The Poconos, a mountainous region in northeastern Pennsylvania, is a popular destination for those looking to escape the busy life.
With its picturesque landscapes, outdoor activities, and family-friendly attractions, it’s easy to see why.
However, finding the perfect all-inclusive resort for your family’s needs can be as steep as the mountain itself.
That’s why we have compiled a list of the best resorts in Poconos for families to help you make an informed decision.
As a mom of three and an experienced travel writer, I am happy to provide you with insightful reviews and tips on these all-inclusive resorts.
I am well-versed in the amenities and services families like yours need to have a memorable and stress-free vacation.
I ranked these accommodations based on factors such as family-friendliness, accommodations, dining options, and recreational activities.
Whether you’re looking for a rustic retreat or a luxurious getaway, this place offers you everything all at once.
So if you’re ready to discover the most exceptional all-inclusive resorts, keep reading this in-depth guide.
Best Resorts In Poconos For Families Compared
The Poconos region in Pennsylvania features many beautiful resorts where you can stay and be close to nature.
With the help of this guide, we’ll run down the most popular family resorts in Poconos.
Editor’s Choice
Skytop Lodge
If you want the feel of a traditional mountain lodge with the amenities that make it ideal for families, Skytop Lodge is a great option to consider in the Pocono Mountains.
- Kid-friendly Activities: 5/5
- Family Accommodations: 4/5
- Dining Options: 4/5
- Safety and Security: 5/5
- Value for Money: 3/5
- Location and Accessibility: 4/5
#2nd Best Choice
Camelback Lodge & Indoor Waterpark
Camelback Lodge is one of the best family-friendly resorts in the Poconos not just because of the fantastic hospitality but also because of the number of activities there are for you to take part in.
- Kid-friendly Activities: 5/5
- Family Accommodations: 4/5
- Dining Options: 3/5
- Safety and Security: 4/5
- Value for Money: 4/5
- Location and Accessibility: 4/5
#3rd Best Choice
Great Wolf Lodge Poconos
If you’re looking for a place offering comfort and entertainment, Great Wolf Lodge is an excellent alternative to Camelback Lodge & Indoor Waterpark and Woodloch Resort.
- Kid-friendly Activities: 5/5
- Family Accommodations: 4/5
- Dining Options: 3/5
- Safety and Security: 4/5
- Value for Money: 3/5
- Location and Accessibility: 4/5
Here are the top 10 resorts in Poconos for families.
1. Skytop Lodge (Editor’s Choice)
1 Skytop Dr
Skytop, PA 18357
(855) 345-7759
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Ratings Criteria
- Kid-friendly Activities: 5/5
- Family Accommodations: 4/5
- Dining Options: 4/5
- Safety and Security: 5/5
- Value for Money: 3/5
- Location and Accessibility: 4/5
Pros
- Amazing hills and valley views
- Cozy, old-fashioned design
Cons
- Customer service leaves more to be desired
If you want the feel of a traditional mountain lodge with the amenities that make it ideal for families, Skytop Lodge is a great option to consider in the Pocono Mountains.
One of the longest standing resorts on this list, Skytop Lodge — with its 5,500-acre grounds — has been hosting guests since 1928.
Along with comfortable stay options, the lodge offers a bunch of different amenities that will keep you and your children busy at all times of the day.
This includes an indoor and outdoor pool, riding stables for the horse enthusiasts, a golf course, driving range, as well as courts and lawns for basketball, tennis, croquet and so much more.
Also known as a great all inclusive resort for families with teens, Skytop will even grant requests to have family rooms near each other.
2. Camelback Lodge & Indoor Waterpark
193 Resort Dr
Tannersville, PA 18372
(855) 515-1283
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Ratings Criteria
- Kid-friendly Activities: 5/5
- Family Accommodations: 4/5
- Dining Options: 3/5
- Safety and Security: 4/5
- Value for Money: 4/5
- Location and Accessibility: 4/5
Pros
- Clean and comfortable rooms
- Fun and spacious water park
Cons
- Checking in can be a chore
Camelback Lodge is one of the best family-friendly resorts in the Poconos not just because of the fantastic hospitality but also because of the number of activities there are for you to take part in.
This 450-room property first opened its doors for the public in 2015, after which it built a large pool of patrons — mostly families with kids — with the help of the large indoor and outdoor waterparks as well as a bunch of other activities like rock climbing, a gaming arcade, laser tag and so much more.
If you are looking for maximum comfort with great functionality, you can choose from amongst the wide range of accommodation options — ranging from standard rooms to larger suites and multi-bedroom condos.
Make the most of the multiple dining options to make your family vacation a memorable one.
