Top of the Rock at Big Cedar Lodge
Thinking about a golf getaway for your family? There are so many factors to consider: what will the kids want to do, is the golf special, how are the accommodations for our family, and so on and so on.
Fortunately, there are several destinations across the country that strike that balance beautifully. We’ve taken the pleasure of highlighting 10 family friendly golf destinations that we consistently hear from golfers and their families that they love that you should consider for 2026.
The Omni Homestead Resort & Spa – Hot Springs, Virginia
Tucked into the Allegheny Mountains, The Omni Homestead blends classic golf heritage with a relaxing family focused atmosphere that you can feel the moment you step through the front doors into the Great Hall. From a golf perspective, The Cascades Course delivers a traditional layout with sweeping mountain views as this gem makes its way onto the top courses lists in the country on an annual basis, and the Old Course provides a more playable design and features a fun routing of six par-3s, six par-4s, and six par-5s. For the younger golfers on the trip, both layouts provide more forgiving tee options especially on the Old Course.
Off the course, families gravitate to the expansive water park, complete with slides and a lazy river. The accommodations here are all first class as the resort received a $180+ million renovation over the last few years, and their team nailed the feeling of keeping the authentic feel of the resort all while enhancing the experience so your family can come back here for generations to come. There’s also a myriad of activities for the whole family to enjoy including horseback riding, skeet shooting, hiking, and even falconry demonstrations, so even any non-golfers from your crew will love their time at The Omni Homestead.
Big Cedar Lodge – Ridgedale, Missouri
Set in the Ozarks of Missouri sits Big Cedar Lodge, one of the fastest growing and most fun golf resorts in the country. The resort feels like an outdoor playground with world class golf woven into the fabric of your stay, and that all makes perfect sense as the resort is owned by Johnny Morris, the Founder and CEO of Bass Pro Shops.
For the golfers in your family, there are three impeccable championship layouts with Payne’s Valley designed by Tiger Woods (with some help from Mr. Morris on its famed 19th hole), Ozarks National by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, and Tom Doak’s Buffalo Ridge Springs which has recently been restored to rave reviews. Unique to Big Cedar Lodge is that it also features three amazing short courses with the nine-holer known as Top of the Rock designed by Jack Nicklaus, the 13-hole Mountain Top course by Gary Player, and their latest addition 18-hole par 3 course known as Cliffhangers that is the brainchild of Mr. Morris and his son John Paul.
The great outdoors is the star of the show at Big Cedar Lodge, as Mr. Morris has created an atmosphere that not only includes great golf, but also fishing, boating, hiking, and wildlife spotting to keep your whole family engaged. Evening activities like campfires and storytelling creates a cozy, shared experience for all to enjoy. It’s rustic without sacrificing comfort, offering a refreshing alternative to more traditional golf resorts.
Kiawah Island Golf Resort – Kiawah Island, South Carolina
Coastal beauty meets bucket list golf at Kiawah Island. Nothing beats creating memories of a round on the famed The Ocean Course with those closest to you, and the bragging rights earned on this trip will likely be dinner table fodder for decades after your visit!
While The Ocean Course provides a stern test of golf, the resort also provides four additional championship layouts that vary in both length and test so your family can create the perfect itinerary on the course to maximize your desired experience.
The whole family can appreciate the beach access and nature-driven activities, and kids can join educational programs focused on local wildlife, while parents unwind with ocean views. Biking trails weave throughout the island, making exploration easy and fun. The rhythm here is slower, encouraging families to savor each moment and focus on quality time.
Whether it’s a sunrise tee time or a sunset walk along the shore, your family will love a visit to Kiawah Island.
Sunriver Resort – Sunriver, Oregon
Sunriver Resort offers an escape where golf and outdoor recreation go hand in hand. Located in the greater Bend, Oregon area, its courses are known for their natural beauty, weaving through forests and along rivers with three 18-hole courses that include the famed Crosswater course all the way to the family friendly nine-holer known as Caldera Links.
Families can bike the extensive trail system, float down the Deschutes River, or enjoy guided nature experiences. The resort also features pools, playgrounds, and seasonal programming for kids. With its vast open spaces and fresh mountain air, Sunriver encourages families to unplug and spend quality time together in a truly scenic setting.
Sunriver Resort
The Sea Pines Resort – Hilton Head, South Carolina
Located on Hilton Head Island, Sea Pines is as much about lifestyle as it is about golf. Its courses are complemented by bike-friendly pathways, beach access, and a charming marina area with plenty of shopping and dining options.
Families can spend mornings teeing it up at the famed Harbour Town Golf Links, Atlantic Dunes, or Heron Point courses, and afternoons kayaking or dolphin watching. It’s a destination where golf blends seamlessly into a broader coastal experience, ensuring there’s never a dull moment.
The Sea Pines Resort
Reynolds Lake Oconee – Greensboro, Georgia
This lakeside retreat offers a mix of luxury and laid-back fun for the whole family to enjoy. With 5 of the 8 golf courses here available for guests of the resort, you can enjoy a wonderful variety of golf that includes some of our favorites including The Oconee and Great Waters. Families gravitate toward the lake, where boating, paddleboarding, and swimming take center stage as well as a visit to the famous Jumping Rock.
The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee property within the community adds an extra layer of polish, but the overall vibe remains welcoming. While a stay at The Ritz-Carlton is always a good idea, we often find that families love to stay and spread out under one roof in the multi-bedroom cottages and condos offered by the community . It’s an ideal setting for multi-generational trips, where everyone can find their own pace and favorite activity.
Reynolds Lake Oconee
Pinehurst Resort – Pinehurst, North Carolina
Few destinations carry the prestige of Pinehurst, and while it has been a favorite destination for buddies golf trips for decades, it is also a wonderful place to bring the whole family. While avid golfers may be drawn to its legendary courses, especially No. 2, No. 4, No. 8, and No. 10, the resort also offers beginner friendly programs and the easily accessible Cradle short course that players of all levels love to play.
Off the course, families can bike through tree lined paths, play lawn games, or relax by the pool. The village atmosphere of the town further adds to the charm of the area with ice cream shops and boutiques just a short stroll away.
Pinehurst Resort
The Greenbrier – White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia
The Greenbrier combines elegance with a surprisingly robust lineup of family activities. Golfers can enjoy meticulously maintained courses highlighted by the world-renowned Old White course, while kids can explore everything from bowling to an on-site adventure zone.
The resort’s sprawling grounds make it feel like a world unto itself, with hidden gardens and scenic walking paths found throughout the property. The unique Dorothy Draper décor that is found throughout the property features bright and bold colors creating a sense of whimsy that makes the perfect backdrop for a lifetime of memories.
The Greenbrier
Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa – Palm Coast, Florida
Located along Florida’s Atlantic coast, Hammock Beach combines oceanfront views with standout golf. The resort’s courses offer both scenic beauty and strategic play, while families gravitate toward the multi-level pool complex and water slides.
Direct beach access means sandcastle building and ocean swims are always on the agenda. Kids’ programs and casual dining options keep things stress free for parents, and the rhythm of the ocean sets the tone for a laid back yet activity filled family getaway.
Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa