Family Weekend Getaways in Texas

Location:

Grapevine, TX

Highlights:

If you’re planning a Texas family getaway and want a resort that truly has it all, we can’t recommend the Gaylord Texan Resort Hotel enough. With massive indoor gardens, top-notch dining, and a Western-themed waterpark, it’s a destination that delights both kids and adults alike.

We Recommend This For:

Families, multigenerational travelers, couples seeking a lively resort, and anyone wanting a “bigger in Texas” experience packed with activities and amenities.

What we Love:

Ten on-site restaurants, nearly five acres of indoor gardens, a summer waterpark with a lazy river, plus adult-friendly perks like a spa and live music in the hotel’s nightclub.

• Stay in spacious, well-appointed rooms with access to all the resort’s incredible amenities included in the resort fee.
• Relax in the lush indoor gardens, treat yourself at the full-service spa, or float along the lazy river at the Western-themed waterpark.
• Enjoy ten diverse dining options and nightly live music at the vibrant on-site nightclub.
• Play with the kids at the massive waterpark or explore the countless kid-friendly activities spread across the property.

Address:

1501 Gaylord Trail, Grapevine, TX 76051
Phone: 817-778-1000

Location:

Needville, TX (just 45 miles from downtown Houston)

Highlights:

If you’re craving a nature escape close to Houston, we’d enthusiastically recommend Brazos Bend State Park. This sprawling, 4,900-acre park along the Brazos River offers a perfect mix of outdoor adventure, wildlife spotting, and peaceful landscapes.

We Recommend This For:

Nature lovers, hikers, families, campers, cyclists, and anyone looking for a scenic outdoor retreat near Houston.

What we Love:

Over 27 miles of trails (including a boardwalk over wetlands), fantastic fishing spots, cycling routes, geocaching adventures, and flexible overnight options from campsites to rustic cabins.

• Explore 27 miles of trails, including a scenic half-mile boardwalk across the wetlands, perfect for wildlife viewing and photography.
• Cycle through lush forest landscapes or set off on a geocaching adventure to discover hidden treasures.
• Fish in one of the park’s serene lakes for a peaceful afternoon by the water.
• Camp under the stars at one of the many available campsites or upgrade your stay by renting a cozy, rustic cabin.

Address:

21901 FM 762 Rd, Needville, TX 77461
Phone: 979-553-5102

Location:

Cedar Hill, TX (along Joe Pool Lake)

Highlights:

If you’re looking for a fun, easy outdoor escape near Dallas, we’d definitely suggest Cedar Hill State Park. With lakeside recreation and a touch of Texas farm history, it’s a fantastic spot for both families and nature lovers.

We Recommend This For:

Families, fishing enthusiasts, boaters, swimmers, history buffs, and anyone craving a peaceful nature getaway close to the city.

What we Love:

Boating, fishing, and swimming on Joe Pool Lake, lighted jetties and a special perch pond for kids, plus the fascinating Penn Farm Agricultural History Center for a fun educational twist.

• Swim, boat, or fish on Joe Pool Lake using convenient boat ramps, fishing jetties, and kid-friendly fishing ponds.
• Visit the Penn Farm Agricultural History Center to tour a historic family farm and learn about Texas’s rich agricultural past.
• Escape the city bustle and enjoy peaceful time in nature, whether for a day trip or a longer stay.

Address:

1570 FM1382, Cedar Hill, TX 75104
Phone: 972-291-3900

Relaxing Family Weekend Getaways in Texas:

Location:

Glen Rose, TX

Highlights:

If you have a dinosaur-loving kid (or you’re a dino fan yourself!), we can’t recommend Dinosaur Valley State Park enough. This unique Texas park lets you walk in the literal footprints of dinosaurs while enjoying plenty of outdoor fun.

We Recommend This For:

Families, dinosaur enthusiasts, hikers, bikers, equestrians, and anyone looking for a fascinating mix of science, nature, and adventure.

What we Love:

Hundreds of real fossilized dinosaur tracks, scenic hiking and biking trails, horse-friendly areas, and versatile campsites for an unforgettable overnight stay.

• Explore the famous dinosaur tracks in the riverbed (pick up a handy map at the Visitor’s Center for the best viewing spots).
• Hike or bike along 20 miles of beautiful trails, or bring your horse to ride the South Primitive Area.
• Camp in one of the park’s varied sites, some with electricity, picnic tables, and potable water for a more comfortable stay.

Address:

1629 Park Rd 59, Glen Rose, TX 76043
Phone: 254-897-4588

Location:

Vanderpool, TX, Texas Hill Country

Highlights:

If you’re craving a rustic family escape in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, we’d gladly point you to the Foxfire Log Cabins. These charming, family-friendly cabins are perfect for unplugging, playing in nature, and making unforgettable riverside memories.

We Recommend This For:

Families, small groups, nature lovers, anglers, and anyone looking to relax in cozy, riverside log cabins surrounded by natural beauty.

What we Love:

Over a dozen cabins ranging from intimate one-bedroom cottages to large multi-family houses, a beautiful swimming hole on the Sabinal River, and a welcoming atmosphere that encourages outdoor fun and old-fashioned family time.

