Looking for family-friendly resorts to take the kids this summer? Look no further! Here are my top 11 resorts that offer the best activities and the best deals!
Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort
The Great Family Omni Amelia Challenge
Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort is cranking up the family competition unveiling The Great Family Omni Amelia Challenge; offering families the chance to work as a team to receive a FREE two-night return stay to the luxury oceanfront resort nestled on award-winning Amelia Island, Fla. Encouraging families to spend time together, visitors are asked to participate in the resort’s diverse family-friendly recreational offerings within two days when they book The Great Family Omni Amelia Challenge travel package. With activities such as a kayak, stand up paddle board or Segway tour, miniature golf, spa treatment, tennis lesson and round of golf included in the travel package, the challenge is designed to not only promote family bonding but also allow parents, children and siblings to spend precious time together.
Open for Competition Now Through August 31, 2015
*Number indicates the minimum number of family members that must complete each activity
Segway, stand up paddle board or kayak tour (2)
Round of miniature golf at Heron’s Cove (2)
Tennis lesson at the resort’s Racquet Park (1)
Spa service or treatment (1)
18 holes at one of the resort’s two championship golf courses (1)
For more information on the Omni Amelia Island Plantation or to book The Great Family Omni Amelia Challenge travel package, call 1-800-The-Omni or visit www.omniameliaislandplantation.com.
Omni Orlando Resort at Championsgate
110 Days of Summer
Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate is thrilled to offer guests 110 days of summer fun. From Resort Scavenger Hunts and Golf Clinics, to Family Sushi Lessons and S’mores by the resort firepit, families can expect an array of offerings sure to excite guests of all ages. In addition to delightful activities, four-wheel family surrey bikes will now be available for rental to explore the expansive resort property. The resort’s 110 Days of Summer Fun is available all summer long (through Sept. 7). A special room rate is available for families to enjoy luxurious accommodations at an affordable rate, starting at $139*, a waived resort service charge and a $25 resort credit to enjoy on property.
In addition to the assortment of activities, Omni Orlando is running the 110 Days Of Summer social media campaign awarding a family each day with resort surprises ranging from delightfully simple to extravagantly extraordinary. Families using the hashtags #OmniOrlando and/or #110Days on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter will be randomly selected for complimentary resort offerings, such as free family gelato at Broadway Deli, an entertaining nighttime round of golf on the nine-hole par-3 Champions 9 course, and half hour two-bench surrey bike rental, to a free family dinner in David’s Club, a palatial Presidential Suite room upgrade and a privately secluded pool-side cabana, complete with refreshments.
For more information regarding the Four-Diamond resort or 110 Days of Summer please call 1-800-The-Omni or visit the special offers page of: http://www.omnihotels.com/hotels/orlando-championsgate/specials/110-days-of-summer-package
Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando
Stay in the Lion’s Den
Celebrated as an experience in art, music and entertainment, the AAA Four Diamond Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando is a proud partner of the Orlando City Soccer Club. Families can book their stay just minutes from the stadium in the heart of Orlando’s vibrant dining and cultural center and enjoy %15 off home game nights at this luxury, downtown icon.
Additionally, the property is minutes away from the Dr. Phillips Center of Performing Arts that has a full calendar of events for families to enjoy — including I Love Lucy Live On Stage, Chuggington Live! and The Legend of Zelda shows in June and July. A full list of events families can plan their visit around can be found at http://www.drphillipscenter.org/shows-and-events/.
Additional Summer Packages Include:
Bohemian Bliss: Ignite a blissful trip with indulgent accommodations, champagne, chocolate covered strawberries, 50-minute couple’s massage and a dinner credit for $120 at The Boheme restaurant.
June Summer Specials: Guests staying at the Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando on the weekend get 20% in June.
Orlando World Center Marriott
Celebrate Summer Escape
Located in the heart of one of the world’s most popular vacation destinations, Orlando World Center Marriott invites friends and families to indulge in a “Celebrate Summer” escape, starting at $144/night, for stays now - Sept. 7, 2015 – treating travelers to a $25 nightly resort credit, without a length of stay requirement.
