What are the best family-friendly resorts in Texas? Which resorts have the best lazy river? Which pools are heated? Where are the best restaurants? What activities are available? What are the childcare options? WHICH FAMILY-FRIENDLY TEXAS RESORT SHOULD I GO TO?!?

Check out our insider family resort reviews at the best family resorts in Texas… and then check out what to pack for young kids and other family travel tips to help save money, especially if it’s your first family trip! 

Top 17 Best Family Resorts in Texas

Here is a list of our favorite kid-friendly resorts for unforgettable family fun in Texas that we’ve reviewed, with more to come!

1. JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa – San Antonio, Texas

We love the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort and Spa for its well-maintained pools, sandy beach pool, lazy river, water slides, and the adults-only hot tub with a lovely hill country view that’s especially nice at sunset.

Our kids love the nightly s’mores and the rubber duck race on Sunday mornings before we head back up I-35. There’s a large back patio off the main building with outdoor fireplaces and a sprawling green lawn where the kids can play tag or corn hole (our favorite) while you wait to eat the best filet mignon ever (trust us) at Cibolo Moon, one of the many on-site restaurants.

There are also championship golf courses and walking trails surrounding the resort. We recently did a family reunion at the JW San Antonio and it was enjoyed by the entire family from babies to grandparents. It’s our favorite place for family vacations in Texas

What we love most about it:

• Enjoying our favorite steak at Cibolo Moon
• Relaxing on the lazy river – check out more of the Best Texas Lazy Rivers!
• Roasting marshmallows nightly as the sunsets over the hill country view

Read our full resort review here: JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort and Spa 

📍JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort and Spa – 23808 Resort Pkwy, San Antonio, TX 78261

2. Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center – Dallas / Fort Worth, Texas

The Gaylord Texan Resort is located in Grapevine, Texas just between Dallas and Fort Worth. It has 3 large atriums that allow you to beat the Texas heat in the summer months (who are we kidding… late Spring to early Fall) by feeling like you’re outside while actually being in a comfortably air-conditioned atrium.

Keep your eyes peeled for characters that cruise around the resort grounds and change with the seasons. We were more excited than I care to admit to meet Shrek, Papa Smurf, and even Santa in years past!

Also, don’t miss the LEGIT fort-themed water playground in the Paradise Springs water park area. It is just a short shuttle ride from the main Gaylord Texan resort and is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. If you decide to walk instead, it takes about 15-20 minutes (at a 3-year-old’s pace) and you get to walk past Lake Grapevine.

In December, we love to kick off the holiday season with a weekend at ICE! Gaylord Texan, ice skating, and enjoying a character breakfast to complete the holiday magic!

What we love most about it:

• Summer dining on a “deck” without sitting in a pool of sweat  
• ICE! Gaylord Texan during Christmas time – see more seasonal celebrations here
• Riding the water slides and the lazy river – more Best Texas Lazy Rivers here!

Read our full resort review here: Gaylord Texan Resort and Spa 

📍Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center –1501 Gaylord Trail, Grapevine, TX 76051

3. Hyatt Regency Lost Pines – Bastrop / Austin, Texas

The Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa feels the most “remote” of the Texas Family Resorts despite being just a 45-minute drive from Austin. This beautiful resort is surrounded by a nature preserve so big you’ll feel like you’re in a state park that provides ample outdoor activities like nature trails and horseback riding.

On our family vacations to the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines, we love to grab some lounge chairs under a shady pecan tree on the lazy river with poolside service. The 1,000-foot lazy river at the Hyatt Lost Pines connects all the pools and slides together. It even connects to a fun beachfront pool and riverside swim-up bar so you quite literally never have to get out of the lazy river. There are heated outdoor swimming pools during the chillier months, but the lazy river is not heated.

Cell phone service is the spottiest at this resort (see: remote) but we’ve found Verizon to be the best.

We love ending the day here in rocking chairs with a drink in hand around the fire pit, and whatever you do –  don’t forget to look up at the stars!

