As a mother of two young children who often accompany me on my travels, I can say that most of the hotel kids’ clubs I’ve seen — that is, if a property even has one — tend to be single room spaces with little consideration to youthful interests. Most offer predictable activities like arts and crafts and board games.

But increasingly I’ve begun to see clubs that have unique settings and entertainment offerings that aim to stimulate children and give them a sense of place. The best connect children to the culture of their destination while giving them space to play.

It’s not a surprising move, explained Amanda Norcross, features editor of Family Vacation Critic. “Parents want their children to be happy and engaged on their trips,” she said. “Having an innovative kid’s club is certainly a way to do that. It also gives a hotel a differentiating factor in an industry that’s always competing for guests.”

Lessons in Culture and Wildlife

The kids’ club at the Marbella Club, a beachside resort in Spain, is a good example of a club that puts culture first. It’s in a 55,000 square-foot villa that was the original home of Prince Alfonso of Spain. It has its own shallow pool and plenty of outdoor space with extensive gardens.