 per night for each child ages 4 to 11.
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Beaches Negril Resort & Spa (Negril, Jamaica)
While this all-inclusive resort on the island’s idyllic 7-Mile Beach genuinely caters to all ages, toddlers and preschoolers will be star-struck. Sesame Street characters entertain them with story times, dance parties and even puppet-making! That’s on top of the mini water slides, splash areas and a playground that makes little ones squeal with glee and wears them out, so they’ll hit the sack early.
Private childcare and supervised kids’ clubs (for babies through teens, including those with special needs) are an option when you want a spa treatment, a quiet dinner or just to read a book on the beach. All the rooms and suites got a glow-up in 2020, so they’re thoughtfully designed for families. All-inclusive rates start at $356 per person per night for adults and $68 per night for each child ages 2 to 15.
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Fairmont Mayakoba (Playa del Carmen, Mexico)
When it comes to baby and kid gear, this luxury resort has you covered. Need a bottle warmer? They got it. How about a step stool for a toddler to reach the sink? Yours for the asking. With these worries aside, you can concentrate on the beauty of the surroundings (the resort is surrounded by a lush mangrove forest) and incredible bucket-list activities, like kids’ carnivals and night kayaking. Half of the 400 guest rooms are already renovated, and the rest will be complete by the end of the year. Rates start at $361 per night.
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Rock House Resort (Turks & Caicos)
Your family may never leave the water at this Mediterranean-inspired oasis, which opened in May 2022. In addition to a full kitchen and roomy living room, many of the villa-style accommodations feature a spacious private pool. (No way! Yes way!) And if your crew ever tires of it, fun awaits at the resort’s oceanfront infinity pool and stretch of white-sand beach, which is exclusive for resort guests. Just note that while a cliffside setting makes the resort incredibly picturesque, it’s impossible to navigate with a stroller — so bring the tweens, teens and even grandparents if they don’t have trouble climbing stairs. Rates start at $655 per night.
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New England Cozy
Lakes, lighthouses and hiking trails make New England a great place to visit in almost any season.
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Quisisana Resort (Lovell, Maine)
Kids will get a digital detox at this all-inclusive lakefront resort, but they’ll be too busy playing to miss their devices. Without TV or a Wi-Fi signal in the comfortable, air-conditioned rooms and cabins, they’ll be fully immersed in the slew of included activities — from paddle boating to tennis to sandcastle-building. They might even learn to kayak or catch their first fish.
At night, music fills the resort. Broadway-style shows, held in a new outdoor theater, entertain all generations. There’s something about the fresh air and a choice of lollipops that keeps most kids from getting too wiggly and the caliber of the performances is at least on par with good community theater.
The three included daily meals — with menu items like lobster rolls and Maine blueberry pie — will leave your crew’s bellies happy and full. And if you do need Wi-Fi occasionally, you can pop in the main lobby for some signal. Shh: The kids will be fine without it. All-inclusive rates start at $470 per night.
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Hidden Pond (Kennebunkport, Maine)
Escape the daily hustle and bustle at this New England refuge and GH 2023 Family Travel Award winner nestled among the wilderness in Maine. During the summer months, you can soak in some sun at one of the two pools or enjoy a swim in the ocean at Hidden Pond’s sister property, Tides Beach Club.
Guided nature walks, golfing, deep-sea fishing and biking trips are just some of the daily outdoor activities to participate in throughout your stay, while evenings can be spent by the campfire roasting marshmallows, eating gooey s’mores and stargazing. If you’re bringing the little ones, they’re in for a treat with a new activity every day, like tie-dyeing t-shirts, outdoor art classes and a marine science camp where they can learn about the ocean.
Also, don’t forget to check out Kennebunkport, a quaint New England town just 10 minutes away that’s known for its clam shacks and fresh lobster, galleries and beaches. If you’re eager to venture even further out and discover Maine’s natural beauty, consider organizing a sailing trip for the family or a whale-watching excursion. But if you'd rather cozy up by the fireplace in your gorgeous cottage, we won’t judge! Rates start at $600 per night.
