10 Resorts Throughout Mexico and the Caribbean Where Kids Stay Free

by Mia Taylor
Last updated: 3:55 PM ET, Tue April 9, 2024

Family travel offers an invaluable way to experience quality time with loved ones and create unforgettable memories.

But travel in a post-pandemic world that’s heavily influenced by inflation is not necessarily cheap. According to Statista, the overall travel price index was up 1.3 percent as of December 2023. And when compared to pre-pandemic costs (in 2019) the overall cost of travel has increased 19 percent.

Though some travel expenses have actually begun declining (such as airfare), others are still higher than historic averages. Lodging costs, for instance, remain 15.8 percent higher than they were in 2019.

With that in mind and the summer travel season just around the corner, Delta Vacations has released a list of the top resorts where kids can stay for free. And we've added a few family-friendly resort favorites of our own to Delta's list.

Here's a closer look at where family travel dollars can go just a little bit further this summer.

Resorts with the best waterparks and activities

Royalton Splash Riviera Cancun or Royalton Splash Punta Cana: Dive into fun with 14 slides, 2 lazy rivers, and splash pads. At the Cancun property, families will experience a recently renovated water park, and expansive kids’ club with family-friendly hours. Plus, the first kid (2-12) and teen (13-17) stay free.

Nickelodeon Riviera Maya: Join SpongeBob SquarePants, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and many more Nickelodeon friends along with Aqua Nick, a sprawling 6-acre waterpark with adventures for all ages.

The Grand at Moon Palace Cancun: Experience a waterpark extravaganza where kids and teens 17 and younger can stay, play, and eat for free when with a paying adult.

Planet Hollywood Cancun: Enjoy a lazy river, mini-golf, movie theater, and trampoline park at this star-studded resort. One child (12 or younger) and one teen (17 or younger) stay and eat free when with two paying adults.

Royalton Blue Waters Montego Bay: Families can spend quality time together with activities and adventures for all ages, from water sports and nightly shows to creative cuisine, poolside cabanas, a lazy river, and more. And, one kid (12 and younger) and one teen (17 and younger) can stay and eat free.

Riu Resorts, multiple locations: Whether you're family is interested in visiting Mexico, a Caribbean island, or Central America, there's a Riu all-inclusive resort where kids between 2 and 12 can stay free as part of the Riu Summer Kids Free Promotion. The resort companies has properties in Jamaica, Aruba, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic and beyond.

Vacations for the parents, too

Grand Velas Riviera Maya: Enjoy ultimate convenience and fun with Baby Concierge services and activities like kite flying, soccer and cooking classes. Plus, kids and teens stay and eat free.

Marival Distinct Residences, Puerto Vallarta: Families will relish the extremely spacious “condo-style” accommodations, including 5+ bedroom villas, and 1-, 2- or 3-bedroom residences with full kitchens, spacious living rooms, full dining tables, open layouts and more.

Carlisle Bay, Antigua: A luxe resort that will please both kids and adults, Carlisle Bay offers an all-inclusive program that allows children under 12 to stay free.

Thoughtful touches

Grand Palladium: Treat your family to VIP treatment with the VIK (Very Important Kid) welcome kit and enjoy up to two children (17.99 and under) staying and dining for free at Family Selection properties in Costa Mujeres, Riviera Maya and Puerto Vallarta, as well as kids/teens clubs that cater to all ages (starting from infants 1-3, kids 4-12 and teens 13-17), a rare offering.

Garza Blanca Resort & Spa, Cancun or Los Cabos: Elevate your family vacation with curated amenities, including car seats, strollers, bathrobes, plush toys, coloring books and more, while enjoying gourmet cuisine for all ages.

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