With summer in full swing, 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

via Canyon of the Eagles FB Page

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 Grapevine via Yelp

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.


surrounded by great lake views – Photo from Horseshoe Bay Resort’s Facebook page

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: 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.


Everyone loves s’mores on vacay! Photo courtesy of Robin Schuler, Mama Bird Chronicles

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.


We love the lazy river at Hyatt Lost Pines. Photo by Heidi Okla

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.


Wide open spaces surround the lazy river – Photo from the Marriott website

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.


Lots of room for kids to splash! Photo by Heidi Okla.

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. Located on U.S. 79 across from the Dell Diamond and Old Settler’s Park, this giant waterpark offers plenty of family fun. Take a look at our photos from our visit.


Fun Kid’s Pool Playground via Lakeway Resort FB Page

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 via Yelp

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.


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: