With summer creeping closer, this is the time to start thinking about possible family vacation ideas. If you’re not in the mood to fly or road trip this summer, or if you simply cannot get extra time off work, then consider a staycation at a nearby resort instead. 

The main goal of a staycation is to “stay put” nearby without the hustle and bustle of planning an itinerary of activities. In addition, a staycation has no flight cost, car rental fees, or huge gas fillups. All you need to worry about is finding the right hotel that the whole family will enjoy. Here are ten ideas of where to stay during your family summer staycation this year.

Marriott Crystal Shores – Marco Island

This resort is a fabulous option for a family staycation. With three zero entry pools, a waterslide, boardwalk beach access, water sports rentals, beach chair/umbrella set up, and private cabanas, families are immersed in water fun. In addition, there are a myriad of game options for kids and adults to enjoy. They include giant chess, table tennis, billiards, bocci ball, shuffleboard, corn hole, and other lawn games. Every afternoon there is a free small food/drink tasting, happy hour discounts, and poolside activities. There is even a kids club on site, as well as a pizza place, and a delicious restaurant overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, Stilts. 

Rooms are all 2-3 bedroom villas with balcony and Gulf view options. Rates average around $500 a night, which include free parking and free wi-fi. Although this is on the pricier side, there is a way to get a large discount. The Crystal Shores is a Marriot Vacation Property, which means that if you call and ask about ownership, they will drop the nightly rate significantly if you attend a 1-hour information session. 

JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort

The recently renovated JW Marriott has it all! From 12 dining options to beautifully decorated guest rooms and suites, your staycation here will be memorable. The whole family can enjoy two pools, one with a waterslide, water sport rentals, sailing and Everglades excursions, and on-site shopping. 

Parents can indulge by using Marriott’s world-class spa services or go for a round of golf at 2 nearby courses available to JW Marriott guests. Note that the spa area is adults only and includes a rooftop pool deck and restaurants. Day passes are available for those 21 and older. The kids can have their own day of fun and be dropped off with trained counselors at the on-site kid’s club. During the day and into the night, there are various poolside and beachside activities/shows for the entire family to enjoy. 

Rates start around $400 a night, yet the JW Marriott offers a number of specials and packages that are good throughout the summer. Take advantage of this beautifully redecorated property and enjoy a little family luxury close to home.

Hilton Marco Island Beach Resort

Another recently renovated hotel, the Hilton Marco Island now has even more appeal for your family staycation. Located right on the Gulf, the Hilton offers 4 dining options, a newly finished spa, hot tub, and a large pool. They also offer numerous amounts of excursions that can be booked right on their website, such as airboat rides, art classes for kids, bike and water sport rentals.

The activity room is open for most of the day and there are tons of fun family games like foosball, table tennis, board games, and arts and crafts. In addition, there are beach activities scheduled like volleyball, horseshoe, bowling, water balloon toss, and football contests. 

Rates start near $300 a night; however, they do not include parking or resort fees. 

For a little discount, check online, as Hilton often offers Florida resident deals and other packages to locals. If you aren’t interested in spending the night, Hilton offers day passes for $35 per person. It includes a pool chair, towel, parking, and two beverages at the bar. Tickets can be purchased at the front desk.  

Marco Ocean Beach Resort

For a little more of a budget stay, consider the Marco Ocean Beach Resort as your staycation destination. This oceanfront property has a large rooftop pool that the family will love and free smoothies in the afternoon poolside. Happy hour specials are daily, and delicious cuisine can be found at six dining options on-site. 

Marco Ocean Beach also has a spa for adults and a hot tub for guests to use. Guest suites start at about $200 a night and are one or two bedrooms with a kitchen. The concierge can also arrange for nearby excursions, fishing trips, or water sport rentals. As with the other Marco Island resorts mentioned, their location right on South Collier is where the majority of the restaurants and shops are found. 

Hyatt Regency Coconut Point – Bonita Springs

The Hyatt Regency Coconut Point is a spectacular oasis and a perfect spot for your family staycation. The hotel boasts its’ “mini-waterpark”, which includes five waterslides, a lazy river, a waterfall feature, and four pools. There are three speed and tube slides for older kids, one for younger ones, and a small slide for toddlers. In addition, there are lawn games for the family to enjoy, such as corn hole, giant Jenga, giant Connect Four, a rock climbing wall, and more. 

Included with your stay is ferry access to a private beach island in Estero Bay with lounge chairs, umbrellas, and picnic areas. Fire pits, six dining options, a nature trail, adult spa, and a kid’s club are all on-site as well. 

Rates vary depending on the time of year, but summer rates start at $250 a night. There is also a $30 resort fee tacked on to your room rate. Pool day passes and cabana rentals are also available starting at $65 per adult and $45 per child through Resort Pass. 

