As a born and raised Texan I have spent 35 years in this amazing state and have been lucky enough to explore it's beautiful and vast terrain. Now a mom of 3 I'm always on the hunt for family friendly destinations. In this post I'm going to highlight some specific destinations that my family and I have loved and why. I've broken them out by area including the TX Hill country, Austin, San Antonio, Houston, and Dallas/Fort Worth.
TEXAS HILL COUNTRY
Deep in the Texas Hill Country you'll find Mo-Ranch, a Presbyterian owned property that is open to the public. If I could describe "God's Country" it would be this. I think I'm a bit biased because I grew up coming here as a kid and it brings back such fond memories. We spend most our time at the river, pool, hiking the trails, and letting the kids run around outside exploring the terrain. There are many options for lodging including a hotel, cabins and even campgrounds if you want to bring your own tent. We usually rent a large cabin and bring food to cook. You won't find pool service here but you will find the famous mo-slide and an extremely laid back vibe. Other amenities include disc golf, canoeing, sand volleyball, tennis courts, basketball courts, and a playground. I never get cell phone service while I'm here which I kind of love because I truly disconnect from social.
We've only visited the Jellystone Canyon Lake location which was an absolute blast, but I've heard the Guadalupe location in Kerrville is even bigger and better. It's a popular spot for RVs and campers, but we rented a small cabin. You'll find lots of kid activities, amazing waterparks, and in the Kerrville location you're right on the Guadalupe river! In Canyon Lake we were close enough to Wimberley and Gruene to go to dinner at different spots. I've got a detailed blog post about our vacation here!
Near Garner State Park along the Frio river you'll find River Bluff Cabins. This is a very family-friendly no frills vacation spot. This location is very expensive in my opinion for the cabins HOWEVER you are paying for the premium river spot. Just steps from the cabins you have the perfect area for swimming and sitting in the river. The adults will bring chairs, coolers and sit in low water while the kids play around in the deeper swimming areas all within eyesight. There is no food on site so you'll need to bring your own food but each cabin has a full kitchen. They have some great kid amenities including a splash pad, pool, outdoor volleyball court, basketball hoop and a playscape. It's also a great spot because you can jump in your car and be at Garner State Park in a few minutes. There are also some entry spots nearby for tubing the river. We love going to the iconic Garner dance with the kids!
This is a luxurious property that still feels laid back enough to bring my wild kids 🤪. Located on the shores of Lake LBJ just outside of Marble Falls, Horseshoe Bay Resort has everything to offer families! They have a robust activity program and a kid's club that includes babysitting at night for an additional cost 🙌 . Below are just a few of their amenities:
- Three pools (1 heated in the winter)
- Large hot tubs
- Beach area on the lake
- Poolside bar & food service
- Tennis & pickle ball courts
- 3 golf courses including an 18 hole competitive putting course
- Nightly s'mores
- Multiple restaurants onsite so you never have to leave
Built in 1949, Cypress Falls Lodge has a rich history in Wimberley. The rooms are basic with no frills (22 total), but the location is perfect for summer activities! They have a pool, a super fun tavern that kids AND dogs are allowed in, and a cafe on-site. With your stay you get access to the Cypress Falls Swimming Hole that's a short walk from the lodge. There you can tube, kayak, stand up paddle board, fish and swim of course! They have an awesome bar that overlooks the swimming hole where you can order food from the cafe. You are 5 minutes from downtown Wimberley which is an extremely cute town with lots of shopping, food, wineries and swimming holes!
I haven't visited yet, but I've heard amazing things about Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort & Spa located 20 minutes from San Antonio's downtown Riverwalk. It's a secluded resort with vast amenities, comfortable charm and rich history of authentic Texas hospitality. They have a 5-acre water park, FlowRider wave machine, nature trails, complimentary bicycles, tennis & sand volleyball courts, nightly s'mores, video arcade and a playground. They offer six restaurants on site and pool side service.
