Kid Friendly Timeshares - What To Look For?

Timeshares have been known over the years as a family-friendly style of accommodation that can take care of the needs of an entire family, with home away from home comfort and amenities. So, kid friendly timeshare amenities and activities are major attractions that are built into nearly every new development.

The industry is fond of saying that, unlike a hotel room, there is no need for the entire family to pile onto the bed and eat takeout pizza when it comes to timeshare. Multiple rooms, full kitchens, living rooms, dining tables, separate bedrooms for the kids – these are all reasons why families enjoy the benefits of timeshare accommodation.

What Makes a Resort Kid Friendly?

But what sets some resorts apart from others when it comes to catering to children – and giving parents a well-deserved timeout of their own? Let’s take a look at some of the reasons why timeshares can make a vacation so enjoyable for families.

Kid’s Club – planned and supervised daily activities for kids is a major benefit at resorts, with some Marriott Vacation Club resorts known for their extensive Club program. For instance, the Marriott Aruba Surf Club has their Matey's Hall Kid's Club with arts and crafts, dance lessons, and interactions with the local iguanas.

Hilton Grand Vacations Club is another timeshare brand known for its programs, with the Grand Waikikian in the Hilton Hawaiian Village offering kids in the Camp Penguin program the chance to hula dance, make leis and build a sand volcano.

Separate Children’s Swimming Pools – kids pools and splash pads are becoming more common at newer timeshare resorts. Even renovated resorts such as Westgate Cocoa Beach resort have added value to their experience with the Wakulla Falls Water Park and its lazy river, splash pad and water slide.

Water Parks – the definition of a resort water park can be a bit generous, as some resorts call a simple water slide a water park. There are outstanding water parks associated with timeshare resorts in places such as Wisconsin Dells as well as the amazing indoor/outdoor waterpark at the Massanutten timeshare complex in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia near Harrisonburg.

Educational Experiences – from on-site aquariums such as those at the Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island to the amazing safari experiences at Disney Animal Kingdom Lodge, there are more educational-focused activities being incorporated into vacations.

For instance, Disney's Vero Beach Resort offers a guided Sea Turtle Night Walk along the beach.

Earlier this year Club Wyndham rolled out a number of activities across its Australia resorts. Fun endeavors such as gold panning to highlight the history near its Ballarat resort and a hobby farm at its Hobart location are out of the box ideas to keep the kids informed as well as entertained.

Child Minding Services – this can be a little tricky since you may feel somewhat conflicted about leaving the kids during a family vacation. But just in case you want to steal away for a dinner for two, check with the resort to see if they offer programs to care for the kids.

Hilton, Marriott and Wyndham timeshare resorts are known for offering babysitting services, but not across all resorts. Some offer third-party referral services for childcare, such as the Kid’s Night Out program at Disney resorts, so make sure you do your homework.

Special Entertainment – Disney timeshare resorts are famous for this, but activities such as special movie nights are not exclusive to Disney. Marriott Grand Vista offers a family beach campfire while Marriott Cypress Harbour features a special Kid’s Night Out with pizza and games as well as PlayStation tournaments.

All-Inclusives – while this isn’t exclusive to timeshares, many resorts such as those in Mexico and the Caribbean offer this option – giving kids all the food, soft drinks and activities they want in one bundled price. Divi Resorts is a great option if you are looking for a Caribbean getaway.

Check Out the Resorts

We’ve gone through our list of the most popular timeshare resorts based on buyer offers through our platform and mentioned a few below based on their child-friendly amenities and programs:

10) Holiday Inn Club Vacations at Orange Lake Resort (Orlando) – set over four “villages” in the Kissimmee area near Animal Kingdom, there are numerous amenities for the kids. A choice from 7 pools, lazy river, mini golf, multiple arcade game rooms, rock wall, playground, organized activities and Swampy's Adventure Club. All of this before you even head out to Disney World.

9) Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas (Orlando) – with typical Disney flare, the pool complex features zero-depth entry, waterslides, wading pool for the little ones, and Uwanja Camp—described as a combination animal observation site and water playground. Apart from the 30 species of wildlife to enjoy, there are the arcade games, playground, movie nights, campfires and much more.

8) Sheraton Broadway Plantation (Myrtle Beach) – Myrtle Beach beckons you to this terrific destination near the Grand Strand. Fun activities such as Toddler Doodle Time, Sandy Art Treasures and Crayola’s Model Magic are just some of the organized happenings. Indoor and outdoor pools, Splash Cove, lazy river, mini golf and playground will keep the kids active. Plus, let your kids be transformed at the Mermaid Camp with the “mermaids” from Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach.

7) Marriott's Willow Ridge Lodge (Branson) – explore the family-friendly entertainment capital of Branson from this Marriott timeshare resort. Separate indoor and outdoor pools plus a children’s pool cater to all ages and seasons, with sports court and great games at the activity center. The Clubhouse is specially designed with games for the little ones. Cribs and infant beds are available at no added cost.

6) Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa (Orlando) – as with all Disney resorts, there is a special emphasis on keeping the kids happy. Here you will see five pools plus slides, zero entry pools, water play areas, waterfalls and a 146ft slide at the Paddock Pool. Three playgrounds, game rooms with arcade games plus in-room babysitting and childcare services mean Mom and Dad can have their own getaway time as well as the kids.

5) Sheraton Vistana Villages (Orlando) – in the Orlando theme park district, this resort has an amazing variety of kids activities. There are arts and crafts where kids can build their own cuddly bear or become their favorite superhero. Look for the fish and turtle feeding, s’mores around a campfire and the Mermaids & Sharks experience.

4) Marriott's Maui Ocean Club (Maui) - located near world-renowned Kaanapali Beach, the resort features the Club Thrive Activity Center along with organized activities, playground area, heated outdoor pools, waterslide and children’s pool. There is also babysitting service available.

3) Wyndham Kingsgate (Williamsburg) – situated near one of the most fascinating historical areas in the country, Colonial Williamsburg, at the resort you will find a game room, arcade games, playground, children’s pool, movie theater, mini golf and kid’s activities program.

2) Diamond Resorts Kaanapali Beach Club (Maui) – on a wonderful stretch of beach at the northern end of the Kaanapali Beach resort precinct, the resort has an activities department, children’s pool and offers babysitting service.

1) Wyndham Bonnet Creek (Orlando) – you’ll be on Disney property so the theme parks are just minutes away. But for those days when you need a break from the crowds, the kids will have a great time choosing from the lazy river, water cannons, water slides, zero-entry pools and splash zones. You will also find playgrounds, game rooms, mini golf, ice cream parties and other organized activities.