7 great hotel programs that keep kids active on vacation

When it comes to fitness, hotels and resorts are no longer just focusing on adults. Increasingly, with a bit of creativity and fun, they are getting kids and teens in shape too. Here’s a look at some of the programs that aim to inspire young ones to take what they started on vacation and turn it into healthy habits they can continue when they get back to reality.

RELATED: 7 National Parks experiences kids will love 

Photo courtesy of Sandpearl Resort

Sandpearl Resort: Clearwater Beach, FL

Embracing the growing wellness trend and adding to its already robust children’s programming, Sandpearl Resort recently launched its Yoga for Kids class. The session puts a twist on the traditional practice, teaching kids elementary moves like the “Bunny” and the “Turtle,” and the Kids’Club mascot, Ridley the Turtle, makes special guest appearances. Held once a week, parents are encouraged to attend.

Resorts World Bimini: North Bimini, The Bahamas

There’s no end to the cardio-pumping water activities at this 750-acre resort, casino and marina. At Resorts World Bimini’s Paradise Beach, kids can choose from guided tours with glass-bottomed kayaks, paddle boards, water bikes, banana boats and more. Through on-site tour operator, Bimini Undersea, kids and teens can join an active snorkel excursion in Bimini’s blue waters to see the legendary S.S. Sapona shipwreck that has been there for almost 100 years. Another popular excursion for kids is the wild dolphin expedition — where families can swim alongside a pod of friendly wild dolphins, right in their natural habitat.

Photo courtesy of the Westin Playa Bonita

The Westin Playa Bonita: Panama City, Panama

Families staying at the Westin Playa Bonita, a tropical beachfront oasis just a stone’s throw from the famed Panama Canal, can take advantage of the resort’s Westin Family program, which celebrates the global language of play by encouraging families to travel deeper and experience Panama’s rich history and local culture. Among the program’s fitness classes geared towards kids and teens are 30-minute dance lessons that showcase local songs and rhythms and also the Mini Beach Olympics, which teach the basics of team-building skills. Evening stretch classes help little ones unwind after a busy day of exploring. 

Acqualina Resort & Spa: Sunny Isles, FL

The weekly Teen Scene at Acqualina consists not only of art classes, but also a dance and hip hop class, and a speed and agility session, designed to teach aspiring athletes proper training techniques with an emphasis on strength, speed, agility and injury prevention. There’s also a volleyball clinic at Acqualina to teach the basics, beachfront basketball courts, soccer field, foosball and ping pong tables.

Photo courtesy of CasaMagna

CasaMagna Marriott Cancun Resort: Cancun, Mexico

Situated on a bright blue strip of the Mexican Caribbean, the CasaMagna Marriott Cancun Resort has kiddie yoga classes along its shaded grassy area on the CasaMagna lawn that can be arranged upon request, and also wellness options including spa treatments like the Ice Cream Pedicure or the Mayan Princess for a Day package. The resort also is home to a Kids Club that offers an outdoor bounce house for a fun cardio activity, as well as group swimming activities.

Our Orbitz Rewards benefit all ages. Sign up today!

Boulders Resort & Spa: Carefree, AZ

An array of fitness activities for teens awaits in the Boulders Resort and Spa‘s own 1,300-acre backyard, including rock climbing clinics for the adventurous. The surrounding high Sonoran Desert and its striking rock formations provide the perfect backdrop. Taught by the Boulders’ professional guides, this is a virtual rock climber’s paradise, where active teens can learn a classic “crack” and “face” climb on two carefully selected routes that are ideal for beginners or experienced climbers.

Do check out the new waterfall rappel on the resort’s picturesque grounds, beginning at the base of a waterfall that cascades over the ancient rock formations near the Main Lodge. Led by the resort’s expert guides, beginners and more experienced teens can vertically descend rock faces through a safe and controlled descent over the surrounding waterfall. Teens can also hike, mountain bike and participate in junior golf and junior tennis clinics.

Photo courtesy of the Great Wolf Lodge

Great Wolf Lodge: Garden Grove, CA

Kids are invited to kick-start their day with the new “Yoga Tails” morning program designed to stimulate imagination, self-expression, and self-control and held in the GreatWolf Lodge’s grandlobby. During class, young “wolf pups” flutter like butterflies and roll around like happy bears as they learn beginner’s yoga movements and important breathing techniques to help channel their inner yogi, Great Wolf style. The morning classes are free and part of a new roll-out of 2016 kids programming.

Tagged: California, Caribbean, Family time, Florida, Hotels