The best East Coast family resorts are the ones that make traveling with kids easier, and after years of trips with my own family, I’ve found some favorites. From quick road trips just a couple hours from D.C. to sunny Florida beaches perfect for a winter escape, the East Coast has options for every season. We’ve loved waterparks, kids’ clubs, and even ski slopes that kept both my kids and my husband happy. In this guide, I’m sharing the resorts we’ve stayed at (and a few still on our bucket list), with all the parent-approved details you’ll want before booking.
Table of Contents for East Coast Family Resorts
I listed from Lower Price to Higher Price on average but some dates may be priced differently!
- Summer East Coast Resorts (5)
- Winter East Coast Resorts (5)
- Quick FAQ Family Resorts (imho!)
- What is the most kid-friendly resort on the East Coast?
- What East Coast resorts are best for toddlers?
- Which East Coast resorts are good for large families or reunions?
- Are there all-inclusive family resorts on the East Coast?
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We were all blown away by the Kids Club at the Four Season Palm Beach!
There are so many wonderful East Coast family resorts that our family has been lucky enough to explore over the last 12 years of living in DC! I've included the top 10 here and divided by Summer and Winter. Most of these resorts are great year round but I put them into seasonal categories for when they really shine!
For each family resort, I share the 1) Family Friendly Amenities, 2) Dining, 3) Accommodation Options, 4) Local Tours for Entertainment and Education. I also ordered them from least expensive to most expensive but please note that some season may be differently priced!
Summer East Coast Family Resorts (First on Family Resorts Virginia)
Massanutten Family Resorts Virignia Indoor and Outdoor Water Park on the East Coast
We've loved visiting Massanutten Resort in the summer, just 2 hours west of Washington, DC in the heart of Virginia's Shenandoah Valley. Your family can spend your days exploring the great outdoors with activities that cater to every age and interest. From thrilling waterpark adventures indoor and outdoor to serene nature trails perfect for family hikes, Massanutten showcases the best of summer leisure and excitement. Golf enthusiasts can enjoy a round on the picturesque courses, while those looking to relax can indulge in the spa services.
Massanutten Family-Friendly Amenities:
- WaterPark: A highlight for families, featuring giant slides, a FlowRider surf simulator, a lazy river, and a play area for small children. Diamond Jim’s arcade adds to the fun with games for post-swim entertainment.
- Family Adventure Park: Offers activities including a Mega zip line, canopy tours, an adventure ropes course for kids 12 and under, tubing hill, climbing wall, and a play land for a full day of adventure.
- Mountain Bike Park: With trails ranging from beginner to expert and gear available for rent, families can enjoy the mountain scenery in an exciting way.
- Self-Driving Audio Guide for Shenandoah National Park. It has 4.5 rating on Get Your Guide:
- Immerse yourself in the Shenandoah Valley with a self-driving audio guide
- Learn about local history as you go
- Get the inside track on the world-famous Appalachian Trail
- Enjoy a guide curated by local guides and curated by creative writers
- Use the map as you go from stop to stop on your journey
(Also beautiful in the Fall on their Chairlift that we went on as a family! Read all my tips here.)
Massanutten Dining:
Massanutten Resort presents a variety of dining options to cater to different tastes and preferences:
- Splash's Bar & Grill and Base Camp: Both offer dine-in and takeout options for convenient meals.
- Campfire Grill: Recommended for its ambiance and dining experience, requiring reservations.
- VA BBQ & Pizza Co.: Serves breakfast and a variety of meals with dine-in and takeout options, except on Wednesdays.
- Additional on-site options include a sweet shop for treats and several dining options during the high season to ensure everyone finds something they love.
Accommodation Options:
Massanutten Resort offers a range of lodging choices to accommodate different family sizes and preferences, from condo and hotel accommodations to mountainside villas. (This one linked has a hot tub and 17 person theater!) This variety makes it suitable for everything from family reunions to multigenerational vacations, ensuring there’s a comfortable space for every guest.
