Best Family Resort (2017)

Located just outside of Estes Park and Colorado's Rocky Mountain National Park, the YMCA of the Rockies has been serving families for over a century. Popular for family vacations and reunions alike, the property includes a range of accommodation options for just about any sized family and a staggering array of activities, including teen backpacking trips, challenge courses, campfires, disc golf, game room, climbing wall and zip line.
Photo courtesy of YMCA of the Rockies

The 35 cottages of Migis Lodge are spread across 125 acres of pine forest on the shores of Sebago Lake. Families love this lakeside retreat for its numerous recreational options, including waterskiing, kayaking, sailing or having lunch on a private island. Other family-centric options – bonfires, bingo nights and karaoke to name a few – add to the appeal.
Photo courtesy of Migis Lodge

This Montana resort sits on a 37,000-acre working cattle ranch with a range of accommodations (from luxe private homes to glamping sites) and activities for families with kids of all ages. Horseback riding is the signature experience, but guests can also mountain bike, fly fish, geocache or partake in an authentic Montana ranch activity. The Kids Corps of Discovery immersion program has something for everyone – toddlers to teens!
Photo courtesy of The Resort at Paws Up

This family-operated resort on Lake Vermillion occupies its own private island, where vacationing families can spend their days swimming, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, hydrobiking, paddle boating, rock climbing or scaling a giant floating "iceberg." Kids enjoy a range of guided activities, and cabins range in size from one to five bedrooms to accommodate even the biggest families.
Photo courtesy of Ludlow's Island Resort

At the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa, guests enjoy 50 acres tucked between the verdant mountains of Kauai and the sea. A highlight for visiting families is Camp Hyatt, an active program for kids between 3 and 12 years old that features a range of Hawaiian-themed activities, like palm frond weaving and lei making. Two-bedroom suites offer families more room to spread out.
Photo courtesy of Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa

Dude ranch vacations are popular choices for family bonding, but Vista Verde Guest Ranch in Steamboat Springs, Colo. takes it to a new level of luxury. The all-inclusive guest ranch offers gourmet dining, spa treatments, top notch service, luxurious accommodation (cabins range from 1 to 3 bedrooms with daily maid service) and a wide variety of activities during summer and winter seasons.
Photo courtesy of Vista Verde Guest Ranch

With a history of catering exclusively to families for over 80 years, it’s no wonder this all-inclusive resort includes programming for babies, toddlers, children and teens that allows parents to reconnect over some alone time amid the area’s natural beauty. All cottages are designed for families large and small, with separate bedrooms for parents and 1 to 4 bedrooms for children. Find this unique experience in northern Vermont along a private mile of lakeshore.
Photo courtesy of Tyler Place Family Resort

Six separate pools create a giant outdoor playground in the Scottsdale desert for visitors of all ages. At the heart of the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess pool complex, the 6,000-square-foot Sonoran Splash features two waterslides, a zero entry pool deck and a sandbox play area, perfect for families with young children. The Trailblazers Family Adventure Center offers a host of activities for kids ages 5 to 12.
Photo courtesy of Fairmont Scottsdale Princess

The Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort may be a mouthful to say, but it's a pleasure to stay, whether you're traveling with family or not! Smack in the middle of Walt Disney World Resort's beautiful Golden Oak community, the FS Orlando's gorgeous zero-entry pool, incredible castle-themed water park and lazy river and complimentary Kids' Camp (not to mention character breakfasts with Goofy and pals!) make this a sumptuous stay with all the right Disney touches.
Photo courtesy of Don Riddle / Four Seasons Resort Orlando

Sprawled over 21 oceanfront acres on the island of Oahu, Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa celebrates Hawaiian heritage in a manner that is truly Disney. The massive Waikolohe Valley pool area includes water slides, a lazy river, interactive play areas and more while the full service spa offers treatments the entire family can enjoy including magical makeovers for kids. The massive kids’ club is complimentary as are a number of other evening activities.
Photo courtesy of Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa