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These 9 family-friendly hotels have kids clubs that are way beyond ordinary
Family vacations are all about disconnecting from the stresses of daily life and rejoicing in new experiences. But sometimes, parents and kids need a little alone time when traveling together, and many fun hotels for kids have dedicated spaces to meet this need – ahem, guilt-free childcare. These unique kids clubs at some of the best family resorts offer fun, interactive programming with an educational spin to entertain, socialize, teach, and inspire young minds.
The next time you plan a getaway with the kids, don’t just consider the most popular family vacation spots. Add one of these destination hotels with unique kids' clubs to the mix, and take advantage of their kid-favored, parent-approved sanctuaries.
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1. Carmel Valley Ranch
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Families were at the top of mind when Carmel Valley Ranch underwent a multimillion-dollar renovation that wrapped up in summer 2024. Among the additions are the Adventure Den, a kids’ cottage that comprises an elaborate indoor-outdoor program for ages two to 12. Crafts, story times, cooking activities, dancing, and more – all designed specifically for their respective age groups – are centered around daily themes. For example, kids might make pressed flower art on Farmer Fridays or learn how to whip up snow cones on Splash Saturdays.
The Adventure Den is located in River Ranch, the resort’s family recreation area, complete with a pool, splash pad, fire pits, and a cafe for easy refreshments. Beyond the kids’ club, children of all ages can enjoy unique activities such as glow-in-the-dark hiking, a bee-keeping class, rancher lessons, farm animal meet-and-greets, and scavenger hunts.
2. Ocean House
Watch Hill, Rhode Island
While many New England resorts offer seasonal kids’ camps and summer programs, Ocean House has a roster of activities available year-round. Culinary classes, crafts, games, scavenger hunts, and movie showings keep youngsters entertained indoors. When the weather allows, the ‘club’ heads outside for surfing, paddleboarding, croqueting, and more.
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The resort’s Kids Night Out program is one of its most-loved programs. Reserved for ages five to 11, it kicks off with an interactive challenge such as a relay race or obstacle course. Kids then get to indulge in a fun group dinner before winding down with a slower-paced, creative activity. For quality family time, unique experiences abound. Build sandcastles and play on Ocean House’s private beach, bike along the scenic coastline, and enjoy a Disney movie night on the beach, paired with a family-style salad, build-your-own pizza or burger, dessert, and popcorn.
3. Blackberry Farm
Walland, Tennessee
What sets Blackberry Farm’s youth club apart from other hotels with kids' clubs and resorts for kids is its farmstead experiences, which teach kids responsibility and reinforce their appreciation for nature without sacrificing fun.
Picking veggies from the property’s garden, gathering eggs from the chicken house, and caring for the animals allow kids to get their hands dirty at this fun hotel, while crafts such as jewelry and soap making inspire creativity. Separate programming for four- to 10-year-olds and 10-plus-year-olds ensure kids and tweens get the most out of their experience.
4. The Boca Raton
Boca Raton, Florida
For kids staying at The Boca Raton, paradise comes in the form of whimsical kids’ clubs, a 450-foot lazy river, an interactive splash zone, poolside kiddie cabanas, and a surf simulator. The tropical treehouse-themed Banyan Bunch Kids’ Club encourages play, movement, and learning for ages four to 12.
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Activities aim to tie in South Florida’s diverse culture – think salsa dancing and locally inspired drawing kits, available in the adjacent family room. Meanwhile, The Break treats discerning 11- to 15-year-olds to their own hangout spot and amenities, including a virtual reality gaming system, recording booth, retro soda machine, and candy wall.
5. The Cloister at Sea Island
Sea Island, Georgia
Ancient live oaks, ivory-covered facades, and courtyards create a fairytale setting at Sea Island. And while the scenery might not wow kids the way it does their parents or caretakers, younger guests will find their own magic at Camp Cloister. The kids’ club is more than an indoor space where ages three to 14 can gather. The program is essentially an itinerary with thoughtfully designed activities for different ages.
From building a plush toy and making sugar cookies to painting with a local artist, the activities are equal parts fun and educational. The program also takes kids outside, where they can meet and learn about the hawks, falcons, and owls that live on-site; go fishing and crabbing off the dock; and walk along the beach with a guide in search of nesting sea turtles and hatchlings, among other activities.
6. Horseshoe Bay Resort
Horseshoe Bay, Texas
Calling all thrill-seeking kiddos: The Jungle Kids Club at Horseshoe Bay Resort keeps little ones’ adrenaline pumping with a two-story jungle gym, tall tunnel slide, and rock-climbing wall. And when it’s time to unwind, children can enjoy other activities such as arts and crafts, and scavenger hunts.
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More adventures await on Turtle Beach, a perfect family beach vacation spot along the lake that offers an array of water sports. Families can also cool off at the only floating pool in North America. And when the sun goes down, the lights go on at the Whitewater Putting Course, which becomes an illuminated spectacle for fun family challenges.
7. Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort
Koloa, Hawaii
Kids staying at Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort have their own slice of paradise at this Camp Hyatt. With an emphasis on the outdoors, the club immerses kids and tweens ages three to 12 in Hawaiian culture, with activities such as lei making, koi fish feeding, and shell combing on the property’s private beach.
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Even rainy days are enjoyable at kid-friendly hotels like the Grand Hyatt Kauai, where activities include unique arts and crafts, board games, and Kinect tournaments. Camp Hyatt also takes kids around the resort, which has a playground and pools galore, including a lazy river with a waterfall and a “mountaintop” waterslide.
8. Woodloch Pines Resort
Hawley, Pennsylvania
No, it’s not a theme park – it’s the kids’ club at Woodloch Pines Resort, widely considered one of the best all-inclusive resorts in the U.S. for families. Complete with bumper cars, bumper boats (same concept, except in the water), junior go-karts, a jungle gym, splash pools, and more, the youth amenities at this family-run resort take kids’ clubs to a whole new level.
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Dedicated activities are available for ages six and under and seven- to 10-year-olds, and parents can also join in on the fun with hayrides, pony rides, bowling, and other family-friendly experiences.
9. Suncadia Resort
Cle Elum, Washington
Perched high up in the Cascade Mountains, only a little more than one hour from Seattle, the Suncadia Resort combines fun-filled experiences for kids and the entire family. Four- to 12-year-olds at CampCadia will love wilderness survival games, tending to the property’s garden, outdoor camping, and other programming that takes advantage of the rugged surroundings.
When it’s time to unwind, the Pacific Northwest-inspired kids’ club room sets the stage for games and crafts. Additional activities ignite family bonding, like axe throwing, golfing, a vibrant Festival of Colors, and miles of scenic hiking.
These 9 family-friendly hotels have kids clubs that are way beyond ordinary originally appeared on FamilyVacationist.com.
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The views and opinions expressed in this column are the author’s 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 methodology, we review and select family vacation ideas, family vacation spots, all-inclusive family resorts, and classic family vacations for all ages. TourScoop covers guided group tours and tour operators, tour operator reviews, tour itinerary reviews and travel gear recommendations.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: These 9 clubs provide a blend of entertainment and education