Towering above more than 200 prime, Central Florida acres, the Four-Diamond Orlando World Center Marriott offers experiences that are a “World Beyond Compare.” Having recently completed an extensive multi-million dollar transformation, the resort now features everything on-premise from the iconic Falls Pool Oasis – ranked one of the “world’s coolest hotel pools” by Forbes – with enticing enrichments inclusive of a new Slide Tower featuring two, 200-foot winding waterslides and one, 90-foot speed water slide, in addition to a Splash Zone offering kids a zero entry pool and playground, as well as a Kid’s Activity Zone and Poolside Bar and Grill. Other on-property amenities include the championship golf course, Bill Madonna Golf Academy at Hawk’s Landing Golf Club, a full service spa and fitness center, as well as 10 taste-tempting restaurants and lounges, including a food court for guests on-the-go.
With the year-round average temperature sitting at 78º, the 2009-room resort is ideally located to all Orlando has to offer — 1.5 miles from Walt Disney World® and just minutes from SeaWorld® Orlando, Discovery Cove®, Aquatica™ and Universal Studios® Orlando. More information on Orlando World Center Marriott, call 800.380.7931 or visit www.worldcentermarriott.com.
Hard Rock Hotel Orlando
Longer You Stay, The More You Save
Hard Rock Hotel Orlando — boasting premier, central location within Universal Orlando Resort — offers guests the “Longer You Stay, The More You Save” package. Available now — Aug. 15, 2015, the package allows guests to save up to 35% on stays that last 3+ nights.
In addition to the package, guests of HRH Orlando enjoy exclusive VIP perks, including skip the regular line privileges at Universal Orlando theme parks and early admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ one hour before the theme park opens.A Floridian getaway with a Hotel California vibe, Hard Rock Hotel Orlando caters to emerging and veteran rockers alike, offering a luxury hotel experience infused with music that is upscale, yet anything but uptight. Among it’s many amenities, the property offers four restaurants, a cocktail lounge and sand beach pool with underwater audio system, 260 ft. slide, daily events and even “dive-in” movies under the stars. To learn more visit http://www.hardrockhotels.com/orlando/
Tallahassee: Florida’s Capital City
Great Southern Summer
Tallahassee, Fla. is a must-visit family-friendly destination filled with vibrant culture, outdoor adventures and serene nature spots. Summer is the perfect time to visit Tallahassee during our “Great Southern Summer” promotion highlighting family adventure options. With rolling hills and moss-draped ancient oak trees, Florida’s capital city looks much different than what most people expect in Florida. And since it’s bordering a national forest, Tallahassee offers some of the Southeast’s best biking, hiking and kayaking.
Here is a small sampling of outdoor adventures unique to Tallahassee:
Soar through Tallahassee’s iconic canopied trees on the Tallahassee Museum’s unique Tree-to-Tree Adventures zip line and obstacle course. There’s a special course for children.
Greet freshwater fish and lovable manatees while kayaking down the Wakulla River - just one of the five winding rivers, various sinkholes and 16 accessible lakes peppered throughout the region. Double kayaks are great for a parent and child.
Experience up close alligator encounters and spot rare birds while cruising down Wakulla Springs, one of the world’s deepest freshwater springs, with a jungle cruise boat tour.
Pack a picnic and explore Tallahassee’s 60 award-winning parks with more than 2,800 acres of trails – perfect for biking and hiking.
Tallahassee also has 31 attractions under $10 — perfect for families to have a Great Southern Summer in Tallahassee. Check them out here: http://www.visittallahassee.com/explore/self-guided-tours/budget-friendly-tallahassee/
Castle Hotel
During the month of June, an enriching and upscale experience awaits families at the Castle Hotel, with special rates and free breakfast. Conveniently located along Orlando’s famed International Drive, this upscale Kessler Collection hotel offers in-lobby purchase of Disney Magic Your Way Tickets, and complimentary transportation to the most popular attractions make it easier to enjoy than ever.
The royal treatment continues in 216 richly appointed guest rooms, the sparkling outdoor pool and nearby themed restaurants, all close to Orlando’s legendary fun. Enchanting surroundings and rare artwork make entering this property like walking into a storybook all ages can appreciate.
Additional Summer Packages Include:
Dine & Delight: Guests receive luxurious accommodations, breakfast for two ($50 value) and $100 dining credit for dinner at Garden Bar & Bistro or Antlers Lounge.
Pride & Joy: Guests receive luxurious accommodations, two signature cocktails, welcome snack amenity, $25 gallery credit and breakfast for two.
Art of Romance: Guests receive luxurious accommodations, bottle of wine and chocolate-covered strawberries, one in-room movie of choice, delicious breakfast in bed and late checkout.
