Florida is as close as you can get to the Bahamas and Caribbean without leaving the county. For your family to truly feel like you’re on “island time,” you’ll want to stay at a resort that offers all your needs – from dining options and activities to entertainment – in one place, without having to pay extra for everything.
That’s where all-inclusive resorts generally come in, but there aren’t many options in Florida, let alone the wider United States (with some great exceptions). That’s partly due to the fact that operational costs are much higher here in the U.S. Instead, most resorts that tout themselves as “all-inclusive” tend to fulfill a more value-added price tag through specialty inclusions (a la activities), dining packages, and seasonal promos.
To find the best all-inclusive resort for your family, first determine what’s most important: activities, restaurants, childcare services, and proximity to attractions such as the theme parks or one of the best Florida beaches. Here are seven Florida resorts that offer a more inclusive experience.
1. Great Wolf Lodge South Florida
Naples, Florida
Most families have heard of the Great Wolf Lodge, and many of those who stay at one are turned into repeat visitors. The North American resort chain best known for its indoor water parks offers seemingly endless activities for kids at no extra charge – plus all-inclusive dining packages for children and free, daily breakfast packages that further add to the resort’s incredible value.
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Great Wolf Lodge fans can expect the same frills and thrills at its new South Florida location – all amidst its quintessential Northwoods Forest charm. The water park features a massive wave pool, lazy river, 12 waterslides, and several play areas for kids of all ages, including those in swim diapers. When you prefer to stay dry, challenge your kiddos at the Adventure Park, with a ropes course, zip line, and obstacle trail.
Myriad other activities, including the resorts’ popular MagiQuest live-action game, and entertainment are also covered, allowing you to fill your family’s schedule with as much or as little as you want.
2. Tradewinds Island Grand Beach Resort
St. Pete Beach, Florida
TradeWinds is actually two oceanfront resorts in one – TradeWinds Island Grand Resort and RumFish Beach Resort – spread out over 40 acres of St. Pete’s famous beaches. Collectively, the properties offer nine pools; three waterslides; and 733 rooms and villas. Those numbers might not impress your kids, but they certainly will be wowed by the floating, ocean water park and the 33,500-gallon aquarium, built by Animal Planet’s “Tanked,” that offers a unique snorkeling experience.
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Water slide rides at the floating water park, beach cabanas, mini golf, outdoor movies, and much of the children’s programming are included in the resort fee, while other activities bear an additional charge. Regardless of which resort you choose, you’ll have access to it all. Food is not covered, but certain packages do include free breakfast and other savings.
3. Encore Resort at Reunion
Kissimmee, Florida
If Central Florida’s famous theme parks are on your itinerary, consider making Encore Resort at Reunion your home base. Rather than staying in a typical hotel room or condo, guests at this family resort can choose from vacation rental homes ranging from three to 13 bedrooms. The grounds feature a playground and small splash pad, while families also get access to a water park with multiple slides, a larger splash zone for kids, and more – all wrapped up into the cost. Complimentary theme park transportation is included.
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For those who don’t feel like cooking, there are three restaurants on site, as well as a meal delivery service and the option to have a chef prepare a multi-course dinner for your family, in your vacation home. (Groveries also can be delivered.) Ongoing specials that vary by the season offer opportunities for families to save, such as discounts off stays of at least two nights and last-minute deals.
4. Sandpiper Bay Resort
Port St. Lucie, Florida
This former Club Med all-inclusive resort is now Sandpiper Bay Resort and part of the Trademark Collection by Wyndham collection. It’s a true all-inclusive Florida resort (recognized as one of the best all-inclusive resorts in the U.S., in fact), where families can enjoy unlimited dining, drinks, outdoor activities, non-motorized sports, and more sans any extra charges.
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Situated along the serene St. Lucie River and only about 10 minutes from Florida’s Atlantic coast beaches, Sandpiper Bay Resort is undergoing yet another major transformation that will introduce fresh renovations and a redefined all-inclusive experience. The property will keep its doors closed through late 2025 to complete it, but you can still plan ahead and keep tabs on all the exciting updates.
5. The Conrad Orlando at Evermore Resort
Orlando, Florida
Families often have to choose between a trip to Orlando’s theme parks and a beach vacation in Florida – or, somehow find a way to squeeze in both. That was until the 1,100-acre Evermore Orlando resort, where The Conrad is situated, entered the scene.
With 20 acres of white sands and crystal-clear waters, the city’s first and only beach resort gives you the best of both experiences, with no room for FOMO. Dedicated swimming areas (floaties available) and a slew of activities like kayaking, a rope swing, and massive slide up the ante of fun under the sun. Other highlights include a 36-hole Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course and the convenience of being right next to Disney World.
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Most family-friendly activities are covered, as is luxury motor coach transportation to Disney’s parks. When it comes to dining, The Conrad offers packages that include free daily breakfast and on-property credits that can be applied toward dining.
6. Pink Shell Beach Resort and Marina
Ft. Myers Beach, Florida
The Pink Shell Beach Resort and Marina’s retro, muted pink exterior is a subtle nod to its humble beginnings as a small cottage in 1950. Fast forward to now, and the meticulously maintained property still offers the same coastal charm – only with much more space with 12 acres of pristine beachfront. Kayak, paddleboard, and bike rentals are gratis, making it easy to explore the area’s natural surroundings.
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Families also will love the access to three pools (including one reserved for adults) and beach campfires, essentially made for s’mores at sunset. Most of the activities are covered by the resort fee. Rooms and villas have one or two bedrooms, and reservations come with complimentary, daily breakfast.
7. The Boca Raton
Boca Raton, Florida
What began as a small inn in 1926 has evolved into a luxury resort that goes big on family attractions while still upholding a high level of sophistication – without the ‘stuffiness’ you sometimes get at other high-end properties. The Boca Raton is the farthest from an all-inclusive on our list, but I’d be remiss not to mention it, due to the luxe offerings you can enjoy for free during your stay.
Nestled along the Atlantic Ocean, the resort comes with its own private beach and breathtaking views. Where it truly shines, though, is in its family-friendly outdoor oasis hallmarked by a 450-foot lazy river and interactive splash zone. In addition to all the included activities, families can save by booking a value-added package (example: nightly credits that can be applied toward dining). Complimentary transportation within a two-mile radius also is included.