What we love most about it:

• Pool lounging under a shady pecan tree. Ahh…
• Relaxing in a rocking chair while our kids play lawn games
• Floating away in the lazy river – more Best Texas Lazy Rivers

Read our full resort review here: Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa 

📍Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa – 575 Hyatt Lost Pines Rd, Cedar Creek, TX 78612

4. La Cantera Resort & Spa – San Antonio, Texas

La Cantera Resort and Spa in north San Antonio feels a little more upscale than the other Texas Hill Country family resorts. It sits up on a hill and has amazing Hill Country views in literally every direction. You can easily enjoy it with your kids or as an adults-only weekend getaway (parents on the loose!) or a girls’ trip.

There is no lazy river but there are 3 infinity swimming pools and a kids pool with water slides as well as an adults-only hot tub… decisions, decisions.

We think La Cantera Resort has the best food and views of the San Antonio resorts. We ordered salads, sandwiches, and kids meals poolside and they were all top-notch and kid-approved.

There are also fun things like great shopping and theme parks with thrill rides in San Antonio like Six Flags Fiesta Texas and Lone Star Lagoon very close to La Cantera Resort. The perfect spot for a San Antonio family vacation to remember!

What we love most about it:

• Hill Country Views from the 3 infinity pools and kids pool
• Literally all of the on-site restaurants – y.u.m.
• The fitness center… because life is all about balance!

Read our full resort review here: La Cantera Resort and Spa 

📍La Cantera Resort a –16641 La Cantera Pkwy, San Antonio, TX 78256

5. Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort & Spa– San Antonio, Texas

The OG of Texas Hill Country resorts, the Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa has recently been renovated to a more polished yet still authentically Hill Country vibe.

Spend your days enjoying the water park that offers multiple pools, a lazy river, a sandy beach, and a dedicated kids pool. The Ramblin’ River lazy river is temperature-controlled and provides single, double, and kid-sized tubes so everyone can ride comfortably. If you are feeling more adventurous, you can try out the FlowRider Wave Machine which serves up perfect waves to show off your surfing or bodyboarding skills.

Other great resort amenities include golf, lawn games, sports courts, and wildlife encounters sure to entertain the whole family. My boys love to get a Sluhie from the poolside bar to keep cool in the Summer and, of course, a fireside s’more at sunset!

What we love most about it:

• The water park and riverside “beach”
• Enjoying a frozen drink poolside
• Taking in the hill country from the lazy river – more Best Texas Lazy Rivers

Read our full resort review here: Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa 

📍Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa –  9800 Hyatt Resort Dr, San Antonio, TX 78251

6. The Woodlands Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton – The Woodlands / Houston, Texas

The Woodlands Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton is a family resort with a turned-up pool situation in close proximity to Houston. We find The Woodlands Resort is not as sprawling as the Hill Country Resorts, but the water park and other resort activities will still keep your whole family entertained all weekend!

There’s a lazy river, water slides (including racing slides), and a “Sprayground” splash playground for the kiddos that you won’t want to miss. When you get tired of the pool (like that could happen), there are also tennis courts, more than one golf course, and great shopping nearby. Our kids love the poolside family movie night and, of course, the nightly s’mores at The Woodlands Resort!

What we love most about it:

• Family fun on the resort pool Racing slides
• Chicken finger basket poolside – trust us!
• Beating the Texas heat with a relaxing afternoon on the lazy river – more Best Texas Lazy Rivers

Read our full resort review here: The Woodlands Resort

📍The Woodlands Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton –2301 N Millbend Dr, The Woodlands, TX 77380

7. Omni Barton Creek Resort and Spa – Austin, Texas

The Omni Barton Creek Resort and Spa is located in the beautiful hills of west Austin. This resort was recently renovated and has the perfect “modern hill country” vibe that feels remote while still being easily accessible from downtown Austin.

Your kids will love to spend the day at the multiple pools, splash pad, or mini golf course on the property. There is also a cute little nature hike through the woods with a bingo card you can turn in at the front desk for a treasure chest prize. After a day on the golf course, enjoy a cocktail from the infinity pool overlooking the 18th hole or take in a sunset from the fire pit in a rocking chair.

