If you’re dreaming of a family friendly vacations that’s packed with fun, adventure, and a sprinkle of Texas charm, you’ve come to the right place! As a proud Texan native, I’m here to be your trusty guide through the Lone Star State, where everything is bigger—and definitely more exciting—when it comes to family-friendly activities. Imagine exploring beautiful parks, enjoying thrilling attractions, and making memories that’ll have you all talking long after the trip is over.
Let’s hit the road to discover the amazing vacation spots in Texas for every family to enjoy!
The Best Family Friendly Vacations and Getaways in Texas
Georgetown Getaways: Family Fun and Cozy Stays
Georgetown may not have a large resort, but it is a charming town perfect for a family getaway. For a hotel with a pool, consider the Sheraton Hotel in the heart of Georgetown. It’s the only full-service hotel around, offering a restaurant and bar on-site, with poolside service, and complimentary bike rentals for exploring.
Located in the vibrant Rivery Park, the Sheraton is surrounded by hiking and biking trails, restaurants, a playscape, a coffee shop, and retail stores, all within walking distance. For a larger, cozier option, check out The Georgetown Peach, an adorable family-friendly cottage that sleeps seven or more.
Unplug and Unwind: Discover the Charm of Mo-Ranch in Texas Hill Country
Nestled in the Texas Hill Country, Mo-Ranch is a Presbyterian-owned property open to the public. It offers various lodging options, including a hotel, cabins, and campgrounds for those who prefer to bring their own tent. Renting a large cabin and cooking your own meals adds to the fun. While there’s no pool service, you can enjoy the famous Mo-slide (where you can zoom down a 38-foot tall slide on a wheeled sled, splashing into the cool, pristine waters of the Guadalupe River.
Other activities include canoeing, disc golf, sand volleyball, basketball courts, tennis courts, and a playground. Plus, the lack of cell phone service makes it the perfect place to disconnect from the digital world.
Riverfront Bliss: Family Fun at River Bluff Cabins
Located near Garner State Park along the Frio River, River Bluff Cabins is a family-friendly vacation spot offering premium river access. Although the cabins are pricey, the location just steps from perfect swimming areas justifies the cost. Adults can relax in low water with chairs and coolers, while kids enjoy the deeper swimming spots within eyesight.
Each cabin features a full kitchen, as there is no on-site dining. Amenities include a pool, splash pad, basketball hoop, outdoor volleyball court, and playscape. The cabins are also conveniently close to Garner State Park and some river tubing entry points.
Summer Fun at Cypress Falls Lodge
Cypress Falls Lodge, built in 1949, boasts a rich history in Wimberley. The lodge offers 22 basic, no-frills rooms, perfect for a summer family getaway. Here, you can enjoy a pool, a lively tavern welcoming kids and dogs, and an on-site café. A stay includes access to the nearby Cypress Falls Swimming Hole, ideal for tubing, kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, and swimming.
The lodge also features a fantastic bar overlooking the swimming hole, where you can also order food from the café. Just five minutes from downtown Wimberley, you’ll find cute shops, delicious food, wineries, and more swimming holes.
Lakeside Luxury at Horseshoe Bay Resort
Horseshoe Bay Resort, located on Lake LBJ near Marble Falls, combines luxury with a relaxed atmosphere ideal for families with energetic kids. It features a robust activity program, a kid’s club with optional nighttime babysitting (no extra cost), and various amenities including three pools (one heated), hot tubs, a beach area, poolside dining, tennis and pickleball courts, and three golf courses.
You can also enjoy sunset cruises and watercraft rentals. Accommodation includes traditional hotel rooms and larger, dog-friendly condos. The resort is also a great spot for holiday events, especially during Christmas.
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Fun for the Whole Family at JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country
Set amid 600 acres of oaky hillside, the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa is a luxurious 4-star retreat. The resort features a nine-acre water park with slides, a 1,100-foot lazy river, and a beach, along with rentable cabanas and poolside service. On-site dining includes nine restaurants and excellent bars, and the spa offers a touch of luxury. The breakfast buffet is outstanding but pricey.
