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Let’s face it: It’s almost impossible for parents to totally bliss out on a family vacation. If you’re vacationing with a baby, there are diapers to change; if you’re on vacation with toddlers or older kids, there are mealtimes to navigate and bedtime routines to attempt; and vacationing with teens comes with its own unique challenges and responsibilities.
But staying at an all-inclusive family resort can totally up the relaxation factor by reducing many of the things you need to think about or decide while on a family travel adventure. And it’s even better when it’s an all-inclusive resort where kids and teens stay free.
Sound like a vacation dream come true? Thought so. Here are the best family-friendly all-inclusive resorts in the U.S., Canada, and the Caribbean with deals that let kids stay free.
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1. Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusive (and Divi Aruba)
Oranjestad, Aruba
Located on a stretch of beautiful Caribbean beach more than a mile long, the all-inclusive Tamarijn Aruba offers newly renovated oceanfront rooms with easy access to the sand and surf. Families can enjoy the amenities and facilities of both this resort and its all-inclusive sister resort, Divi Aruba. All told, you’ll have access to 10 restaurants, four freshwater pools, an oceanfront fitness and watersports center, bikes, lighted tennis courts, and a 30-foot rock climbing wall on the beach.
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The weekly activity calendar for kids ages four to 12 might include anything from kite flying to sandcastle building. Best yet, kids ages 12 and under stay and eat free, while kids ages 13 to 17 are just $75 per child per night.
2. Grand Residences Riviera Cancun
Puerto Morelos, Mexico
Kids 12 and under stay free at Grand Residences Riviera Cancun in Puerto Morelos, about a half hour outside of Cancun, Mexico. Most suite options include a private Jacuzzi on the terrace; some even have private pools.
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The resort’s all-inclusive kids-stay-and-eat-free offer includes all meals and drinks, access to amenities like a private stretch of beachfront, an infinity pool with views of the Caribbean (where a beach and pool concierge can assist with any needs), a fully equipped gym, and a kids club where guests ages 12 and under can play video games, take craft classes, learn about the local culture, or just hang out and play.
3. The Broadmoor Ranch at Emerald Valley
A wilderness experience offered by The Broadmoor, the all-inclusive dude ranch-style Broadmoor Ranch at Emerald Valley helps families partake in a true Colorado outdoor getaway. Families bunk down in one of 13 rustic-chic cabins with gas fireplaces and other modern amenities.
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You can spend your days hiking through Pike National Forest, kayaking, biking, fly fishing, or horseback riding, then gather around the evening campfire for s’mores. Every morning begins with “Cowboy Coffee” around the fire pit, while twice-weekly cookouts feature good eats plus musical performers. Kids under seven stay free at the ranch; they can also stay free at its sister property, Cloud Camp at the Broadmoor.
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4. Sonesta Maho Beach Resort, Casino and Spa
Maho, St. Maarten
The 10-acre beachfront Sonesta Maho Beach Resort in Sint Maarten (the Dutch side of the Caribbean island whose northern half is the French St. Martin) offers lots of fun for families. The resort’s main Oasis Pool has water slides for bigger kids, a special area for little ones, and a swim-up bar for the grownups.
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Children ages three to 12 can enjoy games and supervised activities at the Beach House Kids Club while older kids can hang out at the Teen Zone. And the whole family can watch in amazement as planes coming in for a landing at nearby Princess Juliana International Airport fly right over Maho Beach. The all-inclusive resort’s kids-stay-free deal allows up to two children ages five and under to stay for free with an accompanying adult. Kids ages six to 12 cost just $45 per child per day.
5. Club Med Quebec Charlevoix
Petite-Riviere-Saint-Francois, Quebec, Canada
The 302-room Club Med Quebec Charlevoix is Club Med’s first resort in Canada. Open year-round, here families can enjoy a range of activities depending on the season, from skiing in the winter to guided mountain biking and hiking excursions in the warmer months. All meals are included with stays, and the resort boasts a wellness area with a 25-yard heated pool and outdoor jacuzzi.
