Escape to Paradise: 10 Unforgettable All Inclusive Resorts in the Florida Keys for Families

Gorgeous sunsets. Beautiful beaches. And amazing food. There’s a lot to love about the Florida Keys! If you’re thinking about traveling to the southernmost spot in the US, you should consider doing so with a little bit of luxury. As every parent knows, it can be difficult to find a great family-friendly resort that still offers all the best perks. So we’re here to give you a list of the best family-friendly all inclusive resorts that the Florida Keys have to offer! 

All Inclusive Resorts – What Are They? 

It’s rare to find a true all inclusive resorts in the United States. Most resorts and hotels that advertise as such are actually offering you an additional vacation package bundled into your stay. These packages may include dining, some entertainment, and possible travel to and from local areas of interest.

When discussing all inclusive resorts in the Florida Keys, you’ll likely see resorts and hotels that have on-site amenities that go above and beyond – including fantastic dining options and great activities for the whole family. Often you’ll see a “resort fee” added to your stay to cover many of these perks. Some of these will be included in the price, while others may have an additional charge – often in the form of booking a vacation package – that includes most available options. 

“All inclusive” often refers to the activities and amenities provided by the hotel, even for that additional cost. How much can your family do at the resort without venturing off-site? The more all inclusive the resort is, the more you’ll find to do. That’s what we’re looking at in this list! 

While many things may fall under the umbrella of “all inclusive,” you might find that all resorts are not created equal in terms of what they offer for your stay. To be safe, you should make sure you know exactly what is included in the price before you book your stay. 

Visiting the Florida Keys with the Kids 

If you’re considering a family vacation in southern Florida, you may wonder if the Florida Keys is a good destination for your family, especially if you have kids. Fortunately, you’ll find there’s plenty to discover along the coastline of the southernmost part of the United States. You can easily spend days exploring the ocean through SCUBA diving, snorkeling, and boat tours! Key Largo is a fantastic spot for watersports, while Islamorada is home to the Theater of the Sea animal park, The History of Diving Museum, and other fun things for the family. 

The Florida Keys are a great vacation spot for multi-generational families because there’s something to do for everyone. Adults may enjoy an evening out in one of the many hot spots, as Key West is known for its vibrant nightlife and quirky pubs, restaurants, and bars. 

There really is a little something from everyone – including the unbeatably gorgeous sunsets.

Best Family Friendly All Inclusive Resorts in the Florida Keys

Here are our picks for some of the best all inclusive experiences for your family vacation (in no particular order). 

1. Baker’s Cay Resort, Key Largo 

The first resort on our list is also one of the most relaxed ones. Baker’s Cay Resort is a Hilton property on Key Largo that’s a great place for a relaxing oceanside vacation. For anyone looking to explore the coral reefs – and beautiful John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park – this is a great location to get you started! 

You’ll have access to a private beach as well as the gentler waters of the nearby bay. There are two waterfall pools, beachside hammocks, a fitness center, pet-friendly rooms, and 15 acres of grounds to explore. 

Their guest rooms are large enough for a small family, and the suites are available in both one- and two-bedroom configurations. Baker’s Cay has two upscale restaurants, including one that offers beachside dining, a pool bar, and a tiki bar! As part of the Hilton’s Curio Collection, this is one of the higher-end hotels on the list, and the price reflects this. 

2. Parrot Key Hotel and Villas, Key West 

Who doesn’t want to stay in Key West? It’s one of the most exciting spots in the Florida Keys. Unfortunately, there are no truly all-inclusive family resorts in Key West. Most cater to adults or couples. Still, we felt it important to add Parrot Key Hotel and Villas to our list due to its convenient location and the amenities they offer to mimic most of the all inclusive experience. The resort features four swimming pools, watersport rentals, on-site dining, and a complimentary shuttle to Smather’s Beach and Duval Street. 

While Parrot Key Hotel & Villas is not a traditional all inclusive resort, they do offer dining packages for families, couples, and singles for an additional fee. The resort has standard rooms as well as larger, more spacious three-bedroom villas with garden or waterfront views. The resort offers plenty to do for families of all ages, including beach games, scavenger hunts, a family-oriented pool, and much more. 

3. Hawks Cay Resort, Duck Key 

Are you looking for a chance to see dolphins up close on your Florida vacation? Hawks Cay Resort is one of the best resort properties where you can book a bottlenose dolphin encounter at Hawk Cay’s saltwater lagoon! They work with the Dolphin Connections program to offer this opportunity (and are the only US-based resort to do so!). 

