HOTEL BRANDS CATERING TO KIDS
You probably have favorite luxury hotel brands for their amenities, service or locations. Many of these brands also offer family-friendly features designed with children in mind. As more hotels adapt to younger travelers, it’s worth knowing what perks are available so you can make the most of family trips.
WESTIN HOTELS & RESORTS
Westin offers a charming in-room tent amenity at select properties for families staying in suites. These tents add a playful touch for little ones, and some locations enhance the experience with toys and age-appropriate activities to keep children entertained.
THE RITZ-CARLTON
The Ritz Kids program, aimed at children ages 4–12, emphasizes nature and environmental awareness. Activities center around four pillars—water, land, environmental responsibility and culture—and are crafted to spark curiosity while teaching stewardship. Families can expect structured daily activities and meal options to suit children’s needs.
MARTINHAL BEACH RESORT & HOTEL IN PORTUGAL’S ALGARVE
Martinhal Beach Resort & Hotel in the Algarve is a family-focused 5-star resort offering something for every age. Teens can enjoy a half-mile crescent of sandy beach with kayaks and paddleboards, while younger children have clubs and well-equipped play areas close to parent-friendly dining and relaxation spots. The resort’s design and services make it easy for families to travel lightly: a Baby Concierge lets guests pre-book items such as safety gates, potty chairs, bottle sterilizers, cribs and baby baths. Babysitting services are available and the Village Square shop stocks essentials like diapers and baby food.
Children’s programs are divided by age: Raposinhos hosts activities for toddlers like face painting, crafts, games and treasure hunts; older kids can print T-shirts and make pizza; teens have their own space, the Blue Room, with video games, board games and more. A nursery provides care for babies and toddlers up to age 2.
Active programs include Explorers and Blast Club offerings—windsurfing lessons, bike tours and dolphin-watching trips—plus a Sports Academy where kids can learn or improve skills in surfing, diving, tennis or soccer with experienced instructors. During summer months the resort schedules evening activities for children while parents dine leisurely.
Accommodations range from double rooms to garden apartments and full houses set within landscaped grounds. Many rooms feature sea views and custom-designed furnishings made from local materials such as cork, wood and woven fibers, giving the resort an organic feel while helping reduce environmental impact. Multiple pools, sports courts and facilities sit among preserved native trees and plants, and the resort’s low-rise architecture blends into the coastal landscape.
ADVENTURES BY DISNEY DELIGHTS MANGA-OBSESSED KIDS
Adventures by Disney has added a Japan itinerary aimed at families, recognizing the growing interest in anime and manga among young travelers. The 10-night trip visits Kyoto, Osaka, Takayama, Hakone and Tokyo and includes hands-on, family-friendly activities such as rickshaw rides, cycling and cooking experiences that go beyond standard sightseeing.
The Japan itinerary is part of Adventures by Disney’s broader 2019 offerings, which also include updated trips in Alberta, Canada, featuring cowboy-style rope activities and exploration of Banff National Park and Lake Louise. Bookings are open for the season.
Ultimate Family Suite aboard Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas © ROYAL CARIBBEAN
ROYAL CARIBBEAN’S NEWEST SHIP WILL DELIGHT FAMILIES
Royal Caribbean continues to lead in family cruising, and Symphony of the Seas raises the bar with large-scale family entertainment and dedicated amenities. The Oasis-class ship carries more than 5,500 passengers and features unique activities such as Battle for Planet Z, a glow-in-the-dark laser tag experience, Escape the Rubicon, an escape-room–style challenge, and the Ultimate Abyss, the tallest slide at sea.
Family accommodations include the two-level Ultimate Family Suite, a 1,346-square-foot space with kid-focused features: an in-room slide, a private cinema with a large HD TV, a floor-to-ceiling LEGO wall, and a spacious balcony with table tennis and a whirlpool. The suite also includes multiple bedrooms and a dedicated attendant service for a seamless family stay.
Food options cater to varied tastes: casual favorites like burgers and wings at Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade, tacos at El Loco Fresh, and sweets at Sugar Beach sit alongside upscale choices such as Hooked Seafood for seafood lovers. Symphony of the Seas sails Mediterranean seven-night cruises from Barcelona and will homeport in Miami seasonally, offering Caribbean itineraries that call on Perfect Day at CocoCay.
Sailboats in Kinsale Harbour © MATTHEW RAGEN | DREAMSTIME.COM
SOUTHWEST IRELAND WITH KIDS
Southwest Ireland offers varied experiences ideal for family trips: historic towns, dramatic coastline and accessible outdoor adventures. Kinsale Harbour is well suited to beginners for sailing lessons, and nearby beaches make for relaxed family picnics and seaside play.
SURF AND SAIL
The region’s coastline is great for introducing children to sailing and watersports. Calm waters around harbors like Kinsale provide gentle conditions for lessons, and beaches offer safe spots for swimming and family beach days.
EXPLORE SEA LIFE
Dolphin and whale watching from a boat gives kids a memorable marine experience. Guided cruises or locally rented vessels allow families to observe sea life in its natural environment while learning about the coastal ecosystem.
ROAM THE COUNTRYSIDE
Ireland’s rolling hills, castles and scenic passes are perfect for family exploration. Hike or bike through areas like Macgillycuddy’s Reeks or take a guided tour through the Gap of Dunloe. Killarney National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, offers trails, lakes and wildlife such as red deer—ideal for a family day outdoors. A road trip through Southwest Ireland also works well for families wanting flexibility and varied stops to match children’s attention spans.
LEGOLAND’s quiet room for guests with autism who may have difficulty waiting in line © LEGOLAND
LEGOLAND BEEFS UP ACCESSIBILITY
LEGOLAND Florida has long prioritized accessibility for guests with physical and cognitive differences and recently expanded those efforts. Families can prepare before arrival by reviewing the park’s Special Situations resources and Guide for Guests with Disabilities, which outline guest services, park maps and accessibility features.
Dining guides list options for common dietary restrictions—dairy-free, nut-free, gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian—helping families plan meals ahead of time. At the park, Guest Services can assist with last-minute needs. Visitors with limited mobility may request a complimentary Hero Pass for expedited access with staff assistance.
On-site facilities designed for comfort and care include Baby Care rooms, first-aid areas and sensory-sensitive quiet rooms equipped with noise-cancelling headphones, weighted blankets and plush toys for guests who need a calming break. These services and resources help make a visit to LEGOLAND more inclusive and manageable for families with special needs.