Spotlight Hotel
Family-Friendly Travel by Age
Trips with Built-in Fun for Elementary-Aged Kids
We mapped out big adventures for little travelers around the ages of 5 to 10, including recommended hotels, cruises, and airlines.
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August 06, 2025
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When vacationing with elementary-aged kids, it’s all about finding the sweet spot between adventures and downtime. The best destinations offer space to roam, plenty to do, and a mix of thrills and chill – whether it’s an action-packed kids’ club, a beach with calm surf, or experiences that encourage discovery.
More parents are prioritizing travel as part of their lifestyle, with many taking advantage of the off-season window to explore the world with school-aged children. As noted in our 2025 Global Travel Trends Report, flexibility – and family friendliness – are more important than ever when planning a trip. A majority of Millennial and Gen Z parents say they’d even consider taking their kids out of school to travel as a family. (If you’re one of them, be sure to check out these eight European cities that shine in the off-season.)
From a Hawaiian coastal hideaway to an all-inclusive ranch to a theme-park resort, these destinations deliver the fun along with thoughtful comforts that make the trip more enjoyable for everyone.
Explore our series of family travel recommendations by age:
Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection | Hawaii
Tucked along the Big Island’s Kohala Coast, this laid-back resort is a great match for energetic, adventure-seeking kids. Standalone oceanfront residences come with private driveways, full kitchens, and pools. Little ones can splash safely in the Keiki Pool or play on the protected shore of Keiki Beach. When it’s time to explore, the resort offers easy access to tide pools, nature hikes, and kid-friendly diversions that make this spot as exciting as it is restful.
Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort | Florida
This upscale abode is a sweet deal for families wanting a mix of theme park action and resort downtime. There’s a 5-acre water park, a lazy river, and an interactive splash zone for endless kid fun – along with character breakfasts, a game-filled arcade, and an on-site playground. Parents will appreciate the complimentary shuttle to theme parks, and everyone will love the prime views of fireworks to end the day.
Brush Creek Ranch Collection | Wyoming
If you want the kids tuckered out at bedtime, this all-inclusive luxury ranch delivers with all kinds of active pursuits, plus wide-open spaces and mountain views. The jam-packed kids’ program packs in archery, hayrides, baking classes, and even meet-and-greets with goats. While kids ages 4–9 are busy with Lil’ Wranglers activities, parents can unwind at the Trailhead Spa or join the fun with horseback rides and scenic hikes.
The Cloister at Sea Island | Georgia
This barrier island resort treats guests to 5 miles of private beach, rooms and suites with chic Spanish-Mediterranean decor, and even a state-of-the-art golf center. The highlight for kids is often Camp Cloister, which keeps 5- to 14-year-olds busy with everything from scavenger hunts and nature walks to golf cart rides and skeet shooting. Families can also explore coastal wildlife with a naturalist or try their hand at marsh kayaking. And when the sun sets, things wind down with bingo nights and beach bonfires, because even the most active kids need a soft landing.
Carmel Valley Ranch | California
This California ranch resort puts nature front and center, with hands-on fun for kids ages 2-12 at the Adventure Den. Families can explore the 500-acre property through guided hikes, organic garden tours, and beekeeping experiences. After a day of adventure, retreat to spacious all-suite accommodations, each featuring a cozy fireplace and private deck – perfect for stargazing or sharing stories. Parents can sip wine from the on-site vineyard or play a round of golf, while the kids stay engaged with the resort’s diverse activities.
Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass | Arizona
At the Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass, families can immerse themselves in the rich heritage of the Gila River Indian community. The resort offers spacious rooms and suites adorned with artwork by local talents, plus private balconies, or terraces with views of the Sierra Estrella Mountains. Kids can kayak along the Gila River, explore the “Land of the Mustangs” trail, or meet a real wrangler, along with the resort’s resident horses. Offering visitors plenty of sunshine, space to sprawl out, and all-ages activity, it’s a great place for families who want a little bit of everything – from desert hikes and heated pools to parental chill time at the award-winning Aji Spa.
