When planning a family vacation in the USA, finding the perfect hotel is key to making your trip smooth, comfortable, and enjoyable. As someone who’s traveled with family numerous times, I know the importance of choosing a hotel that offers something for everyone. Whether it’s kid-friendly amenities, spacious rooms, or proximity to family-friendly activities, the right hotel can elevate your experience. Below, I’ve compiled a list of the top 10 family travel hotels in the USA, each with a unique blend of comfort, style, and family-oriented features. I’ve also rated each on a scale of 1 to 5 and included Expedia links for easy booking.
1. Great Wolf Lodge, Grapevine, Texas
Rating: 4.8/5
Why Families Love It: The Great Wolf Lodge is a top destination for families, especially those with younger children. The centerpiece of the hotel is its massive indoor water park, featuring multiple slides, a lazy river, and splash areas for toddlers. Beyond the water attractions, the resort offers nightly storytime, character meet-and-greets, and the MagiQuest adventure game, which turns the entire hotel into a magical scavenger hunt.
Family-Friendly Amenities:
- Indoor Water Park: Perfect for year-round fun, with sections for different age groups.
- Kids Suites: Featuring wolf dens or cabin-themed decor that make bedtime an adventure.
- On-site Dining: Family-friendly dining options that cater to all dietary preferences.
Insider Tip: If you’re celebrating a birthday, the hotel offers special birthday packages that include room decorations and cake delivery.
Book Great Wolf Lodge on Expedia
2. Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort, San Antonio, Texas
Rating: 4.7/5
Why Families Love It: This sprawling resort feels like a luxurious family retreat with its rustic charm and excellent service. The resort features a lazy river that winds through the property, as well as multiple pools and a FlowRider® wave machine for surfing enthusiasts. There’s also an 18-hole golf course and a spa for parents who need some relaxation time. What impressed me most was the family programming, including evening s’mores and wildlife experiences that are both fun and educational.
Family-Friendly Amenities:
- Lazy River and Pools: A big hit for kids who love water, with shaded cabanas for parents.
- Camp Hyatt Kids’ Club: Offering activities like arts and crafts, scavenger hunts, and nature walks.
- Spacious Family Rooms: Equipped with mini-fridges and plenty of space for families with multiple kids.
Insider Tip: Book a riverside room to enjoy peaceful views and easy access to the lazy river.
Book Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort on Expedia
3. The Breakers, Palm Beach, Florida
Rating: 4.6/5
Why Families Love It: The Breakers combines luxurious accommodations with family-friendly activities in one of Florida’s most beautiful locations. While the resort is known for its historic architecture and sophisticated atmosphere, it’s also extremely family-friendly. The resort features five oceanfront pools, a private beach, and a kids’ club that offers a range of activities for children. There are also plenty of water sports and beach activities to keep everyone entertained.
Family-Friendly Amenities:
- Kids Camp: Available for children ages 3-12, offering activities like treasure hunts, pool games, and crafts.
- Family Entertainment Center: Features a video game room, playground, and indoor sports court.
- Five Pools and Private Beach: Offers poolside service for parents and plenty of shallow areas for younger kids.
Insider Tip: Take advantage of the family cabanas by the beach for a perfect, private day under the sun.
4. Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, Scottsdale, Arizona
Rating: 4.7/5
Why Families Love It: The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess offers a perfect blend of luxury and family-friendly activities. The resort features six pools, two of which are designed specifically for children, including a zero-entry pool with a splash pad. The highlight for families is the seasonal programming—during the holidays, the resort transforms into a magical wonderland with light shows, ice skating, and even visits from Santa. During the summer, the resort offers dive-in movies, waterslides, and a kids’ club that provides arts and crafts, scavenger hunts, and more.
Family-Friendly Amenities:
- Kids’ Club: Offering daily activities like crafts, games, and themed events.
- Multiple Pools: With a family pool, waterslides, and a splash pad for younger kids.
- Seasonal Events: Including summer dive-in movies and festive winter wonderland experiences.
Insider Tip: For the ultimate family fun, visit during one of their holiday-themed events to experience the magic of Christmas at the Princess or their 4th of July Freedom Fest.
Book Fairmont Scottsdale Princess on Expedia
5. Omni Mount Washington Resort, Bretton Woods, New Hampshire
Rating: 4.5/5
Why Families Love It: Set in the beautiful White Mountains, the Omni Mount Washington Resort is an ideal destination for families who love the outdoors. In the winter, you’ll find world-class skiing and snowboarding, while the summer offers hiking, mountain biking, and zip-lining. The hotel itself exudes old-world charm but provides modern amenities like spacious family suites and an indoor pool. The resort’s organized family activities, like guided nature walks and evening bonfires, add a special touch.
Family-Friendly Amenities:
- Family Suites: Spacious rooms with bunk beds and kitchenettes for easy meals.
- Winter Sports: Ski-in/ski-out access during the winter, with equipment rentals available.
- Kids’ Adventure Programs: Including scavenger hunts, hikes, and campfire storytelling.
Insider Tip: Visit during the fall for stunning foliage and a more relaxed pace compared to the busy winter months.
