Summer of Savings: 9 Best All-Inclusive Resorts for Families in the US under $1,000

02/07/2024

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Now that the calendar has turned July and school is a distant memory, summer can begin in earnest. For many Americans, the sunny season offers the chance to take a much-anticipated vacation at one of the country’s many action-packed family resorts.

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And with budgets already stretched from a half-year of high grocery costs and unanticipated expenses, many families are choosing all-inclusive vacation spots, where lodging, food, drinks, activities and entertainment are covered with the price of your stay.

While availability might pose a problem at some of the following resorts, you won’t know until you try. Make sure to check the fine print to see if there’s a minimum night stay policy, and don’t discount heading out during off-season and the late season (end of August/beginning of September). There are bargains to be had if you book closer to Labor Day and the start of school.

Here’s a list of nine great all-inclusive resorts for families looking for activities at a cheaper price point. We’ve included a few pricier resorts (over $1,000) for a luxurious family vacation (or for a couple), but many listed below keep the budget-conscious in mind.

1. Woodloch Pines – Hawley, Pennsylvania

For a relaxing getaway, few beat the Woodloch Pines Resort in Hawley, PA. Woodloch Pines has an on-site golf course, as well as indoor and outdoor pools, saunas and hot tubs and some accommodations feature lake-view balconies. Situated in the Poconos, Ski Big Bear is only eight miles away. Live entertainment, exclusive beach access and a range of on-site watersports are available to visitors. A business center, a fitness center and full board dining is available at this #1 Newsweek-rated resort.

2. Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort – Shawnee on Delaware, Pennsylvania

From Pennsylvanian high-end to Pennsylvanian bargain, impeccable service will make you feel catered to at a fraction of the cost of many all-inclusive stays in the U.S. The Shawnee Inn has an indoor pool, spa and fitness center and provides all-inclusive packages with meals, drinks and select activities like rafting, canoeing, golfing and even campfires with marshmallows (although not all activities are covered by the accommodation fee). A variety of leisure and active pursuits are yours for the taking amid this Poconos-situated inn.

3. Red Mountain Resort – Ivans, Utah

Everything you require to unwind, rejuvenate and rekindle your spirit of adventure is available at Red Mountain Resort. Situated in a prime location in Utah, this resort allows visitors to experience the entirety of St. George, Red Mountain and the neighboring Snow Canyon State Park via a variety of personal discovery retreats. There are countless opportunities for one-of-a-kind experiences thanks to the facility’s fitness center, comprehensive range of spa and salon services and daily outdoor and wellness activities.

4. Harrah’s Hotel – Las Vegas, Nevada

Price: $27 per night per The Travel, but it’ll be more expensive for two adults and a couple of kids (expect $60-$130)

Cast aside your preconceived notions of Las Vegas nightlife and memories of scenes from “The Hangover.” Las Vegas has changed its “Sin City” reputation over the years, and most hotels in the desert town are billed as spas and offer a wide variety of family-oriented fun.

According to The Travel, Vegas offers a ton of all-inclusive hotel stays at very reasonable prices, including Harrah’s Las Vegas Hotel, which boasts stylish, newly renovated suites and entertaining menu items. Access is free to Planet Hollywood amenities and the hotel is located in the city center, which is entertainment itself.

5. Mohonk Mountain House – New Paltz, New York

Price: $913 per night for two guest, per Kayak, so make sure to check the resort’s featured package deals

Operated by the same family since 1869, Mohonk Mountain House is a beautiful National Historic Landmark overlooking the Shawangunk Ridge, the beautiful backdrop to New Paltz in southeastern New York. The resort offers a variety of water activities for the family in the summer, including a lake for swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding and fishing.

But Mohonk is a resort to keep in mind if your family enjoys winter activities too. The year-round resorts offers plenty of winter fun for the active family, including snow tubing, winter hikes, ice skating in a pavilion over the lake and groomed cross-country skiing trails. All-inclusive amenities involve three daily meals and non-alcoholic drinks, yoga and meditation classes, guided hikes and golf and tennis.

6. Mayan Dude Ranch, Bandera, Texas

Off the beaten track down in Bandera, Texas rests the Mayan Dude Ranch, known as the place “Where ‘horsepitality’ reigns.” This family-owned and operated homestead includes all-inclusive pricing for comfortable lodging, three ranch meals per day, two horseback rides each day, access to tennis courts and participation in other events on the program. “Visitors to Mayan Dude Ranch can anticipate a charming realm of Western warmth at a very budget-friendly cost for the adventure provided,” says The Travel.

7. Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress – Orlando, Florida

Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress is a hotel just outside of Disney Springs, so it’s like an extended playground for the whole family, with a great balance of on-site activities and amenities alongside easy access to Disney World and all of Orlando’s other theme parks and activities. The Travel has an affordable family vacation costing $179 a night during the off-season and $300 during peak season, but Tripadvisor has some listed at $173 right now for two adults and two children.

8. Fair Hills Resort – Detroit Lakes, Michigan

In the summer, Fair Hills provides an all-inclusive experience for ten weeks (ending August 23). During that time, everything you require is available on-site and handled admirably by the hotel staff. Prices cover your hotel, meals (depending on plan chosen), all amenities, entertainment, sports instruction and organized activities, based on age. Ranked second in its Best All-Inclusive Family Resort report by Newsweek, Fair Hills is the ultimate camp adventure for family members of all ages.

9. Rocking Horse Ranch Resort – Highland, New York

This family-friendly, wallet-harming resort, which includes an indoor water park — and a massive outdoor one — is packed with entertaining activities regardless of the weather. You can go horseback riding, rock climbing, canoeing or paddleboarding and even bungee jumping at the resort and evening entertainment for the kids includes magicians, bonfire singalongs, comedians and jugglers. Modern rooms feature bunk beds for children and all meals can be accommodated for those with dietary concerns or a case of pickiness.