Dreaming of relaxing and fun getaway from Austin with kids?
Austin is surrounded by a bevy of fascinating family resorts with thrilling waterparks, horse rides and children’s activities.
From hidden coves to popular chains, the options for family resorts in Central Texas are endless.
And, we know how tough it is to pick the right one for your family.
So, we’ll make it easy for you by highlighting the best family resorts near Austin, TX.
1. Lakeway Resort and Spa
101 Lakeway Dr
Lakeway, TX 78734
(512) 261-6600
Who should stay here
Lakeway is our favorite family-friendly resort close to Austin, Texas.
From their pillow-top mattresses to rejuvenating spa treatments, the resort can, in many ways, give moms and dads a refreshing break.
And, more importantly, it features a plethora of fun amenities for kids.
Trust me, kids of all ages will love the numerous activities available at the resort.
Your little ones will have a blast exploring the Kid Zone as well as the outdoor pool playground with exciting water rides.
Outdoorsy teenagers will spend a lot of time experiencing water activities, like boating and sailing.
And, did I mention that the resort has day camp programs for children?
Distance from Austin
The resort is a quick 30-minute drive from downtown Austin via Southwest Pkwy.
The distance of the journey is 23 miles.
2. La Cantera Resort & Spa
16641 La Cantera Pkwy
San Antonio, TX 78256
(210) 558-6500
Who should stay here
There’s no shortage of fun activities for both young and old at this resort.
With splash zones and waterslides, your young ones will have a swell time playing in the children’s pool.
And, while there, don’t forget to treat yourself by indulging in the resort’s poolside dining experience.
If you’re traveling with infants, you may request cribs and strollers as you explore the resort.
Distance from Austin
La Cantera is one of the finest resorts within 2 hours of Austin.
On average, the drive to the resort from Austin will take 1 hour and 21 minutes via I-35 S.
The length of the drive is 83.5 miles.
3. Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & Spa
575 Hyatt Lost Pines Rd
Cedar Creek, TX 78612
(512) 308-1234
Who should stay here
Hyatt Regency offers a world of fun and adventure for the whole gang.
Here, you and your teens will experience an array of river recreation programs, such as rafting and kayaking.
We also recommend archery and horseback riding for tweens and teens.
And, guess what?
This top-rated family resort also boasts a massive child-friendly water park.
Offering splashing fun, the waterpark will delight your kiddos with fountains, waterfalls, hot tubs, pools and a lazy river.
Plus, the park has an awesome 2-story water slide as well.
Distance from Austin
There are two routes that lead to the resort.
We prefer driving TX-71 E since it’s faster and easier.
With a distance of 25.8 miles, the drive will take around 30 minutes.
4. The Woodlands Resort
2301 N Millbend Dr
The Woodlands, TX 77380
(281) 367-1100
Who should stay here
The Woodlands, with its family-friendly diversions, is a terrific choice for families with sprightly kiddos and teens.
As a matter of fact, the resort offers lessons and programs for children and teens who are into tennis or golf.
And, they can have a wet and wild adventure at the resort’s waterpark, home to a lazy river and a waterslide.
After their swimming escapade, kids may relax and watch a poolside film.
Then, you may satisfy their taste buds with the sumptuous meals served at their on-site restaurant.
Distance from Austin
The Woodlands is one the top resort options within 3 hours of Austin.
The fastest way to the resort from Austin is to drive US-290 E.
Normally, the drive takes 2 hours and 37 minutes, and has a trip distance of 161 miles.
Also See:
Family Resorts: HoustonFamily Hotels in San Antonio
5. Horseshoe Bay Resort
200 Hi Cir N
Horseshoe Bay, TX 78657
(877) 611-0112
Who should stay here
Instagram-loving teens will find their bliss at Horseshoe Bay Resort.
Overlooking Lake LBJ, this resort impresses aspiring Instagram stars with stunning views of the hillside and blue waters.
We also love the resort’s teen-approved activities, including the mini-arcade and water sports.
Although we recommend this resort for families with teens, it also offers child-friendly amenities.
