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HomeLocal10 Action-Packed Family Resorts Perfect for Energetic Kids

10 Action-Packed Family Resorts Perfect for Energetic Kids

 

 

10 Family-Friendly Resorts Overflowing with Activities for Energetic Kids


When my son was younger, his boundless energy could have worn out ten parents by noon! Relaxing meals and leisurely strolls weren’t an option for us. Instead, we focused on finding hotels and resorts packed with activities to keep his lively spirit engaged. If you have kids bursting with energy from dawn until dusk, consider these dynamic family resorts.

 

1. The Sagamore Resort

Lake George, New York

 

In the late 1800s, city dwellers sought refuge in the Adirondack Mountains of New York to enjoy the outdoors in luxury. This tradition continues today at The Sagamore on Lake George, where guests can swim, fish, water ski, and even ride on a historical vessel from the 19th century.

 

AT THE WATER’S EDGE: Discover America’s top waterfront resorts for families, as recommended by travelers.

The expansive grounds are ideal for outdoor games and activities. From tennis and volleyball to both heated indoor and outdoor pools, even the most hyperactive kids may find themselves worn out! With a 10,000-square-foot indoor Recreation Center featuring mini-golf, basketball, and ping-pong tables, there are plenty of options for energetic children, even on rainy days or in the evenings.

 

2. Lopesan Costa Bávaro Resort, Spa & Casino

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

 

While the stunning beach and crystal-clear waters of Punta Cana offer plenty of fun, the Lopesan Costa Bávaro Resort excels for families looking for even more excitement. This expansive resort spans a stretch of beautiful sand and features a bowling alley, escape room, and water park in addition to beach activities like volleyball and soccer. Additionally, there are many pools, including a large infinity pool designed for games, contests, and dance classes.

 

Kids will have a blast at the Panchi Kids Club, which offers a variety of supervised high-energy activities such as trapeze lessons and stilt walking workshops. The resort also features a shopping area complete with a candy store and ice cream shop. A network of shaded paths lined with towering coconut palms allows children to roam freely without getting overheated.

 

3. Rush Creek Lodge

Groveland, California

 

Located just a mile from the entrance to Yosemite National Park, Rush Creek Lodge is an excellent starting point for exploring the breathtaking scenery of the area. This forested retreat is an adventure haven for energetic kids, complete with a zip line, a nature-themed playground featuring a rope swing, a massive hillside slide, and a large year-round saltwater pool accompanied by a hot tub. For even more fun, kids can enjoy hiking trails, bocce ball, and cornhole while also diving into glass-blowing crafts and nature-inspired art projects.

The indoor game area is filled with air hockey, pool tables, bumper pool, and vintage pinball machines, as well as an interactive treehouse structure that kids can climb. Additionally, the lodge’s recreation program includes guided excursions in the park. In winter, a snowshoe trek allows families to experience Yosemite’s tranquil beauty.

 

4. Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort

Savusavu, Fiji

Surrounded by lush greenery and pristine reefs brimming with vibrant marine life, the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort in Fiji is a true paradise in the South Pacific. The resort provides two full-time Marine biologists in Fiji offer kids exciting experiences like snorkeling, exploring rock pools, and kayaking, all while discovering an underwater paradise.

 

Young children can try scuba diving in the family pool, and if they are at least 10 years old, they can become certified at the PADI Junior Open Water level. Other activities for children to burn off energy include tennis, pickleball, yoga, deep-sea fishing, and hiking to breathtaking waterfalls. Cultural experiences like basket weaving, traditional cooking lessons, and coconut husking provide a deeper understanding of local traditions.

The Bula Club is an extensive childcare initiative where kids are entertained by musicians while they swim, slide, and play in a treehouse. Each child under 6 has a dedicated nanny or caregiver for the entire duration of their visit, while older children get paired with a buddy. If your child is very active, just inform the staff so they can match them with a caregiver who is equally energetic.

5. Skytop Lodge

Skytop, Pennsylvania

 

Situated on a vast nature preserve in Pennsylvania’s Poconos, Skytop Lodge offers numerous activities alongside endless space to explore. With charming traditions like afternoon tea and cookies, it creates a cozy atmosphere without feeling overly formal. Kids will find countless recreational options to keep them busy. Adventure awaits with naturalist-led hikes and mountain biking excursions. Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, and swimming on the lake, and land activities include golf, tennis, lawn bowling, and archery.

 

If you’ve ever wanted to learn ax throwing or conquer a rock-climbing wall, this is the place for you. The resort features indoor and outdoor swimming pools for year-round fun. In winter, activities include snow tubing, snowshoeing, and ice skating to keep kids active. For those looking for excitement, tweens and teens can tackle the Treetop Adventure Course, filled with bridges, ropes, and zip lines high among the trees.