Either way, you’ll love the relaxation that comes from a family vacation to the Omni Barton Creek Resort and Spa. Be sure to pick up a cinnamon roll at the cute little coffee shop in the lobby, Velvet Joe’s, and sip your morning coffee on the back porch overlooking the west Austin hills. You won’t regret it!

What we love most about it:

• Enjoying the Hill Country sunset next to a fire pit on the back deck
• Family fun on the property scavenger hunt or playing mini golf
• Multiple resort pools and a kids splash pad make it easy to keep cool!

Read our full resort review here: Omni Barton Creek Resort and Spa 

📍Omni Barton Creek Resort and Spa – 8212 Barton Club Dr, Austin, TX 78735

8. Houstonian Hotel, Club, and Spa – Houston, Texas

The Houstonian Hotel, Club, and Spa is located near the beautiful Memorial Park in Houston, Texas.

It is a fitness-focused hotel, club, and spa that has multiple tennis and pickleball courts, an upscale gym, and walking and jogging trails on the property. The well-loved Memorial Park trail is easily accessible from the hotel as well.

There is also onsite dining with both upscale and more casual options as well as poolside dining available. Speaking of pools, the Houstonian has a sports pool for training, a garden pool for relaxing, and a resort pool complete with a water slide, waterfalls, water volleyball and basketball, and a baby pool for toddlers.

With its location, dining options, and resort amenities it is perfect for a health-conscious family getaway in Houston.

What we love most about it:

• Splashing in the family-friendly resort pool
• Playing a morning game of pickleball
• Proximity to Memorial Park for a nice walk or jog

Read our full resort review here: Houstonian Hotel, Club, and Spa 

📍JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort – 111 N Post Oak Ln, Houston, TX 77024

9. Marriott Marquis Houston – Houston, Texas

The Marriott Marquis Houston is a hotel in the heart of downtown Houston. It is located just one block from Discovery Green Park, two blocks from Minute Maid Park (where the Houston Astros play for those in the back), and connected via a sky-bridge to the George R Brown Convention Center. It’s also close to several public transportation options making it a “home base” for exploring Houston with the family or for a conference.

While it is really a hotel,  it feels like a mini resort with its seven upscale dining options, rooftop swimming pool, and spa. However, it is probably best known for the Texas-shaped lazy river on the rooftop terrace.

What we love most about it:

• Is it even a question…. the Texas-shaped Lazy River! See More Best Texas Lazy Rivers
• Watching at game at Biggio’s – the way Houstonians were meant to watch sports!
• Dive-in Movie nights on the pool deck

Read our full resort review here: Marriott Marquis Houston

📍Marriott Marquis Houston – 1777 Walker St, Houston, TX 77010

10. Grand Galvez – Galveston Island, Texas

The Grand Galvez, affectionately referred to as the “Queen of the Gulf” is a historic hotel that is synonymous with luxury on Galveston Island. 

Along with the stunning Gulf views, the Grand Galvez offers guests a resort-style pool with a swim-up bar, a spa, and a restaurant with freshly caught Gulf seafood and a weekend brunch buffet.

This property is located across Seawall Blvd from the water and just a couple blocks from Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier with picturesque midway games and rides that extend out over the water. Grab a cocktail and take in the sunset with a sea breeze from this historic, beachfront property. While it’s not technically a resort, we’re willing to look the other way on this one because we love it that much. Yas Queen.

What we love most about it:

• Well, this one is easy… The swim-up bar – duh!
• Fantastic location on the Galveston seawall, with close access to all the Galveston hot spots!
• The history of this resort… if those walls could talk!

Read our full resort review here: Grand Galvez

Looking for the Best Beach Resorts in Texas? We got you.

📍Grand Galvez – 2024 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX 77550

11. Lakeway Resort and Spa – Austin, Texas

The Lakeway Resort and Spa is the perfect combination of Central Texas and lakeside with close proximity to downtown Austin. I grew up taking camping family vacations to go waterskiing on Lake Travis so it always has a special place in my heart.

The adult-only three-tiered infinity pools at the Lakeway Resort and Spa are a perfect way to cool off with a lake view and bonus points for a swim-up bar! Your kids will love the family-friendly pool with a water slide, splash fountains, graded entry, and a waterfall, or check out the activity pool with water volleyball ready to enjoy. You really can’t go wrong!

