14 Family-Friendly Summer Getaways to Book at the Last Minute

14 Family-Friendly Summer Getaways to Book at the Last Minute

It’s not too late to plan one last summer getaway! No matter where you live, here’s where to go and how to get in every second of sunny, waterfront fun.

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The end of summer? Say it ain’t so! For those who want one last taste of salty ocean air, to dip their toddler’s toes in the pale blue pool, to soak up the cuteness of that adorable swim diaper-padded bum one last time, we have weekend escapes that will fit the bill beautifully. 

Below are some of our favorite getaway locations across the country. Peruse the list and pick one near you (or one you’ve always wanted to visit). Next, reserve a vacation rental home with all the bedrooms/bathrooms/kitchens/outdoor grills your family needs. Then, book a ResortPass.

What is ResortPass? It’s a day pass that lets you use the pools, spa, gym, and other amenities at top hotels and resorts across the country (and the world!). The ResortPass/vacation rental combo is perfect for families because: a) You don’t have to spend hefty overnight hotel fees. b) You get to swim in beautiful pools and enjoy other luxury amenities and don’t have to cram into a single hotel room. So, when the kids go to bed, you can watch a movie without keeping them up! c) Bring along your travel-friendly Nanit Pro Flex and Sound + Light and enjoy the peace of mind and freedom they can provide! Set up the monitor in your child’s sleep space and keep an eye on them wherever you are in the rental, as you chill in the living room, on the patio, or in your own bedroom.

 

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In other words, ResortPass provides the best of both worlds: the flexibility and comfort of your own home away from home with the sweet perks of resort-worthy pampering. It’s the last important piece of your perfect vacation weekend. 

Read on for top toddler-friendly, family-approved spots and where to reserve your ResortPass:

Austin, TX

Not only is the rolling hill country around Austin beautiful, but the city itself is brimming with fun including great music, festivals, food, and parks. With ResortPass, include in the mix a day at Omni Barton Creek Resort and Spa, where you’ll find two outdoor family pools, a dreamy spa, tasty restaurants and poolside service, and more.

Atlantic City, NJ

Did you know that the board game Monopoly was originally based off of Atlantic City? Stroll the boardwalk, enjoy the beaches, and book a ResortPass at Island Waterpark at Showboat. Splash pools, lazy rivers, and water slides galore are yours for the enjoying at this indoor waterpark (plus no sunburn stress!). 

Big Sur, CA

The natural beauty is breathtaking in this California coastal town with sweeping Pacific views and majestic forests. For a little resort pampering, head to nearby Monterey where the Hyatt Regency, located on the edge of a golf course, has a family-friendly pool, poolside games like bocce and Connect Four, and a pickleball court. At the Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection  in Santa Cruz (also not far from Big Sur), visitors are treated to the grand presence of mountains and redwoods while they swim in the pool.

Block Island, RI

Just off the coast of Rhode Island, this spot is full of New England charm. (Lobster rolls included.) Use your ResortPass at Champlin’s Marina & Resort with its heated freshwater pool, fun marina views, and complimentary kayaks, paddleboards, and pedal boats.

Dallas, TX

Spend a weekend in this Texas city and the family can check out beautiful blooms at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden and meet cool creatures at the Dallas Zoo or the Children’s Aquarium Dallas. Lean into all kinds of water play with a ResortPass to JadeWaters at Hilton Anatole. Kids will love the activity pool, two water slides, and lazy river. Adults will love the poolside dining options, spa and gym, and the Leisure Cove Pool with a swim-up bar.

Hilton Head Island, SC

White sand beaches and relaxed Southern hospitality greet you at this town on the South Carolina coast. For a luxe treat, try The Westin Hilton Head where your ResortPass grants you access to the beach, as well as three pools, bike rentals, and a fitness class. The Omni Hilton Head offers a playground, two kid-friendly pools, and poolside ping pong, life-sized checkers and chess.

Hyannis, MA

Your Cape Cod escape awaits in pretty Hyannis on Massachusetts’ coast. Use your ResortPass at Anchor In where nautical charm abounds. The pool comes with harbor views and you can bring your own food and drinks. The pool at Bluebird Parker Beach Lodge is big and peaceful and the beach is only a short stroll away.

