The best resort pools for kids and families across the U.S.

kids swim underwater in a TOPSL resort pool
Outdoor pool at a resort with a waterfall near a sandy beach with palm trees.

Every kid’s first burning question when told there’s an upcoming family vacation: “Will there be a pool?” Sure, the location of your getaway is important, but the action when you get there counts, too. The best vacation destinations have something for the whole family: adventure, a comfy stay, and water play.

Whether you’re looking for an infinity pool, lazy river, or rope swings, we’ve got you covered on all the amazing resort and hotel pools. Here are our picks for the best resort pools, from east to west.

Best East Coast resort pools

Carolinian Beach Resort pool

Carolinian Beach Resort

Myrtle Beach, SC

It’s hard to imagine a better way to start your morning than with waffles and an oceanfront view. At Carolinian Beach Resort, you’re treated to both. It tops our chart for one of the best pool resorts in Myrtle Beach, offering a lazy river, hot tub, outdoor pool, and smaller kiddie pool for little ones.

Indoor pool in Killington, VT

The Woods Resort and Spa

Killington, VT

The Woods Resort and Spa looks like the perfect oasis for parents to indulge in, but don’t worry, there’s fun for the kids, too. This stunning indoor pool has a cool theater dome ceiling and plenty of room for kids to race and roam. The pool space also features hot tubs nestled in the corner for parents to supervise from, or sink into relaxation.

Best Gulf Coast resort pools

Splash Resort pool

Splash Resort

Panama City Beach, FL

Book your stay at Splash Resort and enjoy undoubtedly one of the best resort pools in Florida. Splash Resort’s water park caters to every kid’s dream, including a dive-in movie theater, poolside BBQs, water slides, a lazy river, a splash pad, and heated swimming pools and hot tubs for the adults. Split the day between sandy beaches and swimming pools—it’s not a bad way to live.

A large outdoor pool at a resort in Fort Walton Beach, FL with an island and pool activities.

Waterscape Resort

Fort Walton Beach, FL

Family friendly is what Waterscape Resort does best. At their awesome outdoor pools, you’ll find a rope bridge, a meandering lazy river, a 10-foot waterfall, three pools, a hot tub, a splash pad, and outdoor grills. Have an entire day of fun planned without ever leaving the pool.

Best mountain resort pools

kids play pool in Paradise Village surrounded by red rocks

Paradise Village

Santa Clara, UT

Out in the deserts of Zion, you’ll find your own water park oasis at Paradise Village. The family pool includes a kids’ cove of waterslides, lazy river, hot tub, and concession stand. Along with the other amenities the village has to offer, endless fun at the pool ranks #1.

pine trees surround outdoor pool with water slide at Powderhorn Lodge

Powderhorn Lodge

Solitude, UT

Powderhorn Lodge is an all-season hotspot. Along with a recreation room with games and air hockey, kids will love the hot tub, outdoor pool, and waterslide. Seek out your peace and quiet in Solitude, Utah.

Best Hawaii resort pools

Mauna Lani pool with rock features and palm trees

Mauna Lani

Kamuela, HI

If you’re looking for a poolside paradise, look no further. Your little ones will love stepping into the family pools, surrounded by tropical jungle greenery and a rock-face waterfall. If a dip in the pool isn’t enough, step just outside the gates for ​​lava tubes and ancient Hawaiian fish ponds.

Families and couples swim in large resort pool in Hawaii

Honua Kai Resort

Lahaina, HI

Make the most of your Maui vacation and find one of the best resort pools at Honua Kai Resort. Have your pick of three outdoor pools and five hot tubs, with additional amenities like a lazy river, water slide, waterfall and fountain features, and kiddie pool. (Did we mention a spa and poolside bar?)

A vacation of swims and smiles

Best resort pools FAQ

Many resorts are pet-friendly—to narrow your search, browse our pet-friendly vacation rentals. Under “dog-friendly resorts and private communities,” you’ll find getaways at Patricia Grand, Blue Mountain Resort, Vistoso Resort Casitas, and more. Check the vacation rental description for pet-friendly policies and fees.

A couple of our best ski resort swimming pools are Powderhorn Lodge, The Inn At Aspen, and Lion Square Lodge, where you can have the best of both swimming and skiing.

You might also like...

large two story vacation home with outdoor pool in Key West, Florida
The ultimate escape: Key West cottages with private pools
outdoor pool with beach and ocean views in hilton head
Dive in at these oceanfront Hilton Head vacation rentals with pools
kids run on the beach while parents hold hands
Pack up the kids & go: Most popular family-friendly vacation spots for 2021
Woman with two children enter vacation home
Traveling with kids? Opt for a family vacation rental