As a digital nomad who’s logged countless miles with friends and their little ones, I’m often asked about traveling with babies and toddlers. The mere thought of navigating airports and new places with small children can make even the most seasoned travelers nervous. “The key is picking the right destination,” says Sarah Chen, a family travel consultant who’s helped hundreds of parents plan stress-free getaways. “When you choose places that cater to young families, with easy access to necessities and plenty of kid-friendly activities, weekend trips become fun adventures rather than exhausting ordeals.”
While planning around nap schedules and diaper changes might seem daunting, traveling with little ones is completely doable – if you know where to go. With that in mind, here are 15 of the best weekend destinations that’ll make both parents and tiny travelers happy.
Great Wolf Lodge, Williamsburg, Virginia
Just 3 hours from Washington D.C., Great Wolf Lodge in Williamsburg offers a perfect escape for families with little ones. Like other indoor water parks, it features plenty of slides and splash zones, but what sets it apart is how well it caters to the youngest visitors. You’ll find shallow play areas with tiny slides and gentle spray features perfect for wobbly toddlers, plus dry activities like story time and dance parties when water play becomes too much. Because everything is contained under one roof, parents don’t have to worry about sunscreen, weather, or lengthy walks between activities – a blessing when traveling with babies and toddlers. The lodge’s suites come equipped with mini-fridges and microwaves, making it easy to prepare bottles and snacks, while the multiple dining options mean you won’t have to venture far for meals.
LEGOLAND Florida Resort, Winter Haven, USA
Ever wondered what 150 million LEGO bricks look like in one place? That’s what you’ll find at LEGOLAND Florida Resort, just 45 minutes from Orlando in Winter Haven. This 150-acre theme park is custom-built for families with kids aged 2-12, featuring more than 50 rides and attractions that won’t overwhelm little ones. You can explore MINILAND USA, where famous American landmarks are recreated in LEGO form, or cool off at the water park during those warm Florida days. The resort’s on-site hotels, including the LEGO-themed Beach Retreat, make it easy to take breaks for naptime – a must-have feature for parents traveling with babies and toddlers.
Disney’s Vero Beach Resort, Florida, USA
Escape to Disney magic without the theme park crowds at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort in Florida. Located right on the Atlantic coast, this resort offers all the Disney charm mixed with laid-back beach vibes that babies and toddlers will love. Little ones can splash around in the Mickey Mouse-shaped pool or build sandcastles on the quiet beach. Parents appreciate the spacious rooms with kitchenettes and the character dining experiences that bring Disney fun right to your table. For an extra special treat, take your toddlers to the resort’s mini waterpark or join them for storytelling sessions with favorite Disney characters.
Center Parcs Longleat Forest, Wiltshire, UK
Center Parcs Longleat Forest has been welcoming families to its woodland haven since 1994. Nestled in the heart of Wiltshire’s ancient forest, this 400-acre resort feels like stepping into a fairy tale where nature meets comfort. The village center houses the famous Subtropical Swimming Paradise, a water wonderland kept at 84°F year-round, where little ones can splash in shallow pools while parents unwind in heated outdoor areas. Cozy lodges dotted throughout the forest provide perfect base camps for families, each equipped with all the necessities for traveling with babies. The car-free environment lets toddlers roam safely on paths between activities, and the resort’s baby-friendly offerings – from dedicated swimming sessions to indoor play areas – make it a standout choice for parents seeking a stress-free escape.
Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort, Providenciales
Many families flock to Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort for its spacious beachfront setting and all-inclusive amenities, but this property goes above and beyond when it comes to entertaining little ones. The resort features multiple pools, a 45,000-square-foot water park, and dedicated kids’ clubs that cater to different age groups – from infants to teens. Parents can relax knowing their children are in good hands while they enjoy some downtime at the spa or one of the 21 restaurants. The calm, shallow waters of Grace Bay Beach right outside make it perfect for toddlers to splash around, while the resort’s family suites offer plenty of space for nap times and early bedtimes.
Tyler Place Family Resort, Vermont, USA
Of all the family resorts I’ve experienced in New England, none compare to the magic of Tyler Place Family Resort in Vermont. This all-inclusive getaway stands out for its thoughtful approach to family vacations, offering separate morning activities for kids and parents – a rare find that lets adults actually relax while little ones have their own adventures. The resort’s 165-acre property hugs the shores of Lake Champlain, where families can kayak, swim, or simply watch the sunset together. It’s not your typical vacation spot – the property has perfected the art of catering to both babies and parents – but those who choose Tyler Place discover what might be the most parent-friendly resort in the Northeast.
