Lake resorts are a beloved choice for families due to their stunning visuals worthy of social media posts, abundant outdoor entertainment options, charming old-fashioned atmosphere, and countless activities available throughout the country. Whether seeking an escape all-year round or enjoying seasonal visits, kid-friendly lake lodgings provide ideal settings for various occasions ranging from
summer vacations
to
fall leaf peeping
, offering numerous chances for families to bond—consider activities like swimming, kayaking, fishing, playing lawn games, or just unwinding by the water. Here are
My top choices for excellent lakeside retreats for your upcoming family vacation
.
Why you should trust these recommendations:
Check out FamilyVacationist’s approach to choosing and suggesting travel locations and accommodations.
.
1. The Otesaga Resort Hotel
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Cooperstown, New York
If visiting the National Baseball Hall of Fame is on your itinerary,
family vacation bucket list
, pair your visit with a stay at
The Otesaga Resort Hotel
For a charming retreat by the lake, this sophisticated waterfront hotel sits right on the edge of Otsego Lake. It boasts 132 guest rooms and suites and is praised highly for both its setting and hospitality. At the resort, you have the option to hire canoes, rowboats, kayaks, and paddleboards to explore the lake at your leisure; try your luck fishing with gear supplied by the resort; or simply take in the scenic vistas as you cycle around or go running alongside the shoreline.
A heated outdoor pool invites guests during the hotter part of the year, and the resort’s Leatherstocking Golf Course provides a picturesque waterside setting.
golf vacations
Since the resort initially opened in 1909, on-site eateries provide culinary options that span from lakefront hamburgers to an intimate steakhouse setting.
2. The Stonecliffe Inn
Mackinac Island, Michigan
Take it slow and reconnect at
The Inn at Stonecliffe
. Located on car-free
Mackinac Island
This historic lakeside establishment, located on an island in Lake Huron, operates from late April until early October. Recently refreshed with significant updates, it offers a picturesque setting perfect for creating lasting family memories. Reserve either a spacious suite at the resort’s Summer House or choose one of the three secluded cottages for your family’s relaxing and memorable lake getaway.
Prepare yourself for an enjoyable time on the resort’s Straits Lawn, which features setups for various lawn games and fire pits along with outdoor movie screenings that offer captivating sunset vistas rivaling those displayed onscreen. Additionally, enjoy a kid-appropriate swimming pool alongside regularly scheduled free events such as pizza-making workshops and children’s crafting sessions. If you seek further excitement, consider renting a bicycle to explore the island or hop onto a complimentary horse-drawn carriage tour leading to the lively heart of town.
3. The Mill Falls Resort Collection at the Lake
Meredith, New Hampshire
A perfect lakeside retreat for families who enjoy options,
Mill Falls Resort Collection at the Lake
is located in New Hampshire’s picturesque
Lake Winnipesaukee
It essentially comprises four distinct accommodation choices within a single property, featuring a renovated 19th-century linen mill along with a rustic yet sophisticated Adirondack-style lodge.
This year-round lakeside retreat provides family-oriented facilities and entertainment options such as weekly bonfires complete with s’mores, rental services for pontoon boats, outdoor game sets, and bicycles along with water sports equipment. For those seeking wellness experiences, the resort’s EKAL Activity Center hosts sessions on yoga, organized excursions, artistic workshops, and various recreational events. Each accommodation option includes either swimming pools or workout areas accessible to visitors. Diners can appreciate scenic waterfront vistas at multiple dining venues within the lodge complex or unwind atop the Outdoor Spa Deck located in the premises’ Cascade Spa facility.
4. Flathead Lake Lodge
Bigfork, Montana
Both a
dude ranch
and combines a lakeside retreat into one
Flathead Lake Lodge
Since 1945, this Montana retreat has been hosting visitors. Families are drawn to the resort due to its picturesque location on the biggest natural fresh-water lake in the Western part of the country and its variety of inclusive activities that foster a beloved summer camp atmosphere. Operating from May through October, the family-managed estate spans nearly 2,000 acres, offering numerous opportunities to revel in both the land and water adventures.
At Flathead Lake, families have the option to participate in sailing or wakeboarding instruction sessions, embark on a scenic boat tour, or explore the waters using a canoe, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard. For those preferring dry land, activities range from leisurely horseback riding trails and exhilarating mountain bike tours to educational guided walks and floral arranging workshops. After an active day of fun or relaxation, one can unwind at the newly renovated lakeshore swimming pool. And when hunger strikes, head over to the new on-site bakery for some fresh-baked treats and aromatic coffee.