And 2 Water Park Essentials 👇
LEGOLAND New York - Epic East Coast Family Resort
LEGOLAND New York is the most epic family resort on the East Coast if you have a LEGO fan in your life! Located less than an hour from New York City, we had a blast when we visited over Halloween with my then 6 year old son. It was a perfect age to explore with him! They also have a Waterpark now called LEGO City Water Playground which opens in late March every year! Here's my full review of LEGOLAND New York with all the details:
- Know Before You Go (Best Ages, Time, What to Bring)
- Ways to Save on LEGOLAND New York Tickets
- Tips at LEGOLAND (Suggested Itinerary, Favorite Rides, Where We Ate)
- Where to Stay (LEGOLAND Resort and nearby Hotels)
- Halloween Brick or Treat Monster Party Info
Mom Tip: Get LEGOLAND Shirts or Souvenirs online before you pay the full prices :)
Ocean House Family Resort in Newport, Rhode Island
Ocean House in Rhode Island offers a stunning seaside setting with luxurious amenities, making it a perfect East Coast family resort. Guests have praised its picturesque location, immaculate cleanliness, and unique, quiet rooms that provide a serene and luxurious experience.
- Family-Friendly Amenities: Complimentary activities such as wine and cooking classes, fitness classes, and beach activities. The resort also offers a range of children's programs and activities to keep the little ones entertained.
- Dining: Home to the state's only five-star restaurant and spa, offering exquisite dining experiences with views of the ocean. Multiple dining options cater to all tastes, from casual to fine dining.
- Accommodation Options: Luxuriously appointed guest rooms with modern conveniences, complimentary Wi-Fi, and beautiful views. Options range from standard rooms to spacious suites, ensuring comfort for families of all sizes.
- Local Tours: Newport Mansions Ticket - 1, 2 or 3 Mansions. Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund!
Sanderling Family Resort in the Outer Banks of North Carolina
Sanderling Resort in the scenic Outer Banks of North Carolina, is an exceptional East Coast family resort. It offers a wonderful blend of luxury and natural beauty, ideal for family vacations. Sanderling includes direct beach access, outdoor pools, and a variety of kid-friendly activities, including water sports and nature exploration.
- Family-Friendly Amenities: Pools, a kids' club, and a variety of outdoor activities tailored for families.
- Dining: Multiple on-site dining options offer a range of culinary experiences from casual to fine dining, all family-friendly.
- Accommodation Options: A selection of rooms and suites designed to accommodate families of all sizes, ensuring a comfortable stay with options for ocean and sound views.
- Tours:
Mom Tip: Pack a Sandproof Waterproof Extra Large Beach Mat for beach adventures! I love that it compacts into a small attached pouch
Gurney's Resort in Montauk, New York
Gurney's Resort in Montauk, New York, stands out as a premier East Coast family resort in the Hamptons. With its unique location on a private beach, families can enjoy the serene oceanfront, indulge in various water sports, and explore the beautiful Montauk surroundings. It's a perfect destination for families looking to create unforgettable memories in a picturesque setting.
- Family-Friendly Amenities: Indoor pool, private beach, live music, classes to dive-in movies in the indoor pool and kids camps during school holidays. Full list on their website.
- Dining: Igloos By The Sea, Scarpetta Beach (Italian Cuisine), The Firepit (outdoor lounge experience), Tillie's (American kitchen), Grab N Go Cafe, and The Beach Club.
- Accommodation Options: Every room, cottage and suite overlooks the Atlantic Ocean!
Check out these 24 Family Beach East Coast Vacations!
Winter Family Resorts on the East Coast (first one Virginia Family Resort)
Note again: I listed from Lower Price to Higher Price on average but some dates may be priced differently!
Bryce Resort - Great Winter Ski Family Resorts Virginia
Bryce Resort in Virginia transforms into a winter wonderland, offering an idyllic East Coast getaway for families. With its snow-covered slopes, the resort caters to all levels of skiers and snowboarders, making it perfect for both beginners and seasoned enthusiasts. Cozy cabins and warm hospitality make Bryce Resort a top choice for families seeking a memorable winter vacation.
Family-Friendly Amenities at Bryce Family Resort on the East Coast:
Dining Options at Bryce:
Accommodation Options:
Lots of great cabin rentals for families and groups of all sizes, here are 2 with awesome amenities:
- Free Resort Passes - Hot Tub - Sauna - Views - Fast Wi-Fi - Pet Friendly 5 bedroom
- 4-Bedroom+Loft, Sauna, Pool Tableland 2 Fireplaces
Winter Resort Essentials for Families:
Massanutten Family Resort in the Winter in Virginia
Photo provided by Massanutten Resort
Massanutten Resort in Virginia offers a quintessential winter escape for families on the East Coast. With its sprawling ski slopes catering to all skill levels, snow tubing park, and indoor water park, the resort ensures excitement for every member of the family.
Family-Friendly Amenities:
- Indoor water park.