Book Omni Mount Washington Resort on Expedia
6. Westin Kierland Resort & Spa, Scottsdale, Arizona
Rating: 4.6/5
Why Families Love It: Located in the heart of Scottsdale, the Westin Kierland Resort is a fantastic desert escape for families. The highlight of the resort is its Adventure Water Park, complete with a lazy river and 110-foot water slide. There’s also a FlowRider for surfing enthusiasts and a dedicated kids’ club for younger guests. For parents, the on-site spa and nearby golf course provide ample opportunities to unwind.
Family-Friendly Amenities:
- Adventure Water Park: Featuring a lazy river, waterslide, and family pool.
- Westin Family Kids’ Club: Offering cultural immersion activities, crafts, and nature walks.
- Nearby Hiking and Outdoor Activities: Perfect for families who enjoy adventure and the great outdoors.
Insider Tip: Try the resort’s “Family Fun Package,” which includes daily breakfast and a FlowRider session for the kids.
Book Westin Kierland Resort on Expedia
7. The Lodge at Spruce Peak, Stowe, Vermont
Rating: 4.7/5
Why Families Love It: The Lodge at Spruce Peak is the perfect blend of luxury and nature. Set against the backdrop of the Green Mountains, the resort offers year-round outdoor activities, including skiing, snowshoeing, and ice skating in the winter, and hiking, golfing, and swimming in the summer. I loved the family suites that come with kitchens and plenty of space to spread out. The resort’s farm-to-table dining and wellness programs are also excellent for parents looking to rejuvenate while the kids enjoy their adventures.
Family-Friendly Amenities:
- Ski School and Winter Sports: Ski-in/ski-out access with lessons available for children.
- Summer Activities: Guided hikes, fishing excursions, and campfires for s’mores.
- Large Condos and Suites: Perfect for families needing extra space and kitchen facilities.
Insider Tip: Book in advance for the holiday season when the resort transforms into a winter wonderland.
Book The Lodge at Spruce Peak on Expedia
8. The Hotel Hershey, Hershey, Pennsylvania
Rating: 4.8/5
Why Families Love It: Located next to Hersheypark, this hotel is an excellent choice for families who want to be close to the excitement while still enjoying luxury accommodations. The hotel offers complimentary shuttle service to the park, making it incredibly convenient. Inside the hotel, you’ll find an array of amenities, including outdoor pools with water slides, a sports complex, and chocolate-themed spa treatments. The kids’ program is also top-notch, with activities like chocolate bingo and scavenger hunts.
Family-Friendly Amenities:
- Outdoor Pool Complex: Featuring slides and splash zones for kids.
- Chocolate-Themed Spa: Offering family spa packages that include chocolate-infused treatments.
- Sports Complex: With tennis, basketball, and even a small golf course for kids.
Insider Tip: Don’t miss the Chocolate World attraction, located right next to the hotel – it’s an interactive experience for the whole family.
Book The Hotel Hershey on Expedia
9. LEGOLAND Hotel, Carlsbad, California
Rating: 4.5/5
Why Families Love It: If you have young LEGO fans in the family, this hotel is a dream come true. Each room is themed, from pirate adventures to knight quests, and there are LEGO-building stations throughout the hotel. The on-site restaurant offers kid-friendly meals and even LEGO-themed desserts. The hotel is steps away from LEGOLAND California, making it super convenient to visit the park multiple times during your stay.
Family-Friendly Amenities:
- Themed Rooms: With treasure hunts and LEGO models to build.
- Exclusive Early Access to LEGOLAND: For hotel guests.
- Nightly Entertainment: Including dance parties, LEGO-building competitions, and character appearances.
Insider Tip: Book a room with a separate sleeping area for kids, giving adults a bit of extra privacy during their stay.
Book LEGOLAND Hotel on Expedia
10. Kingsmill Resort, Williamsburg, Virginia
Rating: 4.6/5
Why Families Love It: Kingsmill Resort offers the perfect mix of history and modern comfort. Located near Colonial Williamsburg and Busch Gardens, it’s an ideal base for families wanting to explore the area’s rich history. The resort has multiple pools, golf courses, and a marina where families can rent kayaks or paddleboards. I appreciated the family-friendly cottages that felt like home and the variety of on-site activities that catered to all ages.
Family-Friendly Amenities:
- Family Cottages: With full kitchens and living areas for a home-away-from-home experience.
- Outdoor Adventures: Including bike rentals, paddleboarding, and golf.
- Nearby Attractions: Colonial Williamsburg and Busch Gardens are just a short drive away.
Insider Tip: Book a family boat tour from the marina to get a unique perspective on the scenic James River.
Book Kingsmill Resort on Expedia
Choosing the right family-friendly hotel can truly make or break your vacation. Each of the hotels I’ve highlighted offers something unique, whether it’s a thrilling water park, an immersive outdoor adventure, or proximity to top attractions. From Great Wolf Lodge’s indoor water wonderland to the historic elegance of The Breakers in Palm Beach, these hotels offer fantastic accommodations, dining, and activities to keep every member of the family entertained and comfortable. The best part? You can book all these hotels easily through Expedia, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free trip.
If you’re looking for more travel inspiration, be sure to check out my guide on the Top 10 Most Beautiful Cities to Visit. It’s packed with stunning destinations that are perfect for family trips. And don’t forget to explore TopBuyTrips.com for more travel tips, guides, and hotel recommendations to help you plan your next unforgettable family vacation.
Happy travels!