Hyatt Residence Club – Bonita Springs

This is the sister property of the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point. The Residence Club is less than a mile away from the Hyatt Regency and each allows guests to use the waterslides and facilities at the neighboring resort if they so choose. The ferry is also available for guests to take to the private island, so both resorts offer beach access. You may just be content here though, as there is enough fun for the family with a lazy river, four pools, and hot tubs. 

Rooms here are one and two bedroom suites, which are perfect for families, and rates also start at about $200 a night. Because this is part of the Hyatt Vacation Club properties, there are discounts if you attend an informational session. Adjacent to the property is also a golf course, and guests can use the spa and kid’s club of the neighboring Hyatt Regency. 

Ritz Carlton Naples Beach 

If you are looking for a luxurious family staycation, the Ritz Carlton Naples may be just the place. This oceanfront property has two pools, a family and adults-only pool, as well as a children’s splash area for the younger ones. The Ritz Kids Club has a program called Nature’s Wonders which includes touch tanks and 11 aquariums. This environmentally focused program promotes the education and preservation of the animals found in Florida’s marine ecosystem. In addition, there is a dedicated gaming lounge for kids that includes access to gaming consoles like Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Wii. 

For parents, there is a spa area, tennis courts, and access to the greens at the neighboring Ritz Carlton Golf Resort 3 miles away.  Although the Ritz Carlton Naples Beach and Golf resorts are two, guests can shuttle back and forth to enjoy the amenities found at each property. Rates at the Ritz Carlton Beach start at about $550 a night, while the Ritz Carlton Golf starts at around $300 a night. The Golf Resort does offer day passes for $30 a person. There are many dining and shopping options found on-site as well, so your family doesn’t need to leave until it’s time to check out. 

Naples Grande Beach Resort

Another nearby option for a luxury family staycation is the Naples Grande Beach Resort. Kids will love the zero entry pool and waterslide feature provided. There is a third pool reserved for adults, as well as a hot tub and spa. The beach is a quick tram ride away or families can opt for a 15-minute boardwalk stroll. Lounge chairs and umbrellas are set up for guests for a nominal fee.

Golf and tennis are also available, as are bookable tours and experiences such as airboat rides, parasailing, seaplane adventures, and water sports rentals. Rates begin close to $275 a night; however, there are numerous Florida resident and family package discounts available online. 

Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina – Fort Myers Beach

At Pink Shell Fort Myers Beach Resort, families will enjoy the Gulf views from everywhere. Each studio or one to two bedroom suite has views of the water and space for families of all sizes. Kids will enjoy the three Gulf-front pools, especially the Octo-pool with zero entry, a waterfall archway, and ocean themed decor. There is also a splash area with fountain water spray features for toddlers. 

Families can enjoy their staycation by partaking in the various beach and pool activities such as volleyball, campfires, arts and crafts, or movie night at the pool. There are two restaurant options on-site, in addition to boat rentals, parasailing, and a spa. If you happen to own a boat, Pink Shell has a marina where you can dock it and use it at your leisure.

Rates start at close to $300 a night; however, there are offers available online that can lower the price depending on the number of nights you stay. A nightly resort fee of $37 includes parking, WiFi, steam room use, daily coffee, and kayak and paddleboard rentals. Day passes are available but are often subject to a vacation club tour in exchange. 

Diamond Head Beach Resort – Fort Myers Beach

A short getaway to Diamond Head in Fort Myers Beach is another an excellent option for a family staycation. While there is only one pool at the resort, kids will love the many activities offered, such as volleyball, pool toys, and other daily scheduled programs. 

 Located right in the downtown area, Diamond Head offers families the best of both worlds – restaurants, shopping, and the beach. Included with your $17 resort fee are guest bicycles to explore the local area, a beach trolley stop, use of the fitness center, and beach chairs and umbrellas. There is also a spa, water sports rentals, and two restaurants on-site. Rates average about $230 a night; however, they do offer Florida resident rates and other discounts online.

Hopefully, you consider some of these staycation ideas for your family to enjoy this summer.  Regardless of your summer plans, taking a family vacation each year is a great way to spend time together away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. 

Margie DQ is a former teacher turned travel blogger who loves to write about her family’s travels. Their goal is to visit all 50 states before their kids graduate from high school. Her blog can be found at www.dqtravel.net.

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Experience a whole new world in Orlando – and skip the visit to see that little black-and-white mouse, because the Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate offers enough attractions to satisfy every age: Dad can enjoy a round of golf, Mom can have a relaxing spa experience, and the kids can take a plunge down the 125-foot water slide or float along the lazy river. If grandma and grandpa come along, they can spend the day in the shade in a poolside cabana, and since the Omni is pet-friendly, your furry friend can come too.

