Discovering the best Family Friendly Vacation Spots can be exciting, and at hudsonfamily.net, we understand the importance of creating memorable experiences for your loved ones; that’s why we’ve curated a list of Texas destinations perfect for your next family getaway. From the scenic Texas Hill Country to the bustling cities, we ensure your vacation is filled with fun, relaxation, and cherished moments with your family. Let’s explore destinations offering fantastic memories with the whole family, child-friendly activities, and family travel tips.
1. Exploring Texas Hill Country: A Haven for Family Vacations
What makes Texas Hill Country an ideal destination for family vacations? Texas Hill Country is an amazing spot for vacation due to its wide variety of scenic beauty and family-friendly activities. This is a very popular destination that helps parents spend quality time with children in amazing destinations.
- Mo-Ranch | Hunt, TX
Deep in the Texas Hill Country, you’ll discover Mo-Ranch, a Presbyterian-owned property open to the public. If you want to see “God’s Country,” then this is the place for you. Many people have grown up coming here as kids and it brings back fond memories. Most people spend time at the river, pool, hiking 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. 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. It’s a great spot to disconnect from social media because you never get cell phone service while here.
The Mo-Ranch river provides excellent opportunities for families to bond over swimming and water activities, creating lasting memories in the Texas Hill Country
- Jellystone Hill Country | Canyon Lake, TX
The Jellystone Canyon Lake location is an absolute blast. It’s a popular spot for RVs and campers, but you can also rent a small cabin. You’ll find lots of kid activities and amazing waterparks. In Canyon Lake you’re close enough to Wimberley and Gruene to go to dinner at different spots. According to a 2023 study by the American Camp Association, family-oriented campgrounds like Jellystone enhance social skills and promote family bonding through shared outdoor experiences.
Families at Jellystone Canyon Lake enjoy a variety of water activities and park amenities, creating memorable vacation experiences
Kids at Jellystone Canyon Lake have fun with exciting water slides and splashing around in the pools, contributing to their summer vacation excitement
- River Bluff Cabins | Leakey, TX
Near Garner State Park along the Frio River, you’ll find River Bluff Cabins. This is a very family-friendly no frills vacation spot. 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. You will also love going to the iconic Garner dance with the kids.
Families can enjoy quality time together at River Bluff Cabins with river access and kid-friendly amenities
- Horseshoe Bay Resort | Marble Falls, TX
This is a luxurious property that still feels laid back enough to bring 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 leaveThey offer numerous lake activities including sunset cruises or renting jet skis and pontoon boats. They have traditional hotel rooms, but you can also rent their condos that are larger and dog-friendly. It’s also great to visit during Christmas as they have numerous holiday events.
Kids at Horseshoe Bay Resort enjoy the splash of the pool, reflecting their joy during family vacation
The picturesque lakeside at Horseshoe Bay Resort offers families an ideal spot for relaxation and waterside activities
The vibrant colors of the pool area at Horseshoe Bay Resort beckon families to enjoy splashing fun and summer relaxation
- Cypress Falls Lodge | Wimberley, TX
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.
Families at Cypress Falls Lodge can enjoy swimming, tubing, and other water activities in the Cypress Falls Swimming Hole, creating lasting memories together
2. San Antonio Area: Family-Oriented Resorts and Attractions
Why is the San Antonio area a fantastic choice for families looking for diverse vacation experiences? The San Antonio area is popular for all kinds of resorts and attractions for families. Here you are bound to find family activities that will create a wonderful vacation.
- JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa
Nestled amid 600 acres of oak-covered hills, JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa is a 4-star luxury resort. They have a nine-acre water park featuring a 1,100-foot lazy river, slides, and a beach. They have cabanas available for rent and pool service. They have six restaurants on site, great bars, and a luxury spa. It’s the type of place you go and never have to leave. The breakfast buffet is amazing. They offer kids’ activities all year round, but around holidays it’s extra special. While kids didn’t get to enjoy the water slides due to the cold, they did partake in a petting zoo, Santa visit, slime making, build-a-bear workshop, holiday movies on the lawn, light shows, and nightly s’mores. You are also near San Antonio’s popular attractions including Natural Bridge Caverns, Six Flags Fiesta Texas, and Sea World.
The lively waterpark at JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa provides endless water-based fun for families during their vacation
The lazy river at JW Marriott San Antonio offers a relaxing and enjoyable experience for families seeking a laid-back vacation activity
- Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort & Spa | San Antonio, TX
Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort & Spa is 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 poolside service.
