Bring the Kids! 6 Mid-Atlantic Resorts That are Great for Families

By Guiomar Ochoa
Posted Aug 08, 2018 Family Travel Things to Do

The Mid Atlantic is a great region to explore if you’re looking for a fun, family-friendly resort. There’s easy access to beach, city or mountains within a reasonable drive. Whether you wish to unplug in nature, reconnect as a family, splash around in water, relax at the spa, or just lay on the beach, there’s something for every age and interest.

Photo: Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort, Spa and Marina

The Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort, Spa and Marina | Cambridge, MD
Located on the picturesque Eastern Shore in Cambridge, Maryland, the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay is situated on 400 acres on the banks of the Choptank River. If you have your heart set on an Eastern Shore vacation, this resort is ideal for families. Activities include swimming, tennis, miniature golf, jogging trails, a wildlife refuge, game room, fitness center and more. Your family can enjoy s’mores at the outdoor hearth, swim in the indoor pool, and take a stroll by the marina. When both adults and kids need a break from each other, there’s Camp Hyatt, a fun-filled activities program for kids. Settled in 1684, Cambridge is one of the oldest towns in Maryland. The historic downtown has quaint shops and restaurants and festivals abound throughout the year.

Photo: Nemacolin Woodlands Resort by Randi Kotok, CertifiKID

Nemacolin Woodlands Resort | Farmington, PA
Tucked away in the Laurel Highlands of Southwestern Pennsylvania, Nemacolin Woods was purchased by 84 Lumber founder Joseph Hardy III for his daughter, Maggie. The father/daughter duo transformed the property into a 2,000-acre world-class resort, which Maggie now owns and runs. The resort boasts three hotel options: Chateau Lafayette, inspired by the famed Ritz Paris in France and a tribute to the grand hotels and resorts of Europe; Falling Rock, a boutique hotel experience on the PGA golf course in the organic architectural style of Frank Lloyd Wright; and The Lodge, an English Tudor-style luxe lodge.

The Adventure Center offers kids a great time playing video games and accumulating tickets for prizes. Take a ride in the vintage carousel before tackling mini-golf. Nemacolin’s beautiful 18-hole Fallingbrook Mini Golf Course is amazing and so much fun. Go for a swim in the outdoor Paradise Pool.

The Woodlands Auto Toy Store contains unique and historic cars. The Pride and Joy Vintage Airplane Hangar houses a personal collection of vintage planes. As if cars and planes aren’t enough, the resort is home to the Wildlife Academy with bears, bison, a white Bengal tiger named Ice, lions, and wolves. Across from the animal habitats are playgrounds, playhouses, comfy rocking chairs and even a tipi for kids to play in! What more could you ask for?

Photo: Omni Bedford Springs Resort and Spa

Omni Bedford Springs Resort and Spa | Bedford, PA
For more than 200 years, Omni Bedford Springs' eight mineral springs have attracted visitors seeking rest, relaxation and healing. The resort is also an idyllic destination for the family featuring a unique range of amenities and activities that both parents and kids can enjoy together. There is an indoor spring-fed swimming pool, award-winning golf course (kids' golf programs are also available), and casual and fine dining options. In addition, families can enjoy mountain nature trails for hiking and biking, fly fishing, volleyball, tennis, scavenger hunts, cooking classes, and more.

History abounds at this resort, having hosted ten U.S. Presidents, seven of whom visited while in office. The resort was completely refurbished in 2007 and now reflects a sophisticated and modern twist on traditional period décor. An easy 2.5 hours from the Washington, D.C. area, 90 minutes from Pittsburgh and 3 hours from Philadelphia, Omni Bedford Springs has 216 guest rooms and four luxury suites, which accentuate the resort’s past with modern amenities. In search of a much needed spa treatment? The Springs Eternal Spa offers luxurious treatments, therapies, fitness and relaxation. Before indulging, drop the kids off at the Anderson Explorers Kids' Day Camp where they can enjoy ping pong, arts and crafts, video games, and movies. There’s also a large fenced outdoor playground.

Photo: Woodloch by Andrea Katkow

Woodloch | Hawley, PA
Regarded as one of America's "Best Inclusive Family Resorts," Woodloch is an exceptional four-season Poconos family retreat nestled in a pristine mountain lake vacation setting. Owned and operated by the Kiesendahl family since 1958, their traditional warm hospitality has nurtured the spirit of spending quality time with friends and family for 60 years. Family-friendly activities are the focus. The whole family can participate in fun activities like Bakery Wars and family ‘Olympics’ where you can create memories that will last a lifetime. Farm-fresh meals, activities and bedtime-friendly evening entertainment are all included in the price of your stay. The resort features a petting zoo, playgrounds, paintball, zip lining, kids club, kayaking and water skiing on the lake. The crystal clear water is great for a swim.

There are multiple room options, from guest houses and multi-bed suites to more classic two-bed hotel rooms. You can also indulge in adults-only relaxation at The Lodge at Woodloch, just a few miles down the road, which has top-notch spa treatments for parents seeking well-earned serenity.

Icona Resorts Diamond Beach | Wildwood Crest, NJ
Introduced to Wildwood Crest, NJ, in 2016, Icona Diamond Beach is a distinctive resort at the Jersey Shore. The deluxe resort is situated on a private stretch of sand and surf with beach umbrellas and loungers available for guests to enjoy. While the beach is the main lure, there are many other amenities offered at the resort, including an outdoor swimming pool and separate splash pool for kids and sundeck with lounge chairs and umbrellas. On-site dining options include The Coastal Blue Oceanside Bar & Grill and Bungalow No. 7, a beach bar that's open May to October.

The resort offers nine room variations, including the Premium Queen Suite, which sleeps up to six people. All guestrooms have mini-fridges or galley kitchens with microwaves, coffeemakers, stove-tops and dishwashers, plus cookware, plates and utensils. This is a big plus if you don’t want to eat out all the time! The resort is not far from Victorian Cape May, so you can easily visit the historic town and take in the small shops, cafes and landmarks.

Photo: Starlux Boutique Hotel

Starlux Boutique Hotel | Wildwood, NJ
Whether you're looking for a traditional guestroom, a cottage for the whole family or something completely different, like a retro Airstream trailer (FUN!), the StarLux Boutique Hotel has you covered. Located just one block from the beach and boardwalk in Wildwood, N,J, the StarLux offers families ocean view suites and accommodations that can sleep up to eight. This place if futuristic funky! You’ll find metal textures, swirly blue hand-painted walls and lava lamps decorating every room.

There is an outdoor pool next to the Astro Lounge with vaulted ceilings and large glass windowpanes, and a 24-hour indoor game room that has arcade games and a pool table, all of which are great for teens. Accommodations have refrigerators, microwaves and flat-screen TV's with DVD players. Family-friendly complimentary amenities include bicycle rentals, beach chairs and boogie boards, plus a daily continental breakfast. Channel your inner “Jetson” and relax while at the Jersey Shore this summer with a stay at the StarLux!

CertifiKID was founded by a mom with a passion for helping parents provide the best experiences for their children on a budget. From outings to adventures, classes to camps, theater to sporting events, amusement parks to getaways, CertifiKID provides the best family-friendly experiences at unbeatable prices. 

Looking for great savings on family getaways? Click HERE to visit our Getaways page, or click HERE to sign up for family-friendly deals in your area and start saving!

Tags: mid-atlantic resorts families family kids vacation travel

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