Texas, the Lone Star State, is vast and diverse, offering a treasure trove of experiences perfect for family trips. Having explored Texas for over 35 years, and now as a mom of three, I’m excited to share some exceptional destinations that my family and I have personally enjoyed. From the rolling hills of the Texas Hill Country to the sandy beaches of Port Aransas, and the vibrant cities in between, Texas has something for every family. Let’s dive into some of the best areas for Family Trips In Texas, broken down by region, to help you plan your next adventure!
Texas Hill Country Family Escapes
The Texas Hill Country is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, clear rivers, and charming towns. It’s an ideal destination for families seeking outdoor adventures and relaxing getaways.
Mo-Ranch: A Hill Country Hidden Gem
Nestled deep in the heart of the Texas Hill Country near Hunt, TX, Mo-Ranch is a Presbyterian-owned retreat open to the public. For me, Mo-Ranch embodies the essence of “God’s Country.” Growing up visiting this serene location, it holds a special place in my heart, filled with cherished childhood memories. Our family time here is usually spent enjoying the refreshing river, swimming in the pool, exploring scenic hiking trails, and simply letting the kids roam free and discover the natural surroundings.
Accommodation options are varied, from hotel rooms and cozy cabins to campgrounds for those who prefer tent camping. We often opt for a large cabin, bringing our own food to cook and enjoy the home-like atmosphere. While you won’t find fancy pool-side service, Mo-Ranch offers its iconic mo-slide and a wonderfully relaxed ambiance. Additional amenities include disc golf, canoeing, sand volleyball, tennis and basketball courts, and a playground, ensuring there’s something for everyone in the family. A bonus for those wanting to disconnect? Cell phone service is wonderfully unreliable here, allowing for a true digital detox and deeper family connection.
Jellystone Park Hill Country: Campground Fun with Water Parks
Jellystone Park Hill Country near Canyon Lake is another fantastic option for families, and while we’ve only visited this location, I’ve heard the Guadalupe location in Kerrville is even larger and offers even more. Popular with RVers and campers, Jellystone also offers cabin rentals for those seeking a bit more comfort. Expect a plethora of kid-centric activities, impressive water parks, and if you choose the Kerrville location, direct access to the Guadalupe River. From the Canyon Lake location, we found it easy to take short trips to nearby Wimberley and Gruene for dinner and exploring local charm. For a more detailed look at our Jellystone adventure, you can check out my dedicated blog post here!
River Bluff Cabins: Frio River Family Fun
Located near Garner State Park on the Frio River, River Bluff Cabins in Leakey, TX, offers a quintessential family-friendly, no-frills vacation experience. While the cabins might be pricier for what they offer, you’re truly paying for the unparalleled river access. Just steps from your cabin door, you’ll find an ideal spot for swimming and relaxing in the Frio River. Parents can unwind in chairs in the shallows while keeping a watchful eye on kids playing in deeper swimming areas – all within easy sight.
Keep in mind there’s no on-site food service, so bringing your own groceries is essential; however, each cabin is equipped with a full kitchen for your convenience. River Bluff Cabins does offer great kid-friendly amenities including a splash pad, pool, outdoor volleyball court, basketball hoop, and playscape. Its location is also a major draw, with a quick drive to Garner State Park and nearby tubing entry points on the river. Don’t miss the iconic Garner dance during your stay – a fun Texas tradition for families!
Horseshoe Bay Resort: Lakeside Luxury for Families
For a luxurious yet relaxed family getaway, Horseshoe Bay Resort in Marble Falls is an excellent choice. Situated on the shores of Lake LBJ, this resort caters to families with a wide array of amenities and activities. They offer a fantastic activity program and a kids’ club, even providing babysitting services at night for an additional fee – a real treat for parents! Some of the standout amenities include:
- Three swimming pools (one heated year-round)
- Spacious hot tubs
- A sandy beach area on the lake
- Poolside bar and food service
- Tennis and pickleball courts
- Three golf courses, including a fun 18-hole putting course
- Nightly s’mores gatherings
- Multiple on-site restaurants, meaning you never need to leave the property.
Lake activities abound, from sunset cruises to jet ski and pontoon boat rentals. Accommodation options range from traditional hotel rooms to larger, dog-friendly condos. Horseshoe Bay Resort truly has it all! It’s also a magical destination during Christmas, with numerous festive holiday events. For more details, check out my blog post about a holiday visit here.
Cypress Falls Lodge: Wimberley Charm and Swimming Holes
Cypress Falls Lodge in Wimberley, TX, built in 1949, is steeped in local history. While the 22 rooms are basic, the location is unbeatable for summer fun! The lodge offers a pool, a lively tavern that welcomes kids and dogs, and a convenient on-site cafe. Stays include access to the Cypress Falls Swimming Hole, just a short stroll away, where you can enjoy tubing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, fishing, and swimming. A fantastic bar overlooking the swimming hole allows you to order food from the cafe while enjoying the view. Plus, you’re only 5 minutes from downtown Wimberley, a charming town brimming with shops, restaurants, wineries, and more swimming holes to explore!
