The Best Family-Friendly Hotels to Book in Florida

Who said a kid-friendly hotel in Florida can’t be luxurious? Naples Bay Resort gives you and your partner the parental getaway you deserve. Waterway views from private balconies spoil you upstairs, while waterfront dining, a sauna and luxury boat rentals wait just beneath. If that doesn’t put a smile on your face, the beach is only 2mi (3km) away – but we have a feeling that the hotel’s five pools (including an adults-only lap pool) will make you reluctant to leave the premises.

You’ll find the family-friendly Acqualina right on the water, amid the fully clothed sun worshippers of North Miami Beach (no topless sunbathing here!). Adventure awaits your little AcquaMarines as they learn about dolphins, ocean storms and more as part of the immersive children’s program. Looking for more to do before heading back to your suite? Yard games, kite-flying and even private swimming lessons can all be added to the Acqualina agenda. The little ones will be so tired out, you may be able to sneak into the spa while they snooze.

Do we really need to tell you that O-town has a kid-friendly hotel designed for a Florida family vacation you’ll never forget? Floridays Resort is right on I-Drive, putting you close to literally every ride, attraction and restaurant that’ll make your kids’ eyes jump out of their heads. Both the two- and three-bedroom suites have full kitchens, dining rooms and living areas just like home. Unlike home, there’s a huge pool deck where you’ll be the one getting drinks hand-delivered to your lounge chair.

Want to convince your kids that you studied abroad at Hogwarts? Book a stay at Universal’s Aventura and you’ll get early admission to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter with the flick of a wand. While they’re entranced, casually mention that they can walk to Volcano Bay from your suite whenever they want to – how do the Muggles say it? – “chillax in the pool.” Once they find out all this, plus discover their own area in the hotel suite, they’ll say you’re the best parent in the universe.

Islander knows how to get your kids off of their iPads during your stay on Islamorada island: keep them occupied. Their fingers can’t swipe a screen when they’re wrapped around a paddle while standing on a paddleboard. They won’t find a charger on the fishing pier or on the basketball court. Your little ones will forget all about finding a charger because they’ll be too busy cycling, snorkeling or running around the splash pad.

Fill your family vacation with vibrance at Art Ovation in Sarasota. This is one of the best family hotels in Florida for parents with older teens. It’s hip – the kind of hip that your kids will appreciate. Revolving art exhibits and performance art fill the lobby, while guest artists arrive each week to create new masterpieces before your eyes. If you don’t have a little Rembrandt or Dalí in your gene pool, let them hang out at the rooftop pool while you join a curator-led art and wine walk.

Your other half may roll their eyes when you insist that the PGA National Resort is one of the best kid-friendly hotels in Florida. We’ll glaze over the obvious: six sensational golf courses, a dreamy spa and private cottages with members’ only access. And for the kiddos? Junior golf and tennis camps, zero-entry pools, a supervised kids’ club, in-room child care and dozens of other activities. It’s enough to tell your spouse: “I told you so” – under your breath, of course.

A two-bedroom waterfront suite is all you’ll need at Sailport, and with a little convincing, it’ll be enough for the kids as well. The private beach area has a pool, fishing pier and perfect place on the patio to watch the sunset. A few serves over the volleyball net is never a bad idea, unless you skip their sand court for the sands of the public swimming beach around the corner. And if they get hungry, you can feed them burgers and fish tacos at the on-site restaurant.