Top 10 Family-Friendly Resorts for Kids Under 12 - Mexico & DR

Aga
Dec 11, 2025
5 min read

Your guide to stress-free family vacations where kids thrive and parents actually relax.

Travelling with little ones doesn’t have to be overwhelming.

Planning a family vacation with kids is a whole different adventure — one filled with excitement, endless questions (“Is there a lazy river?”), snack emergencies, nap schedules, and the ongoing mission to keep everyone happy without feeling overwhelmed. The good news? The right resort can turn all of that into the easiest vacation you’ve ever taken.

As a travel advisor who has guided many families to their perfect escape — and as a mom who has travelled through every age and stage with my own kids — I know which resorts bring the magic to life: the ones that effortlessly balance convenience, comfort, and big-time fun. Resorts that are walkable, full of activities for younger kids, and thoughtfully designed so parents can actually relax instead of playing cruise director all week.

Mexico and the Dominican Republic offer some of the world’s best family-friendly resorts — places that shine because they genuinely understand what families need. Picture splash parks that thrill kids, calm beaches perfect for little swimmers, menus that satisfy even picky eaters, spacious rooms that make bedtime a breeze, and staff who treat your children like VIPs.

Whether you’re looking for a resort with an epic water park, a calm beach for toddlers, or a place where your kids will be so entertained you might — might — get through a coffee while it’s still hot, this list is for you.

Here are my top 10 family-friendly resorts in Mexico and the Dominican Republic for kids under 12 — the ones that create happy memories for children and give parents the break they deserve.

Let’s dive in!

1. Wyndham Alltra Punta Cana (Dominican Republic)

Best for: Families wanting fun, walkability, great value, and an amazing water park

Wyndham Alltra is beautifully designed, perfectly sized and packed with kid-approved fun without the chaos of massive resorts.

Highlights:

Amazing water park + lazy river
Walkable layout
Great beach
Outstanding value for families

Easy, fun, and relaxing.

2. Dreams Onyx (Dominican Republic)

Best for: Families with little water lovers

Dreams Onyx delivers one of Punta Cana’s best water complexes with splash zones, slides, and shallow pools.

Highlights:

Multiple water slides + lazy river
Spacious family suites
Explorer’s Club for kids 3–12
Beautiful beach

Ideal for kids who want to swim all day.

3. Royalton Splash Riviera Cancun (Mexico)

Best for: Families wanting a huge water park

A newer resort built for families who love action and water fun.

Highlights:

Massive slides + splashpad for younger kids
Tons of fun including trampoline park, laser tag and bowling ($)
Modern family suites
Great dining options for kids

A nonstop adventure for little ones.

4. Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana (Dominican Republic)

Best for: Kids who love characters, slime, and themed fun

This resort is pure childhood joy. Expect character visits, Aqua Nick, and the iconic Slime Experience.

Highlights:

Aqua Nick water park
Character dining
Themed suites (including SpongeBob’s pineapple!)
Babysitting available

Unforgettable for little fans.

5. Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Riviera Maya (Mexico)

Best for: Kids who want a HUGE water park and lots of character fun

This resort is home to the largest Nickelodeon water park in Mexico, and it’s a paradise for kids. Aqua Nick is enormous — lazy rivers, splash pads, slides for all ages, and tons of space to play.

Highlights:

Giant Aqua Nick water park
Modern oceanfront suites (all with ocean views!)
Character meet-and-greets
Gourmet inclusive dining

It’s bright, playful, and unforgettable.

6. Barceló Maya Palace (Riviera Maya, Mexico)

Best for: Families who love big-resort energy with tons of activities and nonstop kid-friendly fun

Barceló Maya Palace gives families access to one of the largest resort complexes in Mexico — meaning more pools, more restaurants, more entertainment, and endless ways to keep kids happy. The water park, spacious beach, and kids club make it a top pick for families with energetic little ones.

Highlights:

Kids’ water park with slides and splash areas
Barcy Kids Club with tons of daily activities
Beautiful, swimmable beach with great snorkelling
Access to multiple pools & restaurants across the Barceló complex
Spacious family rooms ideal for kids
Constant entertainment and activities

A fantastic choice if your kids love variety and you want a lively, activity-filled vacation.

7. Hilton La Romana Family Resort (Dominican Republic)

Best for: Younger kids + families who want a calmer environment

Clean, peaceful, and perfect for toddlers and young kids.

Highlights:

Great splash park
Gentle, swimmable beach
Family rooms
Smaller, easy-to-navigate layout

A hidden gem for quieter family stays.

8. Lopesan Costa Bávaro (Punta Cana - Dominican Republic)

Best for: Families wanting an upscale , visually stunning resort with amazing kids' spaces

Despite its size, Lopesan is thoughtfully organized and full of entertainment options — especially for younger kids.

Highlights:

Huge kids’ pool + splash zone
Gorgeous beach with calm swimming
Entertainment boulevard inside the resort
Modern family rooms

Ideal for families who want activities all day long.

9. Dreams Royal Beach Punta Cana (Dominican Republic)

Best for: Families who love big pools, animal encounters, and a lively atmosphere

Dreams Punta Cana is known for having one of the longest, river-style pools winding throughout the resort — great for kids to splash and play. The property also features parrots, flamingos, and turtles, which children love seeing around the grounds.