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Smugglers' Notch Resort (Jeffersonville, Vermont)
Nestled in the Green Mountains, this resort is just as fun in the summer months as it is during prime ski season. Besides eight heated pools (some with waterslides!), the action-packed lineup of family activities has plenty to do whether you’re traveling with a toddler, teen or both. Sing-a-longs, magic shows and scavenger hunts keep little ones entertained while older kids will welcome the chance to take a guided hike, design and launch a water rocket or play glow-in-the-dark volleyball. A GH 2023 Family Travel Awards winner, condos at this property accommodate up to five bedrooms, making it possible for extended family and friends to stay together. Rates start at $174 per night.
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Ocean Edge Resort and Golf Club (Brewster, MA)
Beach, pool, eat, repeat — that’s how your crew will spend laid-back days at this Cape Cod gem. The private beach has gentle surf and at low tide, kids can spy little sea creatures in the tide pools. When the tide changes, head to the heated outdoor or indoor pools. Outdoor movies are the perfect wind-down to bedtime. And if you can pry the kids out of the water, activities like scavenger hunts, curated by the resort’s new director of fun (for real!) await. Just make sure to stay in the “mansion” section of the resort because that’s the part with private beach access. Rates start at $279 per night.
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Sebasco Harbor Resort (Phippsburg, Maine)
Kids will never forget sleeping in a lighthouse next to the ocean. The resort’s 1945 lighthouse contains recently renovated guest rooms with amazing views, sea breezes and conveniences like a fridge and microwave. The lighthouse rooms are also near the resort’s iconic oceanfront saltwater pool, which got a makeover this year. A vintage bowling alley, weekly pirate cruise and old-school kids’ club add to the New England charm. Rates start at $299 per night.
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California Dreamin'
Choose your California adventure: You can find bustling cityscapes, tranquil trails, beautiful beaches and even a fairytale castle.
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Los Angeles
Tweens and teens won’t roll their eyes if you suggest a vacay in L.A. — where, trust us, they’ll ask you to eat at In-N-Out-Burger (look cool and say you already had it on the list). Some more must-dos: Visit the Griffith Observatory for the out-of-this-world exhibits and a stellar view of the Hollywood sign, and if you're an outdoorsy family you can hike down from the observatory to the Hollywood Walk of Fame and famous TCL Chinese Theaters. The newish Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, where anyone 17 and under gets in free, is convenienly located near the classic La Brea Tar Pits and the cool LACMA (Los Angeles County Museum of Art). Some outdoor shopping at The Grove L.A. and a beach day in Santa Monica with a spin on the iconic wheel at the Santa Monica Pier will get you more well-deserved parent cred. Or, you can take a trip to Universal Studios Hollywood, where, for now, you can find the only Super Nintendo World open in the United States. After a day of sightseeing, the new Thompson Hollywood hotel exudes a laid-back California chic vibe — don’t be surprised if your teen wants to make TikToks from the rooftop pool. Rates start at $289 per night.
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San Diego
Can’t decide between heading to the beach or exploring a big city? San Diego has the best of both worlds, with near-perfect weather to boot. Make your home base a beach resort like the Loews Coronado Bay. It’s a short walk or resort shuttle ride to Silver Strand Beach — the spot is named for the silvery oyster shells that cover the beach and dune. Intersperse ocean side fun with short drives to the city’s famous zoo and cultural attractions. New this year: The San Diego Zoo’s Wildlife Explorers Base Camp has four nature play areas, the highly anticipated Comic-Con Museum in Balboa Park wows superhero fans and a newly opened Sesame Place entertains toddlers. Rates start at $250 per night.