This resort is a great place for both kids and teens to explore and have a great time. The younger ones will have a blast at the pirate ship pool and Coral Cay Activities and can also join the Adventure Kids Club to partake in a full day of activities with other kids 5-12. For older kids, there’s a game room (including board games, video games, and foosball), a putting course, and a basketball and volleyball court. The whole family can enjoy watersports, snorkeling the reefs and sandbars, paddleboarding, taking an evening cruise, or even hanging out at one of the resort’s five pools. 

The resort has two restaurants, three poolside bars, and a marketplace where you can get fresh grab-and-go bites to eat. Hawks Cay Resorts has traditional rooms, family guest-style rooms (some with bunk beds for the kids!), private villas, and two-bedroom penthouse suites. 

4. Tranquility Bay Beachfront Resort, Marathon 

Located on Marathon Key and known for being laidback and family-friendly, Tranquility Bay Beachfront Resort puts comfort and relaxation at the forefront of its amenities. With access to the resort’s private beachfront and three pools, this hotel is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the sun, surf, and delicious food. One of the most popular destinations for fishing, Marathon is a great spot for anyone who enjoys taking home a big catch. The resort also has kayaking, snorkeling, and a delightful sunset cruise for the whole family!

Tranquility Bay offers a Culinary Escape package that gives you $50 per night at their on-site restaurant and tiki bar. They also have additional services, like in-room spa services, where you can pamper yourself with a facial, body mask, massage, or other body treatments. It’s perfect for a truly luxurious afternoon! 

For families, they have a zero-entry style pool just for the littlest ones, a private beach, snorkeling lessons for kids, and plenty of watersports for everyone to try! 

5. Isla Bella Beach Resort, Marathon Key 

Another great option for a family-friendly Marathon Key vacation, Isla Bella Beach Resort combines beautiful scenery with some fantastic perks. They have five pools, a pier, and a private beach to relax on during the day. Isla Bella Beach Resort is one of the best deals for activities and resort experiences available.

There are several complimentary experiences for the whole family, which many oriented to younger visitors (bubble parties, scavenger hunts, beach games, etc.). There’s a daily stunt show, shark tooth hunting, and a Gyotaku (the Japanese art of fish printing) craft project included in the resort price as well. They also have a putting green, spa and fitness center, kayak rentals, parasailing lessons, catamaran boat tours, and so much more. 

Their Polynesian-inspired restaurant, Mahina, blends contemporary dishes with regional Hawaiian flavors for some inspired cuisine ranging from classic filet mignon to Misoyaki salmon and other Pacific Rim specialties. There’s a beachside tiki bar as well as a Marketplace café for sandwiches, pastries, and some local goods to peruse. They have multiple vacation packages that include food & beverage stipends, welcome drinks, and great discounts for booking early. 

6. Islander Resort, Islamorada 

If you aren’t planning to leave the resort very much but still want plenty to entertain the whole family, Islander Resort on Islamorada is a great choice! Islander Resort is right on the waterfront, giving all guests spectacular views as they wander the grounds or lounge by the pool or the on-site beach. The casual beach vibe is great for anyone looking for a chill, relaxing vacation with the family. They offer one- or two-bedroom suites with full kitchens (and a washer and dryer for quick laundry duty!). 

The biggest appeal for families here is the great kids’ splash pad (in addition to the two other saltwater pools) that can keep the smaller family members busy (and cool) for hours on a hot day. The resort also has daily activities and beach games like volleyball to keep you busy. Their daily activities include everything from tie-dye and jewelry making to kayak races and yogal; sometimes they even bring in local marine biologists for a talk! Additionally, you can also book a sunset cruise – complete with small bites and drinks – to wind down your day.

Islander Resort is home to the Florida Keys History & Discovery Center, where you can learn about the rich history of the Keys as well as the fascinating underwater ecosystem that calls the coastal waters home. With the smaller aquariums and traveling exhibits, it’s a really fun way to spend an afternoon! 

7. Southernmost Beach Resort, Key West 

Another spot on Key West for those looking to add a little bit of fun to their family vacation, Southernmost Beach Resort tries to blend contemporary comfort with tropical theming. They are a great year-round resort offering three heated pools, access to two beaches, four bars, a fitness center, and an oceanfront restaurant serving fresh Caribbean and Americana cuisine. They have daily complimentary activities like live music, beach games, and a concierge to book exclusive experiences like a seaplane tour of the Dry Tortugas (for an additional fee, of course). 

