It’s almost that time of summer again for parents: Those final weeks when most camps have ended, you’ve checked off every local activity and the kids still have boundless energy to burn.
Think of it as the late-summer lull in much-needed entertainment and the perfect time to spontaneously get away – not only for your children but also for your peace of mind before the school year (and chauffeuring) resumes.
The key to a winning trip is curating a getaway that doesn’t require months of planning and can please the entire family – from young kids to discerning teens and parents. For some, that may mean hopping in the car to spend a few days exploring a nearby town or city with multiple options for entertainment. For others, it may mean jetting to a beachfront destination where you can find a resort that offers endless entertainment such as pools, watersports, s’mores on the beach and more, before you even leave the property to explore. Other families might consider a destination where the amusement can be found throughout an entire park that focuses on marine life, chocolate or life-sized costumed characters, depending on your family’s preference. And when you’re ready for some downtime back at the hotel, keep in mind that Hilton Honors members receive free Wi-Fi access, which will please those family members who don’t want to fully disconnect.
Read more below for popular family-friendly getaway destinations and hotels in places people of all ages like to visit.
South
Destination: Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Where to Stay: Hilton Garden Inn Gatlinburg
Experience all that Gatlinburg has to offer with a stay at the charming Hilton Garden Inn Gatlinburg. Located only 100 yards from the entrance of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and less than 10 miles from amusement park Dollywood, this hotel is centrally located near plenty of restaurants, shops, outdoor adventures, and local activities that are perfect for the entire family. Take the time to get out in the fresh air to explore nearby hiking trails, jogging paths, whitewater rafting and golfing, or relax at the hotel’s indoor saltwater pool or outdoor hot tub and fire pit.
Hilton Garden Inn Gatlinburg
Destination: Savannah, Georgia
Where to Stay: Homewood Suites by Hilton Savannah Historic District/Riverfront
Located on famed River Street, Homewood Suites by Hilton Savannah Historic District/Riverfront places guests in the ideal location to explore the country’s largest historical landmark. Guests will have easy access to hundreds of shopping and dining options all within walking distance. After a day of exploring the city, you can enjoy stunning views of the Savannah River from the hotel’s resort-style rooftop, which also boasts a pool, full-service bar, cabanas and nightly live music from some of Savannah’s most popular musicians.
Homewood Suites Savannah Historic District/Waterfront
Midwest
Destination: Chicago, Illinois
Where to Stay: Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown
Situated in the heart of downtown Chicago, Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown has been named one of the best hotels in Chicago for kids and families by USA Today. Before heading out to explore nearby Navy Pier, guests can relax in their two-room suite and head to the Sky Garden atrium to enjoy a free cooked-to-order hot breakfast. After a long day of exploring, a complimentary reception awaits with snacks and beverages, including wine, beer and cocktails. The little ones will enjoy splashing in the indoor pool, which is open all year long. Shopping enthusiasts will also appreciate that the hotel is a short walk to one of the country’s most famous shopping districts – the Magnificent Mile.
Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown
Destination: Benton Harbor, Michigan
Where to Stay: Hilton Garden Inn Benton Harbor / St. Joseph
The central location of this hotel makes it perfect for families with kids of all ages to explore the surrounding area’s beautiful beaches, golf courses or even the historical Saint Joseph Lighthouse, which is a Great Lakes icon. Silver Beach County Park is around five miles northwest of the hotel and located on the mouth of the St. Joseph’s River. Families will appreciate the 1,600 feet of Lake Michigan frontage dedicated for public swimming throughout the summer. Other adventures include a trip to the observation point at Jean Klock Park or wine tasting at 12 Corners Vineyards. Younger children are welcome at the winery, which has a kid’s corner, and guests are free to bring and enjoy their own food on the outdoor patio. There are several other wineries and breweries in the area.
Hilton Garden Inn Benton Harbor / St. Joseph
West Coast
Destination: Palm Springs, California
Where to Stay: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Golf Resort Palm Springs
This recently renovated resort sits at the foot of the San Jacinto Mountains, where the surrounding desert landscape inspired the new design with neutral colors and wood accents. Guests can swim in the resort’s Olympic-size pool that is surrounded by two hot tubs, private cabanas and a 5,000-square-foot sundeck. The hotel is located near a variety of attractions perfect for the whole family, such as the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, Red Jeep Tours and The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens.