RELATED: The Best Things to Do in San Diego With the Whole Family
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Monterey
The No. 1 reason to book a vacation in this coastal town: the aquarium. Yes, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is that good. It levels up the typical touch tank experience by letting little kids crawl through tunnels surrounded by tropical fish displays and use squirt toys to learn how animals stand up to big waves. There’s even a padded zone with eye-level exhibits for toddlers! And the whole family will be wowed by the aquarium’s newest exhibition, "Into the Deep: Exploring Our Undiscovered Ocean." Some of the creatures in the 21 live exhibit areas are newly discovered and haven’t even been named yet. Mind blown! Stay at the hotel next door, InterContinental The Clement Monterey. Rates start at $343 per night.
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Disneyland Resort and California Adventure (Anaheim, California)
If you're looking for a Disney trip with young kids, Disneyland may have the edge over an Orlando vacay. Here are some reasons why it's a winner of the Good Housekeeping 2023 Family Travel Awards: You can get on more rides without as much walking in California, so that means fewer tired and cranky kids. Summer weather is also usually better in Anaheim than hot-and-humid Florida. And rides like Radiator Springs Racers, which looks like it’s right out of the movie Cars, are a Cali-exclusive. If you're coming with little ones in a stroller or don't want to deal with transportation, consider staying at the new Westin Anaheim, which is just a quick walk to the parks. Rates start at $330 per night.
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Redwoods National and State Parks (Crescent City, California)
The fairytale-like setting and beginner trails at Redwoods National and State Parks make this a great spot for hiking and getting some fresh air. For instance, you can hop on the stroller-friendly Prairie Creek/Foothills Trail Loop where kids will be in awe of giant Redwoods and a babbling creek. Junior Ranger programs, for children ages 7 to 12, take place from mid-May to mid-September. If you don’t want to camp, stay at the nearby Hotel Arcata. On Saturday mornings, Arcata hosts the oldest farmers’ market in California. Rates start at $185 per night.
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Cavallo Point (Sausalito, California)
Nothing says California Dreaming like waking up to views of the Golden Gate Bridge from your hotel room! Located on the San Francisco Bay, this Good Housekeeping 2023 Travel Award winner is both family and pet friendly. In addition to spacious contemporary and historic rooms, it hosts a variety of activities for all styles, including hiking, biking and exploring Golden Gate National Park. Guests can visit Rodeo Beach, take a history tour of Fort Baker or simply spend the day playing bocce ball on the lawn. And once you’ve checked out all the local attractions in the Bay Area and have hopped on a ferry to explore San Francisco, you can take a class at the Cavallo Point Cooking School, a top-rated culinary school in the country. Kids will love visiting the Bay Area Discovery Museum, Slide Ranch and the Exploratorium. Rates start at $400 per night.
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Mountain Adventures
Outdoorsy families can participate in a variety of sporty activities at these mountains — and then head back to these resorts for some cozy quality time.
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Margaritaville Resorts (Gatlinburg, TN and Pigeon Forge, TN)
Located by the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, these action-packed resorts includes pools, access to kid-friendly hikes and close proximity to mountain-top theme parks with breathtaking views, like Anakeesta. The Gatlinburg resort is on a bustling downtown street just minutes from the park entrance, while the Pigeon Forge Island Hotel location is about 20 minutes north in an entertainment complex with rides, restaurants and shops. Rates start at $179 per night.
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Keystone Resort (Keystone, Colorado)
Snow-tubing in summer? Believe it! Families can take a trip up the River Run Gondola to access the same tubing hill that operates during the winter. This winner of the Good Housekeeping 2023 Family Travel Awards gathers snow from around the mountain to maintain the tubing hill so that guests can cool off from the summer heat and get their winter fix. Lakeside fun including biking and paddleboarding is also on the summer agenda at this resort. Rates start at $175 per night.
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Sunriver Resort (Sunriver, Oregon)
It would be impossible not to reconnect with nature at Sunriver Resort, a Good Housekeeping 2023 Family Travel Award winner. Set in picturesque central Oregon, the property isn't far from rivers where you can go tubing and mountains made for hiking. The Cove Aquatic Center — a hub for indoor and outdoor pools, waterslides and a nature walk — opened recently. There’s also a horse stable, four golf courses, a pool with private cabanas and multiple restaurants. Rates start at $279 per night.
