Miami isn’t just about palm trees, art deco buildings, and vibrant nightlife – it’s also one of the most versatile family vacation destinations in the U.S. Families visiting Miami can expect a combination of sunny beaches, fun attractions, cultural experiences, and some of the most family-friendly resorts in the country. Whether you’re looking for luxury, affordability, or all-inclusive fun, Miami has something for every type of traveler. Below is a comprehensive, detailed look at the best family resorts in Miami, complete with pricing, amenities, seasonal travel tips, and family-friendly packages to help you plan an unforgettable trip.
1. Acqualina Resort & Residences – Sunny Isles Beach
Luxury at Its Best
Acqualina is Miami’s crown jewel when it comes to luxury family resorts. Located in Sunny Isles Beach, this oceanfront property combines upscale sophistication with thoughtful family-friendly services. Families are welcomed with spacious suites, beachfront activities, and world-class dining.
- 💰 Price Range: From ~$700+ per night
- 👧 Family Features: The AcquaMarine Kids Program (ages 5–12) provides marine-themed activities and crafts, daily entertainment, and supervised fun. Kids also have access to splash zones and family pools.
- 🏖️ Amenities: Three outdoor pools, private beach access, award-winning spa, multiple dining options, tennis courts, and wellness programs for adults.
- 🎁 Packages: Family-friendly packages often include complimentary kids’ programs, daily breakfast, and resort credits that can be applied toward meals or spa treatments.
- ✅ Pros: Luxurious setting, quiet and safe location, tailored kids’ programming.
- ❌ Cons: Expensive, located ~30 minutes from South Beach nightlife and attractions.
Why Families Love It: Parents can indulge in luxury while kids stay engaged with activities, making it a true win-win vacation spot.
2. Fontainebleau Miami Beach – Mid-Beach
An Iconic Resort for Families and Groups
The Fontainebleau is one of Miami’s most famous hotels, blending historic glamour with modern family perks. It’s a massive property right on Miami Beach, with plenty of space for children and parents alike.
- 💰 Price Range: From ~$330+ per night
- 👧 Family Features: Shallow family pools, waterslides, playground, babysitting services, and childcare options through third-party providers.
- 🏖️ Amenities: 6 large swimming pools, 9 restaurants, world-class spa, fitness center, and direct beach access.
- ✅ Pros: Central location near shopping and dining, iconic resort experience, variety of food options for picky eaters.
- ❌ Cons: Very busy during peak season, extra resort fees, and pricey parking.
Why Families Love It: Kids can enjoy the pool areas while parents explore the spa and dining options. Despite its size, the Fontainebleau caters well to family needs.
3. JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa – Aventura
Waterpark Paradise for Kids
If your children love waterslides, lazy rivers, and endless pool days, the JW Marriott Turnberry is a dream come true. Though not located directly on the beach, it makes up for it with a private waterpark and kid-focused entertainment.
- 💰 Price Range: From ~$194+ per night
- 👧 Family Features: Tidal Cove Waterpark is the star attraction, offering a surf simulator, lazy river, kids’ slides, and thrill rides. The resort also features kids’ clubs and golf programs where children can play for free.
- 🏖️ Amenities: Two golf courses, tennis courts, luxury spa, fitness center, several dining options, and a large pool deck.
- ✅ Pros: Value for money compared to beachfront resorts, unbeatable waterpark for children, spacious grounds.
- ❌ Cons: No direct beach access; guests need to drive to Miami Beach or nearby coastal areas.
Why Families Love It: For active kids, this resort offers non-stop entertainment. Parents can relax at the spa or golf course while kids spend hours in the waterpark.
4. Loews Miami Beach Hotel – South Beach
Family Fun in the Heart of South Beach
Loews is known for being one of the most family-conscious hotel brands, and its South Beach location proves it. Located right in the middle of the action, it offers a family-friendly oasis within walking distance of Miami’s most famous spots.
- 💰 Price Range: From ~$229+ per night
- 👧 Family Features: SoBe Kids Club with supervised activities, a children’s splash pad, and family cabanas by the pool. The hotel also offers “kids eat free” perks.
- 🏖️ Amenities: Large zero-entry pool, direct beach access, spa, gym, restaurants, and an in-house market for quick snacks.
- 🎁 Packages: Family getaway packages with free kids’ breakfasts, free museum tickets (Frost Science or Miami Children’s Museum), and discounted sibling admission to kids’ programs.
- ✅ Pros: Central and convenient location, beach at your doorstep, packages that save families money.
- ❌ Cons: Busy and noisy area, resort and parking fees.