Not only does it feature pools, but it also features tropical birds and giant lawn games.
Moreover, it has a tiny sandy beach area where toddlers and children can play.
Distance from Austin
From Austin, the resort is just an hour away (54.4 miles) by car via TX-71 W.
Related: Best Things to Do Near Austin
6. Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort & Spa
9800 Hyatt Resort Dr
San Antonio, TX 78251
(210) 647-1234
Who should stay here
Hyatt Regency Hill is a fantastic kid-friendly hotel near Austin for ages 3 to 12.
And, we really admire their children’s program, which includes swimming lessons, nature hikes, arts and crafts and exciting games.
Furthermore, the resort has a 4-acre park with a lazy river, man-made beach and several pools.
On top of it all, the resort has a fitness center, a teen-friendly youth spa, tennis courts and championship golf facilities.
Distance from Austin
The resort is 89.8 miles away, with a travel time of 1 hour and 26 minutes, from Austin via I-35 S.
Also See:
San Antonio Family ResortsDallas Resorts for Families
7. The St. Regis Houston
1919 Briar Oaks Ln
Houston, TX 77027
(713) 840-7600
Who should stay here
St. Regis, with their Family Traditions program, will give your kiddos a taste of the finer things in life.
The program is, after all, designed to ensure that your kids will have an extremely comfortable stay.
Your youngsters will enjoy kid-sized robes, a step stool and comfy slippers.
Additionally, the resort has a refreshing pool and childcare services for parents who want to enjoy the adult amenities on their vacation.
To me, the resort is best suited for families with kids ages 6 and below.
Distance from Austin
From Austin, drive TX-71 E and I-10 E to get to this upscale resort.
The distance of the road trip is 161.2 miles, and will take 2 hours and 30 minutes depending on the traffic.
Related: Best Restaurants in Austin
8. JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Resort & Spa
23808 Resort Pkwy
San Antonio, TX 78261
(210) 276-2500
Who should stay here
JW Marriott San Antonio has incredibly fun treats for kids ages 4 to 12.
With the resort’s “kids” club, your little ones will experience an array of fun games, activities, crafts and arts.
Of course, it also has a waterpark with waterfalls, fountains, whirlpools and a lazy river.
Adventurous older kids will have a swell time experiencing the park’s 650-foot rapid river ride.
As a bonus, the resort has a ton of other handy facilities for the whole tribe, like its golf course and tennis courts.
Distance from Austin
You have to drive for 1 hour and 15 minutes via I-35 to reach the resort from Austin.
The drive has a distance of 72.9 miles.
9. The Resort at Schlitterbahn
305 W Austin St
New Braunfels, TX 78130
(830) 625-2351
Who should stay here
Schlitterbahn is a wonderful alternative to the top family resorts in Austin.
It has a convenient location and has a lively waterpark that’s appropriate for everyone.
Not to mention, it has an array of accommodations to suit your family’s needs, including the executive king rooms.
From toddlers to adults, everyone in your tribe will relish their experience exploring its 2 waterparks.
So, spend some time checking out its lazy river, water coasters, surf rides and tubing river.
Other noteworthy amenities include hiking, fishing, barbecue pits as well as basketball and tennis courts.
Distance from Austin
The resort is pretty close to Austin, with a distance of 47.9 miles via I-35 S.
The duration of the drive is 50 minutes to 1 hour and 20 minutes, depending on the traffic.
Related: Best Hotels in Austin
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List of image sources
9 Best Family Friendly Resorts Close to Austin, TX for 2022
- Lakeway Resort and Spa
- La Cantera Resort & Spa
- Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & Spa
- The Woodlands Resort
- Horseshoe Bay Resort
- Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort & Spa
- The St. Regis Houston
- JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Resort & Spa
- The Resort at Schlitterbahn
FAQs
What famous American resort is good for families? ›
1. The Broadmoor, Colorado Springs, CO. A long revered family favorite in Colorado Springs, The Broadmoor is a 5-star property that turned 100 years old recently and might offer more kid-friendly adventures than any resort in America.
