Planning a family vacation comes with many factors to manage: flights, accommodations, rental cars, bathroom breaks, snacks, and keeping the little ones engaged. It can be both enjoyable and overwhelming—and it often hits the wallet hard. To alleviate some of this pressure, I often choose family-friendly resorts where kids can stay for free. Additionally, some hotels that don’t advertise such options may still provide roomy accommodations, like suites or cabins, at no extra charge.

In addition to complimentary stays for kids, these resorts stand out as excellent destinations, featuring kids’ clubs, activity centers, and nanny services, which give parents a little break. Facilities like cribs, meals suitable for children, swimming pools, water slides, and playgrounds keep younger children entertained, while amenities for teens and adults include golf courses, spas, and sports activities. Here are my top selections for family resorts in the US (and one in Canada) where children stay free.

1. The Central Station Memphis, Curio Collection by Hilton

Memphis, Tennessee

At The Central Station Memphis, children and teenagers up to 17 can stay at no charge, making it a fantastic option for families. Set in a beautifully refurbished early 1900s train station, the hotel offers stylish suites with large living spaces and mini-fridges for snacks. For just $1, a working trolley can take you downtown, where exciting sites such as the Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum, National Civil Rights Museum, and historic Beale Street are located. Beale Street itself has many family-friendly shops and restaurants, including Beale Sweets Sugar Shack for something sweet. Central Station blends history, comfort, and convenience, making it a premier stop in Memphis.

2. Cambria Hotel Madison East

Madison, Wisconsin

Children 18 and under can stay free at the newly remodeled Cambria Hotel Madison East, situated just seven miles from Dane County Regional Airport and three miles from East Towne Mall. This hotel comes with a large indoor pool, a games area, complimentary Wi-Fi, and parking. Parents will appreciate the on-site laundry services and spacious accommodations, with suites offering separate living areas and sleeper sofas. Madison is a great Midwest destination for family vacations, with lakes, parks, and attractions like the Henry Vilas Zoo, the Tropical Rainforest Aviary, kayaking on Lake Mendota, and mini golf and climbing at Vitense Golfland.

3. Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler

Whistler, British Columbia, Canada

At the welcoming Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler, there’s no extra charge for children under 18 who share a room with their parents. Among the resort’s 291 accommodations are spacious suites and private residences with kitchens, living areas, and laundry amenities. Families benefit from cribs, high chairs, kids’ robes, activity kits, and a seasonal playroom. The heated outdoor pool, gym, and spa elevate the experience, while dining is budget-friendly with free meals for kids under five. Located just minutes from Whistler Village, the resort offers easy access to shopping, dining, the PEAK 2 PEAK gondola, and outdoor activities like kayaking on Alta Lake.

4. Comfort Inn Rehoboth Beach

Rehoboth Beach, Delaware

With its relaxed coastal vibe and famous boardwalk—paired with funnel cakes and saltwater taffy—Rehoboth Beach has always been one of my favorite family getaways. Now that I’m a parent, I value how the Comfort Inn Rehoboth Beach keeps things affordable by allowing kids under 18 to stay free when sharing with their parents. Conveniently located near the boardwalk, the hotel features cozy rooms, spacious bathrooms, and suites with extra sitting areas. Guests can enjoy complimentary continental breakfast, parking, and an outdoor pool. Nearby attractions include Jungle Jim’s Water Park, Midway Speedway Park, and Browse-A-Bout Books, an indie bookstore complete with a cozy coffee shop perfect for finding your next vacation read.

5. Woodloch Resort

Hawley, Pennsylvania

The all-inclusive Woodloch Resort nestled in the Pocono Mountains is beloved by both toddlers and teenagers alike, and it’s easy to see why. The resort offers more than 30 scheduled activities each day, ranging from pool games and scavenger hunts in summer to holiday-themed celebrations and winter sports when it turns cold. Throughout the year, Woodloch also features kids-stay-free deals for children six and under; it’s wise to check their promotions page often for any special packages that align with your travel dates.