*
12pm check-in, when available
Room upgrade upon arrival, when available1
Daily breakfast for two
$100 credit to use towards eligible charges2
Guaranteed 4pm check-out
1Certain room categories are not eligible for upgrade.
2Eligible charges vary by property.
*,3
12pm check-in, when available
Room upgrade upon arrival, when available1
$100 credit to use towards eligible charges2
Late check-out, when available
1Certain room categories are not eligible for upgrade.
2Eligible charges vary by property.
3The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
Royal Caribbean
The Adventure Ocean youth program's drop-off sessions on Royal Caribbean Cruises keep kids ages 3-11 entertained while giving their grown-ups flexibility and peace of mind. Ships are decked out with splash zones, wave pools, rock-climbing walls, and mini-golf, plus supervised programs like Explorers, where kids craft, run science experiments, and even dig for fossils. Thrill Waterpark ups the ante with multi-story waterslides and a lazy river. In the evenings, families can take in Broadway-style shows, poolside movies, or DIY sundae bars. And with the younger set happily occupied, parents can finally get their relaxation on. Win-win.
The Cruise Privileges Program* offers up to $300 in onboard credit per stateroom, plus earn 2X Membership Rewards® points, per eligible cruises of 5-nights or more bookings through American Express Travel on your Platinum Card.4
Learn more about how to find the cruise that suits your style.
4Ship and stateroom exclusions apply, please see full terms and conditions.
Qatar Airways
Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines keeps things refreshingly simple for the whole crew: no seat selection fees to sit together, Priority Boarding for families with kids under 2, and infants fly free.
Delta Air Lines
Delta helps make the in-flight experience more manageable for families. Kid-friendly meals are available on all international flights and on first-class domestic flights. Plus, Delta allows those traveling with car seats and strollers to board early after Delta One customers, Diamond Medallion members, and Delta Premium Select customers.
Qatar Airways
Qatar’s Quad Qsuite offers forward- and rear-facing seats so you can keep your kiddos in sight while still having your own space. Two adjacent Qsuites can convert into a double bed – perfect for stretching out.
Emirates
Families flying with elementary-aged kids through Dubai International Airport (DXB) can take advantage of complimentary strollers and an airport trampoline playground before boarding. On the plane, kids have access to more than 150 entertainment channels and fun take-home toys to help the hours fly by.
International Airline Program*
Enjoy access to savings on select first class, business, and premium economy tickets with participating airlines on designated international flights booked through Amex Travel™. Extend your savings to loved ones and extend the memories. You may book up to seven additional travelers (8 total travelers maximum) on the same itinerary.
When planning international travel, Platinum Card Members can book through the International Airline Program, which offers lower fares on some of the world’s finest airlines to destinations around the world. For solo travel or up to eight tickets, enjoy more choices with exclusive savings on a variety of premium cabins booked through your Platinum Travel Service.
Recommended Flights offers Platinum Card® Members access to lower fares on select routes with participating airlines such as Alaska, American, and Delta.
Platinum Cards can add even more value, with access to lower fares on select routes with Recommended Flights. You can earn 5X Membership Rewards® points* on up to $500,000 in airfare purchases per calendar year when you book through Amex Travel or directly with the airline. Or use Membership Rewards® Pay with Points* to cover all or part of your flight.
Get more out of your getaway with American Express
Recommended Flights offers Platinum Card® Members access to lower fares on select routes with Delta.* Plus, Platinum Card Members earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on up to $500,000 per calendar year on flights booked through American Express Travel® or flights purchased directly from airlines.*
Get more out of your getaway with American Express
Refuel in comfort thanks to the American Express Global Lounge Collection®. It enables Platinum Card Members to enjoy complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges in over 500 airports around the world. Terms apply.
Get more out of your getaway with American Express
Global Dining Access by Resy* gives eligible Card Members special access to sought-after restaurants across the globe when you add your eligible Card to your Resy profile. Access to exclusive reservations, premium dining experiences, Priority Notify, and more, all from the Resy app.
Get more out of your getaway with American Express
Make your trip unforgettable through unique tours and activities booked at gyg.me/amex. Terms apply.
Get more out of your getaway with American Express
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