Tampa, famous for its warm climate and proximity to breathtaking Gulf Coast beaches, offers a wealth of opportunities for family fun.
From thrilling theme parks like Busch Gardens and Adventure Island to the Florida Aquarium, this city has something to captivate every member of your family.
As someone who explored numerous family resorts in the Tampa area, I understand the importance of finding the perfect balance between comfort, entertainment, and affordability.
Join me as we uncover the best family resorts near Tampa, providing you with practical tips, honest reviews, and insider information that will make your decision-making process effortless.
Whether you want a beachfront retreat, a nature-filled oasis, or a resort with an array of kid-friendly amenities, this guide is for you.
Let’s dive into the enchanting world of family resorts near Tampa below.
Best Family Resorts Near Tampa Compared
If you’re looking for the finest family resorts near Tampa, you’ve come to the right place.
Check out our top picks below for a memorable and fun-filled vacation.
Editor’s Choice
Courtyard by Marriott Winter
Young people, from toddlers to tweens, are sure to love the experience of walking from this top-rated family resort to the site of Legoland park which is just a little more than 1 mile away.
- Kid-friendly Activities: 3/5
- Family Accommodations: 4/5
- Dining Options: 3/5
- Safety and Security: 4/5
- Value for Money: 4/5
- Location and Accessibility: 4/5
#2nd Best Choice
Cape Crossing Resort & Marina
Located within viewing distance of Cape Canaveral, this resort offers all guests the opportunity to witness rocket launches from their rooms.
- Kid-friendly Activities: 4/5
- Family Accommodations: 5/5
- Dining Options: 3/5
- Safety and Security: 4/5
- Value for Money: 3/5
- Location and Accessibility: 3/5
#3rd Best Choice
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Bradenton Downtown/Riverfront
Families can look forward to enjoying a buffet breakfast that will prepare them for a long day outside.
- Kid-friendly Activities: 3/5
- Family Accommodations: 3/5
- Dining Options: 4/5
- Safety and Security: 4/5
- Value for Money: 3/5
- Location and Accessibility: 4/5
Here are the top 7 hotels near Tampa for families.
1. Courtyard by Marriott Winter (Editor’s Choice)
6225 Cypress Gardens Blvd SE
Winter Haven, FL 33884
(863) 292-3000
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Ratings Criteria
- Kid-friendly Activities: 3/5
- Family Accommodations: 4/5
- Dining Options: 3/5
- Safety and Security: 4/5
- Value for Money: 4/5
- Location and Accessibility: 4/5
Pros
- Convenient location: The Courtyard by Marriott Winter is near Tampa, providing easy access to attractions such as Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and the Florida Aquarium.
- Family-friendly amenities: The resort offers family-friendly amenities, including a swimming pool, a fitness center, and spacious rooms that can accommodate families of different sizes.
Cons
- Limited resort facilities: Compared to other family resorts, the Courtyard by Marriott Winter may have limited on-site facilities and activities specifically tailored to families.
- No waterfront access: While the resort offers a comfortable stay, it does not have direct access to a waterfront or beach area, which may be a downside for families looking for a resort with beachfront activities.
Who should stay here
Young people, from toddlers to tweens, are sure to love the experience of walking from this top-rated family resort to the site of Legoland park which is just a little more than 1 mile away.
Families can start out in the morning with the delicious breakfast that is offered in the restaurant which serves as a great setting to plan out a busy day.
The comfortable rooms are a fantastic space to spend the evening watching TV with the family.
Distance from Tampa
This hotel is 49.5 miles and 52 minutes from Tampa.
The fastest way to get there is via I-4 E.
2. Cape Crossing Resort & Marina
201 Ivory Coral Ln
Merritt Island, FL 32953
(800) 727-6845
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Ratings Criteria
- Kid-friendly Activities: 4/5
- Family Accommodations: 5/5
- Dining Options: 3/5
- Safety and Security: 4/5
- Value for Money: 3/5
- Location and Accessibility: 3/5
Pros
- Waterfront location: Cape Crossing Resort & Marina is situated in a waterfront location, offering families the opportunity to engage in various water-based activities, such as boating, fishing, and swimming.
- Fully-equipped accommodations: The resort provides fully equipped accommodations, including full kitchens and separate living areas, which can be advantageous for families seeking a home-like experience during their stay.
Cons
- Distance from Tampa: Cape Crossing Resort & Marina is farther away from Tampa than some other options, which may require a long drive to reach popular Tampa attractions and amenities.
- Limited on-site dining options: The resort may have limited on-site dining options, which could be a drawback for families looking for convenient and varied dining experiences without having to venture far from the resort.
Who should stay here
Located within viewing distance of Cape Canaveral, this resort offers all guests the opportunity to witness rocket launches from their rooms.
Additionally, families can enjoy the coastal area where they can fish and swim.
