Parents understand that ensuring the entire family remains happy during a vacation is quite a challenge. It requires more than just a shallow kiddie pool for a hotel to be deemed child-friendly. In recent years, a variety of travel organizations—ranging from boutique hotels to cruise lines, significant international and domestic airports, and tour operators—have shown a commitment to attracting families on the go. These companies have enhanced their childcare programs, curated exclusive activities for teenagers, and thoughtfully created opportunities for parents to take much-needed breaks from parenting while also facilitating family bonding experiences. That outdated kiddie pool? It has been transformed into a luxurious four-story, translucent water coaster that traverses the oceans.
Best River Cruise Line: Uniworld River Cruises
If you believe it will be challenging to get the kids excited about a luxury river cruise, you haven’t experienced Uniworld. This line provides itineraries on more than a dozen rivers across over 20 countries, including Germany, Egypt, China, and Vietnam. Their multigenerational cruises are scheduled during summer and winter school breaks and feature complimentary bicycles for on-land adventures, kid-friendly menus, onboard language lessons, hands-on craft workshops, and a dedicated Family Host to guide children’s activities.
Best Tour Operator: Butterfield & Robinson
Since conducting its inaugural tour in 1966, Butterfield has earned recognition for its active-luxury travel, embracing experiences via bike, foot, or boat. The company crafts private family adventure itineraries—from biking in the Loire Valley of France to discovering the Berber villages and Marrakech in Morocco—focused on educating children of all ages. However, they might be having so much fun that they won’t realize they are actually learning!
Best Safari Outfitter: Micato Safaris
This family-operated business—established by native Kenyans Felix and Jane Pinto—has gained immense popularity among families. Equipped with personal experiences from numerous trips with their children’s family, they understand precisely the types of activities and camps to recommend, tailoring itineraries based on age and interests. Remarkably, for every safari sold, the company sponsors a child’s education in Africa through its nonprofit, AmericaShare.
Best Resort in Hawaii: Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa
Nestled on a tranquil stretch of sand along Oahu’s western shoreline, this is the first Disney-created hotel that does not connect to an amusement park. Aulani simplifies family travel remarkably, featuring bassinets and baby-proofed balconies (standard in most rooms) and a complimentary kids’ club. Nevertheless, it is the myriad of outdoor activities that distinguishes Aulani: encountering tame stingrays, learning how to snorkel among vibrant angelfish, or paddleboarding in shallow beach waters.
resorts.disney.go.com/aulani-hawaii-resort
Best Hotel in Canada: Four Seasons Whistler
Situated at the base of Blackcomb Mountain and conveniently a short walk or shuttle ride to the Whistler-Blackcomb lifts, this is the Four Seasons’ inaugural Canadian ski resort. Beyond its ideal location—making it easy for parents handling children’s ski gear—families can unwind après ski-style, enjoying hot chocolate in one of the outdoor hot tubs or toasting s’mores around the fire pit.
Best Hotel in the Caribbean: Beaches Turks & Caicos
Joyful parents, often in disbelief that they are on vacation with their children and everything is going smoothly, can be found throughout this all-inclusive resort. Several themed villages—Italian, French, Caribbean, and Floridian—encircle a central, 45,000-square-foot water park and a teen disco designated for ages 21 and under. Enjoy various onsite activities like a DJ academy, a surfing simulator, and 12 miles of pristine white-sand beach. Elmo and the Cookie Monster have even been known to make appearances here.
Best Hotel in Central & South America: Four Seasons Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo
Families from across the globe make this hilltop resort their annual base camp for school holidays. Located just north of the Nicoya Peninsula and overlooking the tranquil Gulf of Papagayo, families can frequently be seen horseback riding or relaxing on the private golden-sand beaches and four pools. Children aged four to 12 can take advantage of the complimentary children’s program, offering daily activities and a dedicated pool, while teenagers will enjoy the Tuanis center equipped with a basketball court, PlayStation 3, Nintendo Wii, and numerous other entertainment options. Weekly excursions might include thrilling experiences such as zip-lining through the rainforest or exciting white-water rafting.
Best Hotel in Africa: One&Only Cape Town
This stunning resort, located on the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, boasts 131 spacious, technologically advanced rooms and features a 40-foot-tall picturesque window framing the majestic Table Mountain at its Vista Bar & Lounge. Children aged four to eleven can enjoy the KidsOnly club, featuring activities such as jewelry-making, ostrich egg-painting, sing-alongs, and African dance instruction. Meanwhile, parents can indulge in the spa or dine at Africa’s only Nobu outpost. Moreover, indoor karting, rock climbing, bowling, and sandboarding on dunes can be arranged for teenagers.
capetown.oneandonlyresorts.com
Best Hotel in Australia: Sydney Harbour Marriott at Circular Quay
Following a $20 million renovation, this glass-and-concrete skyscraper is now better than ever. Its prime location overlooking the Harbour and the Sydney Opera House, combined with its proximity to the historic Rocks District, makes it an excellent home base for families eager to discover everything Sydney has to offer. The property includes a salt-water pool, spa, and three restaurants, including the historic Customs House Bar, which offers crowd-pleasers such as flatbread pizzas, potato wedges, hot dogs, and more.
marriott.com/hotels/travel/sydmc-sydney-harbour-marriott-hotel-at-circular-quay/
Best Large Ocean Cruise Line: Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean is renowned not only for operating the world’s largest cruise ship but also for its award-winning kids’ program and attractions that boast ice-skating rinks, zip-lines, bumper cars, roller-skating, and merry-go-rounds. Thanks to a partnership with DreamWorks, characters from Shrek, Madagascar, and Kung Fu Panda may make surprise visits on the Lido Deck. Moreover, complimentary Barbie activities, including storytelling and movie sessions, will delight many children. Notably, when the Harmony of the Seas takes to the seas, it will feature three waterslides across three levels of the ship, making Royal Caribbean vessels the perfect venue for friendly family competitions.
