10 of the best budget-friendly resorts for families
- June 13, 2017 |Last updated on 04/09/2019
Traveling with kids can be difficult and expensive, so finding the right place to call home for a few days or a week is challenging.
Between special, kid-centered amenities to extra space, some might say it’s impossible to go on a family vacation without blowing your budget.
But if you know where to look, there are plenty of great options for those searching for a spot for a memorable getaway for the whole family.
Here are 10 great North American and Caribbean resorts for grown-ups and kids alike, all of which offer exceptional value.
1. Ka’anapali Beach Hotel (Maui, Hawaii)
Going to Maui doesn’t have to mean maxing out your credit cards. The family-friendly Ka’anapali Beach Hotel features island touches, a whale-shaped pool and 11 acres of sand. You’ll save money when you share a room with your children ages 17 and under (they aren’t charged an additional fee for the same space). Plus, the hotel hosts a free children’s program for kids ages 12 and under, with fun activities like hula lessons.
2. Majestic Colonial Punta Cana (Dominican Republic)
This memorable, sprawling resort is the perfect getaway for families who want a lot of amenities for a great price. When you’re not lounging or playing at the white-sand beach, bring the kids to the lazy pool or the special splash park, complete with slides and an animation team. Food here is described as above average at an amazing price point, so you won’t need to worry about dragging little ones to off-site restaurants.
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3. Gran Caribe Resort Cancun (Mexico)
Don’t be fooled by the magnitude of this upscale, all-inclusive resort. You’ll get a lot of value for your money, because it’s packed with stuff to do. The resort features two pools, a splash park, a pirate ship and slides, and a kids’ club and teens’ club. Plus, with five restaurants and bars, you’ll never get bored of eating on premises.
4. Great Wolf Lodges (Locations Throughout North America)
Looking for a great adventure without a hefty price tag? Head to a Great Wolf Lodge near you for a weekend of indoor water park fun. Perks include ample waterslides, wave pools, arcades, mini-golf and more. All nightly room rates include admission to the water parks for each guest, and the resorts always post year-round deals on the main Great Wolf Lodge site.
5. Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort (Orlando, Florida)
This budget-friendly family hotel offers lots of upscale features for a fraction of the cost. Kids can spend their hours wading around lazy rivers or swimming in the pools, or hanging out on the beach. If that’s not enough, there’s also an arcade, bowling alley and onsite movies. Theme parks are just a shuttle ride away.
6. Comfort Suites Paradise Island Resort (Bahamas)
Enjoy white, sandy beaches and aqua-blue water at this hotel that’s adjacent to the Atlantis Resort and Casino. The accommodations are a tad less fancy, but you’ll save hundreds of dollars. Plus, the 229-room resort features a big pool with a swim-up bar, free continental breakfast, and full access to all the facilities at Atlantis Resort and Casino. This includes Atlantis’ aquatic draws—pools, water slides and river rides! It also includes spa, Kids Club, Dolphin Cay and Aquaventure.
7. Holiday Inn Resort Montego Bay (Jamaica)
This bountiful resort, which is a 5-mile drive from Sangster International Airport, is full of stuff to do. The Inn features a private island, a gigantic pool and more. Kids stay for free, so you’ll have more money to spend on experience and products you want like souvenirs and off-resort excursions. If mom and dad need some alone time, they can drop off the little ones at the Kids Club, and enjoy the pool with the swim-up bar.
8. Lutsen Resort (Lake Superior, Minnesota)
For as little as $100 per night, families can enjoy this rustic Minnesota getaway. The year-round resort includes everything from kayaking, biking and hiking to snowshoeing and skiing. Plus, there’s an on-site camp for children ages 4 to 12, so parents can enjoy some down time at the spa or nine-hole golf course.
9. Disney’s Pop Century Resort (Orlando, Florida)
A Walt Disney World Value Resort at Walt Disney World, this family resort is the largest of the five Disney Value Resorts. It features an abundance of activities for kids, with three pools, a huge playground and more. Plus, it’s the closest resort to Epcot Center of the Value Resorts. Save a few extra bucks by purchasing a souvenir mug and enjoy free refills on all drinks at the food court.
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10. IBEROSTAR Paraiso Beach (Playa Paraiso, Mexico)
Head to this idyllic spot on the Riviera Maya for a true getaway. Meals, organized activities, live entertainment and a kids’ club are all included in this resort’s family package. Plus, rooms have balconies and free Wi-Fi! The property regularly offers discounted rates as low as $100 per person, per night.