3. Great Wolf Lodge Poconos
1 Great Wolf Dr
Scotrun, PA 18355
(800) 768-9653
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Ratings Criteria
- Kid-friendly Activities: 5/5
- Family Accommodations: 4/5
- Dining Options: 3/5
- Safety and Security: 4/5
- Value for Money: 3/5
- Location and Accessibility: 4/5
Pros
- Indoor water park with waterslides, a lazy river, and a wave pool
- Spacious, comfortable suites
Cons
- It can be crowded, especially during peak travel seasons and holidays
If you’re looking for a place offering comfort and entertainment, Great Wolf Lodge is an excellent alternative to Camelback Lodge & Indoor Waterpark and Woodloch Resort.
The services and amenities offered at Great Wolf Lodge in the Poconos are tailored towards ensuring that you have the best family getaway possible.
This resort is part of a chain that has multiple properties across the United States.
The accommodation ranges from standard rooms to extravagant suites to even tents and specialty options.
If you are looking to have a fun day out, you can make the most of the resort’s water slides, varied pools like the wave pool, lazy river and more, mini-golf course, arcades and a bunch of fun, interactive games for kids like MagiQuest.
The best part about this resort is that the activities are designed in a way that there will be something for children of all ages to do and enjoy.
Related: The Best Family Reunion Resorts
4. Split Rock Resort
428 Moseywood Rd
Lake Harmony, PA 18624
(570) 722-9111
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If you’re looking for the ultimate place of fun, Split Rock Resort is an excellent alternative to Camelback Lodge & Indoor Waterpark and Great Wolf Lodge Poconos.
If you are looking for a four-season resort that will not force you to break your bank account, Split Rock Resort is definitely worth your time.
Spread over 1,200 acres on the shores of Lake Harmony, this was formerly a hunting and fishing lodge, which was adapted to the needs of the present.
With an impressive indoor water park, you and your children can gain access to a wide variety of slides and pools.
If you want to spend your time outside, you can try your hand at fishing, canoeing or even kayaking on the lake.
The resort also has a ton of dining and playing options for people of all age groups.
Related: Fun Things to Do in The Poconos with Kids
5. Bushkill Inn & Conference Center
159 Pocmont Lp
Bushkill, PA 18324
(800) 200-2978
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While many of the signature properties in the Poconos region may be considered historic, the Bushkill Inn is an exception.
Officially opened in 2012, this resort will give you a wide range of options when it comes to staying.
While the standard ones will be suitable for small families, there are also large family suites that can accommodate up to eight people — great for those extended family vacations I absolutely love!
Bushkill Inn has two different pools — indoor and outdoor — as well as courts designated to some of those games that you and your older kids may enjoy playing, for example, tennis, basketball and volleyball.
In addition to the playgrounds, your children may enjoy the Inn’s movie nights and ice cream socials as well.
Also See:
Kid Friendly Hotels in Philadelphia
Family Resorts: Philadelphia
6. Kalahari Resort Pocono Mountains
250 Kalahari Blvd
Pocono Manor, PA 18349
(877) 525-2427
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Another relatively new entrant — set up in 2015 — in Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains is Kalahari Resort, which has also been designed to give you some quality time off with the family.
Once you check in to one of the many accommodation options available at the property, you will gain access to the resort’s enormous indoor water park with multiple pools, water slides, surfing simulators and so much more.
For the times when you are out of the water, you can indulge in some mini-golf, scavenger hunts and a number of other activities.
For those hunger pangs, any one of the resort’s seven dining options can provide you some much-needed respite.
Related: Best Family Resorts in Pennsylvania
7. Inn at Pocono Manor
One Manor Dr
Pocono Manor, PA 18349
(570) 839-3908
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Set across the vast expanse of woodlands and a beautiful lake, Inn at Pocono Manor is one of the top-rated options when it comes to Pocono Mountain family resorts.
This resort — set across 7,000 acres of land — is perfect if you like the rustic nature of the old but the comforts of the new.
The inn has its own private theater — a feature I absolutely adore — where you can schedule some fun movie nights, as well as an outdoor and indoor pool for both the summer and the winter months.
In addition to game nights and ice cream parties, the family can get their hiking boots out or do some horseback riding.
Related: Best Family Resorts in the Northeast U.S.
8. Woodloch Resort
731 Welcome Lake Rd
Hawley, PA 18428
(570) 685-8000
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Woodloch Resort in the Poconos is another fabulous choice if you’re looking for all-inclusive kids resorts in the region.
This family-owned property welcomed its first guests back in 1958 and the wide range of activities and entertainment options just seem to increase with each passing year.
With a number of swimming pools, water-sports like kayaking and water-skiing, scavenger hunts, a petting zoo, multiple playgrounds, paintball and so much more, there isn’t going to be any time for you or your family to feel the boredom setting in.
If you visit during the winter months, you can also indulge in some snowmobiling, ice skating and other such thrilling activities.
