After a busy start to the year, taking time away from everyday routines can feel especially welcome. Many families hope to create meaningful memories together while also enjoying moments of rest and relaxation. Although balancing these goals can be challenging, the right resort can bring them together by offering engaging activities for children, teens and adults alongside comfortable and inviting settings. Family-friendly resort options are available in destinations such as Florida, Mexico, Jamaica and Tennessee and planning often comes down to selecting the best fit from a wide range of appealing choices.
Planning a spring break getaway can feel overwhelming when there are so many possibilities to consider. To make the process easier, we have selected a group of standout spring break resorts for families and highlighted the features that set them apart, from room options to on-site amenities. Below, we detail the nine best spring break resorts for families to help you plan your perfect family trip.
1. Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Riviera Maya
- Address: Carr Cancun-Tulum KM 45, Playa Del Carmen, QR, 77710
- Amenities: Themed water park, character meet and greets, kids club, onsite spa
- AAA Diamond-designation: Four Diamond
Nickelodeon properties have appeal to kids and adults alike, with the family resort in Riviera Maya being especially impressive. Fans of SpongeBob and the Ninja Turtles will fall in love with this goofy getaway. Kids are especially drawn to the Aqua Nick water park, where they can twist and turn on the slides, meander the lazy river or even get slimed. Younger visitors will adore the play structures at the resort's version of Paw Patrol's Adventure Bay.
Endless play continues at Club Nick, where kids can play while their parents get a well-deserved break. The Náay Spa is the perfect place to unwind, although the colorful signature suites can also be quite relaxing. If you're traveling with special needs kids, you'll be thrilled to discover that this is an Autism Double-Checked resort, offering sensory-friendly resources so all kids have the chance to explore and relax.
2. Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort & Spa
- Address: Point Lucea, Lucea, Jamaica
- Amenities: Onsite restaurants, kids' club, nightly entertainment
- AAA Diamond-designation: Four Diamond
Embrace the spirit of Jamaica at an island resort that's all about Infinite Indulgence. Here, both children and adults get to indulge, with younger visitors enjoying special activities in the kids' club, while their parents enjoy cocktails or hydrotherapy.
Grand Palladium truly comes alive at night, when live performances bring a festive feel. From theater shows to musical performances, there is something for everyone. Dining is half the fun and, while several restaurants maintain elevated atmospheres, there are plenty of casual options for busy families: Jamaican-style jerk chicken close to the infinity pool, for example or even self-service pastas and grilled meats at the Negril Restaurant.
3. The Hythe, a Luxury Collection Resort, Vail
- Address: 715 West Lionshead Circle, Vail, Colorado
- Amenities: Complimentary s'mores, onsite dining, spa services
- AAA Diamond-designation: Three Diamond
Not every worthwhile spring break vacation centers around beaches or pools. Instead of fleeing the snow, embrace it — head to the gorgeous mountain town of Vail and hit the slopes. There are many gorgeous spots in Vail, but The Hythe is one of the best when traveling with family. This is an especially great plan for keeping teens entertained, although between complimentary s'mores and access to ski schools, there's plenty to please younger kids as well.
Worried about the timing? Good news: ski season often extends through April, so, depending on when spring break is scheduled, you should find plenty of powder. After a long day of skiing, parents can unwind in the Hythe Spa, which offers facials, massages and access to the Himalayan Salt Lounge.
4. Dollywood's DreamMore Resort
- Address: 2525 DreamMore Way, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
- Amenities: Theme park access via trolley, story time, game room
- AAA Diamond-designation: Three Diamond
Vacation Dolly Parton-style at the gorgeous DreamMore Resort, which makes for a great stay as you explore Dollywood and the many other family-friendly attractions in Pigeon Forge. Complimentary trolleys will take you right to Dollywood, however, there's enough to do and see around the DreamMore Resort to keep you occupied.
This Pigeon Forge oasis truly is meant to feel both cozy and elevated. Enjoy down-home cooking at the Song & Hearth restaurant or grab treats near the pool. Camp DW nurtures young visitors' creativity with arts and crafts, while playgrounds help energetic kids get their wiggles out. Kids and adults alike adore the coziness of the daily storytime session, featuring favorite titles from Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
5. Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa
- Address: 3999 Mission Boulevard, San Diego, California
- Amenities: Polynesian theming, arcade room, beach rentals, scavenger hunt
- AAA Diamond-designation: Three Diamond
San Diego beaches may not be ideal for swimming in March, but don't let this stop you from visiting America's Finest City in the spring. The Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa offers a slice of island life in a setting that typically has lower crowds than other nearby spring break destinations. This Polynesian-themed wonderland boasts incredible theming, bringing you to another world without sacrificing convenient access to San Diego and all its amazing attractions.
