What’s your favorite beach resort with kids? And why?

[Anonymous]

Not really looking for all inclusive (but not ruling it out). Good mix of food options both onsite and maybe nearby. Like being able to leave the resort/explore area on our own, so don’t want to go somewhere that isn’t advised (Mexico? DR?). Looking to spend under $500/nt, more or less depending on how expensive it is to get there (ie Hawaii would be harder to swing since flights are so expensive there, so would need to watch hotel cost). My kids are low key (7 and 10) and like lower adrenaline activities, like no wave or light waves swimming, want to try snorkeling, kayaking, non thrill water slides, etc. We probably wouldn’t make frequent use of a kids club but if there’s a great one maybe we’d consider. Oldest is autistic so we have to be cautious about dropping him somewhere like that. He generally manages most things well, though, so if there are video games or an awesome arcade he’d be in heaven. It would be amazing if the sleeping options have either a separate space for kids or at least something more than two queens for a family of 4 because they cannot sleep in the same bed. They’re not old enough for separate rooms yet. We’ve been to Costa Rica and this is for a summer trip so probably not there (though we loved the boutique hotels we stayed in there). Thanks for any suggestions!

We are also considering an Airbnb /VRBO option, but our kids love swimming/water play and that’s harder to find. I also do not enjoy cooking or grocery shopping on vacation.

[Anonymous]

We have liked Hawks Cays in the FL keys and Marriott Turnberry in Aventura, FL. Neither are on the beach. There’s a lagoon at Hawks Cay and my kids liked kayaking and SUP on it. There’s a water park at the Turnberry. There used to be a shuttle to the beach (about 10 mins away), but I think they canceled that in covid and now you have to take a shuttle.