What we love most about it:

• Family-friendly pool with zero-grade entry, a water slide, cascading waterfalls, and fountains
• A three-tiered infinity pool with those Lake Travis views
• Watching the sunset on Lake Travis from a rocking chair at The Back Porch Lobby Bar

Read our full resort review here: Lakeway Resort and Spa.  If you love lake resorts, check out our list of the Top 8 Lake Resorts in Texas.

📍Lakeway Resort and Spa – 101 Lakeway Dr, Lakeway, TX 78734

12. Tapatio Springs Hill Country Resort– Boerne, Texas

The Tapatio Springs Hill Country Resort is located in Boerne, Texas in the Texas Hill Country Northwest of San Antonio.

This resort is known for the live music scene with a country music singer-songwriter series with weekly live music for guests to enjoy on the outdoor patio.  Tapatio Springs Hill Country Resort was once owned by the “King of Country Music” himself, George Strait.

Spend your days at the resort playing golf surrounded by hill country views, swimming in the resort pool with a water slide, or dining at the renowned La Cascada Table and Bar.

What we love most about it:

• Listening to live music on the patio with a cold beer in hand
• Playing Golf with stunning Texas Hill Country views
• Stargazing around the fire pit in the evening

Read our full resort review here: Tapatio Springs Hill Country Resort

📍Tapatio Springs Hill Country Resort –1 Resort Way, Boerne, TX 78006

13. Cibolo Creek Ranch Resort – Marfa, Texas

The Cibolo Creek Ranch Resort is one of the best family resorts in Texas. It offers the perfect balance of a rugged, West Texas experience with the comforts and amenities of a Texas Family Resort. 

Explore the mountains, fish, hunt, take in the stunning landscapes, and look for the mysterious Marfa Lights on a stay at this West Texas ranch resort.

What we love most about it:

• If you don’t go horseback riding, did you really go to West Texas?
• Catching a glimpse of the Marfa Lights
• Spending a day fishing in the stunning West Texas landscape

Read our full resort review here: Cibolo Creek Ranch Resort.

Looking for a Ranch Resort? Check out our list of Best Ranch Resorts in Texas.

📍Cibolo Creek Ranch – 97139 US-67, Marfa, TX 79843

14. San Luis Resort & Spa – Galveston Island, Texas

The San Luis Resort and Spa is a great beach resort for a “home base” during a family stay at the ultimate Texas Summer family destination, Galveston Island. The resort offers stunning views of the Gulf and close proximity to an Instagram-worthy checklist of kid-friendly activities in Galveston.

Spend your days near the San Luis Resort exploring The Strand, Moody Gardens, or Paradise Pier theme park. Then kick back at the San Luis Resort’s on-site spa or pool to relax, or grab a bite to eat at some of the best restaurants on the island while you watch the sunset.

The San Luis Resort also has some epic holiday buffets too, especially for Christmas, which is a beautiful time to visit Galveston Island! Oh, also, there’s a swim-up bar.

What we love most about it:

• Relaxing at the Spa – our favorite on Galveston Island!
• Enjoying a Holiday Buffet family meal together – without the dishes!
• And, of course, the swim-up bar!

Read our full resort review here: San Luis Resort and Spa.

If you love beach resorts in Texas, check out our list of the Best Beach Resorts in Texas! 

📍The San Luis Resort, Spa, and Convestion Center – 5222 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX 77551

15. Horseshoe Bay Resort – Austin, Texas

If you’re looking for a lake resort with water sports close to Austin, look no further than the Horseshoe Bay Resort on Lake LBJ. The variety of accommodations available makes planning the perfect getaway a breeze – whether it’s for couples, families, or reunions.

While the Horseshoe Bay Resort does not have a lazy river… the lakeside beach and lake access more than make up for that. The childcare options are great at this resort so it’s easy to enjoy some adults-only time on the lake (or at the spa).

Our favorite time to visit Horseshoe Bay Resort is during bluebonnet season (March-April) when the drive out to Lake LBJ from Austin is in a word… stunning!

