Vote for your favorite family resort!
USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Awards
These 20 resorts — nominated by a panel of travel experts as the best family resorts in the United States — cater to families with a host of awesome amenities. That includes kids' programs, gourmet dining with kids' menus, roomy accommodations, and a wealth of activities that the entire family can enjoy.
Which family resort is your favorite? Let us know by voting once per day until voting closes on Monday, August 5 at noon ET. The 10 winning resorts will be announced on Wednesday, August 14 at noon ET.
Read the official Readers' Choice rules.
These 20 resorts — nominated by a panel of travel experts as the best family resorts in the United States — cater to families with a host of awesome amenities. That includes kids' programs, gourmet dining with kids' menus, roomy accommodations, and a wealth of activities that the entire family can enjoy.
Which family resort is your favorite? Let us know by voting once per day until voting closes on Monday, August 5 at noon ET. The 10 winning resorts will be announced on Wednesday, August 14 at noon ET.
Read the official Readers' Choice rules.
These 20 resorts — nominated by a panel of travel experts as the best family resorts in the United States — cater to families with a host of awesome amenities. That includes kids' programs, gourmet dining with kids'... Read More
Best Family Resort Nominees
Photo courtesy of Rightmind Advertising/G6M Productions
1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
The historic Victorian grandeur of the 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa crowns Eureka Springs, which families love for its trail hiking and biking in the warmer months and ice skating during the cold season. Daily programs range from a ghost tour and grotto cave exploration to s'mores and family games on the back porch.
Alisal Ranch
Solvang, California
Horseback riding is the big attraction at Alisal Ranch, but that's only the beginning of activities that families can enjoy. From studios for three to houses for up to 12, Western-style accommodations provide an adventure-inspired base for fishing, hiking, a petting zoo, a ropes course, and rodeo shows. Even better, several activities and daily breakfast and dinner are included in the standard nightly rate.
Photo courtesy of Disney
Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa
Ko Olina, Hawaii
Fully outfitted villas provide families all the comfort and convenience of home at Aulani, but with the added perks of a beach and assortment of swimming pools and water features in the backyard. Throw in Disney character experiences, family spa treatments, and luaus, and you have the makings of a fantasy family vacation in the tropical setting of Oahu.
Bahia Resort Hotel
San Diego, California
At the Bahia Resort Hotel, every single day is about family fun. Wake up with a soak in one of San Diego’s largest hotel hot tubs before hitting the beach — which is just steps away. The resort is packed with outdoor lawn games, a playground, and tons of activities like stand-up paddleboarding, sailing, and kayaking. Every evening ends with a beach bonfire, complete with requisite s’mores.
Barnsley Resort
Adairsville, Georgia
Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this 3,000-acre resort has space for families to get outside and tackle some adventures together. Horseback riding, hiking, and boat rides on the lake fill fun days for the whole family, while activities like archery and ax-throwing keep things exciting for older kids.
Photo courtesy of C Lazy U Ranch
C Lazy U Ranch
Granby, Colorado
At this luxury guest ranch in Colorado, families can enjoy an American West experience all year-round. Choose from 38 guest accommodations of varying sizes, from individual rooms to a selection of cabins. And when you're not lounging in your cozy space, activities at C Lazy U Ranch include horseback riding, practicing cattle pushing, hiking, mountain biking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing.
Photo courtesy of Caribe Hilton
Caribe Hilton
San Juan, Puerto Rico
At the Caribe Hilton in San Juan, kids (and grown-ups) can be a manatee caretaker for the day — giving families a glimpse into conservation efforts for these beautiful, endangered creatures. There are also secluded sandy beaches, an ocean-view pool complex, and a bird sanctuary on site. Guests can walk out of the hotel and step into the beauty of San Juan — and all the history and magic it has to offer.
Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa
San Diego, California
For families that want a taste of Hawaiian culture without the long-haul flight, the Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa is the perfect choice. Enjoy Polynesian food at a sunset luau, learn a traditional dance, or stop by the Kids Corner and learn how to make a lei. Scavenger hunts and ice cream socials round out the family-friendly vibe.
