Are you searching for the best Lake Geneva resorts for families? Great choice! No matter what your family loves to do, you can find something fun around Lake Geneva. From ziplines, to a drive through Safari, and ice cream boat tours, Lake Geneva is a family destination that should not be missed. Below are the best places to stay in Lake Geneva with your family.
This post is all about the best Lake Geneva resorts for families.
The hotel you stay in sets the tone for your vacation. I am sure there are certain must haves on your family list when choosing a hotel- a seperate living area with sofa bed, microwave/refrigerator in room and of course an indoor POOL are usually must haves for us!
My family has been living or coming up to Lake Geneva since the 1930s so I know the inside scoop on the best Lake Geneva resorts for families to ensure you have a wonderful time. I put together a “best of” list to help potential visitors (and locals with visitors) know what they are signing up for! Also check out my preplanned family day trip itinerary or family activity guide for ideas on what you can do while at the lake, any time of year.
Top 3 Lake Geneva Resorts for Families
The Abbey Lake Geneva
The Cove Lake Geneva
Timber Ridge Lodge Lake Geneva
Bonus Mention: Grand Resort Lake Geneva
This post is all about the best Lake Geneva resorts for families.
The Abbey Resort and Avani Spa
The Abbey Resort is my family’s personal favorite place to stay! This resort and spa is located right on the lake in Fontana, WI (a 15 minute drive from downtown Lake Geneva). Fontana has a more relaxed pace than downtown Lake Geneva, which I appreciate, but there is still tons to do and the view can’t be beat.
The Abbey Resort has both indoor and outdoor pools (there are separate kid and adult outdoor pools with basketball hoop and 2 small waterslides in the kids section and splash pad for toddlers), one of the best spas in lake Geneva, (newly renovated!), a piano lounge with nightly music, a coffee shop, two restaurants (one with tables on the lake and live music at night, the other more fancy and serves a tasty brunch), an arcade, a mini movie theater where they show family friendly films and a host of daily activities for families including ice skating or smores by the firepits. The onsite store/gift shop has everything you would need from extra toiletries, swimsuits, snacks and drinks, and gifts to take home. The grounds are beautiful and just drinking your morning coffee while overlooking the harbor make this stay a 10 in my book.
The feel: Wisconsin rustic chic (think wood beams and the famous A frame design). This makes me feel nostalgic, like I am staying at a resort from a simpler time, yet have the amenities and activitiesI expect from a resort today.
Good for: Families who want a great time and love convenience and proximity to fun things. Everything you need is in the resort, including bars and restaurants, room service, an on site store so if you or the kids need anything (from swim suites, to snacks and wine or sunglasses and Lake Geneva gear) and pools with an outdoor bar for parents, arcades, spa. The Abbey is also within walking distance to downtown Fontana- with a beach, coffee shop, playground, the Geneva shore bath and two local restaurants that shouldn’t be missed.
Pros:
- One of the only resorts actually on the lake!
- Amenities including separate outdoor kid/adult pools and hottubs, outdoor pool bar, indoor pool with toddler section, arcade, movie theater, full service spa, coffee shop, 2 restaurants onsite, ability to have champagne and charcuterie in room upon arrival (for extra fee)
- Close proximity to playgrounds, bars/restaurants/coffee shops, lakeshore path and fontana beach
- All rooms have a microwave and mini fridge
Cons: There are only a few multi room vilas that book up quickly in peak season. These are 2 bed/2 bath with a kitchen. I have never stayed in the villas (they are always booked when I have tried!) so you might only get a standard room option. Standard rooms are either King or two queen bed options in the one hotel room (no multiple bedroom suites so would have to book two adjoining rooms for large families.) They do offer a King suite but this is one large room with a king bed and two sofa beds. The look is rustic chic so if you want straight luxury, the Grand Geneva might be a better option (scroll below).
Fitness center can only be accessed if you purchase a $35.00 day pass from the spa (when available) or comes with booking at $100.00 or more spa service
What to do: There is so much to do on site including indoor & outdoor pools with basketball hoops and slides, an arcade with pool table and virtual reality headset, mini movie theater that plays family friendly free shows each night, and onsite bars and restaurants complete with live music at night (where I have seen kids dancing away!). You are also within walking distance to the Fontana public beach, a pirate ship playground (with clean bathrooms!) and lots of green space (so bring a soccer or football), local coffee shop Coffee Mill on Lake Geneva, , Gordy’s Boathouse (one of the best restaurants in Fontana), the Fontana institution Chuck’s Lakeshore Inn (a local family friendly bar), and access to the famous 21 mile Geneva Lake Shore Path.
Where to eat: Take advantage of the two onsite restaurants: 240 West and The Waterfront. 240 West is the more formal of the two options. The menu reminds me of a steakhouse but also has gluten free and vegetarian options. The atmosphere is rustic elegance. Lots of wood beams and a fireplace make this a cozy restaurant that overlooks the harbor. They also offer a brunch buffet on the weekends that my sons really enjoyed.
