Family vacations are even more enjoyable when resorts offer a range of activities designed specifically to entertain and engage children. Many resorts go the extra mile to ensure young guests have as much fun as their parents, with offerings that range from educational adventures to thrilling outdoor experiences. Whether it’s creative workshops, water-based fun, or kid-friendly excursions, here are some of the best resort activities to delight kids and make family vacations unforgettable.
1. Kids’ Clubs and Camps
a. Creative and Educational Workshops
Many resorts offer supervised kids’ clubs or camps that provide structured activities designed to keep children entertained and engaged. These programs often include arts and crafts, science experiments, and themed educational experiences that spark creativity and learning.
- Top Experience: At Atlantis, The Palm (Dubai), the Atlantis Kids’ Club offers a range of activities, including marine biology programs where kids can learn about ocean life, arts and crafts, and cooking classes to inspire budding chefs.
b. Interactive Storytelling and Puppet Shows
For younger children, many resorts organize interactive storytelling sessions or puppet shows that bring tales to life in fun and engaging ways. These sessions often feature local folklore, teaching kids about the culture and history of the area in a playful manner.
- Top Experience: Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay offers Balinese storytelling sessions, where local myths are shared through puppet shows, immersing children in the rich cultural traditions of Bali.
2. Outdoor Adventure and Exploration
a. Nature Walks and Wildlife Encounters
Many family-friendly resorts offer guided nature walks where kids can learn about the local flora and fauna, giving them a chance to explore their natural surroundings in a safe and educational environment. Some resorts also feature wildlife encounters where kids can meet animals up close.
- Top Experience: At The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua (Hawaii), children can join a “Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment” program, where they learn about the Hawaiian ecosystem, explore tide pools, and spot native wildlife like sea turtles.
b. Scavenger Hunts and Treasure Hunts
Outdoor scavenger hunts or pirate-themed treasure hunts are popular activities that encourage children to explore the resort grounds while working in teams to solve puzzles and follow clues.
- Top Experience: Beaches Turks & Caicos hosts a pirate-themed treasure hunt, where children embark on an exciting adventure searching for hidden treasures around the resort.
c. Ziplining and Adventure Parks
For older kids and teens, some resorts feature adventure parks with activities like ziplining, obstacle courses, and rock climbing. These activities are designed to be thrilling but safe, giving children an adrenaline rush in a controlled environment.
- Top Experience: At Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort (Thailand), kids can zipline through the treetops while learning about the surrounding jungle and its wildlife.
3. Water-Based Fun
a. Water Parks and Splash Zones
Many family resorts offer expansive water parks with slides, lazy rivers, and splash zones designed for all age groups. These areas are perfect for a day of excitement and cooling off under the sun.
- Top Experience: Disney’s Aulani Resort (Hawaii) features a large water park complete with lazy rivers, slides, and interactive water play areas, plus the Rainbow Reef, where kids can snorkel in a man-made lagoon full of tropical fish.
b. Beach Activities and Watersports
Beachfront resorts offer a variety of water-based activities like paddleboarding, kayaking, snorkeling, and even surfing lessons tailored to children. These activities allow kids to enjoy the water while learning new skills under professional supervision.
- Top Experience: At Club Med Punta Cana (Dominican Republic), children can learn to windsurf, kayak, and snorkel, with lessons provided by the resort’s water sports team, making the beach both fun and educational.
c. Mermaid and Pirate Makeovers
Some resorts offer themed water activities like mermaid or pirate makeovers, where children can dress up and splash around in costume. These interactive experiences bring fantasy to life, turning the pool into a magical playground.
- Top Experience: The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman hosts a “Mermaid Academy,” where kids are transformed into mermaids, complete with tails, and can swim and pose for photos in the resort’s pool.
4. Sports and Physical Activities
a. Tennis, Golf, and Sports Academies
Resorts with sports academies offer kids the opportunity to learn or improve their skills in tennis, golf, soccer, or other sports, with lessons tailored to their age and ability.
- Top Experience: The Grand Palladium Resorts (Mexico and Jamaica) offer mini-tennis and mini-golf academies where professional coaches help kids develop their skills while enjoying friendly competitions.
b. Miniature Golf and Bowling Alleys
Many family-friendly resorts include on-site miniature golf courses and bowling alleys designed for all ages, providing a fun and casual way for families to spend time together.
- Top Experience: Franklyn D. Resort (Jamaica) features a mini-golf course and a kid-friendly bowling alley, perfect for an afternoon of family fun.
c. Circus Schools and Acrobatics
Some resorts take physical activities to the next level by offering circus schools where kids can learn acrobatics, trapeze, and juggling in a safe, supervised environment.
- Top Experience: At Club Med Punta Cana, children can join the Circus School by Cirque du Soleil, where they can practice acrobatics, learn to juggle, and even perform on a flying trapeze.
5. Cultural and Educational Experiences
a. Cultural Workshops and Craft Classes
Resorts in culturally rich destinations often provide workshops where children can learn about local traditions through hands-on activities such as pottery making, weaving, painting, or dance.
- Top Experience: Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica offers cultural immersion programs where children can learn to make traditional Costa Rican handicrafts or participate in cooking classes featuring local cuisine.
b. Language Lessons
For families traveling to non-English-speaking countries, some resorts offer language lessons for kids, helping them learn basic phrases and vocabulary while making their vacation educational.
- Top Experience: Belmond La Residencia (Mallorca, Spain) offers Spanish lessons for children, incorporating fun games and activities to help them learn while enjoying the local culture.
c. Science and Discovery Labs
At educational resorts, science labs or discovery centers allow children to engage in hands-on science experiments, learn about the environment, or explore space through stargazing programs.
- Top Experience: Baha Mar (Bahamas) has The Explorers Club, which includes interactive labs where children can learn about the ocean’s ecosystems, conduct fun science experiments, and engage in marine conservation activities.
6. Evening Entertainment for Kids
a. Outdoor Movie Nights
Many resorts organize outdoor movie nights, complete with blankets, popcorn, and large screens set up under the stars. These events offer a relaxed evening activity where kids can unwind after a busy day.
- Top Experience: At The Breakers (Palm Beach, Florida), kids can enjoy a family-friendly outdoor movie night on the lawn, with ocean views and a cozy setup perfect for relaxing.
b. Nighttime Treasure Hunts and Glow Parties
For kids who still have energy to burn in the evening, some resorts host nighttime treasure hunts or glow-in-the-dark parties, adding a fun and exciting twist to their stay.
- Top Experience: Beaches Resorts (Turks & Caicos and Jamaica) offer glow parties with DJs, dancing, and games under UV lights, making the evenings as exciting as the days.
c. Campfire and Storytelling Sessions
Campfire nights, where children can gather around a fire for marshmallow roasting and storytelling, provide a fun and cozy way to end the day. These activities are often held in a safe and supervised area of the resort.
- Top Experience: At Mohonk Mountain House (New York), families can gather around the campfire for s’mores and stories under the stars, providing a classic summer camp experience at the resort.
Conclusion
Resorts that cater to families with kids understand the importance of offering a wide range of activities to keep children entertained and engaged. From creative kids’ clubs and water sports to educational workshops and evening entertainment, these resorts ensure that every child, regardless of age or interest, has a memorable and enjoyable vacation. Whether it’s thrilling outdoor adventures, water-based fun, or cultural experiences, these activities promise to delight kids and create lasting family memories.
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