Photo courtesy of CherylCasey / iStock Via Getty Images Plus
Club Wyndham Ocean Walk
Daytona Beach, Florida
At this beachfront resort in Daytona, kids reign supreme. Multiple swimming pools and a lazy river mean the ocean isn’t the only entertainment — though Daytona’s famous sandy shores are only steps away. Two indoor swimming pools, an arcade, and indoor mini golf add to the entertainment for those infrequent rainy days.
Dollywood's DreamMore Resort and Spa
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Inspired by the pillars of togetherness, storytelling, and family, Dollywood's DreamMore Resort and Spa offers parkgoers a welcoming place to kick back and relax in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, just minutes from the theme park. Amenities include an interactive splash pad, zero-entry pool, door-to-door transportation to the park, and Dolly touches throughout.
Photo courtesy of Flathead Lake Lodge
Flathead Lake Lodge
Bigfork, Montana
For families looking for some room to sprawl out and decompress, the 2,000 acres of Montana countryside at the Flathead Lake Lodge is a top choice. An extensive list of activities for the kids give parents a break while engaging children in hours of fun, and resort activities like horseback riding, kayaking, and mountain biking scratch that itch for big adventures.
Photo courtesy of French Lick Resort
French Lick Resort
French Lick, Indiana
A world of leisure unto itself, French Lick Resort encompasses two historic hotels, a newer accommodations tower, plus outdoor activities from golf to horseback riding. Specifically for the kids, there's an Activities Center for crafts and games, as well special events, like movies on the lawn, pool parties, and circus performances.
Grand Hotel
Mackinac Island, Michigan
Guests at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island will likely find themselves relaxing in rocking chairs on the world's longest porch, overlooking the Straits of Mackinac. That's just one of many things for families to love at this storied resort, alongside a 220-foot-long swimming pool, biking, horseback riding, lawn games, and children's rates.
Photo courtesy of Hershey Entertainment & Resorts
The Hotel Hershey
Hershey, Pennsylvania
With a name like Hershey, families can expect the sweetest stay including free admission to some of Hershey's chocolate-y attractions and best pricing on others. A full range of outdoor activities plus crafts and fun and games (chocolate bingo, anyone?) are also available. A selection of guest rooms, suites, and villas ensures there's plenty of space for your family.
Koloa Landing Resort at Poipu
Koloa, Hawaii
Koloa Landing Resort at Poipu emerges as a family paradise with its vast array of amenities and activities that cater to every family member's needs. From the spacious multi-bedroom villas to the three inviting resort pools, including a 350,000-gallon main pool, the resort ensures a comfortable and luxurious stay. In addition to its incredible water features, the resort charms families with a putting green, volleyball court, poolside dining with a children's menu, and complimentary s'mores.
LEGOLAND Hotel at LEGOLAND California Resort
Carlsbad, California
LEGOLAND California Resort is a vibrant and playful destination that promises an unforgettable experience for families. With free daily breakfast, themed rooms, and family-friendly entertainment at LEGOLAND Hotel, there’s little chance to be bored. LEGOLAND guests also get early access to the adjacent theme park to beat the crowds and fit in as much fun as possible.
Mohonk Mountain House
New Paltz, New York
Staying in a castle is only the beginning of the fantasy vacation that families can fashion at the all-inclusive Mohonk Mountain House in the Hudson Valley. Most outdoor activities are included in the rates, and the Kids Club and buffet-style dining at breakfast are just two of a number of things that make this an ideal spot for the entire family.
The Resort at Paws Up
Greenough, Montana
At this working cattle ranch, families can choose exactly how much adventure they want. From short trail rides to a full day in the saddle, trips to The Resort at Paws Up are customizable. Between fly fishing and hiking, stop in at their world-class spa or grab an Instagrammable meal — it’s the perfect mix of luxury and adventure.
Photo courtesy of Alex Potemkin / E+
Skytop Lodge
Skytop, Pennsylvania
Bringing family fun to the Pocono Mountains for decades, Skytop Lodge is situated on 5,500 acres of pristine mountain land. The resort offers year-round activities for all ages, like zip lines and boating in the summer and ice skating and skiing during colder months. From quiet relaxing moments to high-adventure activities, there’s a reason families return to this resort year after year.
