Spring break is the perfect time for a tropical getaway in the Caribbean or Mexico, but how do you avoid staying in a party-centric resort? To save you from endless hours of research, we’ve done the hard work for you, compiling a comprehensive list of the best family-friendly resorts. These affordable island retreats let you kick back and while they take care of all the details with all-in-one vacation packages that include beachfront accommodations, on-site restaurants and plenty of outdoor activities.
Perfect for when you want to avoid the spring break party crowd, these all-inclusive hotels offer memorable perks that even the littlest member of the family can enjoy, such as fun-filled kids’ programs, swimming pools with water slides and nature-based excursions, while parents can indulge in luxurious spa treatments and visit chic cocktail lounges. Pack your itinerary with plenty of sunshine, sand and warm ocean breezes at one of these top all-inclusive spring break resorts for families in the Caribbean and Mexico.
A perfect spot for families to unwind on spring break, Windjammer Landing in St. Lucia is one of the best kid-friendly resorts on the island. You’ll find a mix of themed, on-site and off-site events and daily activities such as sailing and windsurfing lessons, tube rides, pool volleyball and karaoke and movie nights. There’s even a Teen Center with ping pong tables, pool tables and TVs for when they want to chill out. Lounge at one of the six pools or the private stretch of beach on Labrelotte Bay, then indulge in tacos, sandwiches and burgers at Embers restaurant, which sits next door to an ice cream shack. Recharge at one of the resort’s two, three or four-bedroom family villas that include ocean views and private plunge pools.
An all-inclusive beachfront resort in Cancún, Hyatt Ziva Cancún is framed by the Caribbean Sea on Mexico’s Yucatan Coast. You’ll find it easy to escape the party crowds with its laid-back atmosphere, where you can enjoy the sunshine at three infinity-edge pools or choose from eight unique dining options. The resorts kids’ club has a pool and water play area, while the King room boasts a king-size bed, sofa bed and garden views from a walk-out terrace. Water sports like snorkeling, kayaking and paddleboarding are popular daytime activities on two stunning white-sand beaches, while adults can indulge in a holistic body treatment at the spa or sample local specialties at the on-site microbrewery.
Families will be hard-pressed to find a better spring break destination than Beaches Turks & Caicos, which boasts a 45,000-square-foot waterpark, five accommodation villages and a 12-mile beach fringed by bright turquoise water. Everyone in the family is catered to here, from the arcade games at Trench Town and teen-appropriate nightclub and lounge to the all-ages fun found at the lazy river, surf simulator, water cannons and water slides at the on-site water park. Families can sign up for unlimited scuba diving and water sports like hydro bikes and ocean kayaks or play a competitive game of lawn chess or croquet before catching a live storytelling performance at Voila.
There are no late-night revelers at Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana, making it perfect for families with kids of all ages. Step out of your door and into the pool at the Swank Wraparound Swim-up Suite or stretch out in the spacious Pool Super Villa with 1,300 square feet of luxury, while the two-bedroom SpongeBob Squarepants-inspired The Pineapple features Bikini-Bottom decor and a private butler. Enjoy character dining with TMNT Turtles, Paw Patrol or Dora the Explorer, then visit Aqua Nick for water slides and splash pads, Just Kidding for a mega ball pit or Plaza Orange for dance parties. For parents, there are massage decks overlooking the Caribbean Sea and wine tasting at Vino Vino.
Offering a premier Seven Mile Beach location, Beaches Negril Resort & Spa is a family-friendly resort with plenty of kid-approved perks. The expansive property offers a kids’ camp, teen hangout area and water park, while breakfast with Sesame Street Characters is a hit. The teen nightclub and self-service ice cream keep older kids happy, while bonfires on the beach, talent shows and a mini-golf course are perfect activities for families to do together. Stay in the Tropical Beachfront Two-Bedroom Family Suite for a spacious living room and stocked refrigerator, or upgrade to a Two-Bedroom Junior Suite to admire the beach from a private balcony. When parents need a little downtime, they can visit Red Lane Spa for a tranquil Lavender Massage or Coffee Wrap.
Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa is an award-winning resort that offers all-inclusive amenities and a picturesque location on St. Lucia’s south coast. Just five minutes from Hewanorra International Airport, this family-friendly gem has nine on-site restaurants that offer unlimited a la carte and buffet dining with stunning oceanside locations. There are also five pools, including a zero-entry family pool, tennis and basketball courts and an oceanfront spa. The biggest highlight is the resorts massive water park with exciting water slides and a lazy river, while kids can also play on a pirate ship or at an indoor playroom at Kidz Klub. Stay in the Splash Concierge Premium Ocean View for Atlantic Ocean vistas, a king-size and trundle twin beds, flat-screen TVs and a complimentary round of paintball.
Skip the spring break party crowd at other Cancún resorts and instead stay at Panama Jack Resorts Cancún, which offers a prime location in the legendary Hotel Zone as well as a fun-filled Camp Jack’s mini golf and water park. There are sun-kissed swimming pools, beachfront yoga and culinary classes as well as live music at Jack’s Landing restaurant and a chill coffee house for parents to recharge. Kids will love the magic shows and live entertainment, while adults can indulge in tequila tastings with an on-site sommelier. Rest easy in the Family Junior Suite boasting a furnished terrace with a hammock, twin bunk beds, trundle bed and king-size bed for accommodating up to three kids.
Offering one of the most extensive all-inclusive packages, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana offers a memorable spring break vacation. On-site perks include 13 sparkling pools, nine restaurants and a luxurious spa center as well as an 18-hole Nicklaus-designed golf course. The Hard Rock Roxity Kids Club has daily themed activities that include water games, pool parties, arts and crafts and treasure hunts, while the resort’s setlist of mega amenities also includes mini golf, an arcade center and a Kidz Bop Experience where kids can transform into rockstars. After a day of fun, find respite in one of the spacious suites that include rock ’n’ roll decor, Hydro Spa Tubs, private balconies and 24-hour room service.
Dreams Sands Cancún Resort & Spa is a four-star resort that’s perfectly situated along a 650-foot stretch of white-sand beach in Cancún. This firm favorite with families is within walking distance of the area’s best shops, restaurants and bars. Depending on their age, kids can enjoy the Explorer’s Club or Core Zone Teen’s Club for daily activities like water sports, movies on the beach and campout adventures, while parents can visit Dreams Spa by Pevonia for massages and facial treatments. Catch rays poolside or sign up for cooking classes, then retreat to your luxury Family Suite with two connecting rooms and partial ocean views.
Sitting on Cable Beach in Nassau, Meliá Nassau Beach All Inclusive is an easy choice for families for spring break. This sprawling resort is just a few minutes from Lynden Pindling International Airport, offering seven dining options, three beachfront pools and a complimentary tour to Balmoral Island. Little ones will delight at the indoor and outdoor activities and games at the Kids Club, while at night the entire family can enjoy the live entertainment, shows and themed events. Sign up for a friendly game of beach volleyball or float in the family pool, then learn about Bahamian crafts or cruise in a glass-bottom kayak. Relax on the furnished balcony of your Classic Room Island View, or upgrade to a Two-Bedroom Oceanfront Suite for a separate lounge area designed for families.