The Bucket List Family gives five tips for traveling with children
The Bucket List Family sold everything to travel the world. Here are their tips for traveling with children.
With flights, hotels, rental cars, bathroom breaks, snacks and keeping kids busy to think about, family vacations can be fun yet stressful, not to mention expensive. To alleviate the hassle and expense, I often choose family resorts where kids stay free. Even places that don’t advertise such deals may offer spacious rooms, cabins or suites that can accommodate families at no extra cost.
In addition to free stays for kids, these hotels also excel as destinations themselves, with kids’ clubs, activity centers and babysitting services, allowing parents to have some free time. Amenities such as cots, kid-friendly meals, pools, slides and playgrounds keep the little ones happy, while golf courses, spas and sports cater to teens and adults. Here are my top picks for family resorts where kids stay free in the US (and one in Canada).
Why you can trust these choices: Read FamilyVacationist’s methodology for selecting and recommending vacation destinations and hotels.
1. Memphis Central Station, Curio Collection by Hilton
Memphis, Tenn
At Central Station Memphis, children and teens under 17 stay free, making it a great choice for families. Housed in a renovated early 20th century train station, the hotel features beautifully designed suites with spacious living areas and mini-fridges for snacks. A functioning trolley, just $1, takes you downtown, where attractions such as the Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum, the National Civil Rights Museum, and historic Beale Street await. Beale Street offers family-friendly shopping, dining, and stops like Beale Sweets Sugar Shack for a sweet treat. Central Station combines history, comfort and convenience, making it a standout destination in Memphis.
FAR AND WIDE: Kids stay free at these 11 resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean
2. Cambria Hotel Madison East
Madison, Wis
Children 18 and under stay free at the newly renovated Cambria Hotel Madison East, just 7 miles from Dane County Regional Airport and 3 miles from East Towne Mall. The hotel features a large indoor swimming pool, a lounge area for games, free Wi-Fi and parking. Parents will appreciate the on-site laundry facilities and spacious rooms, with suites featuring separate living areas and sofa beds. Madison is a family-friendly Midwest vacation destination with lakes, parks and attractions such as the Henry Vilas Zoo, the Tropical Rainforest Aviary, kayaking tours on Lake Mendota and the Vitense Golfland mini golf and climbing gym.
3. Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler
Whistler, British Columbia, Canada
At the family-friendly Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler, there is no charge for children under 18 staying in the same room as their parents. The resort’s 291 rooms include spacious suites and private residences with kitchens, living areas and laundry facilities. Families benefit from cribs, high chairs, children’s robes, activity kits and a seasonal playroom. The heated outdoor pool, fitness center and spa enhance the experience, while dining is a treat for the budget with free meals for children under five. Minutes from Whistler Village, the resort offers easy access to shopping, dining, the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola, and outdoor adventures like kayaking on Alta Lake.
AFRAID FOR YOUR BUCK: 11 Budget-Friendly Family Vacations in the US That Are Really Fun
4. Comfort Inn Rehoboth Beach
Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
With its laid-back coastal charm and iconic boardwalk (not to mention funnel cakes and saltwater taffy), Rehoboth Beach was one of my favorite family vacation destinations growing up. Now, as a mom, I appreciate that Comfort Inn Rehoboth Beach makes it affordable by offering free stays for children under 18 when they share a room with their parents. Located just off the promenade, the hotel features cozy rooms with spacious bathrooms and suites with additional seating areas. Guests can enjoy a free continental breakfast, parking and an outdoor pool. Nearby attractions include Jungle Jim’s Water Park, Midway Speedway Park, and Browse-A-Bout Books, an independent bookstore with a cozy coffeehouse where you can spend your next vacation read.
5. Woodloch Resort
Hawley, Pa
The all-inclusive Woodloch Resort in Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains is equally popular with toddlers and teens, and it’s easy to see why. Guests can participate in more than 30 planned activities every day, from pool games and scavenger hunts in the warmer months to holiday-themed activities and winter sports when the weather gets colder. At various times throughout the year, Woodloch also offers free child stay offers for children aged six and under; Check the resort’s promotions page regularly to see if there is a special package price for your travel dates.