Accommodation options include standard hotel-style rooms, suites, as well as large guest houses – The Avalon and Duval Gardens – where you can book a guest room in a restored Victorian home. (Many of these rooms are adults only, so make sure you take a look at your options before you book). For larger families, you may prefer to look at the Residences, a three-bedroom, three-bathroom two-story suite with a full kitchen. Some of the other room types may feel a little cramped for a family of four. 

Southernmost Beach Café offers a cuisine heavy on seafood favorites with some American options for those who want an old favorite. They’re open for three meals a day and offer an extensive breakfast option for those who want to start off the day with a garden omelet or Lobster Benedict. 

This resort is probably one of the pricier spots on our list, in part due to the location (in the heart of Key West) and the luxury accommodations. It’s a good selection if you have a multi-generational family looking to branch out from the resort activities to explore the Key West nightlife, however. 

8. Casa Marina Resort, Key West 

What’s better than hearing these magical words – “kids stay free”? Well, at Casa Marina, a Hilton property on Key West, all kids under 16 are free! Even better, you can book babysitting services during your stay for that night out (or even just a night in!). This hotel is one of the oldest on the island, opening originally in 1920 and the ambiance reflects the age (and history!) of the resort. 

The luxury resort boasts a location right on the largest private beach in the Keys on the Atlantic, two tropical pools, a 24-hour fitness center, pet-friendly accommodations, and much more. They have beach daily beach activities from cornhole, volleyball, beach soccer, and even weekly sunrise yoga sessions on Tuesdays. If you wish to book another amenity, you’ll find access to Key West food tours, access to the nearby Key West Golf Club, sunset sails and chartered boats, and offshore fishing. 

As of summer 2023, the resort has undergone renovations to update many of the rooms, so stay tuned to see what new amenities they’ll offer! Staying at Casa Marina Key West also gives you access to the many amenities at The Reach Key West. 

9. Reefhouse Resort & Marina, Key Largo 

Another great option in Key Largo is Reefhouse Resort – located on Key Largo Bay – which comes with its own private beach access. This resort is known for its calm beaches, great for swimming with the little ones (or anyone who doesn’t feel confident with larger waves). Since there is a marina on-site, you can easily book a water excursion like a glass bottom boat tour, snorkeling or diving boat, or guided kayak trip through the calm waters. There’s also a waterfront spa offering excellent service with an equally splendid view. 

They do have multiple-bedroom suites for the whole family or a spacious standard room for a smaller group. The heated pool is a bonus for cooler times of the year. There are also plenty of beach activities, live music, and bike rentals for exploring the area. At night, you can enjoy a firepit or hammock right on the beach! With a drink in hand and the kids playing in the sand (or tucked into bed), it’s a great way to unwind after a long day.

Their restaurant, Gus’s Grille, has stunning views of the waterfront with floor-to-ceiling windows and a menu heavy on delicious seafood classics. Of course, poolside bars and a specialty tiki bar round out the amenities. Overall, this is a quiet, spacious resort with a lot to offer everyone. 

10. Amara Cay Resort, Islamorada 

Another gorgeous resort in Islamorada, Amara Cay is one of the top-rated destinations in the Florida Keys for its laidback luxury and relaxed atmosphere. The resort is beautifully laid out and feels like a tropical hideaway. The lobby restaurant, ReelCatch, opens onto the grounds with ocean views and a bright, airy atmosphere to go with the Americana cuisine. 

The resort fees cover kayak, bike, and paddleboat check-out. You’ll have access to the yoga classes taught four days a week. There are lawn games and daily resort activities that take place, and you won’t pay extra for the loungers or beachside seating. Their gorgeous zero-entry pool is the centerpiece of the hotel, elevated just enough from the beach to give you stunning views of the coastline (and the sunset). Lighthouse Beach offers another great view, this one of the nearby Alligator Reef Lighthouses. You can spend time swimming, enjoy a relaxing afternoon in a hammock or lounger, or hang out near one of the firepits as the sun goes down. 

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There are so many great family friendly resorts in the Florida Keys! Which one works best for you and your family simply depends on what you’re looking for in your all inclusive experience. What do you look for in a family-friendly resort? Let us know what amenities are the most important for your family in the comments below! 

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