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Best hotels and resorts with kids’ clubs for fun family holidays
Looking for a holiday where everyone gets to relax? A hotel or resort with a kids' club is the answer, and we’ve rounded up the best of the bunch right here, as recommended by real parents.
By Poppy O'Neill | Last updated Jul 30, 2023
Going on holiday loses some of its restorative power once you add kids into the mix. While you’ve got sun, sea and no school run, there’s still the small matter of feeding, supervising and caring for the little rascals, which takes up a lot of time - time that could be spent sipping sangria and doing absolutely nothing.
Enter the kids’ club. A wonderful invention where high energy hotel employees take the kids off your hands for a few hours, entertain them and wear them out. While you’re child-free, you can sample the hotel’s spa menu, take a nap, go for a meal… you’re free!
Understandably, a good kids’ club is worth its weight in gold, and knowing which resorts you can rely on to give your children a brilliant holiday is high on parents’ list of priorities. That’s why we’ve turned to well-travelled Mumsnetters for their recommendations.
Best family hotels with kids' clubs at a glance
Best overall: Princesa Yaiza, Lanzarote | Book now
Best for active families: Neilson Alana Beachclub, Croatia | Book now
Best for villas: Martinhal Sagres Beach Family Resort, Portugal | Book now
Best ski hotel with a kids' club: Almhof Resort, Austria | Book now
Best for kids of all ages: Zafiro Can Picafort, Mallorca | Book now
Best camp site: Camping Village Fabulous, Italy | Book now
Best longhaul escape: Finest Playa Mujeres, Mexico | Book now
Best all-inclusive: Sensatori Fethiye, Turkey | Book now
Best UK hotel with a kids' club: Crieff Hydro, Scotland | Book now
Best beach resort: Sani Resort, Greece | Book now
1. Best overall: Princesa Yaiza, Lanzarote
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What Mumsnet users say
"It's a beautiful hotel and the staff are fantastic. They have a very good kids' club and there were a lot of children. The main pool is heated but the bottom one is not and for adults only. We just did B&B as there are so many good restaurants in Playa Blanca. Breakfasts were good" - recommended by Mumsnet user, Gottleogear
Our verdict
A classic holiday destination, Lanzarote enjoys year-round sunshine and the Princesa Yaiza hotel is a top choice for a family break. It's located on the south coast of the island, in bustling Playa Blanca, and all suites feature a kitchenette and a balcony or a patio overlooking the sea. With its five swimming pools and eight restaurants, there’s loads to do on-site and the kids’ club Kikoland comes highly recommended by Mumsnetters. It sits within a dedicated 10,000-square-metre children’s park and you can expect shows, birthday parties and a packed schedule of crafts, activities and sports tailored for all ages.
Nearest airport: Lanzarote (14 miles)
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2. Neilson Alana Beachclub, Croatia
Neilson Beachclub Croatia | Check availability
What Mumsnet users say
"Another vote for Neilson Beachclubs (the one in Croatia is my favourite). About 50 hrs of kids club a week, including some evenings until 11pm (so you can get off resort for a date night). My DC (2&5) adore going on these holidays and want to spend as much time as possible in kids club. Loads of different sports included like sailing, tennis, climbing, windsurfing, fitness classes, cycling, wakeboarding. Really, really worth looking into if you’ve never discovered Neilson holidays before as they mean you actually get to have a holiday!" - recommended by Mumsnet user, user1465129342
Our verdict
Croatia is a brilliant choice for a family holiday, with blue skies, warm seas and bargains to be found compared to other European destinations. Neilson are the experts in family-friendly resorts, and the kids’ club at the Alana Beach Club is a hit among Mumsnetters. Offering wall to wall activities for kids aged 2-17, and a creche for babies and toddlers. Expect happy, worn out kids after days filled with rock climbing, water skiing, kayaking, pool games and messy play. Reviewers say the kids’ club might be a bit full on for more introverted children, but outgoing, high-energy kids will be in their element.