Located north of San Antonio in Boerne you'll find Tapatio Springs Hill Country Resort. I'm a bit biased with this one because it's partly owned by my favorite country singer, George Strait 🤠. I've visited a few times and have always had a great experience! They aren't as kid-friendly as the two resorts above but they have lots of space for kids to run, and award-winning golf course, two pools (1 for kids, 1 adult only), hiking trails, and a spa. Their restaurant and bar has an amazing patio that overlooks the golf course and hill country and often has live music. It's a short drive to the adorable town of Boerne, a picturesque Texas town offering a wide range of shopping and restaurants.
There are many areas to visit on the Texas Gulf Coast including Corpus Christi, Rockport, South Padre Island, Port Aransas and more. I've been to them all, and prefer Port Aransas hands down. The town is the most "beachy" town in my opinion with great options for shopping, dining and drinking. South Padre offers the same, but it is much farther and their main street has insane traffic. I have a guide to South Padre here if you're interested!
A large beach community located in Port Aransas with the most picturesque beach homes (think pink, blue, green and yellow hues). I grew up vacationing in Port Aransas and have stayed at a variety of hotels and condos, but I was absolutely blown away by Cinnamon Shore. The grounds are meticulously manicured and they offer an array of family friendly amenities including;
- Coffee and ice cream shop
- Three large pools
- Pirate ship playscape
- Free on-site activities (calendar changes every week) including live music, movies on the lawn, sandcastle lessons and s'mores
- Activities with an additional cost include guided fishing tours, bike rentals, bonfire on the beach, kite surfing lessons, yoga on the beach, parasailing, skydiving and shrimp boils (on the beach or in your home).
The vacation rentals are individually owned and decorated beautifully. We rented a large house to fit over 14 people, and I know they have homes that are much bigger. They come with a full kitchen and usually a bbq pit so you can cook on-site. You can walk to the beach but I would advise renting a buggie because the pools and beach are spaced on and it makes carrying all your beach gear much easier. We also rented beach chairs + umbrellas during our stay that the staff would set up every morning and have ready for us at the beach. Worth EVERY penny! Check out my blog post here and YouTube video!
Luxury beach community that is very similar to Cinnamon Shore but not as large. The vacation rentals are individually owned as well and beautifully decorated. Palmilla has one large resort pool (currently building their second pool), cabanas, and Texas' only True Links style golf course. They offer a few family-friendly activities including pool movie nights, free popsicles for the kids and fitness classes. You can get poolside and beach food + drink service, and they also have two delicious restaurants on site (one more casual and one more formal). The resort has a pier that gives you direct walking access to the beach, but I would recommend renting a beach buggie. Check out my full blog post here!
Set on a 25 acre enclave wrapped around the largest lagoon pool in Texas - you'll find Port Royal Ocean Resort! The resort has a pier easily walkable to the beach, and most things are fairly close so a buggie rental is not necessary in my opinion. The condos are individually owned and more outdated than Cinnamon Shore & Palmilla but more affordable. Family friendly activities include water slides, sand and water volleyball courts, sandcastle lessons, dive-in movies, ice cream shop and aqua Zumba classes. For dining they offer a swim up cabana bar, food truck and restaurant.
Consisting of 60 individually owned condos, The Mayan Princess is just steps away from the beach (no need for a buggie here). They offer 1, 2 or 3 bedroom beachfront condos featuring large patios or balconies with beautiful views of the three lagoon pools and the Gulf of Mexico. Every condo is equipped with full kitchens, laundry and cable TV. This is an older property, but they've been updating the condos. Out of all the lodging options I've shared in Port A, the Mayan Princess is the furthest from downtown Port A (10 miles). This is a no-frills resort, but I've always enjoyed staying here because it's small and an easy walk to the beach!
AUSTIN AREA
Located on 405 acres along the Lower Colorado River, Hyatt Lost Pines is a beautiful family-friendly resort just outside of Austin. To be honest this resort has been on my bucket list for years, but it isn't cheap. I'm hoping one day to visit! From what I've seen through friends' trips is that this resort has an authentic Texas vibe. Horseback riding, shotgun trap shooting, waterpark and lazy river, 18-hole award-winning golf course, family fishing, archery, high end spa, nightly s'mores and more! There are a few restaurants and bars on site, and they offer many holiday events. I've seen footage of their Christmas activities and they look magical! There are also some great activities to experience right outside the hotel including zip lining, exploring the quaint town of Bastrop, and UTV tours!