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Golf Resort Palm Springs
Destination: Coronado, California
Where to Stay: Hotel del Coronado, Curio Collection by Hilton
Located just minutes from downtown San Diego, the Hotel Del Coronado, Curio Collection by Hilton oceanfront resort offers a vast array of watersports and seaside activities the whole family can enjoy. DelVentures, a club for kids, will keep the little ones busy with one-of-a-kind experiences like Slime Labs and Mermaids & Pirates Camp. After a long day at the beach, families can wind down with fun activities like Painting by the Sea, Movies on the Beach and ROAST, the hotel’s sunset s’mores experience.
Southeast
Destination: Key Largo, Florida
Where to Stay: Baker’s Cay Resort Key Largo, Curio Collection by Hilton
One of the newest additions to Curio Collection by Hilton, Baker’s Cay Resort Key Largo is ideally situated on a former pineapple plantation with access to one of the most secluded white sand beaches in the area. In addition to the hotel’s fresh tropical look, including sea-inspired guest rooms with bay vistas, guests will enjoy an array of amenities. Kids will appreciate beach and pool games, nighttime foam parties, making fireside s'mores and eco-educational activities with local partners such as the Coral Restoration Foundation and The Everglades Foundation. The entire family can enjoy two swimming pools enhanced by a waterfall grotto and take advantage of the variety of onsite dining options, and activities like parasailing, diving, deep-sea fishing and more. At night, parents can enjoy the hotel’s own Patron Barrel Select tequilas paired with tacos at the beachfront venue Dry Rocks. The resort even has programs designed in involve guests’ pets, such as Paw Happy Hours with bacon flavored yappetizers, Dog Perignon Champagne and FetchMeNoir.
Destination: Orlando, Florida
Where to Stay: Hilton Orlando
Centrally located off International Drive near SeaWorld, the 26-acre Hilton Orlando resort packs a punch when it comes to amenities. After a day exploring Walt Disney World® Resort or Universal Orlando Resort™, aquatic fun awaits with a main pool fringed with palms, waterfall features and cabanas, as well as a lazy river, winding waterslide and the 1,250-square-foot Splash Zone for kids. There’s also another R&R-designed pool that’s for adults-only. And if you like sports, get in a game of basketball, volleyball or bocce on one of the outdoor sports courts. Ultimate relaxation awaits at the property’s eforea spa, which offers perks like a eucalyptus steam room. After sunset, spend a night relaxing by an outdoor firepit.
Hilton Orlando
East
Destination: Hershey, Pennsylvania
Where to Stay: Tru By Hilton Hershey Chocolate Avenue
A sweet spot for the whole family, this hotel is close to amusement park rides at Hersheypark and the delicious confections at Hershey’s Chocolate World. In the morning, guests can get a taste of Tru by Hilton’s signature “Top It” complimentary breakfast bar that features more than 35 sweet and savory toppings to customize breakfast selections. For a little friendly competition, families can head to the hotel’s open-lobby concept that has a game area.
Hershey, PA Stories
Destination: Ontario, Canada
Where to Stay: Hilton Niagara Falls / Fallsview Hotel & Suites
Take the whole family to visit the natural wonder of Niagara Falls this summer and stay at Hilton Niagara Falls/Fallsview Hotel & Suites with rooms offering views of Horseshoe Falls from both the American and Canadian sides. After a day exploring Horseshoe Falls or taking in the panoramic views from our signature restaurant The Watermark, relax in the hotel’s lounge with live music and a fireworks show that happens every summer night through September 2nd. For the little ones, head to Clifton Hill, a tourist promenade, for entertainment and attractions such as mini golf and the giant Niagara SkyWheel. The older kids can thrill-seek on a zip line across the falls or work their way through an aerial adventure course with WildPlay. Looking for a date night out for the parents? The hotel is also connected to Fallsview Casino Resort, accessible through an enclosed skywalk.
Hilton Niagara Falls Fallsview