Having a getaway to look forward to is always a welcomed escape from day-to-day life. Central Texas boasts some amazing resorts with children’s amenities galore — lazy rivers, water slides, s’mores by the fire, day camp activities, horse rides, and more. Here’s a list of some of our favorite local resorts that are an easy drive from Austin, where you’ll also feel miles and miles away from it all.
Family-Friendly Resorts Near Austin
— Canyon of the Eagles
16942 Ranch Rd 2341, Burnet
Canyon of the Eagles is a resort and restful retreat on the northern shore of Lake Buchanan. Nestled in a uniquely Hill Country natural setting in the Upper Highland Lakes Region, this full-service nature park offers swimming, hiking, kayaking, star gazing and more on a 940-acre nature preserve. Lodging options include hotel rooms within the resort or camping spots on the property. Dogs are also welcome to tag along on your trip. Learn more at www.canyonoftheeagles.com.
— Great Wolf Lodge
100 Great Wolf Dr, Grapevine
The 80,000 square foot onsite indoor water park at the Great Wolf Lodge Grapevine will blow the kids away with year-round fun for all ages with pools, slides, rides, and a four-story interactive water play structure (all kept at a comfortable 84 degrees). The resort also features rustic-themed accommodations, a fitness room, a spa and kids spa, a teen lounge, an arcade, and activities for all ages. For more information visit greatwolf.com/grapevine.
— Horseshoe Bay Resort
200 Hi Cir N, Horseshoe Bay
In the heart of the Texas Hill Country, Horseshoe Bay Resort overlooks Lake LBJ with its blue waters and hillside vistas. The resort offers a variety of indoor and outdoor venues, plus a wide range of activities for all ages and interests with even more for 2024: the only floating pool in the US, Splash Safari Aqua Park, golf courses, water sports, a dining yacht, pools, spa, mini-arcade, tropical birds, giant lawn games, and a little sandy beach area for kids to play. Learn more at hsbresort.com. You can also check here to read our review.
— Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort & Spa
9800 Hyatt Resort Dr, San Antonio
The Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa includes championship golf, tennis, a premier spa, a youth spa for teens, a fitness center, and a four-acre water park with several swimming pools, a man-made beach, and a lazy river, all nestled amid the gardens. The Camp Hyatt children’s program offers exciting games, arts and crafts, contests, nature hikes, swimming, and more for kids ages 3-12. For more information visit their website www.hyatt.com.
— Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & Spa
575 Hyatt Lost Pines Rd, Cedar Creek
Nestled in 405 acres of picturesque wilderness, the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa boasts championship golf, tennis, a fitness center, a world-class spa, a youth spa for kids, horseback riding, archery, trap shooting, lots of river recreation programs from kayaking to rafting, and much more. The onsite water park features a two-story water slide with a beach area, a lazy river, pools, hot tubs, waterfalls, and fountains for splashing fun. For more information visit www.hyatt.com. Check here to read about our stay at the Lost Pines.
— JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Resort & Spa
23808 Resort Pkwy, San Antonio
Guests can enjoy golf, tennis, the spa, a fitness center, and an onsite water park with a lazy river, water slides, a 650-foot rapid river ride, children’s pools, an adult pool, whirlpools, and activity pool with fountains and waterfalls. The resort also features a kids club for children ages 4-12 with fun activities, games, and arts and crafts that incorporate the beautiful wildlife and history of San Antonio. For more information visit www.jwsanantonio.com.
— Kalahari Resort
3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock
Wouldn’t the kids love a visit to America’s largest indoor waterpark? This 350-acre resort features 20 pools, 30 water slides, 975 guest rooms, five restaurants, an indoor adventure park, along with 200,000 square feet of meeting space for events. Last summer, Kalahari Round Rock also opened an outdoor water park including a children’s play area with nine slides, an adult swim-up bar, a 900-foot Adventure River, and more for your family to enjoy during these hot Austin summers (and into fall)! Located on U.S. 79 across from the Dell Diamond and Old Settler’s Park, this giant waterpark offers plenty of family fun – and we love the food there. Take a look at our photos from our visit.
— Lakeway Resort and Spa
101 Lakeway Dr, Lakeway
Lakeway Resort and Spa is approximately 18 miles northwest of downtown Austin on the shores of beautiful Lake Travis. Amenities include sailing, boating, fishing, and water activities, a boutique spa, a Kids Zone recreation center, a pool playground featuring a water slide as well as an adult-only pool with a swim-up bar. This resort also offers day camp programs for the kids. Learn more at lakewayresortandspa.com. You can also check here to read our review.
— Tapatio Springs Hill Country Resort
1 Resort Way, Boerne
This resort is described as where laid-back luxury meets rustic charm. Dine along the Hill Country Mile, float down the Guadalupe River, and shop at the boutiques on Main Street during your stay. Tapatio Springs has lots of live music programming for guests, multiple pools (and a small waterslide), as well as an adults-only pool. Check out their rates and more info here.
— Omni Barton Springs
8212 Barton Club Drive
With multiple pools and hot tubs to choose from, Omni Barton Springs is super family-friendly and there’s lots of space to spread out. They also have a splash pad and special events and deals for families. They’re currently running a “Select Guests Kids Eat Free Deal”, and have summer events planned like their Red White, and Blue BBQ. Get more info here.
MORE TO EXPLORE: Of course, there are many more fun places for a getaway! For cabin stays, glamping, and camping, read about these fun, family-focused locations:
- Weird & Wonderful Places to Stay – Teepees, Treehouses & More
- Day Passes at Local Hotel Pools
- Vintage Trailers in Spicewood at Open Air Resorts
- Beach Glamping at Matagorda Bay Nature
- Airstream Glamping at Lake Bastrop North Shore Park
- Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resorts
- Lakeside Fun at Son’s Island
- Best Camping Spots Around Austin
- RV Camping Around Austin
- Guide to Texas Beaches
- Best Texas Road Trips for Families
