Vote now! Readers' Choice Awards Best Family Resorts of 2026

The perfect family resort excels at keeping kids entertained all day while ensuring parents have ample time at the pool or spa, and of course, an adults-only dinner. Based on their own travels and experiences, our experts collectively gathered their selections for the best family resorts for this year’s Readers’ Choice Awards. Now, we want to hear from you. Vote for your favorite properties so we can name the people’s choice and assist other families looking to go on vacation or create a new tradition.

Voting period ends on June 17, 2026. We'll announce the winners on June 25.

Vote for the best family resorts!

Nominee 1: Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa

Ko Olina, Hawaii

Set on Oahu’s leeward coast in Ko Olina, Aulani brings Disney’s signature family programming to a Hawaiian setting. With a goal of blending fun for all ages, the resort weaves Hawaiian culture into its kids’ club, character meet-and-greets, and storytelling experiences, with a snorkeling lagoon, lazy river, and tiered pools designed to keep multiple ages happy. Character breakfasts give younger guests face time with familiar friends, while parents can slip away to Laniwai Spa or one of the on-site restaurants. Our panel highlighted the variety of room configurations available for families of different sizes, as well as the level of hospitality Disney provides at its non-park properties.

Nominee 2: Bavarian Inn

Frankenmuth, Michigan

A fixture in Frankenmuth’s Bavarian-themed downtown, the Bavarian Inn is known as a Michigan family getaway for its indoor pools, themed rooms, and proximity to shops, restaurants, and seasonal festivals. The recently expanded Bavarian Blast Waterpark, now Michigan’s largest indoor water park, stands out for families seeking winter escapes. The resort also has mini-golf, a family fun center, and an arcade, with the Bavarian Inn Restaurant a short walk away. The mix of activities and walkable surroundings makes it super practical.

Nominee 3: Big Cedar Lodge

Ridgedale, Missouri

Tucked into 4,600 acres of the Ozarks overlooking Table Rock Lake, Big Cedar Lodge is the wilderness resort founded by Bass Pro Shops’ Johnny Morris. Multiple pools, fishing docks, walking trails, and Fun Mountain—an indoor complex with arcade games, themed bowling, and more—draw families in. Cedar Creek Spa provides parental downtime, and Dogwood Canyon Nature Park adds a full day of outdoor adventures. Our reviewers cited the wide range of accommodations and activities, noting families can fill a week without repeating themselves. Branson is nearby for evenings out.

Nominee 4: Crystal Mountain Resort

Thompsonville, Michigan

In northwest Michigan’s Benzie County, Crystal Mountain also excels as a four-season resort. With downhill skiing and snowboarding in winter giving way to golf, mountain biking, and an Alpine slide once the snow melts, it continues the theme of year-round family activity. Our panel pointed to the Alpine slide as an unusual draw, along with the property’s ability to keep families busy year-round. The resort includes lodging options ranging from hotel rooms to condos and homes, plus a spa, indoor and outdoor pools, and Michigan Legacy Art Park on-site. It’s a manageable drive from much of the Midwest, making it a recurring choice for families looking for a single trip that adapts to the season they’re traveling in.

Nominee 5: Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Lake Buena Vista, Florida

Disney’s flagship Victorian-style resort sits along the Seven Seas Lagoon at Walt Disney World, building on the Disney dedication to convenience and connection. With monorail service direct to Magic Kingdom and a footpath that gets walkers to the park gates in roughly 10 to 15 minutes, the property stands out. Our experts highlighted that proximity, along with the resort’s transportation links to Epcot, as a key factor in its family appeal. The property layers in multiple pools, character dining at 1900 Park Fare, a kids’ activity program, and a tea experience aimed at younger guests. Parents get high-end dining at Victoria & Albert’s and Citricos, plus a full-service spa. For Disney trips where commuting time matters as much as park time, the Grand Floridian’s location does a lot of the work.

Nominee 6: Fairmont Scottsdale Princess

Scottsdale, Arizona

This Sonoran Desert resort runs a year-round calendar focused on family programming, from Christmas at the Princess—an elaborate village with ice skating and lights—to summer pool parties, including a dedicated kids’ pool and slides. Our panel valued the variety across visits. Trail Riders and Sonoran Splash each anchor different vibes, while Trailblazers Kids Club gives parents a break. Adults can relax at Well & Being Spa or dine at several restaurants, including longstanding Bourbon Steak.

Nominee 7: Gaylord Texan Resort

Grapevine, Texas

The Gaylord Texan adds Lone Star State scale to Marriott’s portfolio, featuring a four-acre indoor atrium and the seasonal Paradise Springs water complex with slides, a lazy river, and kids’ pool. Our panel highlighted the resort’s holiday programming—mainly the ICE! attraction—and variety of entertainment. Several restaurants, a spa, and proximity to Grapevine and DFW Airport make it accessible for regional and out-of-state families. The atrium becomes a holiday destination during Lone Star Christmas with displays and events. Year-round, it acts as a family escape minutes from the airport.

Nominee 8: Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort, Spa and Marina

Cambridge, Maryland

On Maryland’s Eastern Shore, the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay covers 342 waterfront acres along the Choptank River, combining family amenities, an 18-hole golf course, and a marina. Reviewers liked the indoor-outdoor pools and dedicated kids’ areas, especially for families with younger children in unpredictable weather. The property also has nature trails, kayak and paddleboard rentals, fishing charters, and Camp Hyatt for kids. Parents can golf, visit the spa, or dine dockside, while the Bay makes Cambridge’s downtown and wildlife refuges easy day trips.

