We have so many responsibilities as parents. I can think of many times over the years when I felt stressed to the max. Sometimes a change of scenery, an opportunity to relax and recharge for a day or two can make all the difference. I learned that booking just a night or two at a nearby family-friendly resort to enjoy the pool and resort amenities could do wonders. This post is sponsored by CVS/pharmacy as part of a Find Your Healthy campaign. All thoughts are my own.
Sometimes the best vacations are ones where you can just sit back and relax but this is no easy task when you’ve got little ones to tend to and have a vacation budget to stick to. Choosing the right resort can make or break your family vacation, as well as your bank account. That’s why I’ve put together a list of some things to look for in a family-friendly resort.
Complimentary breakfast. Having breakfast included with your room rate can not only save you a bundle but also takes some of the worry out of your meal planning. I try to always book where complimentary breakfast is included. If not included, a reasonably priced on-site restaurant will help you get your day started fast.
Book a suite if possible. A two room suite with a sleeper sofa will not only accommodate a larger family, but having that second room where the kids can watch television and play games will give you more space and a much needed break.
A suite with a kitchenette offers convenience and can save you a lot of money, if you bring food from home and prepare some of your own meals. I make sure the room at least has a microwave and small refrigerator, so I can bring my own drinks and snacks. On a recent vacation in Florida, I stopped at the a CVS/pharmacy near the resort to pick up drinks and our favorite snacks like Gold Emblem Abound Organic Popcorn. With the CVS mobile app you can access your deals on-the-go right from your phone!
Choose a resort with a great pool. I love a resort that has a large pool. It’s always nice to relax and spend a day or two poolside, especially after a couple of busy days doing the theme parks.
My family recently stayed at Caribe Royal in Orlando and the pool was amazing. It had a fun waterfall and large waterslide that kept us in the pool having fun all day long.
Look for kid-friendly activities. Check online and call the resort to see if they have any planned kid-friendly activities or camps. I recommend that you always call. One resort my family stayed at showed an outdoor family movie out by the pool in the evening and it wasn’t advertised on the website. We absolutely loved watching that movie under the stars. Plus, they served popcorn and it was absolutely free.
Some resorts even have an on-site game room which is always a big hit with the kids.
Ask about borrowing game systems and DVD players. Many resorts have game systems, DVD players and other items you can borrow or rent for a nominal fee. This often isn’t advertised, so call ahead and ask.
Also, for guests with younger children, some resorts offer loaners of items such as step stools and baby bath tubs. It’s so nice when you don’t have to bring these items from home. Be sure to call ahead and reserve.
Childproof rooms. Many resorts now offer childproofing of guest rooms. If you have younger children this will give you great peace of mind.
Taking a family vacation or getting away for just a night can do so much to reduce stress and rejuvenate your spirit. I hope these tips will help you find the perfect family-friendly resort for your getaway. Follow the #FindYourHealthy hashtag for more tips and ideas for staying healthy this summer.
Disclosure: I’m proud to partner with CVS/pharmacy for the #FindYourHealthy campaign. I am being sponsored by CVS/pharmacy for my posts and activities, but all opinions expressed are my own, and all product claims or program details shared should be verified at CVS.com or with the appropriate manufacturers.
Those are all great tips for a resort. Whenever we went to a resort my kids always wanted to spend more time at the pool than the ocean, so a great pool was a must.
Complimentary breakfast and a good free wifi connection are usually the selling points for us on hotels. A pool is a plus too!
A lot of resorts don’t put in the effort to be child-friendly! It’s nice to see one place that does it right!
We save so much money on a family vacation when the resort has great entertainment options. Why leave the resort? A good pool is a must!
Oh that’s cool, I had no idea that resorts had video game systems and whatnot you could rent. We’ll have to remember all of this because we’ve always wanted to go somewhere FUN but worried about the kids and what they would do for fun. I’d love a fun family trip to a family-friendly resort!
We always look for free breakfast and a great pool too! Definitely life saving options for a family
Great suggestions. We don’t often go on trips, but if we did I would for sure look for a good pool, and maybe a great breakfast spot. Complimentary is a plus!
We got to stay at a family resort in May. I think it had everything on your list.
A great pool will always make it family friendly. Bigger perks if they have kid friendlyactivities already lined up!
A resort with rooms which have ample space is a must for me when traveling with family. I can’t stand to feel like we are on top of each other.