Young visitors will fall in love with the chatty resident parrots — truly memorable resort ambassadors. Frisbees, volleyballs and other beach games and accessories are readily available, so sporty kids are bound to have a blast on the beach. The pool area offers plenty of entertainment and even an adjacent arcade room. Send curious kids on a scavenger hunt; once completed, they can redeem for a treat at Lava Java.
6. Legoland Hotel Florida Resort
- Address: One LEGOLAND Way, Winter Haven, Florida
- Amenities: Themed play areas, nightly entertainment, outdoor pool, theme park access
- AAA Diamond-designation: Three Diamond
Step into the Lego bubble at a truly immersive resort that promises delightful surprises around every corner. Legoland itself is a dream come true, but staying at the resort keeps the magic alive through every moment of your spring break getaway. The theming is immaculate, with rooms resembling pirate ships, castles and even the world of Ninjago. Kids get to hang out in their very own sleeping area, complete with a bunk bed. Onsite restaurants accommodate both wiggly kids and picky eaters.
The resort pool is truly incredible, featuring giant floating Lego bricks. Master Builder workshops introduce Lego enthusiasts to creative building techniques that will keep them feeling inspired long after spring break ends. Parents will appreciate the boardwalk, which offers stunning views of Lake Eloise. This is just one of multiple Legoland resorts worth visiting, so feel free to hit up the equally impressive vacation spots near San Diego or even Windsor.
7. The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Ka'anapali
- Address: 2365 Kaanapali Pkwy, Kaanapali, Hawaii
- Amenities: Bird encounters, ukulele lessons, family-friendly pool, outrigger canoe experiences
- AAA Diamond-designation: Four Diamond
Embrace the spirit of aloha at the Westin Maui Resort & Spa, which promises the perfect blend of pampering and excitement. There are plenty of suites that accommodate families, plus, separate adults-only areas. In other words: you don't need to worry about your boisterous kids disturbing peace-seeking vacationers.
The fun begins as soon as you enter the lobby, where you'll be greeted by a remarkable koi pond. Return to the lobby area in the morning for ukulele lessons (perfect for older kids and teens) or select afternoons for bird encounters. The resort also boasts an amazing aquatic playground, complete with an interactive splash zone and a water slide spanning 270 feet. Kids ages 6 and up can connect with the ocean during unique outrigger canoe experiences.
8. JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa
- Address: Hacienda Pinilla, Provincia de Guanacaste, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
- Amenities: Daycare, outdoor pool, onsite restaurants, pet-friendly accommodations
- AAA Diamond-designation: Four Diamond
Older kids and teens can be tricky to please, but even the most difficult-to-impress young travelers will fall in love with Costa Rica. You'll find the perfect home base at the JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa, which offers easy access to many remarkable attractions, not to mention, exciting and relaxing experiences onsite.
The Family By JW daycare program offers parents a break on their trip for some much needed rest. This keeps the children entertained while their parents unwind in the whirlpool or at the spa. Another perk is that this resort is both kid as well as pet-friendly, so you truly can bring the entire family.
9. Disney's Wilderness Lodge
- Address: 901 Timberline Dr, Lake Buena Vista, Florida
- Amenities: Campfire activities, pools and whirlpools, water taxi to Magic Kingdom
- AAA Diamond-designation: Four Diamond
Disney is the ultimate family experience, of course, but the long lines and constant stimulation can feel overwhelming. Take some time away from the theme parks without stepping out of the beloved Disney Bubble — book a stay at one of the many Disney World resorts. All are appealing to families in their own unique way, but Disney's Wilderness Lodge is especially inviting. The rustic chic vibes feel extra welcoming after a long day at Magic Kingdom, as do the whirlpools at Copper Creek.
Time spent unwinding is always valuable, but chances are, your family trip is all about theme park fun. Here, too, the Wilderness Lodge excels. Water taxis conveniently take you to and from Magic Kingdom, with buses available to access the other parks. Entertainment abounds onsite at the lodge, so build some time into your magical itinerary for campfire activities, along with arts and crafts, nature hikes and even storytime yoga.
Plan Your Spring Break Trip with AAA
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