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Best Vacation Ownership Resort for Families 2026

By Readers' Choice On 9/23/26 at 12:00 PM EDT

From poolside fun to unforgettable adventures, these vacation ownership resorts give families more ways to make the most of time away. Vote for your favorite by clicking below.

Newsweek is proud to recognize this year's 10 standout family vacation ownership resorts—selected by our editors and voted on by readers for their exceptional quality and distinctive excellence. Each has been officially recognized by Newsweek as one of the Best Vacation Ownership Resorts for Families of 2026.
Winners of the 2026 Newsweek Readers' Choice™ Awards for Best Vacation Ownership Resorts Overall were announced on November 4, 2026.

1. Club Wyndham Ocean Walk

Ocean Walk

Photo courtesy of Club Wyndham Photo courtesy of Club Wyndham

Club Wyndham Ocean Walk is a vacation ownership resort on Daytona Beach's pedestrian shoreline, offering families direct access to the beach and a range of on-site activities. The resort features indoor and outdoor pools, a lazy river, waterslide, game room and miniature golf. Its location also places families near Daytona attractions, including the speedway, while spacious accommodations provide room for longer stays and group vacations.

2. WorldMark Depoe Bay

WorldMark Depoe Bay

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WorldMark Depoe Bay is a vacation ownership resort on Oregon's central coast, positioned in an area known for whale watching, rugged cliffs and forested landscapes. The resort offers accommodations suited to families, along with year-round pools and hot tubs. Its coastal location provides access to beaches, scenic viewpoints, hiking and wildlife experiences, making it a base for families looking to combine a resort stay with outdoor exploration.

3. Club Wyndham Great Smokies Lodge

Great Smokies

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Club Wyndham Great Smokies Lodge is a vacation ownership resort in Sevierville, Tennessee, combining mountain scenery with an extensive collection of family amenities. The resort features indoor and outdoor waterparks, pools, slides, an arcade, miniature golf, laser tag, ropes courses and bowling. One- through four-bedroom suites provide kitchens and living space, while nearby Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains offer additional family activities.

4. Club Wyndham Governor's Green

Club Wyndham

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Club Wyndham Governor's Green is a vacation ownership resort in Williamsburg, Virginia, positioned near Colonial Williamsburg, Busch Gardens and other family attractions. The resort offers spacious accommodations with kitchens and living areas, giving families more room than a traditional hotel room. Its setting provides access to Williamsburg's historical sites and entertainment, while the surrounding destination offers additional opportunities for family sightseeing, recreation and theme-park visits.

5. Club Wyndham Kingsgate

Kingsgate

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Club Wyndham Kingsgate is a vacation ownership resort in Williamsburg, Virginia, offering families a home base near Colonial Williamsburg, Busch Gardens and other attractions. Accommodations include spacious one- and two-bedroom condos with kitchens and living areas. Resort amenities include three pools, tennis courts, a movie theater, game room, miniature golf and organized activities, while the surrounding Williamsburg area offers historic sites, outdoor recreation and family attractions.

6. Sheraton Vistana Villages Resort Villas

Sheraton Vistana Resort Villas

Photo courtesy of Marriott Vacations Worldwide Photo courtesy of Marriott Vacations Worldwide

Sheraton Vistana Villages Resort Villas is a vacation ownership resort in Orlando, Florida, offering families spacious villa accommodations near the area's major theme parks. Villas provide separate living areas, full kitchens or kitchenettes and in-unit laundry, giving families flexibility during longer stays. Resort amenities include multiple pools, a pirate-ship pool, water slide, splash pad and children's activities, while Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando and SeaWorld are nearby.

7. WorldMark Big Bear

Big Bear

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WorldMark Big Bear is a vacation ownership resort in Big Bear Lake, California, surrounded by mountain scenery and outdoor recreation. Accommodations include studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom suites, providing families with space for longer stays. Resort amenities include a playground, basketball court, arcade, seasonal swimming pools and outdoor barbecue areas. The destination also offers year-round opportunities for skiing, hiking, boating and other outdoor activities.

8. Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo

Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo

Photo courtesy of Westgate Photo courtesy of Westgate

Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo is a vacation ownership destination in central Florida built around a Western ranch experience. Families can choose among suites, cabins, glamping accommodations, wagons and camping options. Activities include horseback riding, pony rides, a petting farm, mini golf, waterpark attractions, hiking, boating and a weekly rodeo. The resort combines outdoor recreation and family programming with a distinctive ranch setting.

9. Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park

Westgate Smoky

Photo courtesy of Westgate Photo courtesy of Westgate

Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park is a vacation ownership resort in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, designed around family recreation and access to the Great Smoky Mountains. Its Wild Bear Falls water park features indoor water attractions, while the property also offers playgrounds, pools and other activities. Families can use the resort as a base for exploring Gatlinburg, nearby attractions and the national park.

10. Marriott's Grande Ocean

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Marriott's Grande Ocean is a beachfront vacation ownership resort on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, with amenities designed for family vacations. Spacious villas include living and dining areas, kitchens and balconies, while the resort offers multiple pools, a lazy river, children's pools, a kids' camp, nature trails and beach access. Families can also enjoy nearby golf, outdoor activities and attractions across Hilton Head Island.

FINALISTS Bluegreen Odyssey Dells Bluegreen Parkside Williamsburg Resort, Ascend Resort Collection The Historic Powhatan, a Hilton Vacation Club Marriott's SurfWatch Wilderness Club™ at Big Cedar®, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club

About Newsweek Readers' ChoiceTM Awards

Nominees for Newsweek Readers' Choice Awards are selected through an editorial review process conducted by Newsweek editors. The editorial team identifies brands, destinations and services within each contest category based on editorial research and industry knowledge. Winners are determined through a public voting process hosted on Newsweek.com, where readers may vote once per category per day during the contest period.

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