Nominee 9: Nemacolin Resort

Farmington, Pennsylvania

Nemacolin stretches across over 2,000 acres in Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands, offering a dense array of activities on one property. Our panel noted the wide range of options, from seven pools and a kids’ club to bowling, tennis, off-roading, and a wildlife habitat. Two golf courses, a shooting academy, and a spa serve adults. Experiences include dog sledding, clay shooting, and winter ATV trails. Lodging options range from The Grand Lodge to simpler choices, letting families scale up or down as needed.

Nominee 10: Okana Resort and Indoor Waterpark

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Only about a year old, Okana Resort and Indoor Waterpark is a $400 million Chickasaw Nation development along the Oklahoma River and next to the First Americans Museum in OKC’s Horizons District. The 11-story property centers on a 100,000-square-foot indoor waterpark with a wave pool, lazy river, surfing simulator, and 15 water slides, plus a 4.5-acre outdoor adventure lagoon. An arcade, laser tag, and escape rooms complete the entertainment. Reviewers flagged the breadth of programming as key, especially for those seeking a year-round indoor option. Multiple restaurants and a spa offer amenities for parents.

Nominee 11: The Ranch at Rock Creek

Philipsburg, Montana

The Ranch at Rock Creek, an all-inclusive guest ranch on 6,600 acres in western Montana, pairs luxury accommodations—from lodge rooms to glamping cabins and a renovated historic barn—with more than 35 outdoor activities. Our panel pointed to the property’s ability to bring families together through shared experiences, including horseback riding, fly fishing on Rock Creek, archery, mountain biking, and, in winter, snowshoeing and trips to the nearby Discovery Ski Area. Meals, drinks, and most activities are included, simplifying decisions for multigenerational groups. Families enjoy the saloon with bowling and billiards.

Nominee 12: The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami

Key Biscayne, Florida

Set on a barrier island south of Miami, the Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne combines the brand’s polished reputation with a beachfront setting and robust kids’ program. Ritz Kids runs daily activities, while the beach, pools, and tennis program (long tied to Cliff Drysdale Tennis) keep older kids and parents active and occupied. Our reviewers say the resort feels elegant but not stuffy, with family events alongside fine dining and a full spa. The well-structured kids’ program delivers.

Nominee 13: Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort

Kapa’a, Kauai, Hawaii

On Kauai’s east shore in Kapa’a, this Sheraton sits on the Royal Coconut Coast with direct access to a crescent-shaped beach and a kid-friendly pool setup. Our experts pointed to the cultural programming as a reason for inclusion: ukulele lessons, lei-making, hula, and a regular luau give younger travelers a hands-on introduction to Hawaiian traditions, while older guests can fold them into a more relaxed beach week. Wailua River, Opaekaa Falls, and the trailheads at Lydgate Beach Park are within easy reach for day trips. Kauai’s quieter pace is a draw for families seeking to avoid Oahu’s crowds, and this is a great home base.

Nominee 14: The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa

Scottsdale, Arizona

With multiple panel nominations under its belt, The Westin Kierland anchors a north Scottsdale neighborhood that blends desert resorts with Kierland Commons’ walkable shopping and dining district. Reviewers highlighted the kid-focused water features, including a FlowRider surf simulator and a 110-foot waterslide, as well as the Coyote Camp kids’ activity club. Adults get a 27-hole golf course, spa, and a scotch library. The Sonoran Desert setting offers easy access to hiking, hot-air balloon rides, and other day trips. At the end of the day, the resort can accommodate larger families.

Nominee 15: Wyoming Inn of Jackson Hole

Jackson, Wyoming

Just outside downtown Jackson, the Wyoming Inn positions itself as a rustic-elegant base camp for families exploring the Tetons and Yellowstone National Park. A town shuttle, fitness center, and concierge service help families plan around the seasons (skiing and snowmobiling in winter; hiking, fly fishing, whitewater rafting, and wildlife viewing in summer). Our panel noted that year-round versatility is the property’s main draw, particularly for trips where some family members want adventure while others want downtime.

Vote for the best family resorts!

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Our Experts

Susan Lanier-Graham

Susan Lanier-Graham is an award-winning food, wine, and travel writer with more than three decades of experience exploring destinations around the world. She has visited luxury resorts, boutique properties, and hidden gems across six continents, bringing a discerning eye to every stay. As publisher of Wander With Wonder, she leads an award-winning digital publication that inspires readers to discover exceptional travel experiences. Her work blends firsthand insight with a passion for storytelling, offering trusted recommendations on where to stay, dine, and explore. Susan’s expertise helps travelers confidently choose destinations that transform trips into unforgettable, experience-rich journeys.

Susan R. Pollack

As an award-winning travel writer, Susan R. Pollack's stories and photos have appeared in scores of newspapers, magazines, and websites over her five-plus-decade career. From her home base in Metro Detroit, she has traveled to all 50 states, six continents, most of the world's top cities, and several islands and outposts along the way. An avid golfer, foodie, and Mahjong buff, she is a longtime member of the Society of American Travel Writers, Midwest Travel Journalists Association, and Golf Travel Writers of America. Follow her on Facebook.

Dena Roché

A travel and wine journalist and member of the prestigious Circle of Wine Writers, Dena Roché's publishing credits include Food & Wine, Full Pour, the BBC, and more. When she’s not exploring exciting destinations and wine regions, you can find her hosting private and corporate wine experiences in Scottsdale through her company Vin Roché.

Julie Dee Suman

Julie Dee Suman is a Maryland-based travel writer and award-winning photographer. She has traveled extensively, including over 48 countries across seven continents. Julie enjoys destination travel with a focus on outdoor and wildlife excursions. Follow her on Instagram.