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The Children’s Clubs offer programming and activities for kids ages four to 17, with options ranging from scavenger hunts and crafts to group skiing and snowboarding lessons. For a truly special experience, you can splurge on one of the 25 suites that are part of the property’s Exclusive Collection, which provide more space and access to extra amenities. Kids under the age of four stay for free at this Club Med (and at all family-friendly Club Med resorts). Kids ages four to 11 pay just 50 percent of the adult price.
6. Villa Del Palmar Cancun
Cancun, Mexico
Five outdoor swimming pools (including one just for kids), four restaurants, complimentary stand-up paddleboards and snorkeling gear, and a colorfully decorated kids’ club offering games and crafts—these are just a few of the reasons families love staying at Villa Del Palmar Cancun, an all-inclusive resort that often runs kids-stay-free promotions.
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The beachfront resort’s location also makes it easy to explore other spots on the Yucatan Peninsula, including Isla Mujeres and nearby Mayan ruins. This year, families can take advantage of a special deal for travel through January 3, 2024, where up to two kids under 12 years old can eat and stay free with adult all-inclusive plans. Bookings must be made by December 21, 2022, and blackout dates apply.
7. Woodloch Resort
Hawley, Pennsylvania
The all-inclusive Woodloch Resort in Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains is equally popular among toddlers and teenagers, and it’s easy to see why. Guests can take part in more than 30 scheduled activities each day, from pool games and scavenger hunts during spring break and summer vacation season to holiday-themed activities and outdoor sports over winter vacation.
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Kid-pleasing amenities include an adventure playground, bumper boats and cars, indoor and outdoor pools, a disc golf course, go-karts, mini golf, and snow tubing. Nightly family-friendly entertainment offers something for the whole crew. Kids six and under stay free during select dates through the end of 2022 (subject to availability) with the likelihood of additional dates in 2023.
8. Blue Haven Resort (and Alexandra Resort)
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos
At Blue Haven Resort and its sister property Alexandra Resort (reopening October 18, 2022, after a refurbishment) in Turks and Caicos, kids 12 and younger stay, eat, and play for free. Alexandra Resort is situated on the white sands of Grace Bay Beach, while Blue Haven Resort is located in the upscale residential community of Leeward and has the only private beach in Providenciales. The two offer shared amenities that include a water trampoline, bicycles, pools, tennis courts, snorkeling gear, kayaks and stand-up paddle boards, and a 24-hour fitness room.
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If that’s not enough to keep the kiddos busy, the resorts’ Fun Pals program serves up a slew of age-appropriate activities for little kids through teens. Both properties’ suites are well-suited for families, many with balconies or terraces and ocean views.
9. Garza Blanca Resort and Spa Cancun
Cancun, Mexico
With multiple pools, an ocean obstacle course, and a sea life-themed kids club that leads indoor and outdoor activities, there’s always something to do at the all-inclusive Garza Blanca Resort and Spa Cancun. Families can stay in one of the 452 luxury suites, and there are plenty of dining options to appeal to any palate, even picky eaters.
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If you book before December 21 for travel through January 3, 2024, the resort is offering an all-inclusive kids-stay-free deal where up to two kids under 12 years old can eat and stay free (some blackout dates apply). The same deal is also being offered at Garza Blanca Resort and Spa Los Cabos and Garza Blanca Preserve Resort and Spa in Puerto Vallarta.
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10. Moon Palace Jamaica
Ocho Rios, Jamaica
Test your surfing skills on the FlowRider Double Wave Simulator or explore the Caribbean via kayak or paddle board at the all-inclusive Moon Palace Jamaica in Ocho Rios. After hitting the beach or pool, young guests ages four through 12 can head to the Playroom Kids Club, which has a splash park, climbing area, and activities like crafts and face-painting.
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On-site restaurants serve Jamaican, Asian, and Italian cuisine plus all kinds of options for snacks and lighter meals. Kids ages 17 and under can stay, play, and eat for free on trips booked before December 23, 2022, for travel through December 23, 2023. The same offer is also available at Moon Palace Cancun in Mexico.
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FamilyVacationist.com covers family vacation ideas; family travel destinations; all inclusive resorts; and must-have travel accessories for families of all shapes, sizes and orientations. The views and opinions expressed in this column are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY.