5. The Waves Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection
Wildwood, NJ
Children 18 and under stay free at The Waves Hotel in Wildwood, New Jersey, making it a wonderfully budget-friendly option just three minutes from the beach. The hotel features newly renovated rooms and convenient amenities such as a refrigerator, microwave and coffee maker. You can also enjoy a seasonal outdoor pool, free parking and free continental breakfast. Wildwood’s expansive beaches and family-friendly attractions, such as Morey’s Piers, a water park, rides and classic boardwalk dining, are nearby. Wildwood also features several dining options, including Goodnight Irene’s brew pub and Alumni Grill.
NO PASSPORT NEEDED: 21 Best All-Inclusive Family Resorts in the US
6. Mohonk Mountain House
New Paltz, New York
Located in the scenic Adirondacks, Mohonk Mountain House features kid-friendly amenities including a children’s program, indoor and outdoor pools, a rock climbing wall and nature walks. In winter, families can enjoy ice skating and tobogganing. Children from five to twelve years old can participate in guided nature activities through the children’s club. Children five years and under always stay free, and the resort also offers family-friendly accommodations with spacious rooms and suites.
7. Sandpiper Bay Resort
Port St. Lucie, Florida
Children 11 and under stay, eat and play free at Sandpiper Bay Resort, recognized by FamilyVacationist as one of the best truly all-inclusive family resorts in the United States. The resort offers a range of activities for children, including a water park, mini golf and a kids’ club, and there are also multiple sports programs such as tennis and golf, designed for children of all ages. With spacious rooms and all-inclusive meals, Sandpiper Bay makes it easy for parents to relax while the kids have fun.
8. Alta Lodge
Alta, Utah
With its beautiful mountain setting and family-oriented services, Alta Lodge offers an unforgettable experience for children and parents alike. Children aged 12 and under can stay free when sharing a room with their parents, a particularly good option for skiing families thanks to piste access, ski lessons for children and a cozy lounge area where families can relax together after a long holiday. day on the slopes. Parents can also enjoy the lodge’s spa and dining options while the kids have fun.
CHILD FRIENDLY: 19 Best Family Resorts and Hotels in the US
9. Holiday Inn Hotels and Resorts
Multiple locations
At Holiday Inn Hotels and Resorts locations across the US, children under 18 enjoy free accommodations when sharing a room with their parents, making it a cost-effective option for families. The hotels offer child-friendly facilities such as children’s menus, swimming pools and spacious rooms. Many locations also have family suites with extra space and comfortable seating. Plus, the brand’s widespread locations make it easy to find a family-friendly option wherever you travel.
10. Oceana Resorts
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Children 17 and under always stay free at any of the eight Oceana Resort locations in Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach. Children will enjoy the easy access to the beach, while parents can relax knowing there are plenty of activities to keep children entertained. Many properties also offer free playpens and other family-friendly amenities, making them ideal for family beach vacations.
11. Great Wolf Lodge
Multiple locations
It is a nationwide chain of indoor water park resorts and there are more than twenty Great Wolf Lodge locations in the United States (and one in Canada). Children under two years old receive free access to the water park and accommodation. In addition to multiple indoor play areas, water slides, lazy rivers and bathtubs, most Great Wolf resorts also have an outdoor pool and plenty of dining options to satisfy even picky eaters. The rooms and suites feature rustic wooden beds, mini refrigerators, free Wi-Fi and microwaves. Special suites with cave-like sleeping areas as their theme are extra fun for the children.
These 11 family resorts in the US and Canada will let kids stay and play for free by 2025, originally appeared on FamilyVacationist.com.
More from FamilyVacationist:
The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY. FamilyVacationist.com And TourScoop.com are owned and operated by Vacationist Media LLC. Using the FamilyVacationist travel recommendation methodologywe assess and select family vacation ideas, family vacation spots, all-inclusive family resortsAnd classic family vacations for all ages. TourScoop covers guided group tours and tour operators, tour operator reviews, itinerary reviews And travel equipment recommendations.