5. Basin Harbor
Vergennes, Vermont
Operated by the family for over 130 years, this establishment welcomes pets.
Basin Harbor
The Lake Resort boasts an excellent location along Vermont’s scenic Lake Champlain. Visitors enjoy the nostalgic atmosphere typical of family getaways here, with operations running from mid-May through mid-October. Guests have the option to embrace a rustic yet sophisticated ambiance by staying in one of the resort’s 74 distinctive cottages—each with its own character dating back to the 1920s and ‘30s—or opt for more conventional accommodations in their Guesthouse rooms.
At this lakeside retreat, guests have an extensive array of facilities and activities available to them. Basin Harbor provides numerous opportunities to enjoy the lake through services like complimentary kayaks, canoes, and standing paddleboards provided for each visitor staying in 2025, as well as a brand-new floating attraction enhancing swimming experiences. The children’s programs operate daily throughout the summer season, complemented by a newly introduced biweekly Kids Dinner Club giving adults some time alone twice per week.
6. The Sagamore Resort
Bolton Landing, New York
It’s simple to understand why visitors have been opting to check in here.
The Sagamore Resort
For 140 years, this historic property situated on Lake George within New York’s Adirondack Mountains has maintained its legacy while incorporating the amenities today’s travelers desire. Families can enjoy various accommodation choices, ranging from rooms in the original 1883 hotel building, through lodge rooms and suites, to residential-style condominiums and separate cottages.
At the lakeside retreat center, children will find themselves in paradise within this vast indoor-outdoor recreational area equipped with numerous activities such as miniature golf, an interior basketball arena, electronic and board gaming zones, and even a horseshoe pitching spot. When the weather warms up, guests have the option to reserve slots for learning how to water ski on the lake, cast their lines off the resort pier for some fishing, or take a refreshing dip in the edgeless swimming pool which offers scenic views of Lake George.
winter vacation season
offers events such as the yearly Glacier Ice Bar weekends, where even the furniture and drinkware are crafted from ice.
7. Woodloch Resort
Hawley, Pennsylvania
A beloved destination frequently celebrated as a top choice for families seeking an escape year after year.
best all-inclusive family resorts
in the country,
Woodloch Resort
nestles beside Lake Teedyuskung in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. Having been family-owned and operated for over sixty years, this lakeside retreat provides 160 guest rooms, with many offering picturesque lake vistas and capable of housing up to six guests. For families requiring additional space, accommodation options include multi-bedroom guest houses located either on-site or at the resort’s affiliated property.
Woodloch Springs
.
Family-focused
amenities abound at Woodloch
Anytime throughout the year. In summertime, you can enjoy cooling off at the lakefront beach equipped with a waterslide or splash around in both indoor and outdoor swimming pools. If you prefer being out on the water, choose between kayaking, paddleboarding, bumper boating, or even try your hand at waterskiing. As winter rolls in, head over for some ice-skating or take a spin down the snow-tubing hill; additionally, various seasonal activities and entertainment ensure fun for everyone in the family. Accommodation at Woodloch Resort also features an inclusive meal plan offering one to three daily meals provided right in their primary dining hall.
8. Madden’s at Gull Lake
Brainerd, Minnesota
Operating from late April until late October annually, this establishment is managed and owned by the same family.
Madden’s on Gull Lake
Has served as a cherished lakeside retreat for touring families for over nine decades. Lodging options vary from classic hotel rooms and bungalows to spacious multi-room lodges and homes. Given that the resort occupies a 1,000-acre peninsula and boasts over two miles of lakefront, picturesque waterfront vistas abound.
Children will be drawn to features such as the resort’s four swimming pools, Gull Lake inflatables water park, lessons for wakesurfing and waterskiing, along with a recreational facility equipped with pickleball courts, lawn bowling areas, shuffleboard lanes, and croquet fields. Adults can enjoy tennis courts, an on-site lakeside spa, various dining choices, and access to four golf courses, notably The Classic at Madden’s, which often ranks highly amongst them.
Golf Digest
Top 100 Greatest Public Courses in America according to Golf magazine. The entire family can also spend time at the resort’s three sandy beaches or choose to rent bicycles or watercraft for an outdoor adventure.
9. Big Cedar Lodge
Ridgedale, Missouri
For a blend of luxury and rustic charm, make your way to
Big Cedar Lodge
Overlooking Table Rock Lake, the emphasis is on reveling in nature at this 4,600-acre mountain retreat nestled within the Ozarks. This scenic getaway was brought to life by Johnny Morris, who founded Bass Pro Shops. Guests can choose from various lodging options such as lodge rooms, cabins, cottages, and luxury camping tents located at Camp Long Creek.
