Age and kids policy at The Sanderling: what families need to know
The Sanderling is an all-ages resort but requires the person checking in to be at least 21 years old; younger guests may stay only when accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. The property welcomes families (children up to 17 stay free in existing bedding), offers family and adults-only pools, and provides cribs/rollaways for a nightly fee.
In this guide
Who may check in — the minimum age rule
The Sanderling requires guests to be at least 21 years old to check in. Guests under 21 may only check in when accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
At check-in the resort may require government-issued photo ID and a credit/debit card for incidental charges; cash is not accepted for payment. Early check-in and late check-out are available for a fee and subject to availability.
- Minimum check-in age: 21
- Under-21 guests: allowed only with parent or legal guardian present
- ID and card may be required at check-in
| Policy | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Check-in age | Must be 21 or older to check in |
| Payment and ID | Credit card required; government photo ID likely requested |
| Early/Late check | Available for a fee, subject to availability |
Are families welcome? — children and rooming
Yes — The Sanderling is marketed as family-friendly and welcomes guests of all ages. Children up to and including 17 years old stay free when using existing bedding in a parent or guardian’s room.
There is no dedicated kids' club listed in the resort materials, but the property provides family-oriented activities (beach and pool activities, lawn games, board games) and family-friendly dining options such as the Lifesaving Station with an expansive kid's menu.
- Children 0–17: stay free in existing bedding
- Family activities include beach/pool activities, lawn games and board games
- No on-site kids club is listed in the resort materials
| Family need | What The Sanderling provides |
|---|---|
| Kids stay free | Up to 17 years old in existing bedding |
| Family pool | Resort Pool is family-friendly |
| Dining for kids | Lifesaving Station offers an expansive kid's menu |
Pool rules and adults-only spaces
The resort has three pools: an outdoor family-friendly Resort Pool, an outdoor adults-only Tranquility Pool (21+), and an indoor pool located at The Spa. Hours for the outdoor pools are published as roughly 8:00 AM–10:00 PM, with the Tranquility Pool reserved for guests 21 and older.
Families should plan on supervising children at the Resort Pool and using the indoor spa pool if weather requires; the Tranquility Pool and its 75-foot lap area, whirlpool spa and secluded seating are specifically for adults 21+.
- Total pools: three (Resort Pool — family; Tranquility Pool — adults-only 21+; indoor pool at the Spa)
- Outdoor pool hours commonly listed as 8:00 AM–10:00 PM
- Tranquility Pool features a 75-foot lap pool and whirlpool spa (adults 21+)
| Pool | Who it's for |
|---|---|
| Resort Pool | Family-friendly (suitable for children) |
| Tranquility Pool | Adults only — 21+ (quiet pool) |
| Spa indoor pool | Open to resort guests; suited for lap swim or cool weather |
Rooms and sleeping arrangements for families
The Sanderling has a variety of room types and multi-bedroom residences that suit families. Many room types include sofa beds or multiple beds; some residences list multiple king and twin beds for larger groups.
If you need an extra crib or rollaway, those are available for a fee (crib/rollaway requests are handled subject to availability). Children using existing bedding stay free through age 17, which can reduce the need to book an extra bed for younger kids.
- Room examples suitable for families: Studio, with Sofa bed (Resort); Suite, with Sofa bed (Resort); Room, 3 Bedrooms (Swan Residence); Room, 4 Bedrooms (Evans Residence)
- Crib and rollaway fee: $35 per night (subject to availability)
- Children 0–17 stay free in existing bedding
| Room name (exact) | Typical sleeping configuration |
|---|---|
| Studio, with Sofa bed (Resort) | 1 King Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed |
| Room, 3 Bedrooms (Swan Residence) | 2 King Beds, 2 Twin Beds and 1 Double Sofa Bed |
| Room, 4 Bedrooms (Evans Residence) | 2 King Beds, 1 Double Sofa Bed and 4 Twin Beds |
Pets and extra fees to consider
The Sanderling is pet-friendly — dogs are allowed with limits — and pet fees are charged at check-in. Up to two dogs under 60 pounds each are permitted per guestroom or residence.
For guest rooms the pet fee is reported as $300 (non-refundable); residences carry a different pet fee. Always disclose pets at booking and verify current fees directly with the resort or your travel agent, as policies and amounts are added at check-in.
- Maximum: two dogs per room, each under 60 pounds
- Guest-room pet fee listed as $300, non-refundable and added at check-in
- Residences have a separate pet fee amount (check with resort)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Max pets | 2 dogs per room/residence |
| Weight limit | Under 60 pounds per dog |
| Guest-room pet fee | $300 (non-refundable) |
Practical tips for families at check-in and on-site
Bring a credit or debit card and government photo ID for the 21+ check-in requirement and possible incidental pre-authorization. If you plan to rely on existing bedding for children (ages 0–17), confirm the number and sizes of beds in your chosen room type before arrival.
The daily resort fee (for Resort Rooms) covers items families often need: private beach access, beach chairs and umbrellas, towels, indoor pool use and fitness center access. For residences the resort applies a taxable nightly fee (minimum applies) plus cleaning fees; check your confirmation for exact amounts and what’s included.
- Confirm bed types in the room name before arrival (room names are listed exactly in reservation details)
- Resort fee for Resort Rooms includes beach chairs/umbrellas, indoor pool use and fitness center access
- Bring or rent a car — rideshare is limited in Duck; a rental car is recommended for getting around
| Ahead-of-arrival checklist | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Bring photo ID and card | Required for 21+ check-in and incidentals |
| Confirm crib/rollaway if needed | Fee $35/night; subject to availability |
| Verify pet policy if traveling with dogs | Pet fee and two-dog limit apply |