An aerial view of the Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort & Spa showcases the expansive waterpark and lush surroundings, perfect for a family getaway
The thrilling waterslide at Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort & Spa promises exciting moments for families enjoying their vacation
- Tapatio Springs Resort | Boerne, TX
Located north of San Antonio in Boerne you’ll find Tapatio Springs Hill Country Resort. They have lots of space for kids to run, an 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.
The picturesque golf course at Tapatio Springs Hill Country Resort offers a scenic backdrop for families to enjoy recreational activities and relaxation
The outdoor patio at Tapatio Springs Hill Country Resort offers a scenic spot for families to relax and enjoy live music and Hill Country views
The outdoor pool at Tapatio Springs Resort offers a refreshing space for families to unwind and enjoy the Texas sunshine
- Camp Fimfo | New Braunfels, TX
Started by the same owners of Jellystone, Camp Fimfo is a great family spot on the Guadalupe River in New Braunfels. It’s a pricier camping resort with dozens of amenities including a water playground, mini-golf, gem mining, scheduled kids activities, hot tubs, water slides, basketball, pickle ball, and more. This is the perfect location to go tubing with the family. You can bring an RV, tent, or rent a cabin.
The vibrant water playground at Camp Fimfo offers endless fun and entertainment for kids during their family vacation
3. Port Aransas: Beachfront Bliss for Families
What makes Port Aransas stand out as a top beachfront destination for families? Port Aransas is a unique beach destination for families because of its beautiful beaches and wide variety of shopping and dining locations. This is a very popular place for all kinds of beach activities.
- Cinnamon Shore | Port Aransas, TX
A large beach community located in Port Aransas with the most picturesque beach homes. The grounds are meticulously manicured and they offer an array of family-friendly amenities including;
* Two restaurants + poolside bar and food service
* 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. You can walk to the beach but renting a buggie is advised because the pools and beach are spaced out and it makes carrying all your beach gear much easier. Also, you can rent beach chairs + umbrellas during your stay that the staff will set up every morning and have ready for you at the beach.
The colorful beach homes at Cinnamon Shore in Port Aransas create a cheerful and inviting atmosphere for family vacations
The inviting pools and family-friendly setup at Cinnamon Shore in Port Aransas enhance the vacation experience
The pristine beach at Cinnamon Shore in Port Aransas provides an idyllic setting for families to enjoy beach activities and relaxation
Kids at Cinnamon Shore in Port Aransas enjoy building sandcastles and playing on the beach, making for a memorable family vacation
- Palmilla Beach Resort | Port Aransas, TX
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.
The luxurious pool area at Palmilla Beach Resort in Port Aransas offers a relaxing and upscale environment for families to unwind
The scenic views and well-manicured landscape at Palmilla Beach Resort in Port Aransas enhance the overall vacation experience for families
The serene beachfront at Palmilla Beach Resort in Port Aransas offers families a tranquil setting to enjoy beach activities and create lasting memories
- Port Royal Ocean Resort | Port Aransas, TX
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. 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, an ice cream shop, and aqua Zumba classes. For dining they offer a swim up cabana bar, food truck, and restaurant.
The expansive lagoon pool at Port Royal Ocean Resort in Port Aransas offers families a fun-filled environment with water activities and relaxation
- The Mayan Princess | Port Aransas, TX
Consisting of 60 individually owned condos, The Mayan Princess is just steps away from the beach. 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. Out of all the lodging options, the Mayan Princess is the furthest from downtown Port A (10 miles). This is a no-frills resort, but it’s small and an easy walk to the beach.
The exterior of The Mayan Princess in Port Aransas showcases its beachfront condos with balconies, offering stunning views and easy access to the beach
4. Austin Area: Urban Adventures and Natural Escapes for Families
Why is the Austin area a popular spot for families? Austin is great due to its lively city and many natural escapes. This is a very popular destination that can allow parents to spend quality time with children.
- Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & Spa | Bastrop, TX
Located on 405 acres along the Lower Colorado River, Hyatt Lost Pines is a beautiful family-friendly resort just outside of Austin. 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, a high-end spa, nightly s’mores, and more. There are a few restaurants and bars on site, and they offer many holiday events. There are also some great activities to experience right outside the hotel including zip lining, exploring the quaint town of Bastrop, and UTV tours.
The exciting waterslide at Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & Spa promises thrilling moments for families seeking adventure during their vacation
- Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa | Austin, TX
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. They offer tennis and golf lessons for kids, and have seasonal events such as poolside crafts, live music, nature walks, and snow during Christmas.
The luxurious pool area at Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa provides a serene and relaxing environment for families seeking a hill country retreat
- Lakeway Resort & Spa | Lakeway, TX
Overlooking Lake Travis, Lakeway Resort and Spa is a beautiful resort in the Texas Hill Country. There is a