Why Families Love It: Loews makes it easy for parents with young kids to relax, offering both fun activities for children and amenities tailored to adults.
5. The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne – Key Biscayne
A Peaceful Island Escape
For families seeking calm and nature, the Ritz-Carlton on Key Biscayne is ideal. Just 15 minutes from downtown Miami, this resort feels like a world away from the city buzz.
- 💰 Price Range: ~$1,000–$1,800 per night
- 👧 Family Features: Ritz Kids program for ages 5–12, a family pool with splash pads, kid-focused crafts and games, and even themed activities like pirate adventures or marine biology sessions.
- 🏖️ Amenities: Two pools, tennis courts, bike rentals, luxury spa, beachfront access, and multiple restaurants.
- ✅ Pros: Peaceful setting, upscale service, focus on family bonding with nature.
- ❌ Cons: Expensive, lagoon-style beaches instead of the open ocean, some distance from central Miami attractions.
Why Families Love It: It’s a retreat-style vacation where children can explore nature and parents can unwind in luxury.
Best Time to Visit Miami with Family
- ☀️ December–April: Perfect season with warm, dry weather. It’s the high season, so expect higher prices and larger crowds.
- 🎉 March: Very popular due to Spring Break, which can mean higher prices and crowds at family resorts.
- 🌧️ June–September: Hot, humid, with afternoon rain showers. Hurricane risk increases, but prices are much lower. Great for budget-conscious families.
- 🍂 September: The cheapest month, but be mindful of storm season.
Travel Tip: 📅 Booking early during peak months ensures the best deals on rooms and family packages.
Tips for Traveling with Kids in Miami
- 🧴 Protect from Sun: Miami’s sun is intense. Always pack reef-safe sunscreen, wide-brim hats, and rash guards.
- 🕑 Plan Breaks: Avoid heat exhaustion by scheduling indoor breaks at museums, aquariums, or your hotel room during midday.
- 👩👧 Use Kids’ Clubs: Supervised kids’ clubs give parents time for relaxation while kids socialize and enjoy activities.
- 🛏️ Book Family Suites: Extra space and connecting rooms make vacations more comfortable.
- 🦒 Explore Beyond Resorts: Miami offers Zoo Miami, Jungle Island, Frost Science Museum, Vizcaya Gardens, and Wynwood Walls – all family-friendly attractions worth exploring.
- 🎮 Bring Entertainment: Teenagers may appreciate Wi-Fi, gaming devices, or downloadable movies for downtime.
All-Inclusive vs. Non-All-Inclusive Resorts in Miami
- ✅ All-Inclusive Pros: Simplifies budgeting, meals and drinks are included, perfect for parents who don’t want to track expenses.
- ❌ All-Inclusive Cons: Higher nightly rates, limited restaurant variety, and less exposure to local cuisine.
- ✅ Non-All-Inclusive Pros: Lower base room rates, freedom to explore Miami’s food culture, flexibility in choosing dining spots.
- ❌ Non-All-Inclusive Cons: Extra costs for every meal and drink, which can add up quickly for large families.
Reality Check: 🔎 Most Miami resorts operate on a non-all-inclusive model but often throw in perks like free breakfast or kids-eat-free programs to appeal to families.
Family Packages & Deals Worth Considering
- 🎁 Loews Miami Beach: Free kids’ meals, museum tickets, and discounted kids’ club rates.
- 🎁 Acqualina Resort: Complimentary kids’ program, breakfast, and resort credits to use for dining or spa.
- 🎁 Hilton Cabana: Breakfast included for all registered guests.
- 🎁 JW Marriott Turnberry: Free meals for kids under 3, and unlimited access to Tidal Cove Waterpark.
Booking Tip: 🔖 Always check resort websites for seasonal promotions. Some include car rental discounts, resort credits, or bundled attraction tickets.
Final Thoughts
Miami offers families a variety of experiences – from ultra-luxury escapes like Acqualina to fun-filled resorts with waterparks like JW Marriott Turnberry. If you prefer being in the middle of Miami’s action, Loews Miami Beach is a solid choice, while The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne is perfect for those who want a more peaceful, nature-oriented vacation. For families that love history and glamour, the Fontainebleau provides iconic Miami vibes with modern family-friendly amenities.
No matter which resort you choose, your family vacation in Miami will be filled with sunshine, turquoise waters, exciting attractions, and plenty of opportunities for quality time together. Whether you’re raising little explorers or traveling with teenagers, Miami’s family resorts make it easy to balance relaxation with adventure – ensuring that both kids and adults leave with unforgettable memories.