However, if they prefer to stay at the hotel, everybody in the family will find something to do as the resort features an outdoor swimming pool, wellness facilities and common spaces for relaxation
Distance from Tampa
You can get to this resort from Tampa via I-4 E and FL-528 E.
The distance is 130.6 miles and the average trip takes 2 hours and 1 minute.
Related: Best Hotels in Tampa
Also See:
Family Resorts: Miami
3. SpringHill Suites by Marriott Bradenton Downtown/Riverfront
102 12th St W
Bradenton, FL 34205
(941) 226-2200
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Ratings Criteria
- Kid-friendly Activities: 3/5
- Family Accommodations: 3/5
- Dining Options: 4/5
- Safety and Security: 4/5
- Value for Money: 3/5
- Location and Accessibility: 4/5
Pros
- Downtown location: The SpringHill Suites by Marriott Bradenton Downtown/Riverfront is situated in downtown Bradenton, providing families easy access to nearby attractions, restaurants, and shopping options.
- Spacious suites: The resort offers spacious suites with separate living areas, allowing families more room to relax and unwind during their stay.
Cons
- No resort-specific amenities: As a downtown hotel, SpringHill Suites may not offer extensive resort-specific amenities, such as large swimming pools or dedicated children’s activities.
- Limited nature-based activities: While the resort is located near the riverfront, it may not provide fewer nature-based activities compared to other options near Tampa, which could be a drawback for families looking for outdoor adventures.
Who should stay here
Families can look forward to enjoying a buffet breakfast that will prepare them for a long day outside.
From Red Barn Flea Market to Desoto Square Mall and Mixon Fruit Farms, this kid-friendly hotel near Tampa offers opportunities for ages 5 and up.
It has great facilities for hanging about whether you feel like exercising at the fitness center or swimming at the outdoor swimming pool.
Distance from Tampa
This hotel is just 45.8 miles away from Tampa.
The travel time is 46 minutes.
Travelers can get there via I-75 S.
Related: Things to Do Near Tampa
4. Manasota Key Resort
985 Gulf Blvd
Englewood, FL 34223
(941) 474-3431
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Who should stay here
Manasota Key Resort is located on a beautiful barrier island, surrounded by the Gulf of Mexico and Lemon Bay.
Your whole family can enjoy stunning sunsets, pristine beaches, and abundant wildlife right at your doorstep.
It offers spacious and comfortable accommodations, ranging from studios to three-bedroom villas.
You’ll have access to a heated pool, a private beach, a fishing pier, and a barbecue area.
You can also rent bikes, kayaks, paddleboards, and boats to explore the island and the water.
Distance from Tampa
This resort is 81.9 miles away from Tampa.
The travel time is around one hour and 20 minutes.
Related: Englewood Restaurants
Also See:
Family Hotels in Fort Lauderdale
Family Resorts: Destin
Naples, FL Family Resorts
5. Homewood Suites by Hilton Tampa-Port Richey
11115 US-19 North
Port Richey, FL 34668
(727) 819-1000
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Who should stay here
Like many resorts in Tampa, this hotel provides plenty of opportunities to families to spend time in the outdoors enjoying activities together.
Everybody can head to the outdoor pools which are nicely set up for kids to gather.
Dads can work on their putting skills.
Families will find that their rooms are ideal to retire to after a long day.
There, they can cook at the fully equipped kitchen and eat in the dining area while they take in the beauty of the sea.
Kids will be happy to know that they can take their dogs to this family-friendly resort close to Tampa, FL.
Distance from Tampa
This beautiful hotel is just 39.5 miles and 46 minutes from Tampa.
To get there, you can drive FL-589 Toll N and FL-54 W.
Related: Best Restaurants in Port Richey
6. Boca Grande Resort
5800 Gasparilla Rd
Boca Grande, FL 33921
(941) 964-4443
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Who should stay here
From here, you can take part in a wide array of refreshing activities whether you would like to get in touch with nature at Gasparilla State Park, where you can head out on resort bicycles, or take advantage of the numerous treatments available at the spa.
This resort features a marina that lies within 2 hours of Tampa.
Moms can head with their infants to do some shopping at the Historic Village of Boca Grande where they can find articles that reflect the coastal culture.
Rooms provide an excellent retreat to relax while watching cable TV.
Distance from Tampa
This resort is 1 hour and 45 minutes and 101.8 miles away from Tampa.
Travelers prefer to drive I-75 S.
Also See:
Miami Hotels for Families
Best Family Hotels in Clearwater Beach
Best Hotels in Key West for Families
7. River Park Inn – Green Cove Springs
103 S, Magnolia Ave
Green Cove Springs, FL 32043
(904) 284-2994
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Who should stay here
Travelers that appreciate staying within a family setting, will find that this inn located within 3 hours of Tampa meets their expectations.
