We did Beaches 5 years ago and it was great - definitely the most relaxing trip I’ve done as a mom of 3. My younger two were 2 and 4 and there was a kids club for them as well as my oldest (7). They didn’t go all day but we did leave the youngest there one afternoon when we went on a boat excursion with the older two. The kids were happy and it was easy, food was much better than I expected (better than the cruises I’ve been on), lots of fresh fruit and local (Jamaican) specialties. No, it wasn’t a super authentic Caribbean experience but it was relaxing and fun and easy. My kids still ask to go back. They loved the water park and swim up bar for smoothies. Yes it was expensive but it was nice not being nickel and dimed for everything.

Disney cruise.

I have four kids and have researched this multiple times, dreaming of a vacation when my kids were very little (and they still are--youngest is still just 4). Some of this info is from several year ago, so double check all of it.

For an all-inclusive, Paradisus Playa Del Carmen (and other Paradisus resorts) takes kids starting at 3. We almost went here several times but never made it.

https://www.melia.com/en/hotels/mexico/playa-del-carmen/paradisus-playa-del-carmen/services.htm

Beaches also takes little ones but it's so expensive and gets mediocre reviews.

We ended up actually going to Aulani in Hawaii back in 2016 b/c they take kids starting at 3. But since then, we've instead just done several Disney cruises, which we love. I really want to do an all-inclusive but can't convince DH.

Big fan of Club Med and the kids’ clubs. Mine have enjoyed CM Ixtapa, Miches, and Punta Cana and all are very family friendly. Cancun also has kids club, but has reputation as a bit more of adult party scene. And for the PP kids are not in mixed age groups, works like daycare/nursery so grouped with same ages with appropriate ratios (so yes, more staff for infants, toddlers) and separate buildings, rooms, etc. based on age. And you do pay more, but worth every penny in my opinion.

Anonymous wrote:Beaches.

This resort has been getting very mixed reviews lately…I’m waiting for them to step up their game before I book.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:No because honestly it’s Not appropriate to leave your three-year-old, potty trained or not, with kids of mixed ages up to 12, and strangers watching them. In most places there’s ordinances on how many adults per child there needs to be based on ages. They would have to more have more staff hired if a bunch of three yo were running around and that’s cost prohibitive

the poster said her kid was a month shy of 4...don't be that person.

Most adults don’t count quarter birthdays 🙄 the kid is 3.

Anonymous wrote:No because honestly it’s Not appropriate to leave your three-year-old, potty trained or not, with kids of mixed ages up to 12, and strangers watching them. In most places there’s ordinances on how many adults per child there needs to be based on ages. They would have to more have more staff hired if a bunch of three yo were running around and that’s cost prohibitive

the poster said her kid was a month shy of 4...don't be that person.

Club Med offers Baby and Mini clubs for the under 4 crowd. We did baby club and mini club for 2 years. DD loved being with her friends. We went to Punta Cana and they had separate kids sized areas with shade sails. Smaller sports courts and pools. There was also a nice palapa on the beach filled with sand toys. It was a relaxing and fun vacation.

Beaches.

No because honestly it’s Not appropriate to leave your three-year-old, potty trained or not, with kids of mixed ages up to 12, and strangers watching them. In most places there’s ordinances on how many adults per child there needs to be based on ages. They would have to more have more staff hired if a bunch of three yo were running around and that’s cost prohibitive

All the all-inclusive resorts I have looked at with kids clubs seem to start at age 4. I'm wondering if there are any that start at 3? Or if they would allow a kid who is almost 4 and also potty trained? Trying to dream about an early October trip, but my youngest doesn't turn 4 until Thanksgiving. I've never done something like this before b/c I've always had at least one kid under 4, but a vacation with a kids club sounds dreamy.