Here’s How To Pick The Best Family Friendly All-Inclusive Resort For Your Next Getaway

Found primarily in Mexico and the Caribbean, all-inclusive resorts are a terrific option for families — but not all are the same. As a frequent visitor to all-inclusives, I’ve learned that choosing the right type is key to a successful trip.  

Following are several categories of all-inclusive family resorts – with some recommended choices – to help you select the kind that best fits your family’s needs.  

You can choose an all-inclusive family-friendly resort based on things such as:

• What does it include? Does it work for all ages?
• Are there a wide variety of kid-centered amenities?
• What type of family amenities, activities & entertainment exist?
• Are there any adult/grandparent amenities (or quieter/tranquil spots for those who need them)
• Does it work for your budget (entry-level, luxury, ultra luxury)
• What’s the dining like?
• Would a resort with both à la carte & all-inclusive plans be better?

Resorts typically vary by:

• Age Policies and Restrictions
• Primary Target Audience
• Activities and Entertainment
• Location and Environment
• Dining Options
• Accommodation Options
• Extra Perks

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A Great, All-Around Family All-Inclusive

• What this means: Everything is included in your rate, even tips, and it works for all ages
• Best for families who: Need peace of mind, simplicity and no surprise costs

Recommended Resorts: 

• Grand Palladium Kantenah Resort – Riviera Maya, Mexico
  • Favorite feature: The family-friendly sections of this property include Grand Palladium Colonial, Kantenah and White Sands Resorts (where you are also free to enjoy access to the pools, restaurants and amenities). TRS Yucatan delivers an adults-only experience.
  • Good for: Families of all sizes/ages, multigenerational groups
  • Other: Kantenah’s Family Selection option is great for an elevated experience with exclusive amenities and personalized service.

• Club Med – Punta Cana
  • Favorite feature: CREACTIVE by Cirque du Soleil program, where skilled instructors help you try activities such as trapeze, aerial silks, the trampoline and juggling
  • Good for: Families with kids from infants on up and those traveling with grands as there are activities for the young and young at heart
  • Other: The resort offers dining options with kids’ menus and connected rooms/suites for easy family interactions

• Hotel Xcaret – Playa Del Carmen, Mexico

A Family All-Inclusive With Lots Of Activities & Entertainment

• What this means: There’s no shortage of things to do/participate in/learn/try
• Best for families who: Have active kiddos of all ages, want lots of choices as far as activities and entertainment

Recommended Resorts:

• Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana – Dominican Republic
  • Favorite feature: Family-friendly water park with lazy river and slides, separate area for younger children, zero-entry pool and play structures. Beautiful beachfront location with spacious rooms and a wide array of dining options
  • Good for: Every age group, multigen families
  • Other: Convenient online portal available on-property here for booking things, checking the daily activity schedule or placing orders quickly and efficiently

• Dreams Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa – Dominican Republic
  • Favorite feature: Multiple pools, a kid’s club, a teen club as well as a water park that includes plenty of slides (including racer and toboggan options) and a splash zone
  • Good for: Families of all ages looking for a more sophisticated all-inclusive experience with spacious suites and plenty of activities
  • Other: This resort is located on an “untouched” stretch of the Dominican Republic and is brand new, opening in September 2025

• Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts – Riviera Maya, Mexico

A Family All-Inclusive With Perks For Adults/Grandparents

• What this means: Perks such as separate adults-only areas/pools/restaurants, full-service spas, activities such as golf/fitness & wellness
• Best for families who: Would enjoy a little adult-time to recharge, pursue a sport/interest combined with time with kids

Recommended Resorts:

• Zel – Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
  • Favorite feature: The resort is large, so it’s not hard to find a secluded spot to relax. Adults may also enjoy swim-up suites, a spa, fitness classes and scenic running trails
  • Good for: All ages who are interested in relaxation, multigen families
  • Other: Book Zel’s “Reserve” rooms or upgrade to Family Concierge for better rooms, premium service and access to extra amenities

• Margaritaville Island Reserve – Riviera Cancun, Mexico
  • Favorite feature: Find your escape at the multiple pools, private beach area, diverse dining and bar options, a full-service spa, fitness center, live entertainment and daily activity choices
  • Best for families who: Want a laid-back, relaxing environment in a smaller all-inclusive
  • Other: The resort partners with the Autism Double-Checked program to offer an Autism Concierge service, assisting families with these specific needs

• Windjammer Landing – St Lucia

An All-Inclusive For Your Budget

What this means: The overall resort is on par with your vacation/spending goals – be that more budget-friendly, a bit of a splurge or decidedly upscale