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YMCA of the Rockies (Colorado)
Fresh Colorado air calling your name? Stay at another Travel Awards Winner, the YMCA of the Rockies, which has two convenient locations in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. If you’re hoping to spend your days hiking through Rocky Mountain National Park, consider staying at Estes Park, so you’re just feet away from nature. This property features private cabins, so you’re really able to disconnect and enjoy all that Colorado has to offer. Guests and especially kids can take advantage of a wide variety of activities like sledding, roller skating, tennis, yoga, archery, axe throwing and almost every sport you can think of! The Winter Park property (Snow Mountain Ranch) is another great option if you want some flexibility with your accommodation — not only does it offer cabins, but you can also opt to stay in a seasonal yurt or at an RV or tent site. Much like the Estes Park YMCA, kids and adults have tons of activities to choose from, including climbing, crafts, ice skating, winter tubing, Nordic skiing or hanging with a team of dog sled huskies. When choosing where to stay, just make sure to compare which property offers which activities and the location that suits you best. Rates start at $90 per night.
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The Greenbrier (White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia)
Tucked away in rural West Virginia near the Allegheny Mountains, the Greenbrier has been welcoming guests looking for a little bit of R&R since 1778. These days, the grand resort offers something for everyone in your group: world-famous golf courses, a full-service spa, a bowling alley, tennis, horseback riding, falconry and much more. A supervised Adventure Zone program keeps 3- to 12-year-olds busy with pond fishing, laser tag and a trip to the on-site greenhouse, so the adults can enjoy a spa treatment like the Mint Julip Body Bliss or a round of golf. Rates start at $409 per night.
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Under Canvas (multiple locations)
Once you camp at this resort — now with 10 locations from Maine to Montana — you’ll be spoiled for life. The upscale canvas tents, with housekeeping upon request, have private bathrooms. There’s even an option to get a “Kids’ Tent” next to yours so you have some more privacy. Programming includes bingo, movie nights, scavenger hunts and guided hikes. You can’t go wrong with any location, but the solar-powered spot about 15 minutes from Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah sounds amazing. Rates start at $329 per night.
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Epic Fun in Florida
The thrills of the theme parks, the serenity of the beach and everything in-between.
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Walt Disney World Resort (Orlando, Florida)
It's no surprise that Disney joined the list of Good Housekeeping 2023 Family Travel Award winners. This year, Disney is celebrating Disney100 (the company's centennial), and there's plenty in store including the opening of a new roller coaster, Tron Lightcycle Run, in Tomorrowland. Another reason to celebrate: character hugs are back after being on hold during the first two years of the pandemic! Just keep in mind that you need to make reservations for specific parks in advance, so don’t forget to check availability before you book a flight and hotel. Stay in recently renovated rooms (some with Princess Tiana theming) at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort — Riverside. Rooms start around $290 per night.
RELATED: How to Take the Best Photos at Walt Disney World, According to Cast Members
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Universal Orlando Resort (Orlando, Florida)
Accio, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter! It’s the best reason to make Universal all or part of your Orlando vacay. Your mini muggles will have their minds blown taking the Hogwarts Express, drinking butterbeer and using interactive wands to unlock magical experiences. The most recent addition, Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, has a cool twist. Just avoid reading online spoilers about the coaster. Overall, it’s the most immersive experience of any theme park, right down to hearing Moaning Myrtle in the bathroom. Stay at the Loews Sapphire Falls Resort, where resort guests can enter The Wizarding World an hour before it opens to the public. Plus, there's more to come: A new Epic Universe park is on the way for 2025, and a new Minions-themed attraction is opening in summer 2023. Rates, which include theme park tickets, start at $99 per person per night, based on a family of four.
