7 Best All Inclusive Cancun Resorts for Families

One of the original innovators of the all-inclusive resort concept, Club Med opened in Cancun in 1976 as an adults-only resort. Following a devastating hurricane in 2005, the resort underwent $20 million in repairs and renovations, and reopened as a family resort, completing yet another $14-million renovation in 2014. Today, the resort"s offerings make it ideal for families, including 60 family suites, an extensive children"s program, playground, tweens and teens club, and, of course, white-sand beaches. Don"t miss the Flying Trapeze School either -- special morning hours are just for kids!

This is not your typical all-inclusive resort, spread out across acres of lush, tropical land. Instead, the Beach Palace is located in the heart of Cancun, steps away from its restaurants and shops, with a free shuttle to the Wet ‘n Wild water park. The towering hotel offers three swimming pools, including two on the 14th floor roof with fantastic ocean and sunset views. Of the beachfront resort"s nearly 300 rooms, 49 are family suites and kids will love the kids" programs, which incorporate Mexican culture.

When it comes to all-inclusive resorts, IBEROSTAR is a leader in both Cancun and neighboring Riviera Maya. This is a place where no child can express boredom. This massive property features seven swimming pools, a water park, kids" club, teens" club, theater, sports fields, water sports, an enormous stretch of wide beach, and the only 18-hole golf course in the area. For accommodations, IBEROSTAR Cancun has more than 400 offerings, with junior suites available for families who need more space.

The Moon Palace is actually three properties in one: the Nizuc, Sunrise and Moon Grand. Of the three, guests who elect to stay in the Moon Grand portion of the resort enjoy the most benefits and access to every pool, restaurant and amenity offered at the large resort, located just minutes from Cancun"s shopping and dining areas. Because of its expansive size, the resort provides a shuttle for its guests to get around, and families will find seven swimming pools, a kids" club, teens" club, arcade, water sports and more. Families who choose a Family Connection Luxury Suite get the added bonuses of in-room Xbox 360, special kids" snacks, space for up to six guests, private nanny service and more.

Of all of the Riu brand properties in Cancun, this one is the most luxurious. The massive towering Hotel Riu Palace Peninsula reaches 17 floors in height and offers more than 550 spacious and contemporary rooms overlooking a peninsula, so beach and waterfront seem to surround the resort. When compared to the expansive resort that it calls home, the kids" club may seem relatively small. However, it provides programs that integrate the culture and destination, and family entertainment is offered throughout the day, making it great for children.

Cancun is also home to the Dreams chain of all-inclusive resorts, including the luxurious Dreams Riviera Cancun Resort. With nearly 500 rooms decorated with Mexican accents, guests can enjoy an even more inclusive experience with a Preferred Club room that includes expedited check-in, and a lounge with breakfast, hors d"oeuvres and desserts. Families can enjoy three pools, water sports with Hobie Cats and kayaks, and a large beach. When kids want time away from parents, the Explorer"s Club for ages 3 to 12 gives them a place to play and learn with new friends.

True to its name, Now Sapphire seems to glisten in sapphire, with a series of canals, ponds, and fountains found throughout the resort, which also rests on the sapphire blue sea. Four swimming pools also glisten, drawing in the kids, who will also enjoy the resort"s kids" club, teens" club, family-friendly excursions, water sports, tennis and daily entertainment. The all-suite resort features nearly 500 rooms with open floor plans and plenty of space in which families can spread out. There is also room service for families when not dining at the resort"s collection of fine restaurants.