Is Austin a good family vacation? ›Austin, Texas is internationally renowned for its acclaimed music scene, quirky nature, tasty food, and first-rate events. It's also rich in things to do for people no matter their age, making it an excellent destination for your next family vacation.
Is Austin Texas inclusive? ›Austin makes number 5 on the list of U.S. cities that are the most inclusive in the United States.
What are the 4 types of resorts? ›There are four primary categories of resorts: golf resorts & beach resorts, island resorts & lake resorts, mountain resorts & ski resorts, and spa resorts. Some resorts are focused on sports.
What is the best month to go to Austin Texas? ›The best times to visit Austin are September to November or March to May, when 70s and 80s are the anticipated daytime temperatures. As temperatures climb into the mid- to high 90s with high humidity, the Texan summer (June through August) is barely tolerable for unaccustomed visitors.
Is Austin cheaper than Las Vegas? ›The cost of living in Austin, TX is 4.3% higher than in Las Vegas, NV.
Is Austin cheaper than Florida? ›The cost of living in Austin, TX is -8.3% lower than in Miami, FL.
How many days in Austin is enough? ›Whether for a long weekend or midweek getaway, three days in Austin allows enough time to experience the town's funky culture, enjoy its plentiful green spaces, hear its live music, taste its food, and get out into the Texas Hill Country to enjoy the countryside.
Is San Antonio or Austin better for vacation? ›San Antonio is widely known as Texas' number one tourist destination thanks to its vibrant atmosphere and sheer beauty. Whereas, Austin is a good option for those looking to immerse themselves in culture and the arts. Hot and humid during May-October.
What is the number 1 vacation spot in the US? ›New York City
New York City attracted a record 66.6 million tourists in 2019, according to NYC & Company, the city's tourism promotion agency. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the city is the number 1 most popular place to visit in the U.S.
Where is the cheapest family holiday destination? ›
- Menorca, Spain. This Balearic Island is fantastic for families, and is located just a two hours from the UK. ...
- San Diego, California, USA. ...
- Algarve, Portugal. ...
- Brittany, France. ...
- Dubrovnik, Croatia. ...
- Valletta, Malta. ...
- Goa, India. ...
- Koh Samui, Thailand.
Hotels' primary purpose is to provide comfortable lodging. A resort is more like a self-contained development that can be a destination in its own right. Most travel needs such as dining, entertainment, shopping, local transportation, and more can be found within the resort's establishment.
What is normally included in an all-inclusive resort? ›If you go on an all-inclusive vacation, it means your stay, unlimited food, drinks, activities and entertainment are included in the booking price of the resort – without any surprise costs. Depending on the location you choose, you can basically leave your wallet at home. Everything has been paid for in advance.
What is a 6 star resort? ›Some of the first-class amenities that separate a six-star from a five-star hotel include private in-room chefs and butlers, on-call chauffeurs and private pools. These posh perks that come with a six-star hotel, of course also come with a hefty price tag; rooms in many of these hotels average about $1,000 per night.
What is the rainiest month in Austin Texas? ›- Most rainfall (rainy season) is seen in May and October.
- On average, May is the wettest month with 5.2 inch (131 mm) of precipitation.
- On average, February is the driest month with 2 inch (50 mm) of precipitation.
The coldest month of the year in Austin is January, with an average low of 43°F and high of 62°F.
How much do you need to make a month to be comfortable in Austin? ›In Austin, the study found that a single adult would need to be making $55,186 after taxes. If you were in a couple and only 1 adult worked, you would need to make $87,314. The income increases per child and per partner situation.
Is Austin very expensive? ›Cost of living in Austin. Austin is a moderately expensive place to live, but it also has comparably high wages to offset the cost of living. The median home in Austin costs $378,300, which is far higher than the median in Texas ($200,400) or the United States overall ($240,500).
Is Nashville or Austin cheaper? ›According to a 2021 study, Austin is 15% more expensive than Nashville.
Is Austin cheaper than California? ›Cost of Living Comparison Between Austin, TX and Los Angeles, CA. You would need around 6,794.94$ in Los Angeles, CA to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with 5,700.00$ in Austin, TX (assuming you rent in both cities). This calculation uses our Cost of Living Plus Rent Index to compare cost of living ...