San Antonio Area Family Resorts
The San Antonio area boasts world-class resorts that combine luxury with family-friendly fun, often featuring incredible water parks and proximity to popular San Antonio attractions.
JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa: Luxury Water Park Fun
Tucked away on 600 acres of oak-covered hills, the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa is a luxurious 4-star destination. My first visit during Christmas was truly magical. The resort boasts a sprawling nine-acre water park complete with a 1,100-foot lazy river, thrilling slides, and a sandy beach area. Cabana rentals and poolside service elevate the experience – pure bliss for parents! With six restaurants on-site, excellent bars, and a luxurious spa, you could easily spend your entire vacation within the resort grounds.
Their breakfast buffet is legendary, albeit a splurge. Kids’ activities are offered year-round, but the holiday season brings extra special events. While the water park was too chilly for our kids during our winter visit, we enjoyed a petting zoo, Santa meet-and-greet, slime making, build-a-bear workshop, holiday movies on the lawn, dazzling light shows, and nightly s’mores! Beyond the resort, you’re conveniently close to San Antonio’s top attractions like Natural Bridge Caverns, Six Flags Fiesta Texas, and SeaWorld. Check out my holiday stories from our trip here!
Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort & Spa: Secluded Charm and Family Fun
While I haven’t personally visited yet, the Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort & Spa, located just 20 minutes from San Antonio’s Riverwalk, comes highly recommended. This secluded resort promises a blend of vast amenities, comfortable charm, and authentic Texas hospitality. Families will love the 5-acre water park, FlowRider wave machine, nature trails, complimentary bicycles, tennis & sand volleyball courts, nightly s’mores, video arcade, and playground. Dining is also plentiful with six restaurants and poolside service available.
Tapatio Springs Hill Country Resort: Country Charm and Golf
Located north of San Antonio in Boerne, Tapatio Springs Hill Country Resort holds a special place for country music fans as it’s co-owned by the legendary George Strait! I’ve visited a few times and always enjoyed my stay. While perhaps not as overtly kid-focused as the previous two resorts, Tapatio Springs offers ample space for kids to play, an award-winning golf course, two pools (one for families, one adult-only), hiking trails, and a relaxing spa. Their restaurant and bar feature a stunning patio overlooking the golf course and Hill Country, often with live music. A short drive will take you to the charming town of Boerne, a picturesque Texas town with delightful shopping and dining options.
Camp Fimfo: Guadalupe River Camping Resort
From the creators of Jellystone, Camp Fimfo in New Braunfels offers a fantastic family camping experience right on the Guadalupe River. This camping resort is on the pricier side but packed with amenities, including a water playground, mini-golf, gem mining, scheduled kids’ activities, hot tubs, water slides, basketball, pickleball, and more! It’s the perfect base for family tubing adventures. Bring your RV, tent, or rent a comfortable cabin for your stay.
Port Aransas: Texas Beach Town Family Fun
The Texas Gulf Coast is dotted with wonderful beach destinations, including Corpus Christi, Rockport, South Padre Island, and Port Aransas. While I’ve explored them all, Port Aransas is my top pick for family beach trips in Texas. In my opinion, it has the most authentic “beach town” vibe, with great options for shopping, dining, and enjoying the coastal atmosphere. South Padre Island offers similar attractions, but it’s a longer drive, and traffic on the main street can be intense. If you’re interested in South Padre, I do have a guide here!
Cinnamon Shore: Picturesque Beach Community
Cinnamon Shore is a large, master-planned beach community in Port Aransas, known for its charming, colorful beach homes (think pink, blue, green, and yellow hues). Having vacationed in Port Aransas since childhood and stayed in various hotels and condos, Cinnamon Shore truly impressed me. The meticulously maintained grounds and extensive family-friendly amenities are top-notch:
- Two excellent restaurants plus poolside bar and food service
- A delightful coffee and ice cream shop
- Three large swimming pools
- A fun pirate ship playscape
- Free on-site activities (weekly calendar varies) including live music, movies on the lawn, sandcastle lessons, and s’mores
- Activities available for an additional cost include guided fishing tours, bike rentals, beach bonfires, kite surfing lessons, beach yoga, parasailing, skydiving, and shrimp boils (on the beach or in your rental home).
Vacation rentals are individually owned and beautifully decorated, ranging from cozy condos to expansive houses perfect for large family gatherings. Homes come with full kitchens and often BBQ pits for grilling. While the beach is walkable, I highly recommend renting a buggie to easily navigate the community and transport beach gear. We also opted for beach chair and umbrella rentals, with daily setup service – worth every penny! For more insights, check out my blog post here and YouTube video!
