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Family resorts

Choosing a family resort

A family resort aims to keep children busy and adults rested. Whether it does depends on the ages of your children and on a few practical details.

Start with your children's ages

"Family friendly" covers babies to teenagers, and few resorts suit every age equally. A resort with a big water park may have little for toddlers. One with a toddler splash pool may bore a 14-year-old. Look for what the resort offers for each child's age, not for "kids" in general.

Kids clubs

A kids club is supervised care and activities for children, usually grouped by age. Before you count on one, ask:

  • Which ages it takes. Many start at around 3 or 4 years, and some need children to be out of diapers.
  • Its daily hours and days, and whether it closes for part of the day.
  • Whether it is included or costs extra, and whether places must be booked.
  • Staff-to-child ratios, staff training, and how parents are contacted.
  • Whether there is a separate program or space for teens.

For babies and toddlers, ask whether there is a separate nursery or babysitting service, how it works and what it costs.

Room layouts that work

Sharing one room for a week is hard when children go to bed early. Family rooms, suites with a separate bedroom, and connecting rooms all help. Note that "connecting" (a door between two rooms) and "adjoining" (side by side) mean different things at many resorts, and both are often requests rather than guarantees. Ask for written confirmation.

Check the number of beds against the number of people, and whether a crib or rollaway bed fits in the room as well. Ask about balconies and windows too, including railing height and locks.

Pools and supervision

Ask which pools have lifeguards and when, where shallow areas and fenced pools are, and what age limits apply to water slides. Lifeguards are not babysitters. Adults still need to watch children in and around water at all times.

Food and routines

Buffets suit picky eaters, but ask about children's menus, early dinner times and high chairs. If a child has an allergy, ask how the kitchen handles it and whether you can speak to a chef on arrival. A small fridge in the room helps with milk, snacks and medicine.

Questions to ask a family resort

Family

What ages does the kids club take, what are its hours, and does it cost extra?

Age limits, hours and fees vary, and toddlers are often handled differently.

Family

Are cribs, rollaway beds and high chairs available, and do they need reserving?

Supplies are limited at busy times, so ask early and get it in writing.

Family

Do the pools have lifeguards, shallow areas and fencing?

Supervision varies by pool and by hour. Adults still need to watch children.

Room

What bed setup is guaranteed for this room type?

Two beds or one large bed can be a request, not a promise, unless it is confirmed.

Room

Where in the property is this room, and what is next to it?

A room above the bar or beside the service road can feel very different from the photos.

Money

What exactly does the package include, and what costs extra once I am there?

Inclusions differ between resorts and between room levels at the same resort.

Health and travel documents

Many countries require children to have their own passports, and some have extra rules for children traveling with one parent or with other adults. Check the official entry requirements for your destination well ahead of time. Ask the resort how far the nearest clinic or hospital is, and talk to your doctor or a travel clinic about any vaccines or medicines for the trip.