Family Travel Reimagined: Top Resorts Offer Elaborate Kids' Clubs
Modern family resorts are transforming kids' clubs from simple playrooms into immersive, educational experiences catering to a wide range of ages and interests.
The days of children being relegated to basic rooms with board games while parents enjoy adult-only pools are largely over. Family travel has evolved, with resorts now offering sophisticated kids' clubs designed to engage children in fun, learning, and creativity. These updated programs are more akin to self-contained complexes or even resorts within resorts, staffed by credentialed educators, scientists, and wilderness rangers.
Nadia Bess, owner of Besst Travels, notes that families increasingly seek "full programming" for their children that is "outside and learning-based." This can range from learning about local wildlife in an ocean destination to exploring the culture of the region. However, she emphasizes the importance of age-appropriate activities, stating that "You don't want your 5-year-old doing the same programming as a 13-year-old."
To meet these evolving demands, travel advisers have identified several resorts worldwide that excel in providing exceptional children's programming.
Forte Village Resort, Sardinia
Located on the southern coast of Sardinia, Forte Village is an expansive complex featuring eight resorts and numerous amenities. Its dedicated play area, dubbed "Children's Wonderland," includes two children's pools, a nursery, and a kids' theater, all accessible via a toy train. Mario's Village, a miniature town for children aged 3 and older, and a life-size Barbie House offering themed experiences add to the attraction. For older children and teens, Leisureland provides a go-kart track and bowling alley, while Acquapark is a water-based splash zone. The resort also offers over 21 sports and leisure academies, including a football clinic, fencing, a DJ academy, and a magic academy. A dedicated children's restaurant with a menu designed for picky eaters and homogenized food for babies caters to all ages, from infancy through the teen years.
Gleneagles, Scotland
This renowned Scottish country estate resort, Gleneagles, offers programs for younger children and teens. For ages 3 to 7, a "Little Glen Adventure Guide" leads explorations of the estate. Older children receive a "Den Adventurer Guide" with a backpack, water bottle, and snack box. These supervised programs allow parents to enjoy other resort amenities. The Den provides an indoor hangout space with air hockey, a cinema, and gaming stations. A crèche is also available for children as young as 30 months.
Kokomo Private Island, Fiji
Kokomo Private Island in Fiji is designed to cater to families with children of all ages, including infants. The resort offers a complimentary nanny service for families with very young children, allowing parents to enjoy adult-only areas. The Kaji Club, for children aged 4 and older, is a dedicated zone with traditional toys, books, and crafts, run by childcare specialists. It also features daily outdoor programs such as fish feeding, snorkeling practice, beach games, nature walks, and cultural activities. Teens have their own club with games and a pool, along with outdoor sports like pickleball and tennis, and island excursions.
Nimmo Wilderness Resort, Canada
Accessible only by boat or floatplane in British Columbia's Great Bear Rainforest, Nimmo Wilderness Resort offers a unique "Kids in the Wild" program. This program can be a family activity or child-only, often starting with a boat outing. Activities are tailored to age and interest and can include fishing, fire-building, hiking, and wilderness survival skills. Older children can participate in scavenger hunts, "Amazing Race"-style competitions, and multi-day challenges. Creative activities include building fairy doors and making "kidtail" drinks. The resort also provides opportunities for wildlife viewing, such as bears, whales, and dolphins.
The Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
The Ritz-Carlton's Grand Cayman property is highlighted for its exceptional Ritz Kids program, particularly its "Ambassadors of the Environment" initiative developed with Jean-Michel Cousteau. This program uses the island's ecosystem as a living classroom, with activities like mangrove kayaking, snorkeling, and education on local marine life and archaeology. The resort also features Starfish Cay, a water park with slides and a tipping bucket, a children's pool, and various sports courts. A complimentary golfing clinic is available for young golfers. Travel advisers have praised the program for its immersive approach to the Cayman Islands' environment and culture.