What we love most about it:

• Soaking up the Texas sun while kayaking on Lake LBJ
• Playing one of many world-class golf courses surrounded by fields of bluebonnets
• The fun kids care activities – best in Texas!

Read our full resort review here: Horseshoe Bay Resort.

And if you love lake resorts, check out our list of the Top 8 Lake Resorts in Texas.

📍Horseshoe Bay Resort – 200 Hi Cir N, Horseshoe Bay, TX 78657

16. Hilton Anatole – Dallas, Texas

The Hilton Anatole in the heart of Dallas is the perfect combination of hotel in the front, and resort in the back.

The JadeWaters water park offers a lazy river, multiple swimming pools, and splash pads. For family vacations spent at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas, you’ll want to stay an extra night just to eat at another one of the hotel restaurants.

The Hilton Anatole is the type of place that will leave you (and your kids) asking, “Do we ever have to check out?”

What we love most about it:

• Floating the lazy river at the JadeWaters water park – more of the Best Lazy Rivers in Texas
• Enjoying a meal at one of the on-site restaurants
• Close proximity to the heart of Dallas, Texas… and, of course, Medieval Times!

Read our full resort review here: Hilton Anatole

📍Hilton Anatole – 2201 N Stemmons Fwy, Dallas, TX 75207

17. Great Wolf Lodge – Grapevine, Texas

The Great Wolf Lodge is the ultimate kids resort! Mainly due to the HUGE indoor/outdoor full-tilt water park with something to enjoy for everyone in the family.

The water park is perfect for both little and big kids (and adults) with multiple water slides, splash pads, water playgrounds, and pools. This resort was designed with families in mind with rooms big enough to accommodate the whole family with different sleeping arrangements (hello, bunk beds!) and even themed suites you’ll want to check out.

There are also multiple on-site restaurants and even the MagiQuest adventure (an interactive game using a magic wand to complete quests and adventures). you’ve got the perfect family vacation!

What we love most about it:

• Water slides galore! Something for everyone in the year-round indoor/outdoor water park 
• Themed suites offer entertainment (and SPACE!) for the whole family
• Family-friendly activities outside the pool too – like the Magi-Quest Adventure

Read our full resort review here: Great Wolf Lodge 

📍Great Wolf Lodge Water Park – 100 Great Wolf Dr, Grapevine, TX 76051

Honorable Mentions: Best Texas Family Resorts

1. Margaritaville Lake Resort – Lake Conroe, Texas

The Margaritaville Lake Resort on Lake Conroe is about an hour northwest of Houston. With multiple accommodation options, you can choose to stay at the hotel or in a lakefront cottage with a private boat dock.

The Margaritaville Lake Resort has endless water-oriented options for your family trip. Take your pick between water slides, lazy river, private beach, or lounging at the swim-up bar at the Jolly Mon Water Park.

When you get tired of spending time in the pools, don’t forget you also have all the lake activities to enjoy as well! Rent a boat or climb aboard the nightly BYOB tiki cruise on Lake Conroe. And when you’re ready to dry off, there are sports courts, mini golf, and live music on-site to keep you entertained Jimmy Buffet-style. We see you parrot heads… and we like it!

What we love most about it:

• Nightly Tiki (BYOB) Cruise on Lake Conroe
• Jolly Mon Water Park complete with water slides, a lazy river, and a private beach
• Live Music on the water – it’s 5 o’clock somewhere, right?

Read our full resort review here: Margaritaville Lake Resort. If you love lake resorts, check out our list of the Top 8 Lake Resorts in Texas!

📍Margaritaville Lake Resort Lake Conroe – 600 Margaritaville, Park Way, Montgomery, TX 77356

2. Hyatt Residence Club San Antonio – Wild Oak Ranch – San Antonio, Texas

The Hyatt Residence Club San Antonio Wild Oak Ranch is a best-kept secret when it comes to Hill Country Resorts (shhh)! It is the sister resort to the Hyatt Regency Hill Country San Antonio Resort and Spa located just down the street in San Antonio. It has a smaller, more private resort feel with more spacious condo accommodations that are perfect for families to spread out.

