If there’s one common thread in the mom Facebook groups of New Jersey, it’s that someone is always looking for hotel recommendations for their next family vacay. As the mom of a toddler, I know the importance of built-in entertainment at resorts. Here’s a list of 7 hotels under a 2.5-hour flight that all have exceptional amenities for kids, from splash pads and zero entry pools to water parks and more.
 Cambridge, Maryland
Cambridge, Maryland is a little less than a 4 hour drive from northern New Jersey and an easy escape if you don’t want to buy airline tickets. There’s a big playground right on the water for a panoramic view of the bay. The downtown has a few shops but it’s the casual and affordable family friendly spots from pizza to a craft brewery and a coffee shop that makes this an enticing draw for vacation.
The Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay is an ideal destination all year long thanks to its indoor pool, hot tub and movie screenings during the winter months. In the summer, the two outdoor pools are open along with a waterslide that keeps kids entertained all day long. The property sits along the Chesapeake Bay with a mini beach and a waterside trail. Plus, hidden along the property is even a fenced-in playground. There’s even a mini golf course and for adults, an 18-hole River Marsh Golf Course, 150-slip marina, and full-service spa. There are three restaurants on the property including one with magnificent bayside views and an outdoor terrace.
Hot Springs, Virginia
Another possible drive is to Hot Springs, Virginia, a historic spa town, that could take about 7 hours depending on where you’re coming from in New Jersey. Nestled in the Allegheny Mountains, there are warm (98 degree temperature) Springs Pools to swim in. There’s also horseback riding, hiking, archery and even skiing in the winter. There are several unique restaurants from Woody’s for pizza to the fast-casual Pioneer Picnic and The Tavern at the Inn at Warm Springs.
24 U.S. presidents have stayed at The Omni Homestead Resort in its 250-year history. The hotel also recently had a $170 million renovation. The resort offers a two-acre natural springs water park with a lazy river and water slides. In the winter months, the indoor pool is the perfect activity. The hotel also offers half and full-day programs for kids ages 5–10, filled with crafts, scavenger hunts—plus lunch and snacks. On weekend evenings, Adventure at Night keeps kids entertained with games, crafts, dinner, and a movie. One of the hotel’s special rooms shows movies and magic shows.
Isle of Palms, South Carolina
The Isle of Palms is a lush unique barrier island on the South Carolina coast known for its beaches and eateries and is only 30 minutes away from Charleston. At the Isle of Palms County Park, there are a ton of activities for kids including spending the day on the sand and cooling off in the water. If you’re looking for shopping, there’s the Outpost at Isle of Palms Marina. For a unique experience, try a tea tour and tasting. At the open-aired Islander 71 restaurant, families can get together for bites and play games on the lawn while watching the sunset.
The Wild Dunes Resort, an 1,600 acre oceanfront resort features two hotels: Sweetgrass Inn and Boardwalk Inn. The resort has multiple pools (including zero entry), various dining options from poolside to rooftop and its signature Coastal Provisions restaurant, plus direct access to the beach. If your kids are a little older, this may be the perfect option to sit back and read your book or pop on a podcast while enjoying the warm ocean breeze. Wild Dunes offers year-round activities from tennis and pickleball lessons, bicycle rentals, multiple pools, and an ice cream shop. Standout kids programming includes ‘Build a Buddy’ workshop and Creative Oysters art events at Turtle Cove, the on-site activity center.
Key Biscayne, Florida
Just south of Miami Beach is the island of Key Biscayne. The city is full of charm and has numerous shopping centers with unique restaurants like La Boulangerie Boul’Mich for exceptional French dining or Narbona for burgers, pasta, sandwiches and more. There are at least two toy stores for kids. At the center of the city, there’s a big park with a shady playground. The Biscayne National Park boasts fun for the family and is full of nature plus a lighthouse to explore. Biscayne National Park also has a Maritime Heritage Trail. This unique underwater archeological trail showcases six of the more than 50 shipwrecks in the park.
The Ritz Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami is a beachside resort and the perfect getaway for a luxury family vacation. The property, with a new $100 million upgrade, has countless amenities for kids including a zero entry pool area and splash pad, along with an all new Ritz Kids Club, an indoor space with games and babysitting for ages 5-12. Plus, the hotel hosts activities daily for children with everything from sports to arts and crafts. One of the newest additions is Pura Vida Miami, an all-day café with a diverse menu of nutrient-rich dishes prepared with fresh, unprocessed ingredients. During holiday seasons, the hotel even offers fun tents in your room for kids to play in for an additional fee.
Aventura, Florida
Did you know that the idea for the city of Aventura, Florida, 15 miles north of Miami, was all created on the back of a napkin? The Aventura Mall is the state’s largest mall with 300 stores including Bloomingdale’s and Nordstrom. There’s also the Promenade Shops at Aventura and Gulfstream Park to watch horse racing. Top restaurants for families visiting the area are Aballe and Motek for Mediterranean. The biggest attraction is the city’s one-of-a-kind sprawling Tidal Cove Water Park with a 60-foot tower, 7 water slides and a 4,000-square-foot kids pool with an aquatic play structure.
The water park is located next to the JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa. There’s also a lazy river which is included with your stay at the hotel. If you’re looking for a more relaxed vibe, the hotel pools are also gems. There’s two golf courses for adults that offer lessons, a 3-story Spa & Wellness Center and four restaurants to choose from. If you don’t want to leave the property, there are 6 dining options ranging from casual to an upscale steakhouse.
Bonita Springs, Florida
On the west coast of Florida sandwiched between Fort Myers and Naples is Bonita Springs. The city is near massive shopping centers with well-known brand name stores like the outdoor Coconut Point Mall or Promenade at Bonita Bay. You can spend all day at Miromar Outlet outdoor mall down the highway since it has over 120 shops. The beaches are the premiere destination in the area. Spend the morning picking up shells at Bonita Beach Park or Lovers Key. There are more than a handful of places for breakfast and some of the best local gems for dinner are Coconut Jack’s and The Fish House Restaurant.
At the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point, multiple pools, dueling water slides, a lazy river and a zero entry pool are just some of the hotel’s features that will keep kids entertained all day. There’s even a free daily boat ride to and from the property’s beach on the gulf that can be at least a half a day excursion. There are four restaurants on the property and a big lawn with activities for kids. You’ll need a car to drive to all the destinations outside the hotel including Target, which is nearby along with the airport!
Orlando, Florida
Orlando is synonymous with Walt Disney World but there’s lots more to do here beyond the theme parks. Disney Springs is an outdoor mall that’s free. It’s sprawling with shops and restaurants. Similarly, Universal CityWalk is also an option. So is the Old Town Entertainment District. Orlando Science Center & Kennedy Space Center are also must-visit spots.
Minutes from Disney World, the sprawling 200 acre Orlando World Center Marriott is a destination itself. The hotel has its own waterpark, River Falls, that can be enjoyed by all ages. There are thrilling tube waterslides, a relaxing lazy river featuring a zero entry for young toddlers, and Aqua playground for interactive water fun. When it comes to eating, you don’t have to leave the grounds as the resort features multiple sit down and fast food dining options, with everything from Italian and Japanese to a Starbucks.
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