6. Inn by the Sea

Cape Elizabeth, Maine

 

Located just outside of Portland, Inn by the Sea represents the beauty of coastal Maine beautifully. Guests can wander along a private boardwalk that goes through a wildlife sanctuary, eventually reaching the beautiful Crescent Beach for swimming and beachcombing. Despite its relaxed atmosphere, the inn offers a range of activities. Kids can participate in the Bug’s Life program where they dress up as insects and learn about Maine’s ecosystem from a naturalist.

 

Family-friendly activities include yoga, guided nature walks, gardening, art classes, and kite flying. In summer, enjoy daily ice cream socials, while in winter, snowshoeing is available. Swim in the heated pool or borrow a bike to visit the historic Portland Head Light, Maine’s oldest lighthouse. For a unique experience, take a ride on the Lucky Catch, a working lobster boat led by Captain Tom, which gives young guests hands-on experience with the local marine life. Plus, for families traveling with dogs, they will be treated excellently at this pet-friendly resort.

7. Massanutten Resort

Massanutten, Virginia

Massanutten Resort is a go-to weekend getaway for families living near the D.C. area, located just a short drive from the capital. It is cherished by visitors from all over for its plentiful offerings. Nestled in the stunning Shenandoah Valley, this resort is packed with indoor and outdoor activities suitable for all seasons, so there’s never a bad time to stop by.

 

Here, a sprawling indoor and outdoor waterpark awaits, alongside horseback riding, all-weather street curling, zip-lining, hiking, and mountain biking trails, as well as basketball, golf, and tennis courts available for non-stop entertainment. In winter, you can ice skate, go snow tubing, and enjoy skiing and snowboarding. For something different, check out the ukulele and bongo drum classes offered.

8. Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & Spa

Bastrop, Texas

 

Located along the Lower Colorado River, Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & Spa is adjacent to the scenic McKinney Roughs Nature Park, which features winding trails and seasonal bursts of wildflowers. It is merely a 30-minute drive from vibrant Austin, where urban amenities meet the serenity of nature.

The open expanse of land seems far away from modern life. Experience the Texan lifestyle by taking horseback rides, learning tomahawk throwing, and mastering lasso skills.

 

A variety of bicycles, including options for children, are available to ride to the corral and visit friendly creatures like alpacas, goats, and bighorn sheep. When temperatures rise, enjoy the waterpark featuring a large swimming pool, a baby pool, a two-story slide, and a lazy river. Additional activities include an 18-hole golf course, tennis and basketball courts, fishing in a well-stocked pond, and a fully-equipped playground.

9. Crystal Springs Resort

Hamburg, New Jersey

Located just 43 miles from New York City, Crystal Springs Resort in Northern New Jersey consists of two interconnected hotels, Grand Cascades Lodge and Minerals Hotel. Both hotels offer a plethora of activities, making it more challenging to find things that aren’t available. Enjoy golf, pony rides, nature trails, axe throwing, laser clay shooting, archery, and a rock-climbing wall. For winter fun, you can ice skate or try curling, while summer brings trapeze activities and fishing trips.

 

Is that not enough? Create your own stuffed bear and attend various seasonal craft workshops. There are also several pool complexes, the most impressive being the Grand Cascades Lodge’s Biosphere. This unique heated pool, surrounded by exotic plants and a retractable roof, features a 140-foot slide, an aquarium, and a snack bar, ensuring endless entertainment regardless of the weather.

10. Flathead Lake Lodge

Bigfork, Montana

Surrounded by the stunning Swan Range and Mission Mountains, Flathead Lake Lodge is a family-run, all-inclusive ranch in Montana that offers a robust horseback riding program. Beginner lessons are available, while more experienced riders can explore expansive trails. If your child is interested in rodeo skills, this is the perfect place to learn.

 

While horseback riding is a major attraction, Flathead Lake Lodge offers a wide array of family-friendly activities that extend beyond equestrian experiences. The lodge’s lakeside setting provides opportunities for various water sports, including waterskiing, sailing, and kayaking. Explore guided hikes, take yoga classes, play pickleball, basketball, tennis, archery, enjoy line dancing lessons, bike on miles of single-track trails, or embark on all-terrain vehicle rides to view the lodge’s 500-acre elk preserve.

10 family resorts brimming with activities for energetic kids originally appeared on FamilyVacationist.com.

 

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The insights and opinions in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of YSL News. FamilyVacationist.com and TourScoop.com are managed by Vacationist Media LLC. Following the FamilyVacationist travel recommendation approach, we evaluate and recommend family vacation ideas and destinations, all-inclusive resorts, and classic family trips for all ages. TourScoop focuses on guided tours, tour operator reviews, itineraries, and travel gear recommendations.