How Resorts Are Reinventing Kids’ Clubs for Event Families (2026 Insights)
Resorts are turning kids’ clubs into event-friendly experiences. See the latest program designs, safety protocols, and revenue ideas for family-focused event planners.
Hook: families are a strategic focus for multi-day events
Family attendance is a major growth vector for resort-based events. Modern kids’ clubs are now structured for safety, enrichment, and revenue — making events more attractive to families and planners alike.
What’s different in 2026
Kids’ clubs now emphasize modular programming, privacy-safe registration, and experience bundles that parents trust. Resorts that reinvent these programs see longer stays and higher per-room spend.
Program design & learning
- STEM and creativity tracks: Short workshops and expert-led crafts encourage repeat bookings and parental referrals.
- Flexible care models: On-demand micro-sessions, bookable per hour, compatible with conference schedules.
- Tie-ins to on-site events: Family-friendly shows, early-afternoon programming, and parent-friendly viewing areas.
Safety & staff
Background checks, ratio standards, and secure sign-in/out systems are non-negotiable. Resorts that align with local safety standards and provide clear incident reporting build parent trust.
Revenue and productization
Kids’ clubs are increasingly productized with add-ons: educational kits, take-home craft boxes, and themed physical releases timed to events.
Recommended readings and inspirations
- How Resorts Are Reinventing Kids Clubs for the 2020s — program ideas and safety standards.
- Sustainable Resorts: Eco-Friendly Stays That Don't Compromise Comfort — integrate sustainability into family programming.
- Top 12 Toys for Encouraging STEM Play in Preschoolers — suggested kit inclusions for activity boxes.
- Case Study: How a Boutique Hotel Used Analytics to Increase Direct Bookings by 45% — use analytics to measure family programming impact.
- Volunteer Retention in 2026 — useful for recruiting and retaining activity leaders during events.
Case example
A resort curated family packages tied to a weekend festival featuring a kids’ coding camp and evening family concerts. The packages increased average stay length by 0.8 nights and improved direct booking conversions.
Predictions
Expect more resort-event bundles that include curated kids’ curricula, take-home materials, and multi-day programming. Resorts that productize family offers will capture more group and conference business.
Takeaways
- Design modular, bookable kids’ sessions aligned to event schedules.
- Use analytics to measure program impact on bookings.
- Invest in secure registration and privacy-safe data handling.