All Inclusive with Kids: Activities for Every Age and Time Together as a Family
8 October, 2026 Share
An all-inclusive holiday with kids works when the hotel offers enough for every age group: a kids’ club for the youngest, dedicated activities for teenagers, water facilities and entertainment the whole family can share. When all of that is in place, adults gain something that is often hard to find on holiday: free time. This guide covers what to look for in each area, with examples of specific hotels, so you can make an informed choice before booking.
What an All-Inclusive Hotel Should Offer Children
A hotel that welcomes children is not necessarily a hotel designed for them. The difference lies in how well the offer is organised. Some hotels provide little more than occasional entertainment by the pool. Others run structured programmes covering the morning, afternoon and evening, with different activities for each age group. The more complete the programme, the easier it is for every member of the family to enjoy the holiday at their own pace. It is also worth checking which activities are included in the rate and which carry an extra charge.
Kids’ Club: The Heart of the Day for Younger Children
The kids’ club is the service that most shapes the rhythm of a family holiday. The best programmes combine play areas with themed activities that change daily, so children do not repeat the same routine throughout their stay.
At RIU Hotels & Resorts, this role is filled by RIU Land, a children’s entertainment programme where kids play while learning positive values. Its star is Calú, the sea turtle mascot of the chain, and the schedule includes themed days such as Pirate Day, Ecoland and Magic Circus Day. On the coast of Cadiz, the Hotel Riu Chiclana offers this kids’ club as part of its All Inclusive service, making it a good option for combining beach time and children’s entertainment in Andalusia.
The age range of the club varies from hotel to hotel. At the Hotel Riu Palace Bavaro in Punta Cana, for example, RIU Land is designed for children aged 4 to 12. It is therefore advisable to check the ages, schedules and participation conditions at your chosen hotel.
Water Slides and Water Parks Within the Hotel
Water facilities are one of the biggest draws for children. A shallow children’s pool covers the basics, but water slides and splash areas can keep kids busy for entire afternoons without the need to plan excursions.
In Cancun, the Hotel Riu Caribe brings together water slides, the RIU Land kids’ club and a 24-hour All Inclusive service, a combination designed for families with active children. In Punta Cana, the RIU complex on Arena Gorda Beach features Splash Water World, a water park with slides and water games that is part of the All Inclusive service and free for hotel guests. As access conditions may vary by hotel and season, it is advisable to confirm them before booking.
Activities for Teenagers on an All-Inclusive Holiday
Teenagers often find themselves in no man’s land: they no longer feel comfortable at the kids’ club, but they cannot yet join activities for adults. A hotel that caters to this stage of life removes one of the most common sources of friction on family holidays.
RIU offers RIU4U, a space and leisure programme with activities tailored to teenagers, available at selected hotels. One of them is the Hotel Riu Bambu in Punta Cana, which also has the RIU Land kids’ club. This dual offer is especially useful for families with children of very different ages.
Entertainment for the Whole Family, Day and Night
Having separate activities by age does not mean spending the holiday apart. The family holidays that work best alternate time for each group with shared moments, such as outdoor games, shows or parties suitable for all ages.
At RIU hotels, these moments are spread across several programmes: RIU Fun organises games, competitions and sports in the morning and afternoon, RIU Stage presents large-scale evening shows on the main stages, RIU Party, in its Family edition, offers themed parties with DJs, lights and performances for all ages, unlike the Pool Party, which is reserved for guests aged 18 and over. The Hotel Riu Costa del Sol in Torremolinos is an example of this kind of offer on the Costa del Sol: its family programme combines a kids’ club with evening shows.
How Adults Can Relax at a Family Hotel
Adults’ downtime depends as much on what is on offer for the children as on the options the hotel provides for grown-ups: wellness activities, creative workshops and quieter areas.
At RIU hotels, the RIU Fit programme includes sessions led by professionals, such as Body & Mind (yoga and meditation) and Water Fit (aqua gym and aqua fitness), while RIU Art offers art workshops for adult guests. For those looking for a space of their own, the Hotel Riu Palace Peninsula in Cancun welcomes families and has an exclusive Elite Club area for guests aged 18 and over within the same complex. This area includes a private restaurant serving à la carte breakfasts and dinners, as well as an enhanced room service. It is an appealing option for families with older children or for adults who want to set aside some quiet time without changing hotels.
RIU Entertainment Programmes by Age
| Programme | Audience | What it offers |
|---|---|---|
| RIU Land | Children (age varies by hotel) | Play areas and themed days with Calú |
| RIU4U | Teenagers (selected hotels only) | Dedicated leisure space and activities |
| Splash Water World | All ages | Water slides and water games |
| RIU Fun | All ages | Games, competitions and sports |
| RIU Stage | All ages | Large-scale evening shows |
| RIU Party Family | All ages | Themed parties with DJs and performances |
| RIU Fit | All guests | Yoga, meditation, aqua gym and training |
| RIU Art | Adults | Art workshops |
What to Ask Before Booking
- Kids’ club ages: the range varies by hotel and determines whether all your children can take part.
- Weekly schedule: knowing it in advance helps you plan free time for the adults.
- Water facilities: check whether the hotel has its own slides or access to a water park, and under what conditions.
- Room type: family or connecting rooms help the whole group rest better.
- Age restrictions: some parties, restaurants or areas of the hotel are reserved for adults.
A well-chosen all-inclusive holiday with kids allows every member of the family to find their own space: activities for the youngest, dedicated options for teenagers and downtime for the adults. At RIU Hotels & Resorts you can explore the family offer at each destination. And if grandparents or other adults are joining the trip, the blog features dedicated guides to planning multigenerational holidays.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
It depends on the hotel chain. At RIU hotels, the All Inclusive service covers entertainment, sports activities and resort facilities at no extra cost. At other hotels, it is advisable to check the terms of the rate.
It varies by hotel. At the Hotel Riu Palace Bavaro, for example, the RIU Land club is designed for children aged 4 to 12, so it is advisable to check the exact age range at each hotel.
Some RIU hotels offer RIU4U, a leisure programme tailored to teenagers. It is not available at every hotel, so it is worth checking each hotel’s page.
Yes, in the Family edition, which is suitable for all ages. The Pool Party is reserved for guests aged 18 and over.
In some cases, yes. The Hotel Riu Palace Peninsula in Cancun welcomes families and has an exclusive Elite Club area for guests aged 18 and over within the same complex.