Nearest airport: Zadar (42 miles)
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3. Martinhal Sagres Beach Family Resort Hotel, Algarve, Portugal
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What Mumsnet users say
"Martinhal in Sagres, Portugal is fabulous. Choice of accommodation from hotel rooms to private villas with pools. Excellent facilities, which include three restaurants each one with play areas, bar with massive play area (bouncy castle, pirate ship, playground, etc), indoor pool, three outdoor pools, huge sandy beach, kids' club for all ages, cinema, and all baby/toddler paraphernalia. We’ve been twice and going again in two weeks" - recommended by Mumsnet user, Booboostwo
Our verdict
On the southeast tip of Portugal, Martinhal resort in Sagres is dedicated to creating family-friendly holidays to remember. There are villas and family rooms available on site, plus five swimming pools, three restaurants and four bars. For babies and toddlers aged from 3 to 23 months, there’s a creche and separate kids' clubs for older kids, split by age group up to 17 years. Younger kids can enjoy on-site activities, while over-7s have camp-style outdoorsy adventures.
Nearest airport: Faro (52 miles)
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4. Almhof Family und Wellness Resort, Austria
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What Mumsnet users say
"We've enjoyed the Almhof Kinderhotel in Austria during spring, summer, autumn, Christmas and ski seasons! A bit of a secret find that I’m sharing" - tried and tested by Mumsnet user, DebratsEtiquette
Our verdict
The Austrian Alps are a popular haunt for skiing Mumsnetters, and this family-oriented hotel is a great choice if you’re holidaying here any time of year. The kids' club takes children from three months and will care for and entertain them from 9am to 9pm. There’s a cinema-sized screen, a teens' area, children’s ski school and even a farm with horses, sheep, guinea pigs and rabbits.
Nearest airport: Innsbruck (30 miles)
5. Zafiro Can Picafort, Mallorca
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What Mumsnet users say
"Zafiro Can Picafort in Mallorca was amazing. We got a swim-up room. It has a gate so it felt safe. We went with Jet2. Zafiro do other fab hotels as well I think" - recommended by Mumsnet user, sparkle17
"Kids had the best time, all-inc so no need to say no to anything, great pools with activities and slides etc, we got a roof terrace with our own spa bath which was ideal for the cooler afternoon and evenings (we went in October which was also cheaper)" - recommended by Mumsnet user, Weatherwax
Our verdict
With separate kids clubs for ages 4-7, 8-11 and 12-15, Zafiro’s chain of hotels is a great choice for a chilled-out holiday in the sun. Mumsnetters recommend the Can Picafort hotel in Mallorca for its luxury atmosphere and pleasant climate. There’s a new theme at the kids’ clubs every day - from wizardry to circus arts to singing. The hotel offers local excursions and adventure activities, perfect for enjoying while the kids are in good hands.
Nearest airport: Palma de Mallorca (27 miles)
6. Best camp site: Eurocamp Camping Village Fabulous, Rome
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What Mumsnet users say
"Definitely worth a consideration if you’re looking for kids' clubs - they do ones for different age groups and sites are generally pretty good and well equipped" - recommended by Mumsnet user, LooksBetterWithAFilter
Our verdict
Just because you’re staying in a tent, chalet or caravan, doesn’t mean you need to miss out on the wonders of a kids’ club. The aptly named Village Fabulous outside Rome offers plenty of choice for accommodation - from woodland glamping to spacious wooden chalets. The kids’ club offers tailored entertainment for all ages, including discos, dance shows, sports activities and cooking. Mumsnetters were particularly impressed with the beds and air conditioning - proving you don’t necessarily need to compromise on comfort when you’re camping.
Nearest airport: Fiumicino Airport 7.5 miles
7. Finest Playa Mujeres, Mexico
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What Mumsnet users say
"Stayed in several all-inclusives across the Caribbean and enjoyed Finest Playa Mujeres the most. We had a swim-up room in the Finest Club section and would definitely recommend that" - recommended by Mumsnet user, NotMoreFootball
Our verdict
This resort on the Caribbean coast of Mexico is the height of luxury. Go all out and book a swim-up room like Mumsnet user NotMoreFootball, or book a family spa treatment. The kids’ club is second to none, with a children’s waterpark and a baby pool, plus a huge range of activities, shows and games for kids to choose from. There’s a children’s lounge in each of the restaurants, so you can enjoy your meal kid-free if you choose. If you’re bringing a baby or a toddler, the hotel will supply all the equipment you could possibly need, and over-3s are welcome at the kids’ club from 8am-8pm daily.
