My parents take my kids on a "grandparent adventure" every summer, and honestly it's the highlight of everyone's year — the kids talk about it for months, my parents feel like rock stars, and my partner and I get a few days of blissful quiet. If your thinking about planning a grandparent-grandkid trip, I can't encourage it enough.
But grandparent travel has unique considerations that regular family travel guides miss. You need accesible rooms, manageable activities, enough space for different bedtimes, and ideally a kitchen because kids eat approximately 47 snacks per day. Timeshare resort suites check every single box, and the deals start at just $59.
Why Timeshare Resorts Are Perfect for Grandparent Trips
Grandparent-grandchild trips need three things: space, convenience, and a pace that works for all ages. Resort suites deliver on all three:
| Need | Hotel Room | Resort Suite |
|---|---|---|
| Separate bedrooms | No — everyone in one room | Yes — 1-2 bedrooms + sleeper sofa |
| Full kitchen | Microwave maybe | Full kitchen with everything |
| Living room for evening | No | Yes — watch TV after kids' bedtime |
| On-site activities | Limited | Pools, lazy rivers, game rooms, mini golf |
| Accessibility | Basic ADA rooms | Accessible suites with grab bars, elevators |
| Price (3-4 nights) | $400-$800 | $59-$149 (preview deal) |
Best Destinations for Grandparents with Grandkids
Orlando, Florida — The Classic
Orlando is the obvious choice and for good reason. Theme parks are the big draw, but Westgate resort properties also have waterparks, lazy rivers, and activity programs that keep kids entertained without grandparents needing to stand in line for 2 hours in the Florida heat. Deals from $59 for 4 nights. Check our Orlando deals page for options.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina — Beach Days
The beach is the great equalizer — kids dig in sand, grandparents sit in chairs and watch. It's the perfect activity because everyone's happy and nobody's exhausted. Myrtle Beach Westgate properties are right on the ocean with deals from $89 for 4 nights. The boardwalk has mini golf, arcades, and ice cream shops that kids go crazy for.
Gatlinburg, Tennessee — Mountain Magic
The Smoky Mountains work beautifully for grandparent trips. Scenic drives through the national park (kids love spotting bears and deer), easy walking trails, Dollywood theme park, and the Ripley's Aquarium in downtown Gatlinburg. Westgate resort from $79 for 3 nights with indoor/outdoor pools.
Pro Tip:
When booking, request a ground-floor accessible suite even if mobility isn't a concern. Ground floor means no carrying sleeping kids up stairs, easier access to the pool and parking, and no worrying about noisy kids bothering downstairs neighbors. Most resorts accomodate this request without extra charge.
Managing Energy Levels Across Generations
The biggest challenge is pacing. Kids have unlimited energy at 7 AM. Grandparents... do not. Here's the schedule that works:
- Morning (7-11 AM): Active time — pool, playground, beach, exploring. This is when everyone has energy.
- Midday (11 AM-2 PM): Lunch in the suite and quiet time. Kids watch a movie or do crafts. Grandparents rest. Nobody admits they're napping but everyone is.
- Afternoon (2-5 PM): Low-key activity — resort pool, boardwalk walk, or a short outing.
- Evening (5-8 PM): Dinner (suite kitchen or easy restaurant), maybe ice cream, then kids to bed while grandparents relax in the living room.
The Kitchen Advantage
Kids are picky. Kids eat at weird times. Kids want chicken nuggets for breakfast and pancakes for dinner. Having a full kitchen in your resort suite means you can handle all of this without restaurant meltdowns. Stock up on kid favorites at the grocery store, and everyone eats what they want when they want it.
Plus, cooking together is actually a great grandparent-grandchild bonding activity. My mom makes her famous pancakes with my kids every morning of their trip, and it's become a cherished tradition.
Fun Fact:
A 2025 AARP survey found that 83% of grandparents said multi-generational vacations were their "most meaningful family experience." The same survey found that grandchildren rated grandparent trips as more memorable than regular family vacations. The one-on-one time (without parents) creates a special bond.
Accessibility Considerations
Timeshare resorts are generally well-equipped for accessibility needs:
- ADA-compliant suites with wider doorways and grab bars available on request
- Elevators in multi-story buildings
- Pool lifts at most properties
- Golf cart transportation around larger resort properties
- Accessible parking near building entrances
Call the resort directly when booking to discuss any specific mobility needs. They want grandparent groups — these are high-value guests who often return and bring extended family.
The Timeshare Presentation With Grandkids
Here's an important detail: the timeshare presentation requires the booking adults to attend. If you're traveling without the kids' parents, you'll need a plan for the grandkids during the 90-120 minute presentation. Some resorts offer kids' activities during presentation times. Others may allow older grandchildren (12+) to stay in the suite. Call ahead to plan.
Budget for a Grandparent-Grandkid Trip
| Expense | Cost (4 nights) |
|---|---|
| Resort suite (preview deal) | $59–$149 |
| Groceries for kitchen meals | $80–$120 |
| 1-2 restaurant meals | $50–$100 |
| Activities/attractions | $50–$150 |
| Gas/transportation | $40–$100 |
| Total | $279–$619 |
That's a multi-day resort vacation with your grandkids for about the same price as a single night at a Disney hotel. Browse all our vacation deals for current grandparent-friendly options.