6 Over-the-Top Hotel Pools Your Kids (and You) Will Never Want to Leave
From lazy rivers in the desert to massive aquatic playgrounds, these hotel pools redefine family vacation fun
When it comes to family vacations, the real MVP is the hotel pool. Think massive aquatic playgrounds with twisty water slides, winding lazy rivers, waterfall grottos, and swim-up bars where friendly bartenders serve up piña coladas—virgin or otherwise. If your dream family getaway involves spending more time in the water than on dry land, these six splash-tastic family resorts have you covered.
Evermore Resort
Orlando, Florida
Just minutes from Orlando’s world-famous theme parks (10 to 20 minutes, to be exact), Evermore Resort is a water-lover’s paradise for families ready to dive into fun. Book a villa or house big enough for your whole crew. The resort features kid-friendly bunk rooms in homes with up to 11 bedrooms and private pools.
Then, head to Evermore Bay, an eight-acre crystal-clear lagoon with plenty of space to spread out your towel. Enjoy white-sand beaches, a family-sized waterslide, and a rope swing made for epic cannonball contests. Paddle across the bay on a stand-up paddleboard or kayak, or spend the afternoon on an overwater hammock inside your private cabana, soaking up the laid-back vibes.
Hilton Anatole
Dallas, Texas
When the Texas sun is at its peak, the JadeWaters resort pool complex at the AAA Four Diamond Hilton Anatole Dallas offers a welcome escape. Spanning three acres, this aquatic oasis features a 7,000-square-foot beach entry pool, private cabanas with cooling misters, a splash zone, two winding water slides, and a lazy river. For a change of pace, visit Leisure Cove Pool, a separate 4,000-square-foot pool, and sip something tropical at the swim-up bar.
The Omni Homestead Resort & Spa
Hot Springs, Virginia
Tucked into the scenic Allegheny Mountains, The Omni Homestead Resort & Spa, a AAA Four Diamond property, is a water wonderland where natural spring-fed pools set the stage for nonstop fun. Challenge friends to a slide race, or take little ones to the tot-friendly splash zone, complete with sprayers and pint-sized water features. When it’s time to slow down, grab an inner tube, and drift along the lazy river. For rainy days, the indoor pool keeps the fun going, while the adults-only Serenity Garden Pool offers a peaceful haven.
Grand Wailea
Maui, Hawaiʻi
With 10 on-site pools and Wailea Beach just steps away, the AAA Four Diamond Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort offers guests no shortage of aquatic options. Nine pools spread across six levels make up the resort’s expansive activity area, featuring waterfalls, a lazy river, a rope swing, and a swim-up bar serving all the umbrella-topped beverages you could want. The twisty-turny lava tube slide is sure to be a kid favorite—and just one of seven waterslides on the property. For a quieter escape, adults can retreat to the Hibiscus Serenity Pool for a swim or a soak, Jacuzzi-style.
Glenwood Hot Springs Resort
Glenwood, Colorado
If your ideal vacation centers on the water, Glenwood Hot Springs Resort delivers. Home to the world’s largest hot spring pool—it spans more than two city blocks in length—the resort also features a kid-friendly splash zone and an open-air tube ride for those looking for a little adrenaline. Craving a quieter moment? The Yampah Mineral Baths offer five blissful pools with cascading waterfalls designed to melt away stress and soothe tired muscles.
Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa
Rancho Mirage, California
In a destination where poolside lounging is practically an art form, Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa clearly understood the assignment. Its Splashtopia waterpark features a sandy beach area, a splash zone sure to keep little ones entertained, and even a cliffside hot tub with desert views.. Adults can slip away to the serene adults-only pool for uninterrupted lounging—piña colada in hand. For a more active afternoon (and a chance to dry off), head to the Conchilla Valley pool, where a poolside gaming cabana adds a playful twist to the day.
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Whether your family is craving the calm of a lazy river, the thrill of racing down water slides, or the chance to lounge in the shade of an umbrella with a fruity beverage in hand, the splash-worthy hotel pools at these exceptional family resorts deliver.