Don’t let this smaller resort fool you though, it has an indoor/outdoor pool, lazy river, on-site dining, and lots of other fun family-friendly activities. Guests of Wild Oak Ranch also get access to resort amenities at the Hill Country Hyatt San Antonio Resort complete with a shuttle!

What we love most about it:

• More spacious accommodations with 1, 2, or 3-bedroom condos with full kitchens
• Relaxing lazy river with a more private feel to it compared to bigger resorts
• Family-friendly indoor resort pool with water slide

Read our full resort review here: Hyatt Residence Club San Antonio Wild Oak Ranch

📍Hyatt Vacation Club at Wild Oak Ranch – 9700 Military Dr W, San Antonio, TX 78251

3. Lajitas Golf Resort and Spa– Terlingua, Texas

The Lajitas Golf Resort is located in the heart of Big Bend, just outside Terulinga, Texas. It’s best known for its golf course, ranked the #1 Place to Golf in Texas. With a variety of accommodations ranging from upscale to rustic, your family is sure to find comfortable digs while enjoying a plethora of things to do at the Lajitas Golf Resort and Spa.

The only problem will be choosing between authentically West Texas activities like hiking, shooting sports, horseback riding, and ziplining. Also, don’t miss drinking a Lone Star beer with the mayor of Lajitas…. and oh by the way, he’s a goat (yes, for real!).

What we love most about it:

• Golfing at the #1 Place to Golf in Texas
• Horseback riding – when in West Texas, right?!
• Drinking a Lone Star beer with the mayor – a goat!

Read our full resort review here: Lajitas Golf Resort and Spa

📍Lajitas Golf Resort –  21701 FM170, Terlingua, TX 79852

4. Isla Grand Beach Resort – South Padre Island, Texas

The Isla Grand Beach Resort is located on beautiful South Padre Island and is worth the road trip with two swimming pools, two hot tubs, and private beach access. Fill your family beach retreat days at the Isla Grand Beach Resort with surfing, scuba diving, or sandcastles… the choice is yours!

Whatever you do though, don’t miss the Isla Grand Beach Resort hermit crab races on Wednesday nights! (yes, you read that correctly) South Padre Island is known for Spring Break parties that are MTV Beach Party-esque (remember those??) and the Isla Grand Beach Resort is bringing it as well.

I’d avoid this one for Spring Break with the kids, unless a little debauchery is what you’re looking for!

What we love most about it:

• Private Beach Access on South Padre Island
• Two resort Swimming Pools when you get tired of the salt water – like that could happen
• Hermit Crab Races – duh!

Read our full resort review here: Isla Grand Beach Resort. Looking for more of the Best Beach Resorts in Texas?

📍Isla Grand Beach Resort – 500 Padre Blvd, South Padre Island, TX 78597

We LOVE traveling to the best family friendly resorts in Texas! We have our sights set on these family vacation resorts next on our list to visit: Moody Gardens Hotel (Galveston Island) and Las Colinas Resort (Dallas / Fort Worth).

Looking for something a little different for your family vacation? Check out our “Best Of” section for lists of our favorite beach resorts, lake resorts, ranch resorts, elevated RV resorts, and private cabin resorts in Texas.

While the Texas Family Resorts will always have a special place in our hearts, we’ve also started to enjoy travel outside the state of Texas. Although these trips come with different challenges, mostly because we’re traveling by plane with younger kids, the family memories are worth it. We had a good time on a trip to Disneyland last year and have our sights set on Lego Land coming up this year so stay tuned for a write-up on our crazy family adventure to San Diego. We’re slowly working our way up to Walt Disney World Resort in Florida!

Enjoy your next family vacation at one of the best family resorts in Texas! With something to please adults and children alike, you won’t be disappointed by any of these great family destinations that are just a road trip away. Whether you want a beachfront resort or an exciting water park for your family trip, Texas has it all! Don’t forget to take advantage of the amazing opportunities to explore the great outdoors and make lasting memories with the people you love the most.

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Life is short and Summer is long.

Texas Family Resorts