Is Austin becoming unaffordable? ›
Austin's unaffordability problem: Pay hasn't kept up with the rising cost of housing. Austin's demographer says income has gone up by 44% in the last 10 years. However, rent and housing prices are rising at a much faster rate.
Is Dallas or Austin more expensive? ›Compared to other cities of its size, Dallas is relatively inexpensive, with a cost of living below the national average. On the other hand, Austin is considerably more expensive, topping the cost of living in Dallas by more than 17%. And, compared to the national average, Austin is 30% more expensive.
Is Texas cheaper than California? ›California is one of the most expensive states to live in. Texas is more affordable, almost across the board.
What is the #1 hotel in the US? ›On Tuesday, U.S. News & World Report released its 2019 list of the best hotels around the world — and Hawaii's Four Seasons Resort Hualalai took the No. 1 spot among U.S. hotels. The U.S. News rankings took into account each hotel's industry awards, along with its star rating and guest reviews.
What is the most family friendly city in America? ›| Overall Rank | City | Family Fun |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fremont, CA | 81 |
| 2 | Overland Park, KS | 110 |
| 3 | Irvine, CA | 20 |
| 4 | Plano, TX | 97 |
- 01 of 84. Breathless Montego Bay Resort & Spa, Jamaica. ...
- 02 of 84. Calilo, Ios, Greece. ...
- 03 of 84. One&Only Palmilla, Los Cabos. ...
- 04 of 84. Nobu Hotel Los Cabos, Mexico. ...
- 05 of 84. Le Barthélemy Hotel & Spa, St. ...
- 06 of 84. Boca Raton Resort & Club, Florida. ...
- 07 of 84. ...
- 08 of 84.
There are 210 Five-Star hotels, 69 Five-Star restaurants and 64 Five-Star spas on the list with 1,694 winners in total. The Peninsula Hotels, in a first for Forbes Travel Guide, became an all Five-Star hotel company. The list also includes 49 new Four-Star hotels, six new Five-Star restaurants and eight Five-Star spas.
What is the most infamous hotel? ›...
Cecil Hotel (Los Angeles)
| Cecil Hotel | |
|---|---|
| Location within the Los Angeles metropolitan area | |
| General information | |
| Address | 640 S Main St, Los Angeles, CA 90014, United States |
1. Burj Al Arab, Dubai. The Burj Al Arab has often been described as the world's first “seven-star hotel” or "the most luxurious hotel in the world" since opening its doors in 1999.
What is the 7 star hotel called? ›Burj Al Arab Dubai
It's dubbed the world's only official 7-star hotel, so naturally, it's the first place you want to book if you're looking to be blown away by over-the-top luxury.
What is the most family friendly city in Texas? ›
From visiting National Monuments and museums to exploring the great outdoors, there's something for every type of family traveler. In Texas, the most family-friendly city is San Antonio.
Which state has the happiest kids? ›New Hampshire ranked first, followed by Massachusetts and Vermont, according to the Annie E. Casey Foundation, a Baltimore, Md. -based private philanthropic group focused on children's well-being. The worst-ranked states were Louisiana, New Mexico and Mississippi.
What is the kindest state to live in? ›Kentucky tops list of kindest states, as new research reveals the state of kindness in the United States.
What beach do most celebrities go to? ›Malibu, California is known to many as a hot-spot for celebrities. This city has lots of beautiful features, including miles of beaches (Zuma Beach, Malibu Beach, Point Dume), trendy restaurants, amazing homes, and scenery for days. It's not hard to see that Malibu is a beautiful haven for superstars.
Where do most celebrities stay? ›Celebrities can be found in all kinds of places in the US and abroad, but the highest concentration of famous people is still in Hollywood Hills.
How many 8 star hotels are there in the world? ›Burj Al Arab, located in Dubai, United Arab Emirate, is the world's only 8-star hotel.
How many 10 star hotels are there in the world? ›Burj Al Arab the world's only 10 star hotel - Picture of Burj Al Arab, Dubai.