Miami, FL

Your family will be over the moon when you add a day at Tidal Cove Waterpark into your vacation to this cool city, vibrant with culture, style, and wonderful food. Tidal Cove’s fabulous features include seven water slides, a lazy river, two outdoor pools, and a Kids Cove splash pad and kiddie pool.

Orlando, FL

It’ll be easy to pack your itinerary full of fun with a trip to this inland Florida city, home to the Kennedy Space Center, Universal Orlando, and Walt Disney World (just to name a few). Book a day, or even an afternoon, at Omni Orlando Resort Championsgate and take advantage of the multiple pools, water slide, 850-foot lazy river, mini golf, and tennis and basketball courts!

Phoenix, AZ

Choose your own adventure during a vacation to this Arizona city, from cheering on the Arizona Diamondbacks baseball team to a visit to the Children’s Museum to a hot air balloon ride. When you need to cool off, book a ResortPass at JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort and Spa where there’s something for everyone, including multiple pools, water slides, a lazy river, splash pad, and more.

San Diego, CA

This SoCal city has a mellow vibe and lots of cool things to see and do, including the San Diego Zoo and picturesque Balboa Park. Use your ResortPass at Omni La Costa Resort & Spa in nearby Carlsbad where there are dedicated kid-friendly pools, waterslides, and a splash landing pool and water play area. Also in Carlsbad is Cape Rey Carlsbad Beach where the ocean is on full display while you play in (and lounge by) the pool.

Traverse City, MI

Situated on the shores of Grand Traverse Bay, this Michigan city has vineyards, wineries, and picturesque dunes. Spend a day at Cherry Tree Inn where the family will have fun at their indoor pool and hot tub and get access to the beach, beachfront fire pits, and chairs.

Virginia Beach, VA

You’ll find this coastal city where the Chesapeake Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean. In addition to beautiful beaches and a 3-mile boardwalk, you’ll also find rich culture, a thriving arts scene, and tasty restaurants. Reserve a ResortPass at Delta Hotels Virginia Beach Waterfront where your backdrop is the glittering waters of the Chesapeake Bay. Spend the afternoon in the outdoor pool or on the private beach.

Send yourselves into fall with plenty of so-glad-we-were-there memories. And this guide will help you know exactly what to pack.

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CONTRIBUTORS

Natalie Barnett, PhD serves as VP of Clinical Research at Nanit. Natalie initiated sleep research collaborations at Nanit and in her current role, Natalie oversees collaborations with researchers at hospitals and universities around the world who use the Nanit camera to better understand pediatric sleep and leads the internal sleep and development research programs at Nanit. Natalie holds a Ph.D. in Genetics from the University of New England in Australia and a Postgraduate Certificate in Pediatric Sleep Science from the University of Western Australia. Natalie was an Assistant Professor in the Neurogenetics Unit at NYU School of Medicine prior to joining Nanit. Natalie is also the voice of Nanit's science-backed, personalized sleep tips delivered to users throughout their baby's first few years.

Kristy Ojala is Nanit’s Digital Content Director. She spends way too much time looking at maps and weather forecasts and pictures of Devon Rex cats and no-cook dinners. A former sleep champion, she strives to share trustworthy somnabulism tips with other parents—praying for that one fine day when no tiny humans wake her up while it’s still dark out. Her kids highly recommend 3 books, approximately 600 stuffies, Chopin’s “Nocturnes,” and the Nanit Sound + Light for bedtime success.

Mackenzie Sangster is on the Brand and Community team at Nanit. She supports content development and editing for Nanit’s Parent Confidently blog as well as other marketing initiatives. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her friends, cooking, being active, and using the Pro + Flex Duo to keep an eye on her fur-baby, Poppy!

Holly Hays is a contributor and writer for Nanit, channeling her years as a mama and former magazine editor to create fun, useful content for fellow busy, trying-to-do-their-best parents and caregivers. Holly has written for a wide range of brands and media outlets (Ergobaby, HGTV, Manhattan Toy Company, OXO), loves to cook and read mystery novels, and leans heavily on her two daughters to keep her up to date on all the latest slang.