USA Today Best Family Resort
Crescent Hotel Picked as a TOP Five Family Resort
Eureka Springs’ Crescent Hotel & Spa finishes third.
The Crescent Hotel & Spa in Eureka Springs has joined an elite list of Classic American Resorts in being recognized by the editors of USA Today.
No. 10:
C Lazy U Ranch – Granby, Colorado
At this luxury guest ranch in Colorado, families can enjoy an American West experience. Choose from 38 guest rooms of varying sizes, in addition to a selection of cabins. Activities at this four-seasons property include horseback riding, practicing cattle pushing, hiking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.
No. 9:
Grand Hotel – Mackinac Island, Michigan
Guests at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island might find themselves on rocking chairs on the world’s longest porch overlooking the Straits of Mackinac. There’s a lot for families to love as well: a 220-foot-long swimming pool, biking, horseback riding, lawn games, and children’s rates.
No. 8:
French Lick Resort – French Lick, Indiana
A world of leisure unto itself, French Lick Resort encompasses two historic hotels, a newer accommodations tower, plus outdoor activities from golf to horseback riding. Specifically for the kids, there’s an activities center for crafts and games and special events like movies on the lawn, pool parties, and circus performances.
No. 7:
Koloa Landing Resort at Poipu, Autograph Collection – Koloa, Hawaii
“Fabulous family resort – expansive outdoor pool area and kid-friendly activities,” says 10Best contributor Marla Cimini of Koloa Landing Resort at Poipu. Besides its incredible water features, the resort charms families with a putting green, volleyball, poolside dining with a children’s menu, and complimentary s’mores.
No. 6:
Mohonk Mountain House – New Paltz, New York
Staying in a castle is only the beginning of the fantasy vacation that families can fashion at the all-inclusive Mohonk Mountain House in the Hudson Valley. Most outdoor activities are included in the rates, and the Kids Club and buffet-style dining are just two things that make this an ideal spot for the entire family.
No. 5:
Alisal Ranch – Solvang, California
Horseback riding is the big attraction at Alisal Ranch, but that’s only the beginning of activities families can enjoy. From studios for three to houses for up to 12, Western-style accommodations provide an adventure-inspired base for fishing, hiking, a petting zoo, a ropes course, and rodeo shows. Even better, several activities and daily breakfast and dinner are included in the standard nightly rate.
No. 4:
Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa – Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Inspired by the pillars of togetherness, storytelling and family, Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa offers parkgoers a welcoming place to kick back and relax in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, just minutes from the theme park. Amenities include an interactive splash pad, zero-entry pool, door-to-door transportation to the park and Dolly touches throughout.
Photo courtesy of Forrest Addison Roberts
No. 3:
1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa – Eureka Springs, Arkansas
The historic Victorian grandeur of the 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa crowns a playground that families love for its trail hiking and biking in the warmer months and ice skating during the cold season. Daily programs range from a ghost tour and grotto cave exploration to s’mores and family games on the back porch.
LEARN More about Family Activities at the Crescent
No. 2:
The Hotel Hershey – Hershey, Pennsylvania
With a name like Hershey, families can expect the sweetest stay including free admission to some of Hershey’s chocolate-y attractions and best pricing on others. A full complement of outdoor activities plus crafts and fun and games (chocolate bingo, anyone?) are also available. A selection of guest rooms, suites, and cottages ensure there’s plenty of space for your family.
No. 1:
Woodloch Resort – Hawley, Pennsylvania
The Woodloch Resort welcomes families to the Poconos with accommodations ranging from single rooms to two-bedroom suites. If you need more space, vacation rentals are also available. Meal plans mean all-inclusive family dining, and guests enjoy access to a range of activities daily, with amenities like a rock-climbing wall, indoor and outdoor pools, go-karts, bumper cars and boats, kayaking, and snow tubing (in the winter).
“These 20 resorts – nominated by a panel of travel experts as the best family resorts in the United States – cater to families with a host of awesome amenities. That includes kids’ programs, gourmet dining with kids’ menus, roomy accommodations, and a wealth of activities that the entire family can enjoy.”
2022 USA Today Best Family Resort Contest Results
No. 10: Omni La Costa Resort & Spa – Carlsbad, California
No. 9: Barnsley Resort – Adairsville, Georgia
No. 8: Grand Hotel – Mackinac Island, Michigan
No. 7: C Lazy U Ranch – Granby, Colorado
No. 6: Big Cypress Lodge – Memphis, Tennessee
No. 5: The Broadmoor – Colorado Springs, Colorado
No. 4: The Phoenician – Scottsdale, AZ
No. 3: Lakehouse Hotel & Resort – Lake San Marcos, California
No. 2: Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa – Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
No. 1: Woodloch Resort – Hawley, Pennsylvania
Considering a visit? See a Full List of Things to Do in Eureka Springs, Arkansas