The Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Cancun for the Whole Family

Relaxation is the name of the game at Moon Palace Cancun, but the beachside resort also caters to active travelers, especially those interested in water sports and snorkeling. For kids, there’s the Playroom and the game-intensive Wired Lounge, while parents will find refuge in the spa. Your stay comes with a slew of dining options, including room service if you’re feeling lazy, and the resort frequently has special offers that will make your holiday even more of a bargain. The property’s sister resort, The Grand at Moon Palace Cancun, amps up the luxury for families looking for a little something extra.

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Whether you’re lounging next to one of three swimming pools or splashing in the waves down at the beach, Hotel Riu Cancun is the ideal warm-weather getaway. Kids are invited to RiuLand, and there are nightly live music and shows. The resort keeps it classy in the evenings, with à la carte dining at one of several eateries, including a steakhouse and Italian buffet (don’t worry, there are kids' menus). Enjoy snorkeling, beach volleyball, group fitness classes or take an introductory scuba lesson in the pool (the first hour is free). Best of all, Hotel Riu has an anti-spring breaker policy, so you won’t have to worry about rowdy college students.

You could spend a week at Panama Jack Resorts Cancun and still not do everything available to do in the resort. For kids, there’s mini golf, water slides and a pirate splash park—all of which are part of Camp Jack, which caters to young travelers of all ages. For adults, there’s even more, from spa treatments to yoga classes to actual golf, and guests can partake in culinary classes and even a sea turtle release program. All guest rooms have a balcony or terrace and the family suites feature bunk beds (and will accommodate families of up to five people). 

Those looking for a hip resort with lots to do should book into the Hard Rock Hotel Cancun. The all-inclusive resort, set along the beach, has some serious amenities, from in-room liquor dispensers to spa tubs. Families can score a Family Room, which includes two connecting bedrooms, a kid-friendly minibar, an Xbox 360 with games and kid-sized bathrobes. Young ones will love the Kids Club, while older teens can head to the Cavern Club. There’s also a serious selection of restaurants, including a Brazilian steakhouse, a brick-oven pizzeria and a Mexican eatery.

The family vibe of Seadust Cancun Family Resort, a beachside property with a contemporary style, is literally in the name. Everything onsite is about group fun, whether it’s indulging in a song at the karaoke bar or splashing around at the Treasure Island Water Park. There’s also a dedicated children’s pool (as well as an adults-only pool) and teens have access to the Play Room Disco, which is filled with games and daily activities. The overall resort has the feel of being on a cruise ship, which adds to the feeling that you’re traveling far from home. The best part: Every single guest room has a view of the Caribbean.  

Club Med is a trustworthy, familiar brand, making it a good pick for your family holiday to Cancun if you don’t want to stress too much about the hotel. With access to three beaches, the resort includes family rooms, tons of onsite activities and a great kids’ club. It’s all part of the price, from water skiing to nightly live entertainment to the margaritas, which will just keep flowing if you don’t say stop. Kids and teens can spend the week learning to sail or do a “catch” on the flying trapeze while parents can go the Club Med Spa or take tennis lessons (or just go to one of the many bars).

The Hyatt Ziva Cancun, located on Punta Cancun, is a truly massive resort, boasting eight restaurants, six bars, three pools, a beach and the Kidz Club. Since everything is included guests can snorkel, play water volleyball, kayak or drink everything in the mini bar (which gets replenished daily). There are also fitness classes, live entertainment and a luxurious spa, which can be worth the extra splurge. If you want to really impress the kids, book one of the double rooms that overlook the dolphin habitat. They sleep up to two adults and three kids, and have insane views of the splashing dolphins just outside.

Iberostar Cancun, a five-star resort, is nestled right in the heart of Cancun’s hotel zone and is easily accessible from the local airport. The resort is specifically family-friendly, with suites and villas available for those who need a little more space. Enroll the kids in Star Camp, which offers daily activities for children based on their age group (and gives the parents some much-needed solo time by the pool). There are also tons of activities for travelers of all ages, including a full-sized soccer field, a mini-disco and an 18-hole golf course. Be sure to check the resort’s website for current deals and discounts before booking.

Dreams Sands Cancun Resort & Spa, a luxury beachside resort complex in Cancun’s hotel zone, has plenty to do and see within walking distance—that is, if you ever want to leave. Book a Family Suite and then relax, knowing that everything, from the kids’ Explorer Club to 24-hour room service, is included in the price. Enjoy water sports, dance lessons, theme nights, kayaking and nightly performances, or head to one of the two pools (there are also three Jacuzzis). Babysitting is also available for a fee if you and your parenting partner need a night off.

Located three miles from downtown Cancun, Oasis Palm Resort caters to traveling families (and, especially, to parents who really need a vacation). Kids under 12 stay for free and you can opt for a two-bedroom family room to get enough space for everyone. There are several restaurants and snack bars, many of which specifically feature Mexican cuisine, and there’s also a Kids Club for those ages 3 to 12. Lay by the beach or head to the kids’ pool to check out the water slides. Golf and the spa are extra, if you want to indulge even more.