Secluded in the rolling hill country of Austin, the 4,000 acre newly-renovated Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa is the ultimate retreat. This resort has one pool, 4 award winning golf courses, a spa, and 7 unique restaurants and lounges. I love that they offer tennis and golf lessons for kids, and have seasonal events such as poolside crafts, live music, nature walks and snow during Christmas!
Overlooking Lake Travis, Lakeway Resort and Spa is a beautiful resort in the Texas Hill Country. My mom and Dad actually went on their honeymoon to this resort ❤️. It sits 25 miles from the city center of Austin, but there is much to do in Lakeway. There is a dedicated kids pool (heated during winter weekends), complete with an adventure slide for the big kids, and splash pad for the little ones. They offer family activities including outdoor movies, evening s'mores and access to the Lakeway marina if you want to take a boat out for the day! There is a spa on site + a southern restaurant and bar.
The largest indoor waterpark in America sits in Round Rock, TX just 10 minutes from my home. Kalahari Resort & Convention Center is massive and once you step inside you don't have to leave for days. Let's break down some features:
- 223,000 sq. ft. of waterpark
- 20 pools and whirlpools
- 30 waterslides
- Waterpark attractions including FlowRider, adults-only swim-up bar/pool, lazy river, wave pool, private cabanas for rent
- 80,000 sq. ft. of fun in Tom Foolery's Adventure park (rock climbing wall, bowling, laser tag, kids ropes course)
- 10,000 sq. ft. of retail space
- Spa & salon offering body treatments, massages, facials, nail care and hair services. There is also a wet therapy room, dry sauna, steam room, and private pool.
Waterpark day passes are available, but waterpark admission is included for all registered guests when you book a room. It's not a cheap vacation as snacks, food and drinks are quite expensive, but this is a great winter vacation option. My kids have been begging me to take them again. Check out my detailed blog post about our experience here!
I couldn't write this blog without including one of my favorite towns in Texas which happens to be where I call home. There is no large resort in Georgetown, but the town is so quaint and a great spot for a family getaway. If you are looking for a hotel with a pool you'll want to stay at the Sheraton Hotel which is in the center of Georgetown. It's the only full-service hotel in the area with a restaurant and bar on site, poolside service, and free bike rentals to explore. It's in a great area call Rivery Park with hike and bike trails, a playscape, restaurants, retails stores, and a coffee shop within walking distance. If you are looking for something larger and quainter, check out The Georgetown Peach, an adorable family friendly cottage (sleeps 7+).
HOUSTON / GALVESTON
Located 30 minutes from downtown Houston, The Woodlands Resort, is a beautiful and massive resort. It boasts 2 champion golf courses, a Lazy River & Waterpark, three whirlpools, 21 outdoor & indoor tennis courts, hiking trails, bike rentals, relaxing spa, luxury cabanas for rent, goat yoga, an arcade, and 3 on-site restaurants. I have yet to stay here but it's on my list!
A 32-acre beachfront hotel and spa resort located on Galveston Island, The San Luis Resort, is a great spot for a family vacation! They boast lavish accommodations, multiple pools, private cabanas, pool-side service and multiple restaurants on-site. This is a great location if you are heading to the beach or want to spend time discovering Galveston's historic downtown area.
An hour north of Houston, you'll find Margaritaville Lake Resort, located on Lake Conroe. It boasts an array of amenities and a waterfront view. Amenities include:
Located on Lake Grapevine, the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center is a HUGE resort great for families! They have a ten-acre water park, indoor pool, four-and-a-half acres of indoor garden atriums, four award-winning restaurants, bars, and a world-class spa. They have a running calendar of family friendly activities and host amazing holiday events including snow tubing, ICE sculpture experience, and themed holiday meals with characters. The holiday decorations are worth a stay!
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