This lakeside retreat in the Midwest offers several dining options, a spa facility, and golf courses. With two marinas available for use, visitors can easily rent boats or Jet Skis, hire a fishing guide, sign up for water skiing or wakeboarding lessons, or enjoy exploring the lake via stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, canoes, or peddle boats. Relax under the sun at Big Cedar Beach, race around on go-karts and bumpers cars at the Fun Mountain entertainment area, and admire panoramic vistas from the Top of the Rock Ozarks Heritage Preserve. The children will never run out of activities to keep themselves entertained—so much so that dragging them away may become challenging!
10. The Coeur d’Alene Golf and Spa Resort
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
Located on 200 acres along the northern shoreline of Coeur d’Alene Lake in Idaho,
Coeur d’Alene Golf & Spa Resort
It simplifies the process of discovering its waterfront location. Visit the Boardwalk Marina to lease recreational vessels like sports boats, pontoons, or stand-up paddles, or opt for a supervised paddleboarding excursion or an picturesque voyage across the lake. Starting a game of golf involves boarding a luxurious wooden boat that transports you to the resort’s championship 18-hole course, which boasts stunning vistas of the water from nearly every fairway and features a renowned Floating Green at hole number fourteen.
The 338-room lakeside hotel features a spa and multiple dining venues inspired by the flavors of the Pacific Northwest. Guests can also enjoy a scenic spot with a seasonally open lakefront infinity-edge pool and a private beach for relaxation. Additionally, children will find delight in a striking four-foot-tall, 2,200-gallon koi pond located in the resort’s lobby. Looking ahead to 2027, the upcoming Sherman Tower, now under development, promises to bring another 139 guestrooms to the property.
11. The Abbey Resort
Fontana, Wisconsin
This lakeside retreat in Geneva boasts an unmistakable A-frame design and has just finished a lengthy refurbishment project. The updates include improvements to both the accommodations for guests and common areas, significant upgrades to the Avani Spa, as well as revamped dining options. Spanning across ninety acres of land, this property offers plenty of space to explore.
The Abbey Resort
Lake Geneva stands out as the region’s sole comprehensive resort and has a rich legacy as a popular getaway destination in the Midwest.
Children can enjoy splashing around in either the seasonally available outdoor family pool or the indoor pool which includes a kids’ wading section. Free bicycle rentals, campfire gatherings, an onsite disc golf course, and movie screenings of child-appropriate films ensure entertainment for all ages. Additional activities such as boat rentals and ice-skating rinks provide extra enjoyment depending on the time of year. Guests can conveniently access the Geneva Lake Shore Path—a scenic 26-mile trail hugging the lakeside, passing through various public parks, beautiful gardens, and historical residences—from this lakeside retreat.
12. Brooks Lake Lodge and Spa
Dubois, Wyoming
For over a century,
Brooks Lake Lodge & Spa
It has been inviting visitors to explore its picturesque location inside Wyoming’s Shoshone National Forest. This highly praised, lakefront all-encompassing retreat is nestled in the Rocky Mountains close to both Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks; however, you’ll discover numerous activities right at the site itself.
Luxurious accommodations at this venue feature elegant lodge rooms and cozy cabins adorned with a stylish Western theme. In summertime, visitors can partake in various outdoor pursuits such as horseback riding along trails, trekking through scenic routes, angling in nearby waters, and paddling around using canoes. When winter sets in, the focus shifts to frosty pastimes including ice fishing, gliding across snowy landscapes via cross-country skiing, zooming about on snowmobiles, and careening down slopes on tubes. To unwind after an action-packed day, one may retreat to the spa facilities where they can soothe their muscles in either a steamy dry sauna or bubbling hot tub; alternatively, indulging in a therapeutic massage could be just what’s needed for total relaxation. Dining here offers refined takes on traditional Western fare made with fresh ingredients harvested organically right from neighboring fields supplemented by handcrafted dairy products crafted lovingly by regional farmers.
13. The Ritz-Carlton at Reynolds, Lake Oconee
Greensboro, Georgia
Only 90 minutes away from Atlanta,
The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee
welcomes families with open arms through a “Highly Valued Youngsters” check-in area where little guests can contribute their names to the visitor logbook and collect items for a treasure hunt. Its lakeside retreat boasts a summer-friendly shallow-entry family swimming pool equipped with engaging elements. Inside the lodge-style Ritz Kids Clubhouse, which showcases an extensive tank filled with amphibians and fish from floor to ceiling, children aged five to twelve have access to varied daily programs focused outdoors. Additionally, the facility provides comprehensive or abbreviated day trips called Ritz Kids Lake Expeditions, designed specifically for kids within this age range, allowing them to explore the waters.