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The Grove Resort & Water Park (Orlando, Florida)
If you’re doing some Disney, some Universal, maybe a day at SeaWorld, stay off-property at a resort that will give you more space for less money. Featuring only two- and three-bedroom suites, all with in-room laundry and a full kitchen, this place is a spacious home base for your family. Be sure to set aside a day for the kids to splash around its water park, complete with a lazy river, kids’ activity pool and surf simulator. Or rent swan paddle boats and fishing poles at the resort’s Lake Austin Pier. Rates for the Fifth Anniversary Package, which include a $55 resort credit, start at $399 per night.
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Grande Lakes Orlando, Florida
If you think serene and Orlando don’t belong in the same sentence, you haven’t been to this resort area that’s a complimentary 20-minute shuttle ride from Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando. Grande Lakes Orlando, winner of a Good Housekeeping 2023 Family Travel Award, is home to two sister hotels: the JW Marriott and The Ritz-Carlton. You can’t go wrong at either, but JW Marriott offers new family suites with bunk beds. Restaurants at both hotels are outstanding: Knife & Spoon is a Michelin Star steak and seafood restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton. When a Good Housekeeping tester dined there, she noticed many families with young children. Primo, an Italian restaurant at the JW Marriott, is also a stand-out. Plan to spend at least one of your vacation days just at the resort — eco-tours, kayaking, and a refreshed pool complex (with waterslides and a lazy river) provide plenty to do. Rates start at $400 per night.
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Beachside Hotel & Suites (Cocoa Beach, Florida)
A 1965 motel got a colorful renovation, and the kids are going to love it! The retro rooms exude happiness, with pops of bright hues in the curtains and seating. Your crew will soak up the fun at the pool, lazy river, the beach — just 300 feet away. Drive about 20 minutes to Kennedy Space Center where kids can get up close to the Space Shuttle Atlantis and blast off in the Shuttle Launch Experience. Rates start at $239 per night.
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Hawaii: Pineapples, Rainbows and Beaches
Who could want anything more? While Hawaii is certainly paradise to many, it's important that tourists take some time to learn about Hawaii's culture and values before visiting. You can check out Go Hawaii for more information on how you and your crew can to travel consciously and respectfully.
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Turtle Bay Resort (Kahuku, Hawaii)
A 2023 Good Housekeeping Travel Awards winner, filmmakers (including the Hunger Games crew) have long flocked to this oasis on Oahu’s North Shore for picture-perfect landscapes, like Banyan trees, sea turtles, and tranquil and big-surf beaches. Thanks to the property's massive transformation, the rooms, restaurants and pools are every bit as stunning as their natural surroundings. New ocean bungalows have a naturalistic design with fabulous lanais that feature a hanging egg chair swing. Professional surfer Jamie O’Brien leads up the resort's surf program — and, yes, even kids can take lessons. Stand-up paddleboarding and horseback riding are just some of the other bucket-list activities you could do as a family during your stay. Rates start at $699 per night.
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Wailea Beach Resort (Maui, Hawaii)
Say aloha to this lavish Maui beach resort and Good Housekeeping 2023 Travel Awards winner that you’ll never want to leave. Featuring five pools and the longest hotel water slide in Hawaii (in addition to three other waterslides and splash zones), kids will be entertained while adults can head to the spa or enjoy a day of golfing or playing tennis. Rooms are pristine and modern and for those who splurge for a hotel suite, you can enjoy 150 extra square feet of outdoor space for relaxing as the sun sets or practicing yoga to the sound of the waves. The oceanfront location means guests can spend their days at Wailea or Ulua beach and go snorkeling, paddleboarding and kayaking. Once you’ve explored the beautiful family-friendly island of Maui, don’t miss the kids club for children ages 5-12 to keep young ones entertained with books, arts and crafts, as well as the GameSpace for the whole family, movie showings three times a day and Hawaiian cultural workshops at the hotel. Rates start at $600 per night.
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Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa (Lahaina, Hawaii)
The pool area at this recently renovated resort and Good Housekeeping 2023 Travel Awards winner in West Maui entertains all ages. A sandy-bottom “keiki lagoon” with a waterslide and squirting animal sculptures has the hearts of the younger crowd, while daredevils gravitate to the giant lava tube slide. Kids can sign up for swim lessons from a mermaid (and wear a tail)! Rooftop stargazing, penguin feedings and lei-making are also popular with families. Rates start at $349 per night.