After undergoing a $40 million renovation, the Omni has added more guest rooms, another zero-entry kids’ pool, and a wave pool. The additional 93 guest rooms are designed to accommodate families in a two-, three- or four-bedroom combination. Families may opt for a villa, which has a full kitchen. (Ask about Omni’s grocery delivery service.) Florida resident rates are available, as well as other packages that include golf lessons with tee times or spa treatments, and if you do choose to visit Walt Disney World, there is a daily shuttle.

My family stayed in adjoining guest rooms, overlooking the pools, in the main hotel tower. The king bed was luxurious and had more than enough pillows to go around. Ask for feather pillows for an additional comfort; the front desk was happy to honor my request. In the next room, there were two comfy queen beds, identical to the king bed. My family of five had enough space – and TVs – to keep everyone happy. Having two bathrooms made getting dressed for dinner a breeze.

From Memorial Day to Labor Day, the Omni hosts its 102 Days of Summer Fun campaign. Guests can take part in dive-in movies, splash parties, cooking demonstrations, golf clinics, and more. On select days, the resort has a fireworks show. Other family-friendly activities include a miniature golf course, a par 3, nine-hole golf course as well as the recently renovated international golf course. (The national golf course is being renovated.) Take a golf lesson at the David Leadbetter Golf Academy, even if you’ve never picked up a club before.

I took a golf lesson and in just one hour, I was swinging my club with more precision. The coach, Michael Sanabria, showed me simple ways to grip my club. That lesson really helped when I played miniature golf with my kids, but avoid playing in the early evening when the mosquitos come out in droves. Don’t miss watching the sunset outside on the golf course, but bring bug repellent.

The best way to enjoy those balmy summer days is relaxing poolside. The formal pool is an elegant escape for kid-free couples, especially if you reserve a cabana. The covered area has comfortable, cushioned chaise lounges and comes stocked with a refrigerator filled with beverages and a fruit plate. There is a TV and a ceiling fan, and Wi-Fi access. The new zero-entry pool also has cabanas, making it a comfortable – and shaded – place to relax, especially if you have a baby or toddler. The Omni sells swim diapers for $2 at the pool hut. That was a blessing for me, since I ran out.

Families can take a dip in the original zero-entry family pool, where older kids can ride the 125-foot corkscrew water slide or organize a game of water basketball with new friends. Try the lazy river too, where guests can float along the 850-foot river on an inner tube while dodging the water obstacles. Beware, those can strike, waking you up from a peaceful ride. Enjoy one of the three new water slides; little kids can sit on Mom or Dad’s lap while going down the largest, middle slide. Another must-do is taking a dip in the wave pool. The Omni is the first resort in Orlando to have a wave pool.

If you’re hungry, the Omni has plenty of options. At Trevi’s, guests can sample Italian fare served family style. (The meatballs are scrumptious!) It is an affordable option for large parties, but don’t miss the breakfast buffet served daily. It’s an enormous feast that is worth the splurge. Every morning of our stay, my kids couldn’t wait to pile their plates with bacon and get a specialty omelet from Ana, who will create any concoction imagined. The service was impeccable, like all of the Omni staff delivers.

On the main lobby floor, you will find David’s Club, an upscale sports bar, but the only thing resembling a sports bar is the large TV. I didn’t stay for cocktails, but our dinner at David’s Club was fabulous. Next time, I’ll send my kids to Omni Kids Escape ($12/ hour per kid) and eat a relaxing meal with my spouse.

Zen is another option for an evening meal, where guests can enjoy Pan-Asian cuisine. For something different, sign up for the sushi making class, $12. It’s fun learning how to craft California rolls. I thought the class was a real treat, learning the precise amount of pressure it takes to cut a sushi roll. Even kids can get in on the fun, but those knives are very sharp.

If getting out of your chaise lounge is too much effort, dine at Croc’s while sitting poolside. Waiters will deliver your morsels to you, or if liquid libations are more your speed, choose from an array of cocktails, either frozen or on the rocks.

Grab a pack of s’mores at the Broadway Deli for roasting at the fire pit. My city kids really loved burning their marshmallows, but parental guidance was need to avoid poking other guests enjoying the fire.

While the hotel was spread out, it was not so big that you need transportation to get around. If you stay in a villa, which are situated away from the main hotel tower, it may be a trek to get your family, especially little kids who aren’t walking, to the pools.

LEIGH TAHIROVIC is a wife and mother who loves traveling and Civil War History. She moved to Naples in 2001 and began a career in journalism. She is a freelance writer for magazines and newspapers in South Florida.

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