Palmilla Beach Resort: Luxury Beachfront Living
Palmilla Beach Resort in Port Aransas offers a luxury beach community experience, similar to Cinnamon Shore but on a slightly smaller scale. The individually owned vacation rentals are beautifully appointed. Palmilla features one large resort pool (with a second pool currently under construction), cabanas, and the only True Links-style golf course in Texas. Family-friendly activities include poolside movie nights, complimentary popsicles for kids, and fitness classes. Poolside and beach food and drink service are available, along with two on-site restaurants (one casual, one more formal). Direct beach access is via a resort pier, but a beach buggie rental is still recommended. Read my full blog post about Palmilla here!
Port Royal Ocean Resort: Lagoon Pools and Family Value
Set on a 25-acre property boasting the largest lagoon pool in Texas, Port Royal Ocean Resort in Port Aransas is another excellent family option. With easy beach access via a pier and close proximity of most amenities, a buggie rental isn’t essential here. Condos are individually owned and while slightly more dated than Cinnamon Shore and Palmilla, they offer a more budget-friendly option. Family-friendly activities include water slides, sand and water volleyball courts, sandcastle lessons, dive-in movies, an ice cream shop, and aqua Zumba classes. Dining options include a swim-up cabana bar, food truck, and restaurant.
The Mayan Princess: Beachfront Condos and Lagoon Pools
The Mayan Princess, comprised of 60 individually owned condos, is just steps from the beach – no buggie needed here! Offering 1, 2, or 3-bedroom beachfront condos with large patios or balconies, you’ll enjoy beautiful views of the three lagoon pools and the Gulf of Mexico. Every condo includes a full kitchen, laundry, and cable TV. While an older property, ongoing updates keep the condos comfortable. Of all the Port Aransas lodging options mentioned, The Mayan Princess is furthest from downtown (10 miles), making it a quieter retreat. It’s a no-frills resort, but I’ve always enjoyed my stays due to its smaller size and easy beach access!
Austin Area Family Resorts
The Austin area offers a unique blend of city excitement and Hill Country beauty, with family resorts that cater to both relaxation and adventure.
Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & Spa: Authentic Texas Experience
Hyatt Lost Pines, situated on 405 acres along the Lower Colorado River near Bastrop, is a stunning family-friendly resort just outside of Austin. This resort has been on my personal bucket list for years due to its reputation for an authentic Texas vibe and extensive amenities. Activities range from horseback riding and shotgun trap shooting to a water park and lazy river, an 18-hole award-winning golf course, family fishing, archery, a high-end spa, and nightly s’mores. On-site dining options are plentiful, and the resort is known for its magical holiday events. Nearby attractions include zip-lining, exploring the charming town of Bastrop, and UTV tours.
Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa: Hill Country Retreat with Activities
Nestled in the rolling hills of Austin, the newly-renovated 4,000-acre Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa provides the ultimate retreat experience. This resort features multiple award-winning golf courses, a spa, and diverse dining options. Families will appreciate the kids’ tennis and golf lessons, seasonal events like poolside crafts, live music, nature walks, and even snow during Christmas!
Lakeway Resort & Spa: Lake Travis Views and Family Fun
Overlooking the scenic Lake Travis, Lakeway Resort and Spa is a beautiful resort nestled in the Texas Hill Country. This resort holds a special sentimental value as my parents spent their honeymoon here! Located about 25 miles from downtown Austin, Lakeway offers a dedicated kids’ pool (heated during winter weekends) with an adventure slide and splash pad. Family activities include outdoor movies, evening s’mores, and access to the Lakeway marina for boat outings. A spa, Southern-style restaurant, and bar complete the resort experience.
Kalahari Resort: America’s Largest Indoor Waterpark
The Kalahari Resort & Convention Center in Round Rock, just north of Austin, is home to the largest indoor waterpark in America. This massive resort is a destination in itself – once you arrive, you won’t need to leave for days! Key features include:
- Over 20 on-site dining options, including 5 signature restaurants and a lively piano bar (perfect for adults in the evening)
- A sprawling 223,000 sq. ft. indoor waterpark
- 20 pools and whirlpools
- 30 exhilarating waterslides
- Diverse waterpark attractions like the FlowRider, an adults-only swim-up bar/pool, lazy river, wave pool, and private cabanas for rent
- 80,000 sq. ft. of fun at Tom Foolery’s Adventure Park (rock climbing wall, bowling, laser tag, kids’ ropes course)
- 10,000 sq. ft. of retail space
- A luxurious spa & salon offering a full range of treatments and amenities like a wet therapy room, dry sauna, steam room, and private pool.