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Mauna Kea Beach Hotel (Kohala Coast, Hawaii)
By day, this resort’s crescent-shaped, white-sand beach has a treasure trove of shells, lava rocks and tide pools to explore. At night, the Big Island paradise shines floodlights in the water, which attract plankton and, ultimately, the manta rays who feed on it. It’s so fun to spy them from lookout points! The resort’s impressive collection of art and artifacts from the Pacific and Asia is another stand-out feature — older kids might want to listen to the podcasts about some of the pieces. Rates start at $999 per night.
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Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa (Ko Olina, Hawaii)
A chill, theme-park-free way for your kids to meet some of their favorite Disney characters, this resort on Oahu makes a Hawaii vacay even more magical. The resort’s award-winning kids’ club, Aunty’s Beach House, re-opened this year with themed activities and surprise visits from Mickey and friends. You can also book character breakfasts and dinners with photo-ops. Be warned: With a lazy river, rushing rapids, saltwater snorkeling lagoon and rainbow water jets, your kids may never want to leave the pool area. Rates start at $574 per night.
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Sheraton Waikīkī (Honolulu, Hawaii)
Ideal for larger groups, the newly renovated two-bedroom Ohana Suites sleeps six comfortably. They have views of Diamond Head crater — just be sure to make a reservation to enter the state monument. The resort is in a perfect spot on the famous Waikīkī beach, and its pools (one with an interactive fountain for kids and a 70-foot water slide) overlook the ocean. Ukulele lessons take place daily in the lobby and a supervised kids’ program offers activities for children ages 2 ½ to 12. Contact the resort for rates.
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Southern Charm
Pull on your cowboy boots and get ready for boating, theme parks and live music.
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New Orleans
With lots of outdoor music and beignets as a breakfast staple, NOLA is surprisingly kid-friendly. A dreamy day starts with a trolley ride from your hotel to City Park. That’s where your fam can have the warm, airy powdered sugar-topped treats at Cafe Du Monde. Tip: It’s far less crowded than its French Quarter location. From there it’s just a short walk across the greenspace to the newish Louisiana Children’s Museum, whose original location was flooded by Hurricane Katrina. Both the indoor and outdoor exhibits are creative and reflect the community — for instance, instead of the typical play space supermarket, there’s a Creole Kitchen. After lunch, walk to another City Park landmark: the New Orleans Museum of Art. While older kids will want to explore the collection — a wonderful sampler of many kinds of art — little ones may be content meandering in the free outdoor sculpture garden. You can catch impromptu jazz performances on the street, or make a reservation for Preservation Hall, a music venue that allows kids. End the night with an all-ages, stroller-friendly Ghosts of New Orleans walking tour. You’ll visit famous haunted locations in the French Quarter, but it’s not scary. Stay at One11, one of the newest hotels in the French Quarter. Once a sugar mill, it has an appealing vibe, convenient location and, most importantly, a pool. Rates start at $193 per night.
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The Outer Banks (North Carolina)
The Outer Banks are a string of islands off the coast of North Carolina, rich in history and boasting 100+ miles of idyllic beaches like the pristine and undeveloped Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Each town has its own southern charm and is full of activities like swimming, fishing, horseback riding, hang gliding, mini-golfing and more, making this destination perfect for all families. Fortunately, accommodation options are endless — you can rent a large beach house along the water or settle down in a quaint hotel for the week. During your stay make sure you take a stroll down the Duck Town Boardwalk to see the sunset and pop into a few boutiques and ice cream shops while you're there. When you need a break from lounging on the beach or catching waves, visit one of the five lighthouses in OBX, like the iconic Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, and don’t forget to take your kids to the Wright Brothers National Memorial to learn about the first flight. You can also explore the highest sand dunes on the East Coast at Jockey’s Ridge State Park, check out the North Carolina Aquarium or finish your day eating fresh, local seafood at one of the many seafood shacks in the area.
