Taking a family vacation is one of the very best parts of summer. The kids are out of school and everyone’s taking a little time off of work to enjoy the weather and do something fun. Every family has its own idea of what the perfect vacation looks like, but resort trips are often at the top of the list. What’s great about resorts is that many activities and amenities are typically included or at least on-site, which makes trip planning a breeze. This is a wonderful option for busy families that don’t have a lot of extra time for research and that just want to relax.
Fortunately, Georgia has many family destinations with resorts that everyone can enjoy. In cities, small towns, and the countryside, here are the best family-friendly resorts in the state.
Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta, Atlanta
Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta is just a short walk away from many of Atlanta’s top attractions, which makes it a convenient option for families. For example, you’ll be close to the High Museum of Art, Piedmont Park, and the Atlanta Botanical Garden when you stay here. There are chic rooms and suites, and many have lovely views of the city skyline. The concierge at the Four Seasons can help you arrange child-friendly activities for your young ones based on their ages and interests. You can even provide some information about your kids before your stay, and the hotel can prepare sample itineraries for you to choose from. To keep things simple, there’s also an indoor pool here that kids love. The onsite Park 75 restaurant even has a children’s menu with kid-friendly favorites.
Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa, Savannah
Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa is one of the most kid-friendly resorts in the U.S., and it’s beautifully situated on the Savannah waterfront. Families will enjoy the riverfront pool with cabanas, marina access, and secluded beach access. Let the little ones have fun in the Kids Splash Zone while you relax in a cabana nearby. There are lots of fun things to do with kids nearby, like a dolphin tour or the Savannah Children’s Museum.
Atlanta Evergreen Marriott Conference Resort, Stone Mountain
You might not expect a conference resort to cater much to families, but this Stone Mountain destination loves kids. It’s surrounded by Stone Mountain Park and just 16 miles from downtown Atlanta. To accommodate families of all sizes, this top-rated resort near Atlanta has connecting rooms and different bed types available. There’s also a pool to splash around in and plenty of opportunities for hiking and water sports once you step outside the resort’s door.
King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort, St. Simons Island
King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort has consistently been rated as one of the best Georgia hotels on the coast, and it’s great for families too. You’ll enjoy beachfront fun, a children’s pool and play area, and accommodations that range from two-bedroom suites to five-bedroom beach houses. The on-site restaurant ECHO has a kid-friendly menu for poolside fare, and the resort has an activities coordinator that organizes pool games, scavenger hunts, face painting, and other activities. You and your family can play mini-golf, grab some ice cream, and stay totally entertained without even leaving the island.
Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa, Young Harris
A top resort in North Georgia, Brasstown Valley Resort is an upscale resort close to Chatuge Lake. There are spacious rooms in this Young Harris resort that’s just about two hours from Atlanta. This resort has golf and a spa for adults, but there are also horseback riding stables and family-oriented programming. The Emporium has arts and crafts, painting, and seasonal activities for kids. And all of these activities are directed by the resort staff to give parents a break. There’s also a game room with video games and a ping pong table. To get the kids outside, there are over eight miles of hiking trails and great fishing opportunities too.
The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee
The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds provides an elegant place to stay that overlooks Lake Oconee and is close to the Reynolds Plantation golf course. There’s a summer concert series with live entertainment and fireworks that everyone will enjoy. This is an ideal place for a family vacation because the Ritz Kids program offers a variety of supervised creative and physical activities for kids. Half-day and full-day programs for kids are offered seven days a week and include meals. Some of the activities to try include nature hikes, scavenger hunts, fishing lessons, games, and arts and crafts.
The Cloister at Sea Island, Sea Island
The Cloister is warm and inviting, with an amazing location by the ocean and beach. The rooms in the Cloister main building and wings each have their own unique charm and are close to the yacht club, tennis center, spa, and fitness center. It’s easy to find family-friendly recreation by the sea when you stay here, so plan to take the kids fishing, sailing, or exploring the shore. Meanwhile, other kid-friendly activities range from crabbing off the dock to hands-on learning at the Sea Island Nature Center.
Legacy Lodge & Conference Center, Buford
The Legacy Lodge is part of the Lanier Islands Resort, with renovated rooms that have hardwood floors and artwork that are inspired by the great outdoors. Amenities at the hotel include an outdoor heated saltwater lounging pool, walking trails, and bicycle rentals. Families will also enjoy Wi-Fi, flat-screen televisions, and concierge services at Legacy Lodge. The LanierWorld water park is the place to be for families in the summer, and the Legacy Kids Program has a craft room and family movie and game nights. The lodge is even pet-friendly, so you can bring every member of your family along to enjoy the lake.
The Ridges Resort, Hiawassee
For the perfect mix of fun on land and water, head to the Ridges Resort in Hiawassee. This is a North Georgia destination that is a tranquil escape and feels far away from the stresses of daily life. It’s easy to keep everyone in the family entertained when you stay here with fishing, horseback riding, boating, and lawn games. Onsite you’ll find a marina, boat rentals, wakeboard park, swimming pool, tennis courts, horseshoes, fishing pier, and much more. You can rent a pontoon boat, kayaks, canoes, ski boat, or jet skis on site. Families can also enjoy roasting s’mores around the fire pit, corn hole, and a children’s playground. Once you leave the resort, take a hike around Vogel State Park and Brasstown Bald, or even visit some alpacas on a nearby farm. Destiny Alpacas Inc. is located in Young Harris and Lasso the Moon Alpaca Farm is in nearby Blairsville.
Barnsley Resort, Adairsville
Located in Adairsville, the Barnsley Resort is a lovely getaway spot for families on a fine Southern estate. Bring the kids here to go horseback riding on the 3,000 acres of Georgia wilderness, because riders of all skill levels are welcome here. The resort even offers children’s rides in the corral for the youngest cowboys and cowgirls. This award-winning resort often offers specials and packages for occasions like Mother’s Day and seasonal themes. You can bring your dog along to this resort as well, and there are no weight limits. Pet-friendly accommodations are located at the Garden and Meadow Suites and the Arbor Cottages. Included pet amenities are pet beds, bowls, bottled water, and treats, and pet sitting may be arranged with the staff.