Year-round kids’ activities are enhanced during holidays. Some of the highlights include Santa visits, a petting zoo, slime-making, holiday movies outdoors, light shows, a Build-A-Bear workshop, and s’mores every night. The resort is also conveniently close to San Antonio’s top attractions, including Six Flags Fiesta Texas, Natural Bridge Caverns, and SeaWorld.
Scenic Bliss: Discover Tapatio Springs Hill Country Resort
Situated north of San Antonio in Boerne, Tapatio Springs Hill Country Resort offers a spacious retreat perfect for families. The resort features two pools (one for adults only and one for kids),
an award-winning golf course, scenic hiking trails, and a rejuvenating spa. The on-site restaurant and bar boast a fantastic patio with stunning views of the golf course and hill country, often accompanied by live music. Just a short drive away, the cute town of Boerne provides an array of shopping and dining options, enhancing your stay with its picturesque Texas atmosphere.
Adventure and Relaxation at Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort & Spa
Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort & Spa, situated just 20 minutes from San Antonio’s downtown Riverwalk, offers a secluded retreat with extensive amenities and genuine Texas hospitality. The resort features a FlowRider wave machine, a 5-acre water park, nature trails, free bicycles, and courts for tennis and sand volleyball.
Here, you can enjoy a video arcade, nightly s’mores, and a playground. With six on-site restaurants and poolside service, there’s plenty to satisfy every craving.
Family Fun and River Exploration at Camp Fimfo
Founded by the same team behind Jellystone, Camp Fimfo is an excellent family destination on the Guadalupe River in New Braunfels. This upscale camping resort offers a range of amenities, including mini-golf, a water playground, gem mining, hot tubs, scheduled kids’ activities, water slides, pickleball, basketball, and more.
It’s an ideal spot for family tubing adventures. You can choose from RV sites, tent camping, or cabin rentals.
Palmilla Beach: A Luxurious Coastal Retreat
Palmilla Beach is a luxurious coastal community, reminiscent of Cinnamon Shore but on a smaller scale. The vacation rentals here are individually owned and exquisitely decorated. The resort features two pools, cabanas, and the only True Links-style golf course in Texas.
Family-friendly activities include free popsicles for kids, pool movie nights, and fitness classes. Here, you can enjoy poolside and beachside food and drink service, along with two excellent on-site restaurants. The resort boasts a pier providing direct access to the beach, though renting a beach buggy is recommended for convenience.
Colorful Coastal Charm: Discover Cinnamon Shore
Located in Port Aransas, this vibrant beach community boasts picturesque homes in bright colors and offers a range of family-friendly amenities. Highlights include two restaurants, a poolside bar, a coffee and ice cream shop, three large pools, and a pirate ship playscape. Free weekly activities such as live music, movies on the lawn, and sandcastle lessons are available, with additional activities like fishing tours, bike rentals, and kite surfing offered at extra cost.
The individually owned, beautifully decorated vacation rentals come with full kitchens and BBQ pits. Although the beautiful beaches are within walking distance, renting a beach buggy is recommended for transporting gear. Beach chairs and umbrellas can also be rented and set up each morning by the staff. It’s one of the most unique places you can stay!
Lagoon Luxury: Explore Port Royal Ocean Resort
Nestled on a 25-acre site surrounding the biggest lagoon pool in Texas, Port Royal Ocean Resort offers a great way to getaway for families. With a convenient pier providing easy access to the beach, you may find a buggy rental unnecessary as most amenities are within close reach. While the individually owned condos are more outdated compared to Cinnamon Shore and Palmilla, they are also more budget-friendly.
The resort features a variety of family-friendly activities, including water slides, water and sand volleyball courts, dive-in movies, sandcastle lessons, aqua Zumba classes, and an ice cream shop. Dining options include a swim-up cabana bar, a food truck, and a restaurant.
