Destinations,  Hotels & Airbnb Stays,  Texas

Ultimate Guide to Family Resorts in Texas: Fun for All Ages

Staying at one of the best family resorts in texas

The Best Family Resorts in Texas: Where to Stay for the Ultimate Getaway

My son randomly came up to me this morning and said, “We should go to Texas again.” We had the best time there, and that’s largely in part to how fun the resorts are! Texas is home to some amazing family-friendly resorts, offering everything from water parks and lazy rivers to horseback riding and adventure activities. And you know I love a hotel with a lazy river.

Whether you’re looking for a beachfront retreat, a lakeside escape, or a resort packed with kid-friendly entertainment, Texas has something for every family. Here’s a guide to the best family resorts in Texas, broken down by city. I’ve also included a few of the top things to do in each area, in case you’re still deciding where to stay.

When we went to Texas, we stayed in the Austin area for the first part of our trip. Then we drove to San Antonio and enjoyed checking out the Alamo and the river walk. If you have time to check out multiple cities in Texas, I highly recommend it. There’s so much to do there!

Best Family Resorts in Texas: San Antonio

Things to do in San Antonio:

  • Visit The Alamo and learn about Texas history.
  • Explore the San Antonio River Walk for shopping, dining, and boat rides.
  • Spend a day at SeaWorld San Antonio or Six Flags Fiesta Texas.

JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa

The JW Marriott is one of the best family resorts in Texas

This sprawling resort is perfect for families looking for luxury combined with fun. The highlight is its incredible River Bluff Water Experience, featuring a lazy river, water slides, and a kids’ splash area. There’s also a championship golf course, a spa for parents, and multiple on-site dining options. This is listed as one of the most fun hotels for kids in the U.S.

You can read my full recap of our stay at this resort here.

Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa

Image from Hyatt.com

Another fantastic option, this resort offers a 5-acre water park, a golf course, and family-friendly activities like horseback riding, zip-lining, and nature hikes. Families also love to roast s’mores by the fire pit.

You can check out even more fun family resorts in San Antonio here.

Best Family Resorts in Texas: Austin

Things to do in Austin:

  • Take a dip in Barton Springs Pool.
  • Explore Zilker Park and go paddleboarding on Lady Bird Lake.
  • Visit the Thinkery, Austin’s hands-on children’s museum.
  • Float down one of the many rivers in the area

Check out this full list of the best things to do in Austin with kids.

Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & Spa

Located just outside of Austin along the Colorado River, this resort is perfect for families who love outdoor adventures. Kids can enjoy horseback riding, zip-lining, and nightly s’mores by the fire. The Crooked River Water Park features a lazy river, splash pads, and pools for all ages.

Lakeway Resort and Spa

The Lakeway Resort & Spa is one of the best family resorts in Texas
Image from expedia.com

Nestled on Lake Travis, this resort offers family-friendly pools, including one with a swim-up bar. Plus, there’s a kids’ activity center and lake activities, like boating and fishing. Families love the amenities along with the large suites.

If these hotels don’t do it for you, be sure to check out these other amazing family resorts in Austin or take a look at these awesome Airbnbs in the area.

Best Family Resorts in Texas: Dallas/Fort Worth

Things to do in Dallas/Fort Worth:

  • Visit the Dallas World Aquarium and the Perot Museum of Nature and Science.
  • Explore Fort Worth Stockyards for a real Texas cowboy experience.
  • Spend a day at LEGOLAND Discovery Center.

Great Wolf Lodge Grapevine

Image from expedia.com

If your kids love water parks, Great Wolf Lodge is a must. This indoor water park resort offers water slides, a wave pool, and an interactive adventure game throughout the hotel. There are also family-friendly dining options and themed suites for an immersive experience.

Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center

Image from marriott.com

This massive resort features an indoor riverwalk, a seasonal water park, and family-friendly events year-round. In fact, it’s also on my list of the best places to spend New Years Eve with kids. And no matter what time of year you visit, you’ll find spacious rooms at this resort, which is great for large families.

Best Family Resorts in Texas: Galveston

Things to do in Galveston:

  • Relax on Stewart Beach.
  • Ride the roller coasters at Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier.
  • Visit the historic Strand District for shopping and dining.

Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa & Convention Center

The Moody Gardens Hotel is one of the best family resorts in Texas
Image from expedia.com

This beachfront resort is packed with family-friendly attractions, including an aquarium, rainforest pyramid, 3D and 4D theaters, and a discovery museum. The hotel has a tropical pool with a swim-up bar, making it fun for both kids and parents.

The San Luis Resort

The pool at one of the best family resorts in Texas
Image from sanluisresort.com

A luxury beachfront resort featuring multiple pools, a spa, and family-friendly dining with ocean views. The direct beach access and lounge chairs make it the perfect spot to soak up the rays.

Holiday Inn Resort Galveston-On the Beach

Image from expedia.com

An affordable option with a great location, a large pool, and easy access to the beach. There’s evening entertainment for families, and a family-friendly restaurants onsite for casual dining.

Best Family Resorts in Texas: Houston

Things to do in Houston:

  • Visit the Houston Zoo and the Children’s Museum of Houston.
  • Explore Space Center Houston.
  • Check out Buffalo Bayou Park for outdoor fun.

The Woodlands Resort

The pool and slide at one of the best family resorts in Texas
Image from expedia.com

Just outside Houston, The Woodlands Resort is a great getaway for families. The resort features a huge water park with a lazy river and water slides, plus activities like kayaking and bike rentals. Parents can enjoy the golf course and spa while kids stay entertained.

Marriott Marquis Houston

Image from marriott.com

Famous for its Texas-shaped lazy river, this downtown Houston hotel offers a rooftop pool experience that families will love. You may even catch a poolside movie night. This resort also has an infinity pool with downtown views and spacious family suites.

Best Family Resorts in Texas: Hill Country (Outside of San Antonio & Austin)

Things to do in Hill Country:

  • Take a scenic drive along Willow City Loop for wildflower views.
  • Explore the charming town of Fredericksburg for German food and wineries.
  • Hike at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area.

Horseshoe Bay Resort – One of the best family resorts in Texas

Image from expedia.com

Set on the shores of Lake LBJ, this resort is perfect for water-loving families. Guests can enjoy boating, fishing, and swimming in the lake, along with pools, a putting course, and a kids’ club with supervised activities.

Tapatio Springs Hill Country Resort

Image from expedia.com

A beautiful family-friendly resort with golf, scenic nature trails, and an inviting pool area with hot tubs. There is family-friendly dining on site and weekend events that include live music.

Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resort

Image from jellystonehillcountry.com

Perfect for families who love a more relaxed and camping-style vacation with cabin rentals, water slides, and organized activities for kids.

Conclusion

Texas offers an incredible variety of family-friendly resorts, whether you’re looking for water park fun, outdoor adventure, or a relaxing beach escape. No matter which part of the state you choose to visit, you’re guaranteed a memorable trip filled with fun activities for the whole family.

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Thanks for reading my post. My name is Jaime and I am a mom to three busy children. When we're not at the soccer and football fields, we try to get away as often as possible. I'm a teacher and my husband is a firefighter, so we mostly get away for long weekends or over the school breaks. I hope to inspire busy families to take time to recoup and relax while making memories on camping trips or cruise ships, or at the fancy resort pool--we love it all! Follow me on Instagram for real-time inspiration.

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