Woodloch Resort
Hawley, Pennsylvania
The Woodloch Resort welcomes families to the Poconos with accommodations ranging from single rooms to two-bedroom suites. If you need more space, vacation rentals are also available. Meal plans mean all-inclusive family dining, and guests enjoy access to a range of activities daily, with amenities like a rock-climbing wall, indoor and outdoor pools, go-karts, bumper cars and boats, kayaking, and snow tubing (in the winter).
About 10Best Readers' Choice Awards
Nominees are submitted by a panel of experts. 10Best editors narrow the field to select the final set of nominees for the Readers’ Choice Awards. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For any questions or comments, please read the FAQ or email USA TODAY 10Best.
The Experts
Allison Tibaldi
Allison Tibaldi is a travel and food writer based... Read More
Allison Tibaldi is a travel and food writer based in New York City. She has lived in Rome, Tuscany, Melbourne Australia, Toronto and Los Angeles. She studied early childhood development in graduate school and firmly believes that travel is the best education. She writes for numerous publications including CNN, Travel Channel, HGTV, am New York, Emirates Open Skies, Family Traveller and Travel Weekly.
Allison Tibaldi
Allison Tibaldi is a travel and food writer based in New York City. She has lived in Rome, Tuscany, Melbourne Australia, Toronto and Los Angeles. She studied early childhood development in graduate school and firmly believes that travel is the best education. She writes for numerous publications including CNN, Travel Channel, HGTV, am New York, Emirates Open Skies, Family Traveller and Travel Weekly.
Dennis Malcolm "Ale" Sharpton
Dennis Malcolm Byron aka Ale Sharpton is a... Read More
Dennis Malcolm Byron aka Ale Sharpton is a world-renowned beer authority, award-winning journalist, blogger (AleSharpton.com), photographer, event planner, host, speaker and beer judge to name a few of his roles. While passionately traveling the globe to cover everything from automobiles to culinary scenes, celebrity profiles, sports, hotel destinations, art, and what he terms “the world’s best beverage,” Ale has contributed to more than 30 magazines and websites combined. His current media outlets include USAToday, Thrillist.com, Craft Beer & Brewing, CraftBeer.com, Theinfatuation.com, ButterATL.com, James Beard Foundation, Atlanta Magazine, and others. Along with being featured in various publications, on the web, radio, podcasts, television, beer fests, conferences, and ongoing Cruisin’ For A Brewsin’ video series, Ale utilizes his Cornell University School of Hotel Administration education and vast work experience to consult in the culinary industry as well. Forbes, Smithsonian Institution, UNTAPPD, Good Beer Hunting, and numerous others have showcased Ale’s accomplishments. In a collaboration going on six years with brewing giant New Belgium, Ale has produced a beer he conceptualized called Piano Keys—a chocolate vanilla imperial stout—geared to support diversity and racial equality. This project with New Belgium also spawned his initiative, BrewGether, which raises funds to support nonprofits embracing the same mission as Piano Keys. Ale proudly owns AllWays Open Creative Solutions, an agency specializing in creative direction, logo design, branding, web design, video production, photography, consulting, and social media. Although a native New Yorker, Ale proudly calls Atlanta his home. Follow Ale’s globetrotting adventures on his captivating Instagram (@realalesharpton).
Dennis Malcolm "Ale" Sharpton
Dennis Malcolm Byron aka Ale Sharpton is a world-renowned beer authority, award-winning journalist, blogger (AleSharpton.com), photographer, event planner, host, speaker and beer judge to name a few of his roles. While passionately traveling the globe to cover everything from automobiles to culinary scenes, celebrity profiles, sports, hotel destinations, art, and what he terms “the world’s best beverage,” Ale has contributed to more than 30 magazines and websites combined. His current media outlets include USAToday, Thrillist.com, Craft Beer & Brewing, CraftBeer.com, Theinfatuation.com, ButterATL.com, James Beard Foundation, Atlanta Magazine, and others. Along with being featured in various publications, on the web, radio, podcasts, television, beer fests, conferences, and ongoing Cruisin’ For A Brewsin’ video series, Ale utilizes his Cornell University School of Hotel Administration education and vast work experience to consult in the culinary industry as well. Forbes, Smithsonian Institution, UNTAPPD, Good Beer Hunting, and numerous others have showcased Ale’s accomplishments. In a collaboration going on six years with brewing giant New Belgium, Ale has produced a beer he conceptualized called Piano Keys—a chocolate vanilla imperial stout—geared to support diversity and racial equality. This project with New Belgium also spawned his initiative, BrewGether, which raises funds to support nonprofits embracing the same mission as Piano Keys. Ale proudly owns AllWays Open Creative Solutions, an agency specializing in creative direction, logo design, branding, web design, video production, photography, consulting, and social media. Although a native New Yorker, Ale proudly calls Atlanta his home. Follow Ale’s globetrotting adventures on his captivating Instagram (@realalesharpton).