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Lakeway Resort and Spa (Lakeway, TX)
Just outside of Austin, on the shores of Lake Travis, sits this Texas Hill Country resort. Of the three big swimming pools, you'll probably spend most of your time at the one with the big Adventure Waterslide. Kids even score free chocolate chip cookies and ice pops to enjoy poolside. If you want to get out on the lake, you can rent boats, jet skis or pontoons. End a great day with free s’mores around the campfire. Rates start at $172 per night.
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Greenville, South Carolina
Halfway between Atlanta and Charlotte, Greenville combines the best of a big city and a small-town vacation. It boasts the 10th largest children’s museum in the country — mind-blowing for a town that has just 72,000 or so residents. The winner of a Good Housekeeping 2023 Family Travel Award, Greenville is also home to the Roper Mountain Science Center, a one-of-a-kind attraction. Besides science exhibits, its dino trail, planetarium and farm wow families. A free trolley makes it easy to get around the downtown area, and a 22-mile trail system is perfect for recreation.
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Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort & Spa (Pigeon Forge, Tennessee)
This Good Housekeeping 2023 Travel Awards winner is certainly worth a visit with the kiddos. With Flying Elephants, a Piggy Parade and Lucky Duckies, Dollywood’s Country Fair section couldn’t be more adorable if it tried. The Gazillion Bubble Show: Aurora also makes little ones squeal with glee. After a day at the park, check into the on-site resort which keeps the fun going thanks to a fort-style playground, bedtime stories and a splash pad. Resort guests have priority access to some rides, free shuttles to the park and early admission on Saturdays. Rates start at $379 per night.
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Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center (Nashville, Tennessee)
It’s hard to find a vacation spot that grandparents genuinely enjoy as much as the grandkids, and this sprawling resort is one of the rare gems. Top of the kids’ list: the Soundwaves water attraction, which boasts a massive outdoor wave pool and indoor surf simulator. Grandparents will want to go for the Delta Riverboat Tours inside the resort’s atrium, and everyone will adore the fountain show as well as the animal encounters. Rates, which include some kids’ activities, start at $324 per night.
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Mid-Atlantic Must-Sees
Explore Victorian enclaves, learn about our nation's history, sleep under a ball gown or visit a chocolate-themed hotel — or road trip between them all!
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Congress Hall (Cape May, New Jersey)
With its Victorian mansions, red-and-green trolleys and nostalgic candy stores, this beach town on the southernmost tip of the state is a throwback in the best way possible. Congress Hall, the oldest seaside resort in the country, provides a convenient and charming place to stay. It’s just a few blocks from downtown shops and the beach. The resort’s attendants will set up your family’s beach chairs, umbrellas and towels. Make sure your stay includes a Monday when the resort hosts a weekly carnival with kiddie rides, games and food on its sprawling front lawn. Rates start at $539 per night.
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The Hotel Hershey (Hershey, PA)
Checking in at this resort near HersheyPark sets the sweet tone for the rest of your stay: Each family member receives a full-size Hershey bar. Hop on the free shuttle to HersheyPark, where a Jolly Rancher-themed coaster with music and a flavor tunnel opened this year. After a full day of riding — there’s plenty for toddlers to thrill-seekers — retreat to the hotel where several pools including one with a kiddie spray deck await. The next day, head to Hershey’s Chocolate World to learn how the candy bar is made and create your own chocolate bar or peanut butter cup. Rates start at $499 per night.
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Woodloch Resort (Hawley, Pennsylvania)
Nestled in the Pocono Mountains, this all-inclusive retreat and Good Housekeeping 2023 Travel Awards winner packs your family’s vacation with fun activities. There are more than 30 ways to play — from bumper cars to paddle boats, zombie bowling to archery. Best of all, an adventure playground featuring a low ropes course with climbing ladders and play structures was just added this year. Rates start at $144 per adult and $45-$63 per child/teen per night.