Texas Charm and Adventure Await at Hyatt Lost Pines
Spanning 405 acres next to the Lower Colorado River, Hyatt Lost Pines is a stunning family-friendly resort just minutes from Austin, exuding an authentic Texas charm. The resort offers a range of activities including shotgun trap shooting, horseback riding, a waterpark with a lazy river, an award-winning 18-hole golf course, archery, family fishing, and a luxurious spa.
Enjoy nightly s’mores and dine at a variety of on-site restaurants and bars. The resort also hosts many holiday events perfect for the kids. Beyond the resort, you can zip line, explore the cute town of Bastrop, and go on UTV tours.
Beachside Comfort and Scenic Views at The Mayan Princess
The Mayan Princess, featuring 60 individually owned condos, is ideally located just steps from the beach—making a buggy rental unnecessary. Choose from 1, 2, or 3-bedroom beachfront condos, each offering expansive patios or balconies with stunning views of the three lagoon pools and the Gulf of Mexico.
Each condo is fully equipped with a kitchen, laundry facilities, and cable TV. While the properties are older, recent updates have refreshed the condos. This no-frills resort focuses on providing a comfortable and convenient beachside stay.
Lakeview Bliss and Family Fun at Lakeway Resort and Spa
With views of Lake Travis, Lakeway Resort and Spa is a stunning retreat in the Texas Hill Country, just 25 miles from downtown Austin. The resort features a kids’ pool, heated on winter weekends, with an adventure slide for older children and a splash pad for toddlers.
Family-friendly activities include outdoor movies, nightly s’mores, and easy access to the Lakeway marina for a day on the water. On-site amenities also include a spa and a southern restaurant with a bar.
Escape to Elegance: Discover Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa
Nestled in the picturesque hill country of Austin, the newly renovated Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa spans 4,000 acres, offering an unparalleled retreat experience. This luxurious resort features a single, expansive pool, four award-winning golf courses, and a full-service spa. Here, you can indulge in dining at seven unique restaurants and lounges, each offering a distinct culinary experience.
The resort provides tennis and golf lessons for kids, ensuring fun for the whole family. Seasonal events add to the allure, including live music, poolside crafts, nature walks, and even snowfall during the Christmas season.
Experience the Ultimate Indoor Waterpark at Kalahari Resort & Convention Center
Kalahari Resort & Convention Center, located just 10 minutes from Round Rock, is the biggest indoor waterpark in America. The resort features 20 dining options, including five signature restaurants and a piano bar. Its 223,000-square-foot waterpark includes 20 pools, 30 waterslides, and attractions like a FlowRider, lazy river, and swim-up bar.
The resort also offers Tom Foolery’s Adventure Park with activities such as rock climbing, bowling, and laser tag. With 10,000 square feet of retail space and a luxurious spa, it provides a complete vacation experience. Waterpark admission is included for guests, though it can be pricey.
Discover The Woodlands Resort’s Golf, Water Fun, and More
Located just 30 minutes from downtown Houston, The Woodlands Resort is a sprawling, picturesque retreat offering a wide range of amenities. The resort features two championship golf courses, perfect for golf enthusiasts. Its impressive water amenities include a Lazy River and Waterpark, complemented by three whirlpools for ultimate relaxation. Sports enthusiasts can enjoy 21 tennis courts, both indoor and outdoor, and there are hiking trails and bike rentals for those who prefer outdoor activities.
For a touch of relaxation, the resort’s spa provides a variety of treatments. You can unwind in luxury cabanas available for rent or participate in unique activities such as goat yoga. The resort also includes an arcade for family fun and boasts three on-site restaurants.
Waterfront Bliss and Fun-Filled Days at Margaritaville Lake Resort
An hour north of Houston, Margaritaville Lake Resort on Lake Conroe offers a scenic waterfront escape with a 3.5-acre waterpark featuring five pools, water slides, a lazy river, and a private beach. Guests can rent various watercraft, play on an 18-hole golf course, and enjoy tennis, pickleball, and mini-golf.
The resort also offers multiple dining options, bars, and poolside service, along with party barge events and a monthly activities calendar for all ages. Accommodations include traditional rooms and beach-themed cottages.