At the Georgia property’s exclusive beach, everyone has the chance to relish time out on the lake using a paddleboard or kayak. Each night also features free s’mores gatherings by the waterside. Families can explore via complimentary bicycles along eight miles of scenic paths or challenge themselves on the newly opened Aerial Adventure Course. For adults seeking relaxation, the premises offer a spa as well as five top-tier golf courses providing an impressive total of 99 holes. Accommodation choices range from cozy guest rooms and spacious suites to secluded cottages equipped with kitchen facilities and outdoor areas.
14. Edgewood Tahoe Resort
Stateline, Nevada
An all-season retreat on the banks of Lake Tahoe,
Edgewood Tahoe Resort
results in an unforgettable family retreat by the water. Choose from the modern Villa Suites to take in stunning lake vistas along with features such as personal balconies, fire pits, and separate outdoor hot tubs. Regardless of your lodging choice within this Nevadan getaway spot, you’ll have access to complimentary daily s’mores supplies for all visitors.
Here are numerous opportunities to savor the great outdoors, be it through hiking, swimming, kayaking, or playing golf. During summertime, lawn games and open-air movie screenings enhance the enjoyment, whereas wintry conditions could lead you to glide across an icy rink or swoosh down slopes at the nearby Heavenly Mountain Resort. Regardless of the season, indoor pursuits such as indulging in rejuvenating gemstone treatments at a spa or participating in the daily Board and Box Game Time in the Great Room—where classic pastimes like checkers, Chutes and Ladders, and Jenga await—are always available for guests seeking refuge indoors with their loved ones.
15. Blue Harbor Resort
Sheboygan, Wisconsin
The focus is on family enjoyment at
Blue Harbor Resort
Located on the banks of Lake Michigan, this destination offers convenient access to urban centers such as Chicago, Milwaukee, and Green Bay. Regardless of when you visit, both adults and children can relish various attractions including the 54,000-square-foot indoor Breaker Bay Waterpark with its wave pool simulation, leisurely waterways, and thrilling slides; the array of games and engaging experiences available at the Pier Fun Zone Arcade; along with two nine-hole indoor mini-golf courses featuring luminous play sessions.
In summertime, this lakeside retreat offers families an array of activities such as regular children’s craft sessions, yard games, evening campfires with marshmallows roasting. Guests have the option to borrow bicycles, splash around in the warm outdoor swimming area, or grab free sandcastle kits to build impressive structures right on the property’s sandy shore. With several dining venues located within the premises, you can easily recharge after all your adventures without needing to venture elsewhere.
16. Grand View Lodge
Nisswa, Minnesota
When choosing where to stay, you have several comfortable options such as boutique hotel rooms, cabins, and cottages designed to accommodate families of various sizes, allowing you to pick the perfect fit for your needs.
Grand View Lodge
On Minnesota’s Gull Lake, this 750-acre lakeside retreat provides various family-oriented activities all year round. In the wintertime, guests can enjoy ice skating, snowshoeing, and ice fishing. During summertime, they offer watercraft rentals, fishing opportunities, lawn games, as well as a children’s club.
Regardless of the season, visitors of every age can delight in features such as an indoor swimming pool complete with a water slide, a golf simulator, a games room, a state-of-the-art gym, and the recently refurbished Glacial Waters Spa. The property’s two regulation golf courses along with numerous on-site eateries offering everything from informal meals to upscale cuisine ensure satisfaction for everyone in your clan. Notably, a freshly updated seaside eatery now serves nachos and tacos directly at the shore.
17. The Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa
Lake Arrowhead, California
Reserve a lakeside room to enhance your visit.
Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa
It’s only a short journey from Los Angeles, yet it seems light-years apart. This lakeside hotel provides convenient ways to experience the water through various features such as organized kayak excursions, fishing at the resort pier, an open-air swimming pool offering scenic lake vistas, and a secluded shoreline section with special entry to Lake Arrowhead.
A top-notch fitness center, a spa that uses organic products for its treatments, and on-site dining options enhance the allure of this woodland retreat nestled in California’s San Bernardino Mountains. Families will enjoy the resort’s game room, free board games, campfire events, and kid-friendly movie evenings, along with close-by sites such as SkyPark, Heaps Peak Arboretum, and Lake Arrowhead Village.
17 top lakeside retreats and accommodations in the U.S. perfect for family vacations
originally appeared on
FamilyVacationist.com
.
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Believe it or not, these family-friendly resorts are your next great escape.