Related: Best Things to Do in The Pocono Mountains
9. Silver Birches Resort
205 PA-507
Hawley, PA 18428
(570) 226-4388
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Family vacations need to be wholesome and that is exactly what Silver Birches promises to give you.
Located right on Lake Wallenpaupack, the resort is an amalgamation of rustic charms as well as first-class amenities that can be enjoyed to the fullest in the summer months.
The main reason for this is that most of the recreational activities offered by the resort are based on their proximity to the lake.
You can spend some time kayaking with your children or simply kick back and concentrate on fishing.
The resort promises that old-world feel by giving you the chance to swim along the coast of the lake!
Also See:
Pittsburgh, PA Family Resorts
10. The Shawnee Inn
100 Shawnee Inn Dr
Shawnee on Delaware, PA 18356
(570) 424-4000
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My final entry on this list of family resorts in the Poconos is Shawnee Inn.
Situated less than three miles from one of the best ski spots in the region — the Shawnee Mountain — this resort is close to a large number of trains as well as a phenomenal learn-to-ski program for the children that accompany you.
The hotel gives you basic, yet comfortable rooms that give off a cozy vibe.
There are also multiple dining options for all different tastes.
The Poconos are a great getaway option from many of the larger cities in the vicinity of the mountain area but you need to be very smart when you choose where you will be staying.
Traveling with the family is extra special, and such instances require some in-depth study into what vacation packages each hotel has to offer to patrons of all ages.
The resorts in this list do just that!
Vacationer’s Guide
Comparing Resorts: Which One Is Right For You?
When it comes to choosing the right all-inclusive resort in the Poconos, there are a few important factors to consider.
Let’s start by taking a closer look at Skytop Lodge.
This resort offers guests a luxurious stay with its elegant rooms and suites.
It is surrounded by beautiful scenery, making it ideal for nature lovers.
However, it’s worth noting that the prices are quite high, so there may be better options for those on a tight budget.
Next up is Camelback Lodge & Indoor Waterpark, which is perfect for families with kids.
The resort features a massive indoor water park, along with several other activities, including mini-golf, rock climbing, and an arcade.
But, the water park can get quite crowded, especially on the weekends.
Great Wolf Lodge Poconos is also a waterpark resort worth checking out.
From the thrilling water slides to the exciting arcades and engaging games, your kids are sure to have a blast during your stay.
Moreover, the spacious suites provide ample room for families, often featuring separate sleeping areas.
But, the water park and other shared facilities may have limited personal space, which can be less ideal for those looking for a more relaxed environment.
Finally, an excellent alternative option to consider is Split Rock Resort
From exciting water slides to stunning natural surroundings to exciting outdoor adventures, this resort has it all.
But the resort’s location in Pennsylvania, although scenic, may pose some accessibility challenges for guests.
How I Picked The Resorts
As a full-time blogger, I have had the pleasure of experiencing many different properties in the area.
When selecting which resorts to feature in my review, I had a specific process in mind.
I researched extensively, reading reviews from past guests and analyzing the amenities and services offered by each property.
It’s important to me that my readers can trust my opinions, and I take great care in selecting 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
What Is Poconos Pennsylvania Known For?
Poconos, Pennsylvania is known for its picturesque mountains, outdoor recreational opportunities, and romantic resorts.
Which Family Resorts In Pocono Mountains Region Are Romantic?
The family resorts in Pocono Mountains that are romantic are Woodfield Manor, Skytop Lodge, and The Woodlands Inn.
Conclusion
Ultimately, this list of the best resorts in Poconos for families is sure to make your trip unforgettable.
From thrilling water parks to serene nature retreats, there’s something for everyone.
At Camelback Lodge & Indoor Waterpark, we had a blast riding the water slides.
This resort had us all giddy with excitement, and we had a blast splashing and riding the slides.
And at Split Rock Resort, my kids had an incredible time in the water, spending hours on the exhilarating slides and lazy river.
Great Wolf Lodge Poconos, on the other hand, offered an extensive range of indoor and outdoor activities, including a mini-golf course, a game room, and a spa.
However, if I were to choose one, I would highly recommend Skytop Lodge.
During our unforgettable visit there, my family savored the luxury of spacious rooms and the breathtaking views.
Its stunning location amidst acres of natural beauty, coupled with its extensive range of activities and amenities, makes it the best option.
Editor’s Choice
Skytop Lodge
If you want the feel of a traditional mountain lodge with the amenities that make it ideal for families, Skytop Lodge is a great option to consider in the Pocono Mountains.
- Kid-friendly Activities: 5/5
- Family Accommodations: 4/5
- Dining Options: 4/5
- Safety and Security: 5/5
- Value for Money: 3/5
- Location and Accessibility: 4/5
