Kid-Friendly Resorts That Make The Maldives A Perfect Family Destination

Once a classic vision board dream for couples mapping out their ideal honeymoons, the Maldives has officially become a family-friendly destination. With a kids' club on nearly every island, child-centric spa menus, island scavenger hunts, and endless water sports, these resorts are no longer reserved solely for newlyweds.

And with multi-generational travel booming, there's no better island escape for families with members from every generation. Below you'll find everything you need to know about eight of the most kid-friendly resorts scattered throughout the Maldives' idyllic atolls.

Like being let loose in FAO Schwarz or Willy Wonka's chocolate factory, Soneva Jani is a kid's vacation dream. Not only is there a waterslide on every villa, plus an all-you-can-eat ice cream and chocolate room to stop by day or night, but the kids' club here is the Maldives' largest and arguably the world's best. 

The Den opened in 2022 with two stories of whimsy and various rooms for crafting, dressing up, and playing games. From zip-lining through a waterfall, dancing on musical piano steps, cooking island snacks, and sipping mocktails at the swim-up bar, you won't be able to drag them away.

A favorite amongst families, Six Senses Laamu is a marine-life dream. Little ones can watch turtles hatch or participate in a junior marine biology course where the island's marine biologist leads them during snorkel and classroom sessions. And on the beach, volleyball, football, badminton, table tennis, and island-wide treasure hunts await. 

At the island kids' club, children ages 3-12 can enjoy the jungle gym, Legos, and myriad activities, from visiting the resort chicken farm to kids' Zumba.

While mom and dad spend the day at the resort's Aqua Wellness Center, the kids can have a very different kind of water experience. At the Stars Club, children 4-12 can spend the day splashing around in the water park, complete with slides and waterfalls or climbing the jungle gym. 

There's also an Artist Studio where they can draw, paint, play games and read books. The Waldorf Astoria Ithaafushi also has a new Kids' Concierge program where a childcare expert will create and accompany them on a bespoke island itinerary. 

Velaa Private Island has just about every activity you can think of. Targeting more mature kids, its facilities include a rock-climbing wall, squash court, golf course, a football pitch and one of the Maldives' only covered tennis courts so that you can play safe from the sun. And in the water, Sea-Doo scooters, windsurfing, kitesurfing, SEABOBS, a Flyboard and more will keep them entertained for hours. And for children 4-12, the Lha Velaa Kids' Club has one of the Maldives' largest water parks.

Like something straight out of The Shire, the kids' club at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives is built into a green circular hill. An architectural jaw-dropper, Ritz Kids includes a whimsical indoor space with a video game area, Maldivian drums, clever napping spaces, and a mini-jungle gym. But the real jungle gym is outside. 

Shaped like a tornado funnel, this multi-story jungle gym includes a slide alongside a pool and a shriek-inducing jet area. Plus, a host of planned activities keeps kids active and excited while parents bask by the beach.

This lush natural island is crawling with hermit crabs and happy families. At Amilla, even the accommodation is targeted for kids, including treehouses and a beachside glamping bubble. The Sultan's Village Kids' Club is named after a Maldivian fairytale and makes for a dreamy place to play. A jungle gym, pool, and calendar of activities like pizza making and capture the flag keep the kiddos busy. 

For the adventurous, the resort's new Mini Marine Biologists Program is an interactive crash course in the Maldives' marine life, sustainability, and trips to the island's coral nursery.

Working with early education experts, the team at The Play by COMO creates an educational albeit fun environment for kids ages 4-12. Its rotating activity schedule includes coconut palm weaving, local fruit tasting, children's yoga, and mindfulness exercises. Partnering with TropicSurf, children can partake in their learn-to-surf program from April through October. 

And at the COMO Maalifushi spa, COMO Shambhala Retreat, their kid's menu includes massages, a cleansing facial or a mani-pedi.

From the sprawling morning buffet to the sandy bike paths traversing the islands, you'll find kids in every corner of Vakkaru. This delightful family-friendly resort includes two tennis courts, a paddle board court, hermit crab races, a private jungle cinema and, of course, a kids' club. The large open-air Parrotfish Club is for little ones for 3-12 years. 

Here, they can move between various rooms, perfecting their finger painting, playing video games, or baking cookies. Activities include tug of war on the sand, pirate face painting and building sandcastles. And when the hot Maldivian sun is shining, its large pool area is also primed for floating and splashing.