4 kid-friendly resorts for your next family vacation

Summer’s just about here, which means the advent of lemonade stands, firefly-catching and, of course, your family’s much-anticipated summer vacation. Check out these four over-the-top, kid-friendly resorts that will surely keep little ones (and adults) relaxed and entertained.

Related: These are the top 9 things you’ll hear on a family road trip—with advice on how to deal included!

1. The Coco Key Hotel and Water Park, Orlando

A kiddie’s paradise, indeed! This 54,000 sq. ft. canopy-covered, outdoor water park includes 14 slides and four heated pools for hours of fun in the sun. And, as if things couldn’t get better, there’s also an arcade with skee ball, bowling and arcade games galore. Celebrating a summer birthday? Coco, the resort’s fun-loving parrot mascot, will help you throw a birthday bash your little one will be sure to remember. Kid-friendly activities like water balloon tosses and Sunday Sundaes are available daily. For more action, transportation to and from nearby Universal Studios is provided.

The Coco Key Hotel and Water Park – Orlando, FL

2. Hilton Hawaiian Village, Waikiki

Set on a white-sands beach with coral-reef protected waters and boasting five impressive pools, this resort is a swim kid’s dream. It’s Hawaii’s largest resort and includes a 10,000 sq. ft. beachfront pool and a family activity pool with the longest water slide in Waikiki. Kids ages 5-12 will enjoy Camp Penguin, which offers a kid-approved area with games, music, and arts and crafts. Daily educational activities like sandcastle building abound and chaperoned field trips to the Honolulu Zoo and the Waikiki Aquarium are offered. That’s right—field trips sans parents! Kick your feet up and relax for the afternoon. Perhaps a couple’s massage at the spa or an adult beverage is in order?

Hilton Hawaiian Village – Waikiki, HI

3. Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa, Austin

Horses, donkeys and alpacas casually roam the grounds and will likely greet you and your family upon arrival. The Crooked River Water Park at the resort provides a more natural setting than your typical theme-park amenities and is sure to please kids and adults alike. Go tubing in the 1,000-foot flowing river pool or take and adult time-out in the kids-free pool. The little ones are sure to make a splash with the two-story water slide and children’s pool. Face painting, scavenger hunts and other excursions await kiddies (ages 3-12) at Camp Hyatt at Lost Pines. Whether you’re seeking adventure or relaxation there’s plenty to explore while the kids are at camp. Enjoy the great outdoors with rafting, hiking and horseback riding. A game of golf or a treatment at the spa may be just what you need. End the day with s’mores and snuggles around the campfire.

Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa – Austin, TX

4. Paradisus Playa Del Carmen La Esmeralda, Playa del Carmen

Luxury and kids’ fun go hand in hand at this popular all-inclusive resort. Let the little ones loose with the kids-only interactive pool, classes like pizza-making and hip-hop dancing, and kiddie spa services. Other thoughtful, kid-minded offerings include the Family Concierge, chocolate chip cookies at turndown and mini bathrobes. Plus, with all those kids activities available, you’ll want to make good use of the complimentary loaner phones, so you can stay in touch with your crew while they make the most of all the cool family offerings.

Paradisus Playa del Carmen La Esmeralda

Tagged: Family time, Florida, Hawaii, Mexico