Beachfront Luxury and Family Fun Await at The San Luis Resort
Set on 32 acres of pristine beachfront on Galveston Island, The San Luis Resort is a premier destination for a family vacation. The resort offers lavish accommodations that cater to both relaxation and enjoyment. You can enjoy multiple pools, including options for both adults and children, and unwind in private cabanas with dedicated poolside service.
The resort also features several on-site restaurants, providing a variety of dining experiences without needing to leave the property.
Ultimate Family Fun at Great Wolf Lodge: Waterpark Adventures and More
Great Wolf Lodge in Grapevine is a family-friendly resort featuring an 80,000-square-foot indoor water park. It offers kid-friendly activities, character meals, a kids’ spa, and spacious suites for families. The resort also includes cabanas, adult wine-down service, and various dining options. Seasonal events, including Halloween and Christmas celebrations, add to the fun throughout the year.
Family Fun and Festive Magic at Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center
Situated on Lake Grapevine, the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center is a sprawling destination perfect for families. The resort features a massive ten-acre water park, an indoor pool, and expansive indoor garden atriums covering four-and-a-half acres. You can enjoy dining at four award-winning restaurants, unwind at various bars, and relax at a world-class spa.
With a calendar full of family-friendly activities, the resort also hosts spectacular holiday events, including an ICE sculpture experience, snow tubing, and themed holiday dining with characters. The festive decorations are a highlight, making it a must-visit during the holiday season.
Other Must-Visit Family Vacations in Texas
Vacation Spots in TX on the Water
If you’re looking for more ideas of where to vacation in Texas, check out our article about vacation spots on the water for some inspiration. From beach towns to cities, there is something for everyone to enjoy!
Unique Family-Friendly Vacations in Texas
Looking for a family vacation with a twist? Discover unique spots in Texas like Casa Kumwesu, the ice cream-themed rental that’s a sweet treat for all ages, the Houston Marriott Marquis with its epic rooftop pool, and The Inn Between’s charming, cozy vibes. Uncover more quirky and family-friendly destinations that will make your next Texas getaway truly unforgettable!
Read More: 28+ Unique Family-Friendly Vacations in Texas
Best Summer Vacations in Texas for Families
From exploring the wonders of the Perot Museum of Nature and Science in Dallas-Fort Worth to marveling at marine life at the Texas State Aquarium and floating down the crystal-clear San Marcos River, there’s no shortage of fun waiting for you and your family! Click here to uncover more exciting destinations and make this summer your family’s best one yet!
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Best Family Vacations in Texas: FAQs
Is Texas a good family holiday destination?
Yes, Texas is a great family holiday destination. It offers a variety of activities and attractions for all ages, including waterparks, museums, theme parks, outdoor adventures, and vibrant cities with cultural and dining options.
Where is the best city to raise a family in Texas?
Houston is a top choice for families in Texas due to its affordable cost of living and the benefits of a major city. The city offers a wealth of amenities, including excellent schools, diverse dining options, and numerous recreational activities.
What is the best month to vacation in Texas?
The best times for statewide travel in Texas are late October to November, March to April, and late May to early June. During these periods, you’ll typically avoid the state’s extreme temperatures and heavy rainfall, making for a more comfortable and enjoyable travel experience.
Is Texas expensive for holiday?
Compared to other regions in North America, which are known for their high costs, this area stands out as a very affordable destination. It ranks in the top 10% of cities in North America for affordability, making it comparable to other budget-friendly locations in the country.
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Best Family Vacations in Texas: Final Thoughts
As you plan your next family adventure, Texas offers a bunch of vacation spots that cater to all interests and ages. Whether you’re drawn to the excitement of sprawling resorts or the tranquility of nature escapes, Texas has the perfect destination to suit your family’s needs. Embrace the adventure, spend quality time together, and enjoy all that the Lone Star State has to offer. Your next unforgettable family trip is just around the corner and you’re sure to have the best time!
Last Updated 4 months ago by Jessica Serna | Published: August 18, 2024