The Waterfront has both indoor/outdoor seating, a more casual vibe and again beautiful harbor views. The menu is more BBQ focused with tasty options like BBQ brisket mac and cheese, there are also lighter vegetarian or gluten free options including ahi tuna tostadas, BBQ salmon salads and the famous Friday night fish fry! A MUST TRY are the cheese curds.
In the evening The Waterfront has live music played from a small stage. I would say the crowd tends to lean older at night however my husband and I still had fun and can be a family friendly affair with parents and kids all having a good time dancing.
I also recommend leaving the resort and going to Gordy’s Boat House. This bar/restaurant is right on the lake and has a great menu and even live music some afternoons. There is also an ice cream shop across the street, in the surf shack (which also serves burgers and fries during the summer).
Insider Tip: The adult only spa at the Abbey, the Avani Spa, is newly renovated. M-F you are able to purchase a day pass for $35.00 (if they have availability) and access the steam room, salt room, hot tub, spa pool and fitness center. This is a great start to the day that my husband and I always take advantage of when we visit. One of us takes the kids for an early morning swim session while the other gets to relax for an hour or two. Also there is a plot of sand overlooking the harbor. I wouldn’t call it a beach but my toddler LOVES playing with his sand toys there. I usually grab a coffee and enjoy the beautiful view while he plays for sometimes up to an hour (?!).
For my full review and insider tips on what to do in Fontana, WI click here!
The Cove of Lake Geneva
This Cove is one of the most popular hotels in downtown Lake Geneva. Each “room” is actually a full condo suite with a stocked kitchen, fireplace and private patio. Choose from a studio, 1 bedroom suite, 2 bedroom suite, or 2 bedroom loft (my kids favorite!). Added bonus for first timers- the website has video walk throughs of each type of suite so you know what you are booking. Each condo is privately owned so decor can vary but every one I have stayed at has been extremely well put together and updated.
The Feel: Right in the middle of everything! Updated condo living inside a hotel right in downtown Lake Geneva.
Good For: Families looking to stay in a updated condo with a full kitchen, and fireplace in downtown Lake Geneva.
Pros: Convenience of condo living with fully stocked kitchen, fireplace and patio. Great amenities including free parking in downtown lake geneva, delicious on site restaurant Lake City Social (that many locals come to for the Friday night fish fry!), onsite coffee bar, fitness room, gift shop, indoor and outdoor pool with bar (they have cabanas, kids pool, and boast they are the largest outdoor pool in downtown geneva), arcade, and laundry facility
Cons: Since the hotel is so popular and is right downtown Lake Geneva, it can get crowded during peak summer months. Also no breakfast options are served. The on site restaurant is only open for lunch/dinner. The on site Espresso bar offers coffee and some pastries but I suggest packing breakfast items since you have a full kitchen (hello instant oatmeal and bagels with peanut butter).
What to Do: Onsite activities include indoor/outdoor pool with bars and kid section, arcade room with board games. But the main draw is you are close to all of the top Lake Geneva attractions!! The Cove is located one block from main street where you can take advantage of all of the boutiques, restaurants, coffee shops and ice cream shops. You can also walk to the Lake Geneva Public Beach, stroll to the Rivera building and hop on one of the famous Lake Geneva Boat Tours, or rent a boat, paddleboard, or kayak and get on the water yourself.
Where to Eat: Definitely try the in house restaurant Lake City Social. My family loves the fish fry and my son said the ribs were some of the best he has ever eaten. Also don’t forget to order the classic Wisconsin appetizer, cheese curds and wash it down with their Manhattan. You can also walk to Popeyes (which has been around since the 70s) and try some of their famous rotisserie meats.
Insider tip: Across the street is an open area with gazebo that sometimes has live music. It is also a great place for kids to run around and get some energy out! We bring a football or soccer ball and enjoy playing around as a family with the beautiful lake view.
Timber Ridge Lodge and Waterpark
The Timber Ridge Lodge is part of the Grand Geneva, but a separate building entirely. This is a family focused hotel with a small on site water park. The rooms are great for families and include options for two bedroom lofts with a full kitchen and fireplace- so plenty of room to spread out. The on site water park was perfect for our family- not too big and overwhelming but still had enough to do for hours.
There is a toddler section with small slide and walk in pool. Then there is the big pool with lily pads and multiple basketball hoops. The most fun is the two water slides! Bonus is there is an on site snack bar that serves adult beverages! There are plenty of table/chairs in the pool area for your things and even when it has been crowded I have always been able to find a space. Towels are also provided at the lifeguard station so no need to haul from the room. There is also a small mini golf course in the back for $4 a person. My son said it was just ok, but it is there as an option. Water park passes are included with your suite. A 1 bedroom suite includes 4 passes, and a 2 bedroom suite includes 6 passes.
