9 Kid-Approved Florida Resorts You’ll Want to Book Every Year

Planning a family vacation in Florida doesn’t have to mean choosing between theme park chaos and boring beach time. The Sunshine State is packed with resorts that nail the balance—places where kids stay entertained for days while parents actually get to relax.

These nine spots have earned repeat visits from families year after year, thanks to incredible amenities, kid-friendly vibes, and memories that stick around long after the sunburn fades.

1. Disney’s Art of Animation Resort (Lake Buena Vista)

Stepping into this resort feels like walking straight into your favorite animated movie. Giant character sculptures tower overhead, themed pools bring stories to life, and every corner bursts with color that makes kids’ eyes light up instantly.

Families love the themed suites that sleep up to six people comfortably, which means nobody fights over beds or bathroom time. The Big Blue Pool, shaped like Finding Nemo’s ocean world, ranks as one of Disney’s largest resort pools.

Parents appreciate the convenient Skyliner access to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios, cutting down travel time significantly. After long park days, kids crash happily surrounded by their favorite characters.

2. The Grove Resort & Water Park Orlando (Winter Garden)

Why drive to a separate water park when you can roll out of bed and be splashing within minutes? Surfari Water Park delivers serious fun with its lazy river, multi-level slides, interactive splash zones, and that FlowRider that turns kids into instant surfers.

The condo-style suites are absolute lifesavers for bigger families or groups traveling together. Full kitchens mean you’re not eating out every single meal, and separate bedrooms give everyone much-needed space.

Parents rave about the resort’s location near theme parks without the theme park price tag. Kids remember the water park days just as fondly as the Disney ones.

3. Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center (Kissimmee)

Walking through the massive glass atrium feels like entering a tropical paradise, complete with waterfalls, gardens, and alligators lounging in contained habitats. Kids gawk at the indoor ecosystem while parents appreciate not melting in Florida heat.

The on-site water park means families never need to leave the property if they don’t want to. Multiple pools, slides, and a lazy river keep everyone entertained for days straight.

Special seasonal events like ICE! (yes, real ice sculptures in Florida) create unique experiences you won’t find elsewhere. Rooms are spacious, dining options are plentiful, and the resort handles large families with ease.

4. LEGOLAND Florida Resort (Winter Haven)

For families with elementary-aged kids, this place hits differently than other Florida resorts. Every room comes with LEGO-themed décor, treasure hunt activities, and dedicated kids’ sleeping areas that make bedtime feel like an adventure instead of a battle.

Being steps away from the theme park means you can head back to the room for afternoon breaks without losing half your day. The resort pool area features LEGO models, water features, and entertainment that extends the park experience.

Complimentary breakfast gets everyone fueled up before park opening, which frequent visitors know is crucial for beating crowds. Kids collect resort-exclusive LEGO sets as souvenirs they’ll actually play with for years.

5. Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa (Fernandina Beach)

This coastal gem trades theme park madness for genuine beach relaxation without sacrificing kid entertainment. Miles of pristine Atlantic coastline give families room to spread out, build sandcastles, and actually hear themselves think.

The resort’s Nature Center runs incredible programs where kids learn about local wildlife, tide pools, and coastal ecosystems. Multiple pools, including one with a winding waterslide, ensure nobody gets bored between beach sessions.

Parents love the full-service spa and golf courses while supervised kids’ activities keep little ones happily occupied. The resort nails that sweet spot between upscale amenities and family-friendly accessibility that’s surprisingly hard to find.

6. Island Grand at TradeWinds (St. Pete Beach)

St. Pete Beach consistently ranks among America’s best beaches, and this resort plants families right in the middle of that sugar-white sand paradise. Four heated pools, a splash pad, and direct beach access mean water activities dominate every day in the best possible way.

Paddleboard and kayak rentals let adventurous families explore calm Gulf waters together. The resort offers organized activities like sandcastle contests and poolside games that help kids make vacation friends instantly.

Beachfront fire pits become evening gathering spots for s’mores and storytelling. Families return year after year because the laid-back beach vibe never gets old.

7. Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa (Bonita Springs)

Taking a private shuttle boat to the resort’s exclusive island beach feels like unlocking a secret level in a video game. Kids treat it like a mini-adventure every single time, and parents love having a pristine beach without crowds or vendors.

Back at the main resort, the lagoon-style pool with its waterslide and lazy river keeps everyone cool during hot afternoons. Camp Coconut offers supervised activities that range from nature walks to arts and crafts.

The resort sits on 26 acres, giving families plenty of space to explore without feeling cramped. Multiple dining options mean even picky eaters find something they’ll actually eat.

8. Hawks Cay Resort (Duck Key)

Located in the heart of the Florida Keys, this resort delivers that island vibe without requiring passports or long flights. The dolphin encounter programs get mentioned in practically every family review—kids remember meeting dolphins long after other vacation details fade.

Five pools, including a lagoon perfect for young swimmers, spread across the property so you’ll always find a spot. The kids’ club runs excellent programming that actually engages children instead of just babysitting them.

Sunset celebrations, water sports rentals, and fishing charters create authentic Keys experiences. Families appreciate getting Florida adventure without roughing it in basic accommodations.

9. Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa (Palm Coast)

Families seeking resort fun without theme park intensity find their perfect match here. The on-site water park delivers slides, a lazy river, and splash areas that rival bigger destinations, but the overall vibe stays relaxed and manageable.

Supervised kids’ activities are thoughtfully planned and genuinely engaging, giving parents guilt-free time for golf or spa treatments. The beach access provides that classic Florida coastline experience without overwhelming crowds.

Palm Coast’s quieter location means you escape Orlando’s tourist chaos while still getting world-class amenities. Families rave about returning to this spot specifically because it recharges everyone instead of exhausting them.