The Gates Hotel Key West
The southernmost island’s newest lifestyle hotel, The Gates Hotel Key West, officially opened its “gates” to guests and locals in April 2015, inviting guests to be among the first to experience Hemingway’s “old school Key West” with a Grand Opening promotional rate.Guests looking to unlock the Keys can book their stay for 25% off now through August 2015, starting at $209/night. To experience The Gates Hotel Key West, call 305-320-0930 or visit www.gateshotelkeywest.com.
LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort
The ‘crown jewel’ of Southwest Florida, LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort, invites sun seekers to head southwest to beautiful Naples to soak up special summer savings with rates starting at $299/weekday night and $399/weekend night, now – September 2015. As the only true beachfront, boutique resort on Florida’s Gulf Coast, this laid-back luxe retreat rivals the élan of South Beach and encompasses 6.5 acres, situated on the sweeping white sands and gently lapping turquoise waters, nestled next to the picturesque Vanderbilt Bay.
LaPlaya bespeaks posh and panache down to the smallest detail, note the Balinese-style spa, marble bathrooms and personalized beach butler service. LaPlaya holds a coveted spot on the Conde Nast Traveler “Gold List” and on Travel + Leisure’s “World’s Best Hotels” list, as well as named one of the “Best Hotels in Naples” by U.S. News & World Report and being ranked no. 12 on their “Best U.S. Resorts List.” The stylishly simple escape features crisp blue cabanas alongside cascading rock-waterfall pools, beach fire-pits, a thatched-roof tiki bar, beach butlers, ultra-exclusive David Leadbetter Golf Academy complete with the private 18-hole Bob Cupp designed golf course, exotic SpaTerre (salon and spa), delectable oceanside fine dining and “toes in the sand” dining at BALEEN, stunning “green flash” sunsets and more. For more information, call (800) 237-6883 or visit www.laplayaresort.com
Pelican Grand Beach Resort
Adorning 500 feet of Fort Lauderdale’s private, pristine beachfront, the newly enhanced Pelican Grand Beach Resort — basking in the glow of an extensive multi-million dollar re-imagination — couples Old Florida grandeur with seaside elegance to offer guests a coastal-chic waterfront retreat starting at $159/night (standard room) / $249/night (suite) now – September 2015. From watching stunning sunrises from private balconies, to enjoying culinary creations at OCEAN2000 Restaurant & Lounge, floating down Fort Lauderdale’s only lazy river and indulging in personalized pampering at the all new PURE Spa (opened June 10, 2015), vacationers are engulfed by the unrivaled location of this laid-back luxe retreat set amongst the soothing sights and sounds of the Atlantic Ocean.
With the empowerment of the Noble House Hotels & Resorts brand, Pelican Grand grants beach lovers a spirited, yet sophisticated getaway in a sun-drenched destination of seaside cafes, picturesque waterways and a leisurely-pace. From Las Olas Boulevard with boutique shopping and chic cafes, to fine art museums and breathtaking gardens, Fort Lauderdale provides thrilling adventures, historic homes, an exhilarating nightlife and miles of white-sand beaches, just steps outside the resort. More information regarding Pelican Grand Beach Resort, visit www.pelicanbeach.com or call 954-568-9431.
The Vinoy Renaissance Resort & Golf Club
With summer in full swing, families across the country are searching for family-friendly destinations with easy access to outdoor adventures. The Vinoy Renaissance Resort & Golf Club, located in the heart of Downtown St. Petersburg, Fla., is mere steps away from St. Petersburg’s kid-friendly historical attractions.The hotel is ideally situated on the water and hosts numerous parks, museums, bike trails and a fishing pier all within walking distance. The Vinoy also offers tennis lessons, golf lessons, bike rentals and family sailing school. Have our navigators pack-up a lunch for the family and get ready to explore.
Uncover St. Petersburg’s rich history while embarking on a “Bird Quest” scavenger hunt. Interactive clues lead visiting families throughout museums, parks and hotels – searching for birds along the way.
Learn and play through hands-on exhibits at the Great Explorations children’s museum - featuring an art studio, critter cave and performance theater.
Unwind as you stroll through demonstration gardens and explore cascading waterfalls at Sunken Gardens. The oldest museum in St. Pete, this 100-year-old garden boasts more than 50,000 tropical plants and flowers.
Interact with rescued dolphins, sea turtles and otters at Clearwater Marine Aquarium, a nonprofit marine rescue center. Get close and personal with resident marine animals while feeding stingrays, sharks and pelicans. Meet Winter the Dolphin from Dolphin Tale 1 & 2 who resides at the aquarium.
For more information please visit http://vinoyrenaissanceresort.com