The Feel: Kid focused waterpark resort with 1 – 2 bedroom suite accommodations with kitchens
Good for: Families who want a kid focused, casual get away with a waterpark
Pros: Waterpark is great for the kids, 1-2 bedroom suites with full kitchen are convenient, guests can take advantage of many of the Grand Geneva sister resort restaurants, spa, outdoor adventures and award winning golf courses via hotel shuttle.
Cons: Not great onsite dining options for adults
What to do: You can here for the waterpark so get after it! After you have done the waterpark, take advantage of most amenities at the sister resort up the street, the Grand Geneva Resort and Spa. After a short shuttle ride (which is fun for kids) you have access to the upscale restaurants, luxury spa services, onsite ski hills, award winning 2 18 hole golf courses, scooter/ebike rentals, and Dan Patch horse stable (with free petting zoo, pony rides, and 45 minute docile horse trail rides!). While you are able to use most of the grand geneva amenities you do not have access to everything→ guests of Timber ridge do not have access to the Grand Geneva indoor or outdoor pools. Adults can gain access to the spa pool, but I believe there is a fee so call ahead!
Where to eat: With kids hit up the casual family in house restaurant, Smokey’s BBQ Restaurant. Full disclosure- my husband and I weren’t huge fans but it is a good option when you need to feed the kids and don’t want to leave the resort. I recommend hitting up the shuttle and trying a restaurant at the Grand Geneva resort at least once!
Insider Tip: If it is your child’s birthday they will print out a sign for your hotel room door and include balloons in the room for a small fee. Honestly it isn’t anything life changing but we came here for my son’s 10th birthday and he loved it!
Grand Geneva Resort and Spa
The Grand Geneva Resort and Spa is one of the best Lake Geneva Wi Resorts for a reason. This luxury resort is actually the old Playboy Club of Lake Geneva. The original Frank Loyd right inspired hotel opened in 1968 and included it’s own private airport with direct flights from Chicago and “Bunny Tram” to transport guests around the luxury property. Fast forward to today- the luxury has remained but the bunnies are long gone.
While this resort is not close to the lake, the amenities and upscale accommodations make up for the lack of lakeview. The resort is known for its two award winning 18 hole golf courses, onsite ski hill, a luxury spa and wellness center, multiple upscale dining options, outdoor adventures like scooter and ebike rentals, archery facilities, horse stable with trail rides, pony rides and small petting zoo, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, and luxury accommodations.
The accommodations range from standard luxury hotel rooms to 3 bedroom luxury villas complete with washer/dryers, fully stocked kitchens and fireplaces/patios. We have stayed at both the main lodge (aka normal hotel rooms) and at the larger condo like villas. Both are great depending on what you are looking for. Being at the main lodge meant being close to all of the restaurants and amenities like the pool (which was a main draw for my kids). The draw back was there was a mini fridge but no microwave, which is always necessary for us when traveling with kids.
The Feel: Large luxury resort and spa, perfect for families.
Good For: Families looking for a luxury resort with multiple types of accommodations and lots to do on site.
Pros: SO many year round activities you never need to leave the resort. This place is a destination on it’s own. From the private ski hill with lessons for all ages, to the luxury spa, multiple upscale and casual restaurants, outdoor adventurous, coffee bar onsite and two award winning golf courses, and indoor/outdoor pools once stay will not be enough to experience all this hotel has to offer. There is also a horse stable at the enterance which has pony rides, a free (very small) petting zoo, and docile horse trail rides through the woods. In fall they have haunted barn tours and for the holidays offer snowy carriage rides.
Cons: Main lodge hotel rooms only have a mini fridge, no microwave. Main lodge can get busy during check in/check out during the summer, grounds are very large so need a car or hotel shuttle to get around everywhere. The resort is not on the lake, but only a 10 minute drive away.
What to do: My personal favorite thing to do is take the 45 minute horseback trail ride at the Dan Patch Stables. The horses are all very docile and trail based (no trotting or galloping here!). Older children are able to ride too and the guide makes sure everyone is safe/comfortable. No horse riding experience needed! There are pony rides for the little ones as well.
The spa is also a must visit if you can sneak away. The Hanakaskumi signature treatment is my favorite. This nourishing body ritual includes warm cream, exfoliation and a foot massage…what’s there not to love?!
Where to eat: Take advantage of the many delicious in resort dining options including Geneva Chophouse (upscale steakhouse/seafood), Ristorantè Brissago (Italian cuisine with extensive wine list) and Grand Cafè (more casual dining spot offering american classics for breakfast, lunch or dinner).
Insider Tip: The Grand Geneva knows how to decorate for Christmas! My family and I make it a tradition to come stay here during the holidays and look at all of the wonderful Christmas decorations through out the hotel. The Dan Patch Stables also offer sleigh rides (weather permitting!), or Halloween fun like Haunted Barn tours if you dare!
No matter which place you decide to stay, Lake Geneva never disappoints! For more insider tips on what to do when you are there check out my Family and Adult activity guides or daily itinerary for a preplanned day of fun!
This post was all about the best Lake Geneva Resorts for families.
