We started compiling a list of resort must-haves and, voila, it turned into this packing list!  Every time we go to a resort, we think “oh, we should have packed our ____” or “I can’t imagine if we hadn’t brought the ____”. While you would probably have a great time at any of theTexas family resorts even if you forget an item on the list, just don’t.

Print it out, check it off, and enjoy your staycation!

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Best Texas Resort Packing List

First Things First….Bags

• Patagonia Duffle Bags – these bags are a right of passage in our family, each person has one of their own! They fit more than it looks like they will, the handles are super sturdy, and there are removable backpack straps you can snap on and off. They also fold up easily to store so you don’t have bags all over your room!
• Yeti Cooler – We pack it with ice and our refrigerated items for the roadtrip then move the food to the mini fridge in the room and keep our drinks cool all weekend in the cooler. Plus, if you don’t have a Yeti cooler, are you really a parent in Texas?
• Pack and Play – Available at the resorts but we like to bring our own so we don’t have to wait for it to be delivered while we’re getting the room set up. Regardless of bringing your own or using the resort’s, don’t forget an extra sheet!
• Reusable Grocery Bags – I like to pack a couple extra of these bags for wet items and things that we accumulate during our stay. This bag in particular is great bc you wouldn’t even know it’s in your purse/bag until you need it and then it’s a lifesaver!
• Diaper Bag – I love this diaper bag in every way it’s possible to love a diaper bag. It has 7 inside pockets (1 zippered) and 1 outside pocket for organization and an open space in the middle as well. It also makes a great pumping bag. I even use it as a tote when I’m not traveling with my kids… I’m telling you, I love it.
• Packing Cubes – each person has their own color so I know with a quick glance where everyone’s stuff is

Pool Essentials with Kids

• Stroller/Wagon – The walk from your room to the pool area may be a long one so you’re going to want to load your stuff (and kids!) onto a pushable mode of transportation. Our personal favorite with a toddler has been this blue push car that has a small storage area in the front and 3 cup holders. Now with more kids (and more stuff!) we’re getting into that wagon-kinda life. The wagon is also helpful with transporting things to and from the car and is collapsible so it doesn’t take up too much space. If you’re flying in from out of town, this is our favorite airplane-worthy stroller that is very lightweight and easily collapses with one hand.
• Beach Toys – Save money and make new friends by bringing your own beach toys if you’re staying at one of the resorts with a beach area (JW Marriott, Lost Pines, Hill Country Hyatt, Horseshoe Bay Resort,San Luis Resort).
• Kid’s Pool Towel– I like to be able to wrap my little guys up in a towel on the walk back to the room. The resort really prefers for you to leave the pool towels in the pool area. Plus, what’s cuter than a toddler in a hooded shark towel?!?
• Toddler Water Shoes– the ground gets hot, hot, HOT in the summer! Save your little’s tootsies.
• Puddle Jumper – A little extra layer of safety for your little in the water.
• Baby Pool Float – I like the sun shade on this one. Its especially nice at resorts that don’t have kids tubes for the lazy river (JW… cough, cough)
• Kid’s Sunglasses – The reflection of the pool and cement deck is bright, protect those little eyes!
• Kid’s Sun Hat – Protect their skin and eyes from the sun, check and check.
• Swim Diapers – Because sh*t happens and it can’t happen in the pool.
• Kid-friendly Sunscreen – My personal favorite! It smells good and doesn’t feel like you’re (unsuccessfully) trying to rub in sour cream on your child. They even make a sunscreen stick for little faces that rubs in even easier!
• Kid-friendly Bug Spray – It’s kinda greasy but it does the trick. I always feel personally accomplished if we return home without a sunburn or mosquito bites!

Electronics

• Baby Monitor & Camera – Enjoy some adult time on the balcony/patio with your little ones sleep or just enjoy being able to check on them without having to get out of bed.
• Portable White Noise Machine – we use this to drown out hotel noises and make our kids feel at home. Also can be useful in the car or on an airplane.
• iPhone Chargers
• Apple Watch and Charger – Waterproof so we don’t miss nap time…. or happy hour!
• SIM Card – At Hyatt Lost Pines a Verizon SIM card is your best bet.

Food/Drink… Shhh

• Yeti Ramblers – Stay hydrated with water that stays ice cold even in the summer sun. The plastic cups at the water stations poolside are too small to really keep you hydrated and are bad for the environment. Outside food and drink is frowned upon but I’ve never been turned away with my Yeti for water. Also, fun fact – you can fit a whole bottle of wine in it for a DIY happy hour stroll around the resort.
• Toddler Plate, Bowl, Fork & Spoon – we like to set up a family picnic on a blanket in the hotel room and bringing your own supplies makes it so much easier
• Toddler Cup – I love this one because I never have to worry about spills
• Bottles, bottle wash, and bottle brush – a quick rinse in the sink will keep away the stink… see what I did there?
• Paper Towels – napkin, towel, plate, food storage…. so many uses!
• Drinks – sparkling water, topo chico (there’s a difference), milk (small enough to fit in the mini fridge), beer, & wine (shhh)
• Food – mini muffins, fruit salad, PBJs, cheese, crackers… easy on-the-go snacks that transition well from the car to the hotel room to the pool. We also love having breakfast options in the room. Note: this is technically against hotel policy but real life.

Kids Packing List

• Shorts, Shirts
• Collared shirt/Pants if you’re planning to eat dinner at a nicer restaurant
• Sweatshirt – even in the summer some resorts can be very cool inside
• Swimsuits and swim shirt/rash guard – we pack at least 2
• Pajamas (1 per night + a spare)
• Hat, Sunglasses
• Socks and Shoes – closed toe, sandals, water shoes
• Toys – trucks, books, blocks (keep a tally of how many you bring so they are all accounted for when packing up to go home)
• Toothbrush/ Toothpaste
• Washcloth/Loofa, Baby Towel
• Baby shampoo/wash
• Bath cup
• Comb/Brush

Baby Items Packing List

• Diapers/Wipes
• Bib/Burp Cloths
• Extra blankets– blanket, towel, napkin, burp cloth, picnic blanket… you name it!
• Extra sheet for pack and play

Dad Packing List

• Shorts and Shirts – casual and athletic
• Long sleeve button down if going to a nicer restaurant
• Jeans/Slacks
• Swim Trunks
• Pajamas
• Fleece – even in the Summer it can be chilly inside the resorts
• Sock and Shoes – Sneakers, Loafers, Flip Flops, Water Shoes
• Underwear/ Boxers
• Belt
• Sunglasses and Hat
• Toiletries

Mom Packing List

• Shorts and Tops
• Workout top and yoga pants  – these buttery soft pants with a phone pocket are my absolute favs!
• Dresses – especially if planning to dine at a nicer restaurant
• Swimsuit(s) and cover up – I link this cover up so I feel dressed when walking around the resort or dining
• Pajamas, Robe, Slippers
• Fleece/Cardigan – even in the Summer it can be chilly inside the resort
• Socks and Shoes – sneakers, sandals, flip flops
• Sunglasses and Sun Hat – this is my favorite that packs easily and can be worn with a top knot
• Under garments
• Jewelry and Handbag
• Toiletries and Makeup
• Brush and Hair Ties
• Leave-in Conditioner – keeps my hair from feeling like straw a the end of a resort stay, this one is lightweight and smells great