6. The Waves Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection

Wildwood, New Jersey

Kids 18 and under can stay for free at The Waves Hotel in Wildwood, New Jersey, making it an economical option just a three-minute walk from the beach. The hotel boasts recently updated rooms equipped with a refrigerator, microwave, and coffee maker. Guests can also take advantage of the seasonal outdoor pool, complimentary parking, and free continental breakfast. Wildwood features expansive beaches and family-friendly attractions, such as Morey’s Piers, with its water park and rides, plus classic boardwalk delicacies. The area also has a variety of dining options, including Goodnight Irene’s brew pub and Alumni Grill.

7. Mohonk Mountain House

New Paltz, New York

Set amid the picturesque Adirondacks, Mohonk Mountain House offers numerous kid-friendly amenities, including a children’s program, indoor and outdoor pools, a rock climbing wall, and guided nature walks. In winter, families can enjoy ice skating and sledding. Children aged five to 12 can participate in supervised nature-inspired activities through the kids’ club. Kids five and under always stay for free, and the resort provides family-friendly accommodations with plenty of space in rooms and suites.

8. Sandpiper Bay Resort

Port St. Lucie, Florida

At Sandpiper Bay Resort, kids 11 and under eat, stay, and play for free. This resort has been hailed by FamilyVacationist as one of the top all-inclusive family resorts in the US. There are plenty of activities available for children, including a water park, mini-golf, and a kids’ club, alongside various sports programs such as tennis and golf designed to engage children of all ages. With spacious accommodations and all-inclusive dining, Sandpiper Bay allows parents to unwind while their kids have fun.

9. Alta Lodge

Alta, Utah

Offering a stunning mountain backdrop and family-centric services, Alta Lodge creates lasting memories for both children and parents. Kids aged 12 and under can stay free when sharing a room with their parents, making it a great choice for skiing families thanks to its ski-in, ski-out access, children’s ski lessons, and a cozy lounge area for families to unwind after a day on the slopes. Parents can also take advantage of the lodge’s spa and dining options while the kids are entertained.

10. Holiday Inn Hotels and Resorts

Multiple Locations

At Holiday Inn Hotels and Resorts locations Around the United States, children under 18 can stay for free when sharing a room with their parents, making it a budget-friendly choice for families. Hotels offer child-friendly features such as special menus for kids, swimming pools, and roomy accommodations. Many properties also provide family suites with additional space and comfortable seating arrangements. The brand’s extensive presence also means families can easily find suitable accommodations wherever they go.

10. Oceana Resorts

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

At any of the eight Oceana Resort locations in Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach, kids aged 17 and under always stay free. Children will appreciate the close access to the beach, while parents can relax knowing there’s an abundance of activities to keep youngsters entertained. Many of the properties also offer complimentary playpens and various child-friendly amenities, making them perfect for family beach getaways.

11. Great Wolf Lodge

Multiple Locations

This popular chain of indoor water park resorts has over 20 locations throughout the United States and one in Canada. Children under the age of two are allowed to enter the water park and stay for free. In addition to various indoor play areas, exciting water slides, lazy rivers, and spa-like hot tubs, most Great Wolf lodges also feature an outdoor pool and numerous dining options catering to even the most selective eaters. Accommodations come with cozy log beds, mini-fridges, free Wi-Fi, and microwaves. Themed suites designed like cave-like dens offer extra excitement for kids.

At these 11 family-friendly resorts across the US and Canada, children can stay and have fun free of charge in 2025, as initially featured on FamilyVacationist.com.

The opinions expressed in this piece 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. Utilizing the FamilyVacationist travel recommendation methodology, we curate and recommend family vacation ideas, family holiday destinations, all-inclusive family resorts, and classic family getaways for every age group. TourScoop covers guided group tours and tour operators, reviews of tour operators, itinerary assessments, and travel gear tips.