When I talk to destination wedding couples who are including kids on their guest lists, we always have a discussion about the different types of family friendly resorts. This is a big deal for anyone considering an all-inclusive vacation with kids. But it’s especially important for engaged couples who are planning their dream wedding at a property that allows kids on-site!

Generally speaking, there is a (very unofficial) spectrum of different types of family friendly resorts. One end of the spectrum contains kid-centric resorts, while the other end of the spectrum simply allows kids, but doesn’t provide much for them specifically.

Let’s be clear. There’s no wrong answer about what type of family friendly resort you choose for your destination wedding (or vacation). Nor is there a correct answer to the question of inviting kids to your destination wedding at all.

Your wedding is for YOU TWO. You should absolutely make decisions that make the most sense to you. If that means excluding kids from your guest list, then so be it!

But if you do want (or need) to include kids on your wedding guest list, it’s important to understand the different types of family friendly resorts. This will help you choose the perfect resort [for you]. One that has the amenities, service, food, venues, and vibe that will set the stage for your dream destination wedding!

Different Types of Family Friendly Resorts

As I said, I consider family friendly resorts to fall somewhere along (my mental) spectrum that ranges from all-about kids to “kids are allowed, but that’s it.”

Let’s dive in and see what those different points on the spectrum look like!

Kid-Centric All Inclusive Resorts

Let’s start at the extreme end of the spectrum with kid-centric resorts.

These resorts are of course built for families (because parents pay for things and supervise, and absolutely earned their vacations! But let’s be honest. These resorts are memory makers for the kids.

Some provide waterslides or full-on water parks. They offer themed rooms, themed restaurants, kid menus and drinks, and an absolute slew of activities for kids of all ages! One of my favorites has a kid’s restaurant and swim-up “bar” (serving mocktails and milkshakes, etc.)

From character breakfasts to water slides, kid restaurants, water games, game rooms, and even to getting slimed (!!!!! 90s kids rejoice!!!!), kid-centric resorts are not messing around. They are a kid’s dream.

But, honestly I’ve never booked a wedding at a kid-centric resort like these. This is just because it’s never been the right fit for a couple. But I imagine if there was a large family group traveling with dozens of kids, this could be a super fun spot for a family vacation or even a light-hearted vow renewal!

I certainly remember wanting to go to the Nickelodeon studios resort and get slimed back in the day, and getting to visit was SO incredibly fun!! Plus getting to meet the Sesame Street gang in Turks and Caicos… bucket list material! It was an absolute blast, and I know for the right family group, this type of resort could be so, so fun!!

Resorts with Prominent Kid Amenities

Next, we’ll move a bit further down the spectrum. While these resorts aren’t quite as kid-centric as those above, these still have a LOT for kids to do, eat, and experience. And those things are out in the open, sprinkled throughout the resort.

At these properties that feel prominently family-friendly, you’re likely to see lazy rivers, kids’ restaurants or buffets, kid cabanas (look at that one pictured above! It’s SO STINKIN CUTE!!!!), kid clubs, water slides, splash pads, game rooms, and more… all around the property.

Kids will be around you, almost certainly.

This is not a place where you’re going to find too many quiet, adult-only spaces. Though some of these resorts do offer a scarce few adults-only spaces. These may include a specific adults-only building for rooms (so no crying babies will interrupt your honeymoon or peaceful sleep after a night of partying). Or they may include a specific pool, lounge, restaurant, or bar.

This is a great option for destination wedding couples who have kids, or who have a lot of kids in their family or wedding party, and want to ensure there’s something for absolutely all of their guests to do and enjoy, no matter their age.

Adult-Oriented Resorts Where Kid Amenities Are Tucked Away

Lots of my destination wedding couples who do not have kids go for resorts in this area of the kid spectrum!

Yes, there are kid amenities on-site. Maybe there’s a kids club, teen club, game room, splash pad, or even some water slides. Awesome! Plenty for kids to do.

But those kid amenities are tucked away in their own little area, so they are not the main focal point of the resort. So even if it’s an illusion, the resort feels more adult-oriented. Wedding pictures won’t have water slides in the background. There probably won’t be a gaggle of kids yelling and running around near your chill spot at the beach or the swim-up bar.

If you want to have all the fun stuff kids want, but don’t want to FEEL like there are kids around, this area of the spectrum is probably a great bet for your needs.

Resorts Where Kids Are Allowed, But There Are Few to No Kid Amenities

Finally, there are some resorts that technically allow kids, but really don’t offer anything special for them to do.

I basically think about these resorts similarly to EP Hotels. The room, pools, beach, etc. are plenty, and offer quite enough to keep most kids happy throughout your trip. These are far more adult-oriented than everything listed so far.

If you’re looking for an adults only ISH experience, but really need the property to allow kids on-site, this is probably the best option for you, if you’re looking for one, single resort.

Just be warned, this type of resort is usually more expensive than most of the others listed above. If a resort goes out of its way to provide a surprisingly luxurious experience, vibe, grounds, etc. … it’s not usually cheap.

Resort Complexes That Have Both Adult & Family Friendly Options

Resort “complexes” are properties where multiple resorts within one brand family sit side by side. This is one of my absolute favorite options for destination wedding groups where the couple and/or many of their guests want an adults only experience, but they’re inviting (or bringing) children as well.

At many (not all) of these resort complexes, one resort will be adults only, and another one (or several) will be family friendly. This is a fantastic way to offer the best of both worlds so you and your guests can get exactly what you want and need from your destination wedding weekend and vacation.

In many of these complexes (again, not all), there is some level of reciprocity between resorts. This means that some guests will be able to move freely between the resorts. Of course this is great for wedding event purposes. But it’s also great to be able to go over and hang out with your friends and family on the other side of the resort. PLUS, you get access to twice as many restaurants, pools, and general resort amenities.

You can read more about this wonderful option for both adults only resorts and family friendly resorts, side by side, here.

If you’re ready to start planning your destination wedding, you’re in the right place! Whether you want a family friendly resort, or an adults only resort, or one of each, I’ve got your back! With my extensive experience (those are all my photos above!) and training, I know all the best resorts and can match you with one that best fits your needs, budget, guest list, and wedding vision!

Just click the button below to start planning your dream destination wedding today!