- Ski slopes and snow tubing.
- Adventure park with activities like zip-lining.
Dining Options:
- Various on-site restaurants offering a range of cuisines.
- Casual dining and snack bars.
Accommodation Options:
- Hotel rooms with mountain views.
- Cabins like this one with hot tub, full kitchens and 17 person theater?!
And check out more Skiing Resorts Near Washington, D.C!
Gaylord National Harbor - Maryland near Washington, D.C.
The Gaylord National Harbor Resort transforms into a winter paradise, making it an excellent choice for families on the East Coast seeking holiday cheer and festive activities. It's annual ICE! exhibit, featuring elaborate ice sculptures and slides, is a highlight, along with indoor snowfalls that enchant visitors of all ages. It's probably the most "Christmasy/Holiday" hotel I've ever seen!
Local Tours:
- National Harbor: Capital Wheel Entry Ticket: “Experience incomparable aerial views of Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia while relaxing inside fully enclosed, climate-controlled gondolas. Plan your visit around the weather with this flexible date ticket.”
- National Mall Tour by Electric Vehicle
- Georgetown, Washington DC: Escape Room Adventure
- Washington DC: LEGO® Discovery Center 1-Day Admission
The Four Seasons Palm Beach Florida - Our family's favorite resort on the East Coast!
Our family's stay at The Four Seasons Palm Beach Resort was nothing short of spectacular, proving it's a fabulous destination even in the winter. The resort's impeccable service, luxurious accommodations, and array of activities ensured everyone had something to enjoy, from the serene beachfront to the sumptuous dining options.
They even had a little welcome plate of cookies for my daughter and fruit pouches for my son! The Kids Club programming was incredible and they had the coolest tools to build sand castles with the kids!
Family-Friendly Amenities at The Four Seasons Palm Beach Resort:
- Kids For All Seasons program
- Family-friendly pools and beach activities
- Complimentary use of beach toys and water sports equipment
Family Tour Nearby:
- Sightseeing Catamaran Cruise in Palm Beach. 2 hours long and cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
My favorite Sun Gear for Kids:
JW Marriott Marco Island Resort in Florida
I've heard incredible things about the JW Marriott Marco Island Resort! It offers a splendid winter escape for families looking to enjoy the warmth and beauty of Florida's Gulf Coast. With its pristine beaches, kid-friendly water sports, and outdoor pools, there's endless fun under the sun. The resort's luxurious spa, diverse dining options, and engaging children's programs ensure a relaxing and memorable experience for parents and kids alike.
- Family-Friendly Amenities:
- Kids' club and family activities
- Outdoor pools and water sports
- Beach access with recreational options
- Dining Options:
- Multiple on-site restaurants catering to various cuisines
- Kid-friendly menus and casual dining options
- Fine dining experiences for special occasions
- Accommodation Options:
- Spacious guest rooms and suites
- Balcony views of the Gulf or island
- Options for connecting rooms for larger families
Family Tours Nearby:
All of these tours are 2 hours which is perfect for families and you can Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Quick FAQ East Coast Family Resorts (all in my humble opinion!)
1) What is the most kid friendly resort on the East Coast?
Massanutten Resort in Virginia is at the top of my list. It has both an indoor and outdoor waterpark, an adventure park with zip lines and tubing, plus kids’ activities year round. LEGOLAND New York Resort is another favorite if you have a LEGO fan in the family, with rides and a water playground that are perfect for kids ages four to ten.
2) What East Coast resorts are best for toddlers?
The Four Seasons Palm Beach really stood out when we visited. They welcomed my kids with beach toys, fruit pouches, and an amazing kids club. Toddlers also love the splash zones and gentle pools at Massanutten Resort's waterpark, where parents can relax while the little ones play safely.
3) Which East Coast resorts are good for large families or reunions?
Ocean House in Rhode Island also has spacious suites and family friendly programs if you are planning something special with a bigger group. Massanutten Resort in Virginia offers villas that sleep up to seventeen people, making it perfect for multigenerational vacations or family reunions.
4) Are there all inclusive family resorts on the East Coast?
While true all inclusive resorts are more common in the Caribbean, many East Coast properties come close. Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa and Ocean House in Rhode Island offer packages with meals and activities, while resorts like JW Marriott Marco Island in Florida have family dining, kids clubs, and water sports bundled on site so you do not need to leave the property.
And check out my 30 Travel Essentials for your upcoming trip with a free printable checklist!