Jamie Davis Smith
Jamie is a travel writer who has visited over 50... Read More
Jamie is a travel writer who has visited over 50 countries, many of them with her children in tow. She loves visiting everything from theme parks to ancient ruins and packs strictly carry-on-only. Jamie can be reached at jamiesmithwrites@gmail.com.
Jamie Davis Smith
Jamie is a travel writer who has visited over 50 countries, many of them with her children in tow. She loves visiting everything from theme parks to ancient ruins and packs strictly carry-on-only. Jamie can be reached at jamiesmithwrites@gmail.com.
Jenny Peters
Jenny Peters – aka Jet Set Jen – is a Los... Read More
Jenny Peters – aka Jet Set Jen – is a Los Angeles-based freelance journalist, editor and party columnist specializing in travel, entertainment, film, food, wine, fashion and the other good things in life. She is a founding/voting member of the Critics Choice Association, who present the Critics’ Choice Awards every January. Her favorite places to be are on the beach in Southern California playing volleyball, scuba diving with the sharks in warm tropical waters or strolling the streets and soaking in the atmosphere of one of the world's great cities (New Orleans and Florence are her favorites).
Jenny Peters
Jenny Peters – aka Jet Set Jen – is a Los Angeles-based freelance journalist, editor and party columnist specializing in travel, entertainment, film, food, wine, fashion and the other good things in life. She is a founding/voting member of the Critics Choice Association, who present the Critics’ Choice Awards every January. Her favorite places to be are on the beach in Southern California playing volleyball, scuba diving with the sharks in warm tropical waters or strolling the streets and soaking in the atmosphere of one of the world's great cities (New Orleans and Florence are her favorites).
Joanne and Tony DiBona
Travel memories may fade over time, but... Read More
Travel memories may fade over time, but photographs recall those magical moments.
Joanne and Tony DiBona
Travel memories may fade over time, but photographs recall those magical moments.
Katie McElveen
Writer Katie McElveen began her travel career when... Read More
Writer Katie McElveen began her travel career when a wrong turn on the way to a family vacation took her on an eleven hour odyssey that she thoroughly enjoyed. Today, more than 40 countries later, her work has appeared in Real Simple, Southern Living, Global Traveler, Fodor’s, Virtuoso, Bride’s, Islands, Reader’s Digest, AFAR and other publications.
Katie McElveen
Writer Katie McElveen began her travel career when a wrong turn on the way to a family vacation took her on an eleven hour odyssey that she thoroughly enjoyed. Today, more than 40 countries later, her work has appeared in Real Simple, Southern Living, Global Traveler, Fodor’s, Virtuoso, Bride’s, Islands, Reader’s Digest, AFAR and other publications.
Marla Cimini
Marla is a writer with a passion for travel, music... Read More
Marla is a writer with a passion for travel, music and culinary adventures (and combining those whenever possible)! As an avid globetrotter, she encourages respecting and learning about other cultures while traveling. She has visited Hawaii multiple times, and has explored destinations worldwide, including the Mediterranean region, South America, Asia and more. Marla is a contributor to Fodor’s Hawaii guidebooks (Oahu and Kauai 2020) and her articles have appeared in a number of international publications. She calls New Jersey (Philadelphia area) home. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter and read her travel tips and adventures on her website.
