Great — here are family‑friendly beachfront stays across Sri Lanka, organized by region with quick notes on why each works for families, approximate travel times from Colombo (Bandaranaike/Colombo area) or suggestions, and a couple of practical tips (seasonality, transport, booking). I’ve cited the hotel sites and reputable travel coverage for the most important points.

Top picks (by region)

Northwest coast — near the airport (good for short stays / jet‑lagged families)

• Jetwing Blue (Negombo)
  • Why: large family rooms, kids’ / children’s facilities, pools and direct beach access; convenient if you want to arrive/depart near Bandaranaike Airport. (jetwinghotels.com)

West / Southwest coast — easy beach + activities for kids

• Cinnamon Bentota / Cinnamon Bentota Beach (Bentota)
  • Why: established family facilities including a kids’ club, mini pool and play area; family‑friendly dining and babysitting on request. Good for water sports, turtle hatcheries nearby. (cinnamonhotels.com)
• The Blue Water (Wadduwa)
  • Why: family suites, kids’ club and separate children’s pool make this a family staple on the west coast (popular with families). (hidmc.com)

South coast — best mix of beaches, wildlife excursions and relaxed luxury

• Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle (Tangalle)
  • Why: full kids’ & teens’ club (Joli Kids’ Club), dedicated children’s pool area, babysitting and family rooms/villas; handy base for beach, national‑park day trips (Yala/Udawalawe). (Anantara.com)
• Cape Weligama (Weligama / near Mirissa / Galle)
  • Why: boutique luxury with a nature‑based “Forest School” kids’ club, family suites/interconnecting rooms, supervised daily children’s programme and family pools; close to whale‑watching and surf for older kids. (resplendentceylon.com)
• (Also consider) Mirissa area stays for whale watching and calm beach time — many family‑friendly boutique options.

Southern / Hambantota area — big resorts with lots of kid activities

• Shangri‑La Hambantota
  • Why: large resort with extensive children’s facilities (Cool Zone / Jungle Kids Club / Aqua Zone), adventure park features and teen areas — good if you want an “all activities in one place” resort. (Shangri-La.com)

Other family options

• Heritance Ahungalla (Ahungalla/Bentota area)
  • Why: beachfront classic with family rooms and pools — a good middle‑range family option on the south/west coast. (Check the hotel site or booking platforms for current kids’ offers and pools.) (hidmc.com)

Seasonality and beach safety (important for families)

• Sri Lanka’s coasts have two monsoon patterns: south/east and west/northwest. South and west coasts (Galle/Mirissa/Bentota/Weligama/Tangalle) are typically best from November to April; east coast (Trincomalee/Arugam Bay) is best roughly May–October. This affects sea conditions — some beaches can be rough during the “off” season and resorts may close or limit water activities. Plan coast by coast according to the month you travel. (thetimes.co.uk)

Practical tips for family travellers

• Book rooms with separate sleeping areas (interconnecting rooms, 2‑bedroom suites or family rooms) if you have younger children or need privacy — many resorts offer these. (See the property’s “family rooms” or suite descriptions when booking.) (jetwinghotels.com)
• Kids’ clubs / babysitting: most large resorts (Anantara, Shangri‑La, Cape Weligama, Cinnamon group, Jetwing) offer age‑segmented kids’ clubs and babysitting on request — check age limits and charges before you go. (Anantara.com)
• Travel times: Colombo to south coast resorts is typically 2–3 hours by driver (Southern Expressway) — consider internal transfers or seaplane options for faster travel (seaplanes are available to some luxury properties). Confirm current transfer times/prices with the resort. (ceyloninsidertravels.com)
• Health & safety: bring reef shoes for kids, a reliable reef‑safe sunscreen, and check sea‑flag/warning policies at your resort’s beach (resort staff will advise safe swimming spots if any). Many resort beaches have variable surf; children’s pools are safer for little ones. (Anantara.com)

How I’d choose for your family

• Short stay or arriving late/early: Jetwing Blue (Negombo) — minimal transfer from the airport. (jetwinghotels.com)
• Young kids who want nature and calm pools: Cape Weligama or Anantara Tangalle (excellent kids’ programmes and family pools). (resplendentceylon.com)
• Big‑resort entertainment (kids activities, pools, teen areas): Shangri‑La Hambantota. (Shangri-La.com)
• Good mid‑range family beach option with kids’ club: Cinnamon Bentota. (cinnamonhotels.com)

If you want, I can:

• Suggest a short sample itinerary (e.g., 7–10 days: Negombo → Galle/Weligama → Tangalle or Yala day trip) tailored to your family’s ages and interests; or
• Check availability/prices for specific dates at any of the hotels above and compare examples (I’d confirm current rates and offers at time of booking).

Which would you prefer — recommendations by budget (midrange vs luxury), by child ages, or a sample 7–10 day family route?