Travel

The Best Family Resorts in Texas for Your Next Getaway

1. JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa

When you’re looking for a place that truly has it all for a family trip, the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa is a solid choice. It’s got this awesome water park area with a lazy river that’s perfect for just floating your cares away. Plus, there are water slides and even a sandy beach pool, which is pretty cool. You can grab a bite at Cibolo Moon, where they serve up some seriously good food – their filet mignon is a must-try. Evenings are nice too; they often have s’mores roasting by the fire, which is a fun way to end the day.

The resort is set in the beautiful Texas Hill Country, giving you those classic views. It’s a place where you can really relax, whether you’re lounging by the pool or exploring the grounds. It feels like a real escape, kind of like finding a hidden gem in the vastness of places like sierra blanca texas, but with all the amenities you could want.

2. Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & Spa

You know, sometimes you just need to feel like you’ve gotten away from it all, even if you’re not actually that far from home. That’s where the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines comes in. It’s tucked away in a nature preserve, so it feels super secluded, almost like you’re in a giant state park. You can go for a hike or even try horseback riding.

My favorite part, though? Definitely the lazy river. It’s this huge, 1,000-foot thing that connects all the pools and slides. You can just grab a tube, find a shady spot under a pecan tree, and float your worries away. They even have poolside service, so you don’t have to leave your perfect spot. It’s pretty awesome.

When the sun starts to set, you can find me by the fire pit, just chilling in a rocking chair. It’s a great way to end the day, and the stars out there are something else. If you’re looking for a place that feels like a true escape without a super long drive, this is definitely one to check out. It’s a good option if you want to experience some of the best of Texas family getaways.

3. Horseshoe Bay Resort

If you’re looking for a place to stay that’s right on the water, Horseshoe Bay Resort on Lake LBJ is a solid choice, especially if you’re coming from Austin. They’ve got a bunch of different places to stay, so it’s pretty easy to find something that works for your family, whether it’s just you and the kids or a bigger group. You won’t find a lazy river here, but the beach right on the lake and all the lake access more than make up for it. Plus, they have good options for childcare, which means you might actually get some time to yourself on the lake or at the spa. It’s a great spot to just relax and enjoy the Texas sunshine, maybe even do some kayaking on the lake. And if you’re into golf, they have some really nice courses nearby.

4. Great Wolf Lodge Grapevine

Great Wolf Lodge Grapevine water park with families playing.

If you’re looking for some serious family fun in Texas, Great Wolf Lodge in Grapevine is pretty much the ultimate destination, especially if your kids go wild for water parks. Seriously, this place has a massive indoor water park that’s open all year round, so you don’t have to worry about the weather. You’ve got water slides, a wave pool, and all sorts of splashy areas that are great for little ones and older kids alike. It’s definitely one of the top spots for family activities in Texas.

Beyond the water park, they’ve got other things going on too, like this interactive game called MagiQuest where you use a magic wand to go on adventures throughout the lodge. It’s a really cool way to keep everyone entertained. They even have themed suites, which are a blast and give you plenty of space. When it comes to fun things to do in Texas with kids, this place really delivers. It’s a solid choice for family outings in Texas, offering a ton of family fun in Texas all under one roof. You can find more great spots for water fun in our guide to refreshing summer swimming destinations.

5. Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center

Gaylord Texan Resort indoor gardens and atrium

If you’re looking for a place that truly screams “Texas” and offers a ton of fun for everyone, you’ve got to check out the Gaylord Texan in Grapevine. Seriously, this place is huge, and it’s got these massive atriums that make you feel like you’re outside, but you’re actually in the cool, air-conditioned indoors. It’s perfect for escaping that Texas heat, which, let’s be honest, lasts for a good chunk of the year. You might even spot some characters wandering around – we’ve seen Shrek and Santa here before, which is always a hit with the kids.

One of the coolest spots is the Paradise Springs water park. It’s got this awesome fort-themed water playground that your little ones will absolutely love. It’s a short shuttle ride away, or you can take a nice walk past Lake Grapevine if you’re feeling adventurous. For family vacations in Texas, this resort is a top contender. It’s one of those places with so many things to do in Texas, you might not even need to leave the resort. If you’re planning vacation places in Texas for families, especially around the Dallas-Fort Worth area, this is a solid choice for Texas attractions family fun. It’s definitely one of the best family resorts in Texas, offering plenty of family attractions in Texas and things for families to do in Texas. It’s also a great spot for places to see with toddlers in Texas, especially during their holiday events like ICE! Gaylord Texan.

6. Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa & Convention Center

Moody Gardens Hotel with pools and gardens.

If you’re looking for a spot that’s right on the beach and packed with things to do, you’ve got to check out Moody Gardens in Galveston. It’s not just a hotel; it’s like a whole adventure park rolled into one. Your kids will probably lose their minds over the aquarium and the rainforest pyramid – it’s pretty cool for adults too, honestly. They’ve got these theaters with 3D and 4D screens, which is a fun way to spend an afternoon, especially if the weather isn’t cooperating. And the pool area? It’s got a tropical vibe with a swim-up bar, so you can grab a drink while the little ones splash around. It’s a really solid choice if you want a mix of relaxation and entertainment without having to leave the property much.

7. The San Luis Resort

Luxurious beachfront resort with pool and ocean view.

If you’re heading to Galveston Island for a family trip, you’ll want to check out The San Luis Resort. It’s a great spot to set up your home base while you explore all the fun things Galveston has to offer. You get awesome views of the Gulf from here, and it’s super close to all the kid-friendly activities. Think about spending your days checking out The Strand, Moody Gardens, or even a theme park.

Then, when you’re ready to chill, you can hit up the resort’s spa or pool. They also have some really good restaurants right there, perfect for watching the sunset. And if you happen to be there around the holidays, their buffets are pretty epic, especially for Christmas. Plus, they have a swim-up bar, which is always a win. It’s a nice place to relax after a day of exploring, with the beautiful sierra blanca mountains in the distance, though you’re actually by the sea here.

8. Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa

If you’re looking for that classic Hill Country experience, the Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa is a solid choice. It’s been around for a while, but they’ve kept it updated, so it still feels pretty nice. You’ve got a whole water park area here with a bunch of pools, a lazy river that actually has tubes for everyone, and even a little sandy beach area. For the kids, there’s a separate pool, which is always a win. If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, they’ve got this FlowRider thing where you can try surfing or bodyboarding.

Beyond the water, there’s golf, some lawn games, and even chances to see wildlife, which my kids always get a kick out of. Grabbing a frozen drink by the pool is pretty standard, and ending the day with s’mores by the fire is a nice touch. It’s a good spot if you want that quintessential Texas vibe without going too far out of town, especially if you’re planning a San Antonio family vacation.

9. Marriott Marquis Houston

Right in the heart of downtown Houston, the Marriott Marquis is a spot that really feels like a mini-vacation, even if you’re just there for a bit. It’s super close to Discovery Green Park and Minute Maid Park, so if you’re looking to catch a game or just explore the city, you’re in a great place. Plus, there’s a sky-bridge connecting it to the convention center, which is handy. What really makes this place stand out for families, though, is that rooftop pool. Seriously, it’s shaped like Texas, and there’s a lazy river. Your kids will probably lose their minds with excitement over that. They also have a bar and hot tubs up there, so you can relax while they splash around. It’s a pretty cool setup for a city hotel that wants to give you that resort feel.

10. The Woodlands Resort

Just a bit north of Houston, you’ll find The Woodlands Resort, a spot that’s really good for families looking for a fun escape. It’s not as massive as some of the Hill Country places, but trust me, the water park here is something else and will keep everyone busy. You’ve got your lazy river, some fast water slides, and a splash area that’s perfect for the little ones. If you somehow get tired of the water, there are tennis courts, a couple of golf courses, and some nice shopping nearby. The kids especially get a kick out of the movie nights by the pool, and don’t forget the s’mores they do every night – it’s a real treat.

Ready to Pack Your Bags?

So, there you have it! Texas really does have a fantastic lineup of places for families to stay, whether you’re all about splashing in water parks, getting out in nature, or just chilling by the beach. No matter which spot you pick from our list, you’re pretty much guaranteed a trip that everyone will remember. Get ready to make some awesome memories with your crew – Texas is waiting!

Leave a Reply

Back to top button