Smugglers’ Notch Resort, Vermont, USA
Families flock to Smugglers’ Notch Resort for its well-known ski slopes, but this Vermont destination offers much more than winter sports. The resort runs one of the most comprehensive children’s programs in New England, with activities tailored for babies as young as 6 weeks old through active toddlers and beyond. During summer months, the property transforms into a mountain playground where families can enjoy gentle hiking trails, splash parks, and guided nature walks. The resort’s layout makes it particularly convenient for parents, with three village-like clusters of condos connected by walkways, and each area features its own swimming pools and play zones. Whether you visit in December for the snow-filled adventures or July for the outdoor concerts and storytelling sessions, Smugglers’ Notch keeps young families comfortable and entertained year-round.
Grand Palladium Bavaro Resort, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Looking for the perfect Caribbean escape with little ones in tow? The Grand Palladium Bavaro Resort in Punta Cana has mastered the art of family-friendly luxury. This all-inclusive beachfront haven comes equipped with everything parents need – from baby food at restaurants to dedicated kids’ pools and even a mini water park. What makes it especially great for families with babies and toddlers is the Castillo del Pirata kids’ club, which welcomes children as young as one year old, giving parents a chance to enjoy some quiet time. The resort’s zero-entry pools make it safe for tiny swimmers to splash around, while the calm waters of Bavaro Beach provide a perfect spot for building sandcastles and taking those first steps in the warm Caribbean surf.
Lake George, New York, USA
If you’re looking for a family-friendly lakeside escape, Lake George should be at the top of your list. Located in New York’s Adirondack Mountains, this 32-mile-long lake offers clean beaches, gentle hiking trails, and plenty of activities perfect for little ones. The Lake George Beach State Park, also known as Million Dollar Beach, has shallow waters ideal for toddlers to splash around while parents relax on the soft sand.
Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, USA
Wisconsin Dells draws families year-round as the self-proclaimed “Waterpark Capital of the World,” but this destination offers much more than just splashing around. The town sits along the Wisconsin River, where sandstone cliffs create natural formations that have attracted visitors for generations. Parents with little ones appreciate the mix of indoor and outdoor activities – from gentle boat tours past rocky bluffs to climate-controlled waterparks that stay warm even in winter. While waterslides and wave pools might be the main draw, the Dells also features kid-friendly attractions like mini-golf courses, train rides, and petting zoos that cater perfectly to the toddler crowd.
Ocean City, Maryland, USA
Ocean City, Maryland is where beach fun meets family-friendly vibes, making it perfect for a weekend with little ones. This 10-mile stretch of Atlantic coastline offers a classic wooden boardwalk packed with kid-approved attractions like carousel rides, mini-golf courses, and ice cream shops. The calm, shallow waters of the beach make it ideal for toddlers to splash around, while the soft sand is perfect for building those first sandcastles.
Sesame Place, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
Just 30 minutes north of Philadelphia sits Sesame Place, the only theme park in America based entirely on the beloved children’s show Sesame Street. Unlike typical amusement parks that cater to older kids, this one was designed specifically with little ones in mind. You’ll find gentle rides, splash areas, and interactive shows featuring familiar faces like Elmo, Big Bird, and Cookie Monster. What makes this park particularly special for families with babies and toddlers is how everything – from the changing stations to the nursing rooms – was created with their needs in mind. Because of its manageable size and focus on younger children, parents can relax knowing their little ones won’t get overwhelmed by crowds or intense attractions.
Hersheypark, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
If you’re looking for a family-friendly destination that caters to all ages, Hersheypark in Pennsylvania is a solid choice. Located in the heart of chocolate country, this sweet-themed amusement park offers special areas designed just for little ones, like the Cocoa Cruiser and Mini Towers in The Hollow. Parents love that there are plenty of shaded rest areas, family-style restrooms with changing stations, and rental strollers available throughout the park.
Massanutten Resort, Virginia, USA
Looking for a mountain escape where your little ones can find endless entertainment? Massanutten Resort in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley delivers year-round fun that’s perfectly suited for families with babies and toddlers. This four-season playground offers gentle ski slopes in winter, while summer brings splashing adventures at both indoor and outdoor water parks. Parents love the resort’s thoughtful amenities – like specialized daycare programs and kid-friendly restaurants – that make traveling with tiny tourists actually feel like a vacation. The resort’s spacious condos give families room to spread out, and the easy two-hour drive from Washington D.C. means you’ll spend less time in the car and more time making memories on the mountain.