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New Yorker Angela Manna's family typically wouldn't choose an all-inclusive resort, but suddenly she's seen the light.

"It's great," she acknowledged. "Everything is so effortless." Her family, including a 9-year-old and an 11-year-old, were relaxing at the beachfront Now Amber resort in Puerto Vallarta for a family wedding. The kids could eat whenever and whatever they wanted, join organized activities, or not, and dad wasn't grumbling about the extra charges that are inevitable at other resorts every time the kids want a boogie board, a smoothie or a snack.

Chicagoans Sandra and Nathan Hayes think of themselves as adventurous travelers -- they got married in Thailand -- but with 10-month-old Ashlynn along, "being able to get food at all hours is a real plus when dealing with a baby's unpredictable schedule," Sandra Hayes said.

"We'd definitely do this again," added Nathan.

Here in Puerto Vallarta, all-inclusives account for 80 percent of the hotels and they are especially popular with families in Mexico and the Caribbean. They're certainly upping their game to appeal to families -- everything from Kids and Co. family rooms at the Melia Puerto Vallarta, complete with kids' bath amenities, sand toys and bunk beds to the Star Splash water play area at the Iberostar Playa Mita. "That's why we picked this resort," said one mom from Canada as she sat under the shade of a thatched palapa watching her kids play. "They love it and we can relax."

There were swim-up suites where families played just outside their rooms at Now Amber and an expansive kids' Explorer's Club overseen by a local teacher where there is ample outdoor space, including climbing nets, swings, water play area and hand-painted dinosaur murals. There's a dose of Mexican culture, too, pinata-making, for example.

Other all-inclusives are upping their game for families too. Azul Hotels by Karisma on the Riviera Maya, will be bringing Nickelodeon experiences to its hotels here and in Jamaica this summer, which means that Dora the Explorer, SpongeBob SquarePants and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles will be on hand for fun and games. There are also plans in the works to build a Nickelodeon hotel.

Club Med, which pioneered kids' clubs nearly 50 years ago, promises memorable adventures in Punta Cana where you'll learn more than 25 acrobatic and artistic activities, under the supervision of Cirque du Soleil-trained staff, all at Summer Splash prices starting at $119 per person. You could also head to Club Med Sandpiper Bay, Southern Florida: where the Sports Academies offer personal professional training for tennis, golf, volleyball and triathlon games. Both of these resorts also offer baby clubs, which offer child care starting at four months, so parents are guaranteed a break.

There are also adult-only restaurants and adult pool areas -- presumably for parents and grandparents to enjoy while the kids are engaged in organized activities.

In Mexico, as at other resorts, adults and kids can do as they like. There are yoga classes, tennis clinics, kayaking, pool volleyball, live music in the evening and pool parties in the afternoon, or simply hang out at the pool or the white sand beach. Think of it as a cruise ship on land. If you are the kind of traveler who abhors a lot of people around, all-inclusives aren't for you. The Iberostar, for example, can accommodate about 1,200 guests, and there are usually about 400 kids onsite. But if you like lots of different activities that don't require an up-charge, you and your kids will be very happy campers.

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