Hotel Experiences

Kids Will Rave About Marriott Bonvoy Insiders’ Fave Family-Friendly Resorts

by Justine Harrington

Photograph by Justine Harrington

family with floats at waterslide

Make a splash with the family at Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville. (Photo: Marriott International)

Searching for the perfect place to spend quality time with your family? Resorts are a fantastic option since they combine on-site restaurants, spacious suites and unique, exciting activities that everyone will love, all in one place. That said, it’s crucial to pick a place that fully addresses all of your family’s priorities.

Thankfully, Marriott Bonvoy Insiders know what’s what when it comes to ideal kid-friendly properties. And according to our Insiders’ poll, these five resorts are widely beloved by families thanks to a stellar mix of activities and amenities for adults and kids of all ages.

As always, check for travel restrictions and closures before planning your trip.

Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center

Families will delight in the bevy of amenities at Nashville’s Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center. This top-notch resort in the heart of Nashville features SoundWaves, a four-acre indoor-outdoor aquatic attraction with waterslides, lazy and rapid rivers, play structures, live entertainment and dining options.

Other family-oriented amenities include seasonal boat rides, scavenger hunts, kids spa treatments, pool parties and more. Adults will enjoy partaking in the diverse selection of award-winning restaurants and bars, signature shops, state-of-the-art spa and well-equipped fitness center during their stay.

Marriott’s Newport Coast Villas

pool deck at newport coast villas
(Photo: Marriott International)

Located in sun-soaked Southern California on a bluff overlooking the glimmering Pacific, Marriott’s Newport Coast Villas has something for every family member to enjoy.

Guests can take advantage of three outdoor pools, a putting green, tennis and basketball courts, and a seaside spa. And of course, there are designated kids activities, plus a game room, easy beach access and more.

JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa

jw hill country water park
(Photo: Marriott International)

With stunning views of the Texas Hill Country, the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa is the picture-perfect place to spend your summer vacation.

Kiddos (and adults alike) will make lifelong memories at the nine-acre waterpark where they can build sandcastles at the Sand Beach Pool, take a ride down the Hill Country Plunge body slide or float along on the lazy river.

Plus, the resort is in close proximity to family attractions like Six Flags Fiesta Texas and Natural Bridge Caverns.

JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort

jw marco island pool
(Photo: Marriott International)

A luxury family getaway at JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort is just what the family doctor ordered. In addition to top-of-the-line wellness treatments, private championship golf courses and water sports, the kid-approved perks here are outstanding.

Enroll your young ones in the Tiki Tribe Discovery Day Camp, where they’ll participate in a gamut of activities ranging from beach volleyball to a cycling tour to a dolphin-watching excursion. And a final bonus? The location — three miles of baby-powder-sand beaches on the Gulf of Mexico — is near unbeatable.

The Royal at Atlantis

kids on innertubes in lazy river
(Photo: Marriott International)

The Royal at Atlantis boasts a variety of family-friendly activities, including easy access to the fun-filled Dolphin Cay and Aquaventure waterpark. The resort also offers scuba, snorkeling, tennis, a game room and several other amenities that kids will love to check out.

Meanwhile, parents can spend an afternoon at Mandara Spa, play a round at the Ocean Club Golf Course or indulge in a decadent meal highlighting local Bahamian flavors. The resort’s breathtaking views of the waterfront and impeccable service certainly don’t hurt, either.