Nearest airport: Cancun, 18 miles
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8. Sensatori Fethiye, Turkey
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What Mumsnet users say
"Sensatori. We went to the Fethiye one recently with 3-year-old and 5-month-old. Free kids' club for the 3-year-old which he loved; baby went to the crèche for three hours a day, we had a swim-up room which was great" - recommended by Mumsnet user, welshweasel
Our verdict
Turkey is a popular destination for parents looking for guaranteed sun, warm turquoise waters and family-friendly resorts. The TUI Blue Sensatori resort in Fethiye, southwest Turkey describes itself as “ultra all-inclusive” and they’ve got everything covered. The kids’ club takes children aged 3-12 and provides all-day entertainment including a cinema, a playground, a splash park and a dedicated Play House to hang out in. There’s a creche for under-3s and the hotel will provide all kinds of baby equipment to save you lugging too much baby paraphernalia on the plane. Unlike others on this list, the resort doesn’t have anything specifically for over-12s.
Nearest airport: Dalaman (16 miles)
9. Crieff Hydro, Scotland
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What Mumsnet users say
"The childcare was brilliant. It has a big castle inside and they also take them outside for play too. We booked the childcare sessions when we got there and sometimes on the day. Pool has separate kids area and lots of outdoor activities. Overall this is defo the best hotel we've stayed at and is very kids focused" - recommended by Mumsnet user, KissMyFatArse
Our verdict
Kids’ clubs aren’t just for overseas holidays - UK holidays have a lot to offer too. The Crieff Hydro in central Scotland offers excellent, family-oriented accommodation in a stunning rural setting. Nestled in a 900-acre estate, the hotel has a Victorian spa, a golf course and over 60 indoor and outdoor activities on offer. Their Big Country childcare is free to guests with bookings of two nights or more and is for kids aged 2-12 (extra sessions can be booked at £15 for two hours). It’s best to book in advance, and the same goes for other activities as reviewers say these book up fast.
Nearest train station: Stirling (22 miles)
10. Sani Resort, Greece
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What Mumsnet users say
"The Sani Resort is absolutely amazing, absolutely everything you could wish for in a holiday with small children. Warm splash pools, loads of toys on the beach, childcare at meal times and the most accommodating staff. Even the beach is super child-friendly because it’s shallow for ages! It’s a superb place though and less than 45 mins from the airport" - recommended by Mumsnet users, Doublechocolatetiffin
Our verdict
Porto Sani, on the coast of mainland Greece, is growing in popularity as a holiday spot for UK families. Two minutes’ walk from the beach, the luxury 5-star Sani Beach resort is a perfect spot to enjoy some rest and relaxation. Family rooms come with a view of the Aegean Sea or the pretty hotel gardens, and the kids’ club is included in all-inclusive bookings for kids aged 4-12. There’s also a hang out zone for teens, evening babysitting and private nannies available for an extra charge.
Nearest airport: Thessaloniki (34 miles)
Are kids’ clubs included in the price of a holiday?
This varies from hotel to hotel, so it’s best to check in advance. Often the kids’ club is included in an all inclusive price.
What sort of activities are on offer at kids’ clubs?
You’re likely to find a big range of activities on offer. Games in the pool, crafts, chilling out with a film and learning skills like dancing or playing team sports like football are common. Some hotels have quirky additions like the Almhof Family und Wellness resort’s farm animals, and Finest Playa Mujeres’ kids spa. Check hotels’ websites as you may find a sample timetable available for download before you book.
At what age can children use kids’ clubs?
Some hotels will care for children as young as two months old, but potty trained and aged 3 or above is the most common. Often, kids’ clubs will be split into younger kids, older kids and teens so there’s something age-appropriate for everybody, and the upper age limit is usually 15.
What’s the best resort with a kids’ club?
The Princesa Yaiza in Lanzarote is the best hotel with a kids’ club. It ticks all the boxes for adult relaxation, children’s entertainment and family fun. The location’s great and Lanzarote’s climate means it’s a beach holiday option for most of the year.
How we chose our recommendations
To help us create this list of tried and tested family-friendly hotels with kids’ clubs, we first searched our Mumsnet forums for trusted ideas from parents themselves. We listened to the experts on what families want to provide a successful trip for everyone to enjoy, and weighed up a variety of considerations such as location, accessibility and budgets.
Our research allowed us to round up the best worldwide resorts with kids’ clubs that Mumsnetters rate to help you plan your next holiday.
Why you should trust us
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