A few weeks ago our annual friends trip took us to Turks & Caicos, and it could not have been more deliciously simple and fun. We live across four time zones from this group, so these getaways are the highlight of our year. Beaches Turks & Caicos kindly hosted our crew of 13—eight adults, a preschooler, three toddlers and a baby—and the property was perfect for a multigenerational, kid-heavy vacation. It had been a long time since I stayed at an all-inclusive resort, and this one made traveling with a group feel effortless: dining, entertainment, activities and childcare were all included, which is a huge relief when you’re managing a small herd of children. The grounds are beautiful and there’s something for everyone.
Below I’m sharing photos from our stay along with practical tips and highlights for anyone planning a visit to Beaches Turks & Caicos—especially if you’re traveling with little ones.
All-Inclusive With Friends is a Game Changer
This trip proved that all-inclusive is a total game changer for groups. With meals, drinks, kids’ programs, entertainment and many activities included, there was no need to track bills or worry about splitting checks. For families traveling with toddlers, the convenience of having nearly everything covered makes the vacation infinitely less stressful. There are optional excursions and specialty experiences that cost extra, but you can have a fantastic stay without them. Personally, I left my wallet in the room most of the trip and didn’t miss it.
Getting To Turks & Caicos
Providenciales (PLS) has direct flights from several major U.S. cities, including Atlanta and Fort Lauderdale. The airport is about a 15-minute drive from Beaches Turks & Caicos, and airport transfers are included with the all-inclusive package. You don’t need to bring a car seat for the shuttle unless you prefer to; the resort can provide one if requested in advance. Strollers are available to rent on property as well, though we brought our travel stroller and used it sparingly—our toddler preferred to run.
Where To Stay
The resort is divided into four themed villages, each with its own buffet and several restaurants, and guests can dine anywhere across the property. We stayed in the Key West Village, the newest area, and loved our suite. It had a main living space with a full kitchen and a separate bedroom, which made nap time manageable without hiding in the bathroom. The suite also included a large, fully enclosed patio—great for toddlers to run safely.
Practical room tips: cribs are available on request, U.S. plugs are provided in rooms so adapters aren’t necessary, and many suites or laundry facilities on property allow you to wash clothes during your stay. That was such a convenience for us—we left home with clean luggage and came back with clean clothes too.
What To Pack
Pack casual resort wear and beach clothes for everyone. A few adult restaurants require “evening” attire—basically no tank tops, tees, shorts or flip-flops—so bring one smarter outfit if you plan to dine there. We spent most days in swimsuits with cover-ups and changed into casual dresses or linen pants for dinner. Evenings can be breezy, so a light sweater is useful. Sandals and flats are sufficient; heels aren’t necessary.
Sun protection is essential—bring hats, sun shirts or rash guards for kids and plenty of sunscreen. Water shoes are helpful for little feet on warm sand and rocky spots. Pack a roomy beach bag with towels, sunscreen, snacks and extra clothes so you can easily move between pools and beach areas without trekking back to the room.
The Best Pools for Toddlers
Our favorite was the main pool in the French Village. It features a very shallow area—about a foot deep—ideal for toddlers to splash safely, plus a large hot tub and a swim-up bar nearby. It’s quieter than some of the larger pools and easy to reserve loungers for a group. The Key West Village pool has a tucked-away shallow section that remains pleasantly uncrowded. For more excitement, Pirates Island Waterpark offers a lazy river, a splash pad and child-friendly slides—perfect for alternating between calm and action-packed days.
Activities for Toddlers
The resort’s concierge and childcare center publish daily activity schedules by age. Some of our favorites included:
- Beach play — the resort stretches along a beautiful beach with many access points, shaded seating and umbrellas.
- Character greetings — Sesame Street characters stroll the property and host activities that kids love.
- Parade — a weekly Sesame Street parade is a highlight for little ones.
- Resort train — a fun, short ride around the property that’s great for train-obsessed kids.
- Playground — a small playground near the childcare center with swings and slides for contained playtime.
- Pottery painting — a paid activity we enjoyed one rainy morning in the craft studio.
There are also special experiences like a Sesame Street breakfast and a family catamaran outing that are available for an extra fee and make for memorable family days.
Childcare + Kids Camp
Beaches offers included childcare and kids’ programs for infants through teens. The childcare center has licensed caregivers for the youngest guests and structured programs for toddlers and older kids. Activities are scheduled throughout the day by age group. If you need private or after-hours care, nanny services are available for an additional fee, and the resort also supports guests with special needs.
Activities for the Adults
Adults can enjoy the spa (additional cost), which includes treatments and access to amenities like plunge pools and saunas. The resort hosts an artisan market featuring local vendors several times a week. For off-property excursions, Island Routes and other vendors operate from the resort and organize tours such as off-roading to scenic spots. There are also adults-only restaurants where parents can enjoy a quiet dinner while kids are in camp—Sky is one of our favorites for its sunset views.
Food
Beaches Turks & Caicos has around 21 restaurants offering a wide variety of cuisines and dining experiences, so you rarely have to eat at the same spot twice. Most restaurants are family-friendly with kids’ menus; a few are adults-only in the evening. Highlights we loved:
- Barefoot by the Sea — Dine with your feet in the sand, ideal for letting toddlers wander and play after a meal.
- Dino’s — A reliable pizza and casual lunch spot with paninis and salads.
- The Mac Daddy of Cheese Food Truck — A mac & cheese truck near the waterpark that’s irresistible.
- Neptune — Mediterranean-inspired dishes that were especially enjoyable at lunch.
- Sky Restaurant — Adults-only at night with a stunning sunset view; plan for a kids-camp night and a reservation.
- Kimono’s — Hibachi style dining that’s very entertaining; reservations are recommended and the atmosphere may be loud for sensitive kids.
- Bayside — The Key West Village buffet where we often stopped for dessert and fresh fruit; they offer to-go boxes for convenience.
- Curls ‘n Swirls — A charming ice cream truck parked near the waterpark splash pad.
Photos by Jeff Mindell
You can find my outfit sources referenced during our trip in a linked post on my site.
We had a blast watching the kids run and play and loved spending time with dear friends. If you have more questions about planning a family trip to Beaches Turks & Caicos, leave a comment and I’ll share what I can. A big thank you to Beaches Turks & Caicos for hosting our group and making this getaway so memorable.
p.s. A few friends from the trip are sharing their own tips and favorites in the coming days—look for their recaps if you want more perspectives from the same stay.