Best for families who: Want a resort that gels with their spending style and preferences

Recommended Resorts:

• Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa – St. Lucia
  • Favorite feature: The amazing variety of things to do for all ages – a waterpark, an age-divided, action-packed kid’s club, pools, beach, watersports, evening entertainment and themed activities
  • Good for: Families of all kinds who are looking for more of a value-centered/budget-friendly all-inclusive
  • Other: Many resorts in St Lucia are quite far from the airport, but this one is only a five-minute drive

• Paradisus – Playa del Carmen, Mexico
  • Favorite feature: This 5-star resort keeps the youngsters busy with a water playground, multiple pools & slides, kids club for under age 10, daily family games/activities
  • Good for: Families who play together, especially great for toddlers, younger school-age kiddos, multi-gen groups who want a more upscale experience
  • Other: The option to upgrade to “Family Concierge” delivers a premium room, concierge service, priority dining and more.

• Spice Island Beach Resort – Grenada
  • Favorite feature: Pretty, serene, family-owned resort with friendly staff dedicated to helping make your vacation exceptional
  • Good for: Especially nice for families with really young children or older teens/grandparents looking to relax
  • Other: Stepping outside the resort and getting to know the island here is an easy & fun option – the concierge can help you do so easily

A Family All-Inclusive That Prioritizes The Dining Experience

What this means: The dining experience is purposely curated to be more enjoyable and intimate; this can mean fewer on-site restaurants, but more attention to good food/drinks

Best for families who: Prefer – and can appreciate – a higher-end dining experience.

Recommended Resorts:

• Grand Velas – Riviera Maya, Mexico
  • Favorite feature: This resort has world-class gastronomy (including a Michelin-starred restaurant) and a variety of restaurants and cuisines. Fresh ingredients, culinary innovation, and exceptional service are prioritized
  • Good for: Families of all kinds (but especially those with younger children) looking for a luxury all-inclusive experience that also emphasizes high-quality food/dining
    • Other: This property is all suites, so there’s room for everyone. It also boasts an award-winning spa and plenty of activities/entertainment for all ages

• Fairmont Mayakoba – Riviera Maya, Mexico
  • Favorite feature: You can expect a colorful, diverse, high-quality dining experience here, with multiple restaurants and bars, each offering unique flavors and settings
  • Good for: Families who love an elevated menu and appreciate higher-end food/beverage options; they are also very attentive to food allergies here
  • Other: The resort is known for its beautiful, natural setting and serene atmosphere, combined with the high-quality amenities and service

• Jumby Bay – Antigua

A Family-Friendly Resort With Both All-Inclusive & A La Carte Plans

What this means: The resort itself may not be completely all-inclusive, but there’s the option to enjoy an all-inclusive plan – or simply pay as you go via the à la carte option

Best for families: Who prefer a resort that’s not all-inclusive itself, but like the convenience and simplicity of that kind of plan. Those who will not use much of what’s included in the all-inclusive plan or who may spend more time off-resort might like the à la carte option

Recommended Resorts:

• Hacienda Encantada Resort & Residences – Los Cabos, Mexico
  • Favorite feature: Multiple pools including a splash pad and kid’s pool
  • Good for: Families who want choices. Multigenerational families who may want different plan options
  • Other: The resort shuttle can take you into Los Cabos – it’s included in the all-inclusive plan (and a small fee for others) and runs roughly every two hours

• Kempinski Hotel – Cancun, Mexico
  • Favorite feature: This is a picturesque beachfront property with a lifeguarded swim area, multiple pools, sand toys for kids upon arrival and a kids’ club
  • Good for: Families (including multigen) who want a quieter beachfront escape with attentive service and good food along with an optional all-inclusive plan
  • Other: The resort offers lovely & spacious rooms and suites, some with balconies overlooking the ocean

• Margaritaville Beach Resort – Nassau, Bahamas

Sometimes, of course, you can find a lodging option that combines more than one offering. Be sure the one that’s most important to your group and your goal is the one that leads the way, no matter what the location. These considerations all help to make the choice of an all-inclusive one that effectively meets your family’s needs in the best way possible.

Read More:

• Yes! There are All-Inclusive Resorts in Florida!
• Unwind & Reconnect: All-Inclusive Family Resorts in Turks & Caicos
• Unwind & Recharge: Top All-Inclusive Resorts for Your Puerto Vallarta Escape
• Lush and Lovely All-Inclusive Resorts in Jamaica for Families