Best Mega Ocean Cruise Line: Disney Cruise Line
It comes as no surprise that the brand synonymous with magic in film and theme parks also operates a cruise line designed to entertain the entire family. Interestingly, the large ships possess their own charm even without Disney embellishments. Children can enjoy the AquaDuck water coaster, expertly crafted by Imagineers, while adults can relax in their entertainment “district,” complete with nightclubs and private sundecks. Nevertheless, it’s perfectly acceptable to socialize with Mickey after a show or to hum along to the When You Wish Upon a Star melody while departing port.
Best Small Ocean Cruise Line: Seabourn
Yacht-style cruising has traditionally catered to a wealthier demographic. However, Seabourn is reshaping these expectations by appealing to multi-generational travelers. Numerous cabins and suites feature connecting doors, and during the summer months, the company offers youth programs for children aged 5-12 and teenagers aged 13-17. Engaging activities such as scavenger hunts, dance parties, and arts and crafts are made available. Nevertheless, there’s a strong possibility that children may prefer to stay close to their parents while exploring ancient cities and joining in exciting shore excursions like snorkeling and hiking.
Best Hotel in the Continental United States: Inn at Palmetto Bluff
With plantation-style cottages and a Jack Nicklaus golf course, this low-country retreat attracts adults but is equally popular for family reunions. Guests of all ages are encouraged to indulge in a blissful experience in one of the treehouses— a childhood dream materialized—complete with hammocks and an observation deck. Young guests are invited to enroll in the PB Explorers and Pioneers camp (ages 5-12) for wholesome activities like Frisbee, fishing, and an ice cream social.
Best Hotel in Mexico: Four Seasons Punta Mita
Children at the Four Seasons Punta Mita will feel pampered to such a degree that parents may find themselves wanting to sneak into the kids’ area. A thoughtful welcome amenity—featuring colorful alphabet bath sponges and milk and cookies on the first night—will set the tone for a delightful family holiday. The newly renovated Nunutzi Games Room, tailored for teenagers, and an engaging children’s center offer complimentary snacks (including the cherished hibiscus drink), game consoles, air hockey, and even a small theater.
Best Domestic Airport: Portland International Airport
At Portland International Airport, children will easily drift off to sleep during flights after enjoying a layover filled with excitement. A padded, colorful jungle gym awaits just before security, complete with a telescope for watching takeoffs and landings, while LEGOs can be found in Concourse C. Make your way to the ABC lobby for live music and pop-up food vendors offering delights such as Sandoval’s tacos on Tuesdays and produce from local farmers. When hunger strikes, Terminal D features a lineup of food trucks (including Pok Pok Wing by Andy Ricker) and the Country Cat for Chef Adam Sappington’s famous skillet-fried chicken, perfected over four generations.
Best International Airport: Hong Kong International Airport
There’s truly something for everyone at Hong Kong International Airport, particularly when it comes to food options. Savor incredibly tasty Tsui Wah fish balls in a fragrant scallion broth, or for the adults in your group, enjoy delectable sliced goose featuring a signature marinade found at Hung’s Delicacies. Visit the Aviation Discovery Centre—almost an amusement park for aviation enthusiasts—where a plane-cabin ride simulator, along with a historical aircraft exhibition and rooftop deck offering stunning views of Chek Lap Kok island await you. Other attractions include an enormous IMAX movie theater, a regulation golf course, and an iSports simulator. Believe us, the youngsters will feel as though their vacation has already begun!
Best Hotel in Europe: The Goring
What better destination for families than this family-operated hotel with 69 rooms? Parents appreciate its splendid combination of modern elegance blended with classic English charm, all located just a stone’s throw from Buckingham Palace. Following its recent renovation, The Goring not only showcases structural enhancements but also includes dedicated footman service for guests residing in suites for the duration of their stay, and sometimes beyond. The staff of five butlers, in striking crimson uniforms, are known to fulfill remarkable requests, such as organizing a birthday celebration for a one-year-old—a task not easily accomplished. The footmen have successfully elevated parties, with balloon sculptures and decorations arranged within top-tier suites. What’s even more delightful? The festivities could very well extend outdoors to the hotel’s lush garden, featuring visits from a Shetland pony, of course!
Best Hotel in Asia: The Oberoi Amarvilas
No family journey to India is complete without a visit to the iconic Taj Mahal; this remarkable property is located less than 700 yards away from this extraordinary landmark. Every one of the 102 rooms provides uninterrupted views of the monument, along with French doors, around-the-clock butler service, blackout curtains, and a customizable pillow menu. The Luxury Suite offers interconnecting rooms for families. If you somehow manage to separate the kids from the well-stocked pantry or the twin widescreen televisions, take advantage of the private golf buggy service to explore the monument you’ve traveled to The Oberoi Amarvilas to witness.