Marla Cimini
Marla is a writer with a passion for travel, music and culinary adventures (and combining those whenever possible)! As an avid globetrotter, she encourages respecting and learning about other cultures while traveling. She has visited Hawaii multiple times, and has explored destinations worldwide, including the Mediterranean region, South America, Asia and more. Marla is a contributor to Fodor’s Hawaii guidebooks (Oahu and Kauai 2020) and her articles have appeared in a number of international publications. She calls New Jersey (Philadelphia area) home. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter and read her travel tips and adventures on her website.
Meg St-Esprit
Meg St-Esprit (she/her) is a freelance writer... Read More
Meg St-Esprit (she/her) is a freelance writer chasing down and covering the most interesting and quirky ideas about parenting, home design, education and travel. She lives with her husband, four kids and way too many pets in Pittsburgh. Her work has appeared in a variety of publications including The New York Times, Washington Post, Romper, Fodor's, and more. Meg studied counseling and human development during her higher education journey, and applies that knowledge and expertise to her writing as well. When she's not writing, she's definitely camping.
Meg St-Esprit
Meg St-Esprit (she/her) is a freelance writer chasing down and covering the most interesting and quirky ideas about parenting, home design, education and travel. She lives with her husband, four kids and way too many pets in Pittsburgh. Her work has appeared in a variety of publications including The New York Times, Washington Post, Romper, Fodor's, and more. Meg studied counseling and human development during her higher education journey, and applies that knowledge and expertise to her writing as well. When she's not writing, she's definitely camping.
Melanie Reffes
Melanie is an island girl at heart . Born in... Read More
Melanie is an island girl at heart . Born in Manhattan, she now lives on the sunny island of Montreal and covers the Caribbean for a variety of publications including USA TODAY 10Best, CaribbeanTravel.com and MarryCaribbean.com. A journalist with a boatload of writer awards under her belt, Melanie's affection for the Caribbean started young when her family vacationed in Puerto Rico. An avid fan of spicy food, Melanie enjoys the diversity of Montreal - especially during the warmer months -when she's not en route to the Caribbean. She holds a Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of Toronto.
Melanie Reffes
Melanie is an island girl at heart . Born in Manhattan, she now lives on the sunny island of Montreal and covers the Caribbean for a variety of publications including USA TODAY 10Best, CaribbeanTravel.com and MarryCaribbean.com. A journalist with a boatload of writer awards under her belt, Melanie's affection for the Caribbean started young when her family vacationed in Puerto Rico. An avid fan of spicy food, Melanie enjoys the diversity of Montreal - especially during the warmer months -when she's not en route to the Caribbean. She holds a Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of Toronto.
Melissa Curtin
At age 20 Melissa Curtin traveled around the world... Read More
At age 20 Melissa Curtin traveled around the world on Semester at Sea, igniting her passion for globetrotting and learning about new cultures. She is a longtime educator, a Fora travel advisor, and has been a freelance travel and food writer for over 10 years - published in Lonely Planet, Fodor's, Insider, MSN, AAA World, Travel Awaits, and many more. Raised in Connecticut, she has joyfully lived in California the last 17 years splitting her time between Malibu and Palm Springs.
Melissa Curtin
At age 20 Melissa Curtin traveled around the world on Semester at Sea, igniting her passion for globetrotting and learning about new cultures. She is a longtime educator, a Fora travel advisor, and has been a freelance travel and food writer for over 10 years - published in Lonely Planet, Fodor's, Insider, MSN, AAA World, Travel Awaits, and many more. Raised in Connecticut, she has joyfully lived in California the last 17 years splitting her time between Malibu and Palm Springs.
Tamara Gane
Tamara Gane is an expert panel member for 10Best... Read More
Tamara Gane is an expert panel member for 10Best Readers' Choice Awards. She's based in Reno/Lake Tahoe and in addition to USA Today 10Best, her work has been published in Travel & Leisure, Fodor's Travel, The Washington Post, SF Gate, Houston Chronicle, Lonely Planet, and more.
Tamara Gane
Tamara Gane is an expert panel member for 10Best Readers' Choice Awards. She's based in Reno/Lake Tahoe and in addition to USA Today 10Best, her work has been published in Travel & Leisure, Fodor's Travel, The Washington Post, SF Gate, Houston Chronicle, Lonely Planet, and more.
10Best Editors
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original,... Read More
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.
10Best Editors
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.