RELATED: The Best All-Inclusive Family Resorts That Make Vacationing a Breeze
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Hotel Bethany Beach (Bethany Beach, Delaware)
This family-friendly seaside town is the perfect East Coast summer getaway, whether you’re coming for a quick weekend or longer. Bethany Beach’s sandy beach is clean and well-maintained so kids can run free, and the town’s boardwalk is great for a stroll as well as stopping by boutiques or grabbing a bite. Make sure to book your stay at Good Housekeeping's 2023 Travel Awards winner Hotel Bethany Beach, which features comfortable rooms made for beach lovers — the property is within walking distance from the water! It’s also pet friendly, so you don’t have to leave your pup back home, and the hotel offers little perks like fresh cookies, afternoon snacks and mini golf for the whole family. Rates start at $150 per night.
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The Roxbury (Stratton Falls, New York)
Fairytale vibes are strong at this quirky retreat in the Catskills. Multi-bedroom suites and cottages have fantastical themes like Crown of the Pendragons, the Faerie Forest and the ultimate kid-pleaser, Cinderella’s Gown. An 18-foot ball gown serves as a canopy for one of the beds. Plus, the bathroom is built inside an enormous pumpkin carriage. The whimsy continues outside to the heated pool area, with twisted poles and a crooked roof on the changing rooms. Rates start at $104 per night.
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Washington, DC and Outskirts
The best things to do in the nation’s capital are free. See the newly refurbished Lincoln Memorial, National Museum of African American History and Culture or the largest library in the world — The Library of Congress. FYI for your wannabe astronauts: The National Air and Space Museum requires free timed-entry passes, so book in advance. If you plan, you can also book a free tour of the White House. Just a half-mile walk from the White House, the Washington Marriott at Metro Center is a convenient place to stay. (Rates start at $199 per night.) Balance all the educational activities with a few days of play in the DC outskirts. The National Harbor area is a waterfront wonderland, with a carousel, giant Ferris wheel, summer concerts, outdoor movie nights and boat tours. Stay at the newly renovated Gaylord National Harbor & Convention Center. It features an indoor pool, outdoor kids’ splash zone and “Summer of More” activities, including scavenger hunts and animal encounters. Rates for the Summer of More, which include overnight parking and a $50 restaurant credit, start at $329 per night.
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Kingsmill Resort (Williamsburg, Virginia)
After a day of learning about the founding fathers (and the meaning behind those lyrics from Hamilton), families can retreat to Kingsmill to cool off and unwind. Your crew can paddleboard on the James River or float in the pool’s lazy river. Most accommodations are multi-bedroom condos with a kitchen, making it easy to cook some of your own meals. Wear the kids out before bed by running around on the sprawling green space or heading to the resort’s playground. Rates start at $209 per night.
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Pacific Northwest: A Breath of Fresh Air
Enjoy coastal landscapes, serene mountains and outdoorsy adventures in this picturesque region of the country.
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Portland, Oregon
Everyone in your family will find something to love about Portland: Artsy teens are impressed with the dozens of vintage clothing shops and vinyl record stores. Outdoorsy kids will adore the city’s famous bike culture. Little ones will be in their element at kid-focused attractions, like the Oregon Zoo and the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry. And for you? There are breweries galore, and most welcome kids. If you have time, take a side trip to a coastal town, like Cannon Beach.
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Olympic National Park (Washington)
Located on the Olympic Peninsula in the beautiful state of Washington, families of all ages will adore exploring all the various terrains of Olympic National Park, a Good Housekeeping 2023 Travel Awards winner. Hikers will revel in the rugged Pacific coastline, glaciers of the Olympic Mountains, stunning rainforests like Hoh Rain Forest and valleys. Those who are lucky might even stumble upon wildlife. In the winter months, make sure to visit Hurricane Ridge for skiing and snowboarding and in the summer take your crew boating on Lake Quinault or Lake Crescent.
National Park Service