Waterpark admission is included with your room booking, with day passes also available. While not a budget vacation due to the cost of food and drinks, Kalahari is a fantastic winter escape. My kids are constantly asking to return! Read my detailed blog post about our Kalahari experience here!
Georgetown: Quaint Town Charm and Family Activities
I couldn’t complete this guide without including my beloved hometown of Georgetown, Texas! While Georgetown doesn’t have large resorts, its quaint charm and family-friendly atmosphere make it a wonderful destination for a getaway. For a hotel with a pool, the Sheraton Hotel in Rivery Park is your best bet. It’s the only full-service hotel in the area, offering a restaurant and bar, poolside service, and complimentary bike rentals for exploring. Its location in Rivery Park is ideal, with hike and bike trails, a playscape, restaurants, shops, and a coffee shop all within walking distance. For a more unique and spacious stay, consider The Georgetown Peach, an adorable family-friendly cottage that sleeps 7+.
For outdoor family fun in Georgetown, check out my blog post here, detailing kayaking, Natural Bridge Caverns, hike and bike trails, and swimming at Blue Hole in the city center! Sweet Eats Farm is a family favorite year-round, especially during October for the pumpkin patch. Georgetown’s historic downtown square is breathtaking during Christmas with its festive lights! Don’t miss annual events like the Christmas Parade and Market and the Poppy Fest in spring (live music, kids’ activities, market square). Visit the Visit Georgetown website for a full event calendar and attractions. For the best local eats and drinks, follow my foodie IG account, Georgetown Bites!
Houston / Galveston Area Family Getaways
The Houston and Galveston area combines big-city attractions with coastal escapes, offering family resorts with diverse amenities.
The Woodlands Resort: Houston Escape with Waterpark Fun
Located just 30 minutes north of downtown Houston, The Woodlands Resort is a sprawling and beautiful destination. It boasts two championship golf courses, a Lazy River & Waterpark, three whirlpools, 21 outdoor & indoor tennis courts, hiking trails, bike rentals, a relaxing spa, luxury cabana rentals, goat yoga, an arcade, and three on-site restaurants! While I haven’t personally stayed yet, it’s high on my list for a future family trip in Texas.
The San Luis Resort: Galveston Beachfront Luxury
The San Luis Resort, a 32-acre beachfront hotel and spa resort on Galveston Island, is a fantastic choice for a Texas family beach vacation. Offering lavish accommodations, multiple pools, private cabanas, poolside service, and several on-site restaurants, it’s perfect if you want to combine beach time with exploring Galveston’s historic downtown.
Margaritaville Lake Resort: Lake Conroe Waterfront Fun
An hour north of Houston on Lake Conroe, Margaritaville Lake Resort offers a fun-filled waterfront escape. Amenities include:
- A 3.5-acre waterpark with five pools (two heated), water slides, lazy river, splash pad, two hot tubs, and a private beach
- Water rentals: pedal boats, party barge, pontoon boats, jet skis, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, fishing
- 18-hole golf course, tennis, pickleball, and mini-golf
- Multiple restaurants, bars, and poolside service
- Party barge excursions
- A monthly calendar of activities for adults and kids.
Accommodation options range from traditional rooms to larger, beach-inspired cottages. Margaritaville Lake Resort seems like a lively destination perfect for a family trip in Texas!
Dallas / Fort Worth Area Family Fun
The Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex offers a mix of urban excitement and family-friendly resorts, perfect for a diverse Texas family trip.
Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center: Grapevine Extravaganza
Located on Lake Grapevine, the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center in Grapevine is a massive resort ideal for families. It features a ten-acre water park, indoor pool, four-and-a-half acres of stunning indoor garden atriums, four award-winning restaurants, bars, and a world-class spa. The resort has a year-round calendar of family activities and hosts incredible holiday events, including snow tubing, an ICE sculpture experience, and themed holiday meals with characters. The holiday decorations alone are worth a visit!
Great Wolf Lodge: Grapevine Family Waterpark Destination
Also in Grapevine, Great Wolf Lodge is designed specifically for families! The resort offers an expansive 80,000-sq. ft. indoor water park, a wide array of kid-friendly activities, a kids’ spa, character dining experiences, cabana rentals, adult-friendly “wine down” service, diverse dining options, and spacious suites perfect for families. Great Wolf Lodge also hosts festive holiday activities around Halloween and Christmas. Based on feedback from friends, Great Wolf Lodge is comparable to Kalahari – a self-contained destination where you can easily spend your entire vacation. It’s definitely on our Texas family bucket list!
For families staying in Fort Worth or Dallas proper, Hotel Drover in Fort Worth (beautiful western theme) and Hilton Anatole in Dallas are highly recommended family-friendly hotel options!
I trust this guide to family trips in Texas has been helpful! I plan to keep updating this post as my family and I explore more of the amazing destinations Texas has to offer. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me on Instagram. Happy travels!
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