• Stay in your choice of more than a dozen cabins, from small romantic cottages to spacious family lodges.
• Swim in the spectacular on-site swimming hole or enjoy fly-fishing along the scenic Sabinal River.
• Relax without screens—many cabins don’t have TVs, but puzzles and board games are available to borrow from the office for cozy, unplugged fun.

Address:

117 Olsen Ranch Rd, Vanderpool, TX 78885
Phone: 830-966-2200

Location:

Various locations across Texas

Highlights:

If you’re dreaming of a fun, stress-free family getaway packed with kid-approved activities, we’d enthusiastically recommend Camp Jellystone. With seven unique locations across Texas, it’s a go-to destination for camping adventures, water fun, and family bonding.

We Recommend This For:

Families with kids, groups planning family reunions, RV travelers, tent campers, and anyone looking for an all-ages outdoor escape with plenty of amenities.

What we Love:

Multiple Texas locations, a wide range of accommodations from cabins to RV and tent sites, and family-friendly amenities like heated pools, splash parks, mini golf, and even an event lodge at the Coyote Ranch location.

• Stay your way with options like cozy cabin rentals, spacious RV sites, or classic tent camping across seven different Texas locations.
• Play in heated swimming pools, zoom down waterslides, splash through water parks, or challenge the family to a round of mini golf.
• Gather the whole crew for a big family reunion—Coyote Ranch even offers a lodge event space for group celebrations.

Website:

Visit Camp Jellystone Online

Location:

San Antonio, TX

Highlights:

If you’re looking for a luxurious family retreat with something for everyone, we wholeheartedly recommend the Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa. Set on a stunning 300-acre property, this resort delivers Texas charm alongside upscale relaxation and nonstop family fun.

We Recommend This For:

Families, golf lovers, spa seekers, couples, and anyone wanting an indulgent Texas Hill Country escape packed with activities for all ages.

What we Love:

A massive 4-acre waterpark with a wave machine and waterslide for the kids, a championship 27-hole golf course and luxurious spa for adults, and shared family activities like cycling trails, volleyball, and evening s’mores.

• Stay in beautifully appointed rooms, many with private patios or balconies, or upgrade to a spacious luxury suite for even more comfort.
• Play in the waterpark, conquer the wave machine, and zip down waterslides while the kids burn off energy.
• Relax on the golf course or unwind at the spa while soaking in the peaceful Texas Hill Country setting.
• Enjoy family-friendly fun together with activities like biking, volleyball, and evening s’mores around the fire.

Address:

9800 Hyatt Resort Dr, San Antonio, TX 78251
Phone: 210-647-1234

Location:

Cedar Creek, TX (along the Colorado River)

Highlights:

If you’re dreaming of a luxurious Texas getaway that mixes riverside relaxation with adventure, we’d highly recommend the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & Spa. Set on a sprawling 405-acre property next to McKinney Roughs Nature Park, this resort is a perfect escape for families, couples, or anyone craving outdoor fun paired with top-tier amenities.

We Recommend This For:

Families, couples, golfers, spa enthusiasts, and travelers wanting a high-end resort experience with abundant outdoor activities near Austin.

What we Love:

The 1,000-foot lazy river in the kids’ waterpark, the beautiful 18-hole golf course, diverse dining options ranging from fine dining to an old-fashioned ice cream shop, and the serene on-site spa for ultimate relaxation.

• Stay in elegant rooms and suites designed for comfort, with easy access to the Colorado River and nature trails.
• Play in the resort’s waterpark featuring a lazy river, swim at the private beach, or tee off on the championship golf course.
• Relax at the on-site spa, offering a range of treatments to help you fully unwind in the heart of nature.
• Explore McKinney Roughs Nature Park right next door, perfect for hiking, birdwatching, and other outdoor adventures.
• Savor everything from elegant meals at the fine dining restaurant to nostalgic treats from the general store’s ice cream counter.

Address:

575 Hyatt Lost Pines Rd, Cedar Creek, TX 78612
Phone: 512-308-1234

Location:

Burnet, TX (just an hour from Austin)

Highlights:

If you’re dreaming of a lakeside escape packed with water fun and scenic beauty, we’d happily recommend Inks Lake State Park. Nestled beside the Colorado River, this gem offers the perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and family-friendly activities just a short drive from Austin.

We Recommend This For:

Families, couples, water sports enthusiasts, paddlers, hikers, birdwatchers, and anyone craving a peaceful outdoor getaway with a lakeside vibe.

What we Love:

Boating, water skiing, and paddling in designated zones; nine miles of scenic hiking trails; lakeside cabins and campsites; and the chance to fish or watch birds in beautiful natural surroundings.

• Play on the water with boating, water skiing, or peaceful paddling in the no-wake zone, where you can rent canoes, kayaks, and paddle boats on-site.
• Explore nine miles of hiking trails, perfect for taking in the landscape, spotting wildlife, or simply stretching your legs.
• Fish from the park’s dedicated pier or settle in at the bird blind for a peaceful birdwatching session.
• Stay in cozy lakeside cabins or set up camp at one of the many campsites—many located right on the water for unbeatable views.

Address:

3630 Park Rd 4 W, Burnet, TX 78611
Phone: 512-793-2223