Starting with scrumptious breakfasts that are served in the cozy dining room, families can plan their day.
From here, they can walk to Spring Park and the St Johns River, which are only 5 minutes away.
Evenings are a joy here as all members of the family can gather at the front porch and enjoy the scenery and share the tales of the day.
Distance from Tampa
This inn is 175.2 miles away from Tampa via I-75 N.
It´s a 2 hour and 49 minute drive.
Also See:
Family Friendly Hotels in Miami Beach
Family Resorts: Orlando
Vacationer’s Guide
Comparing Resorts: Which One Is Right For You?
By taking the time to compare and evaluate the available choices, you can ensure that you find the resort that is just right for you and your family.
At Courtyard by Marriott Winter, I slipped into that slower pace of life.
My kids were entranced by the magical nearby theme parks, and evenings were spent with cozy fireside chats.
Cape Crossing Resort & Marina, however, had a different allure.
In the morning, we spent frolicking on the beach, and in the afternoon, we had a great time exploring the marina.
But SpringHill Suites by Marriott Bradenton Downtown/Riverfront won my heart.
The vibrant downtown and serene riverfront views provided a balance that felt just right.
Our laughter-filled ice cream strolls along the Riverwalk became a cherished memory.
So, each resort offers a unique family experience, and it’s all about what sings to your soul.
How I Picked The Resorts
I take great pride in sharing valuable insights about various resorts.
With a keen eye for detail and a passion for exploration, I carefully select the resorts I review to ensure that my readers receive the most accurate and helpful information.
To achieve this, I follow a thorough process that involves thorough research, personal visits, conversations with staff, and gathering feedback from other guests.
By combining my expertise and first-hand experiences, I aim to provide comprehensive and reliable reviews of the resorts I feature.
Our Resort Rating Method
I rate these properties based on the following criteria:
- Kid-friendly Activities: I use this to evaluate the availability and variety of family-friendly amenities at every resort. Does it feature water parks, playgrounds, and kids’ clubs? Does the resort organize events designed specifically for kids? I ask myself these questions whenever I rate this resort’s kid-friendly activities.
- Family Accommodations: This is used to assess the family accommodations of the resort. Are the rooms spacious? Does it offer family suites with connecting rooms? Can it accommodate families of different sizes? Is there a crib or baby-proofing in every room? These questions are essential whenever I rate the resort’s family accommodations.
- Dining Options: This evaluates the dining options at the resort. Are there kid-friendly menus or buffet-style dining at the resort? Can the on-site restaurants cater to everyone’s dietary preferences and needs? I use these questions to assess the dining options of every property.
- Safety and Security: I use this criterion to assess the safety and security of the resorts. Are there lifeguards at the swimming pools? Are the premises secured? Is the staff trained to handle any emergency? I consider these factors when rating the property’s safety and security.
- Value for Money: This is used to evaluate the value of money provided by the resort. Are the room rates reasonable? Are the services, activities, and amenities suitable for the price? I ask myself these questions to rate the value for money provided by the resort.
- Location and Accessibility: This measures how accessible the resort is for families. How far is it from the popular family attractions? Is it easily accessible via public transportation? Does the resort offer airport transfers? These are the questions I ask myself when evaluating the property’s location and accessibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tampa Good For Families?
Yes. Tampa is a great city for families, offering a wide range of family-friendly activities, attractions, and amenities. With its warm climate, beautiful beaches, excellent schools, and numerous parks, Tampa provides a welcoming environment for families to thrive and enjoy a high quality of life.
Are There Any Budget-Friendly Family Resorts Near Tampa?
While some family resorts near Tampa can be quite luxurious, there are also budget-friendly options available. One such option is Saddlebrook Resort in Wesley Chapel, which offers affordable rates and family-friendly amenities.
Which Family Resorts Near Tampa Have The Best Amenities For Kids?
Many family resorts in the Tampa area offer excellent amenities for kids. One of the best kid-friendly resorts includes Courtyard by Marriott Winter, which has board games, an outdoor pool, and kids’ meals.
Conclusion
After spending wonderful moments and creating lasting memories in each one, I have to say that the best family resorts near Tampa all have their own magic.
But for me, the Courtyard by Marriott Winter takes the top spot.
It flawlessly combines accessibility, value for money, and family-oriented amenities, setting a unique tone that resonates with my family’s love for adventure and comfort.
Yes, the others offer their own charms, but there’s something about Courtyard that feels just luxurious and serene.
Editor’s Choice
Courtyard by Marriott Winter
Young people, from toddlers to tweens, are sure to love the experience of walking from this top-rated family resort to the site of Legoland park which is just a little more than 1 mile away.
- Kid-friendly Activities: 3/5
- Family Accommodations: 4/5
- Dining Options: 3/5
- Safety and Security: 4/5
- Value for Money: 4/5
- Location and Accessibility: 4/5
