14 Top-Rated Family Resorts in Texas

Texas is one of the best places to visit in the USA for those seeking great family vacations. The reason? Well, thanks to its many world-class cities, vast parklands, and countless attractions, this large state offers no end of fun things to do and is waiting to be explored, whatever the season.

As a result of the abundance of attractions in Texas, numerous great family-friendly hotels and resorts have sprung up across the state to meet the demand. From world-class luxury properties, such as the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa and Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort & Spa, to destinations like The Resort at Schlitterbahn and The San Luis Resort, you’ll have no problem finding the perfect place to spend a great getaway.

Fancy an authentic “Western” experience? Then be sure to consider one of the Lone Star State’s dude ranches. These exciting vacation destinations offer a variety of family-friendly outdoor experiences, from horseback trail riding to cattle roping.

Whatever your chosen adventure, be sure to start planning your trip with our list of the best family resorts in Texas.

1. JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort and Spa, San Antonio

Accommodation: JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort and Spa

It’s certainly fitting that the elegant and luxurious JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort and Spa should be considered the top family-friendly resort in Texas. Set amid 600 acres of magnificent hill country, this huge 4-star resort is home to the superb River Bluff Water Experience, a sprawling water park that boasts a 1,100-foot-long lazy river, as well as a thrilling 650-foot rapid-river ride.

Other activities the whole family can enjoy include golf on two championship courses (lessons are available), table tennis, and movies. Those seeking a world-class dining experience will enjoy the resort’s restaurants, which also offer private- and in-room dining experiences (kids menus are available).

A great accommodation option for family groups are the roomy two-bedroom executive suites. Consisting of a king and two double beds, these spacious units come with a furnished balcony, large bathroom with separate shower and bathtub (plus bathrobes), and plenty of living space.

2. Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa, San Antonio

Accommodation: Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa

Another great luxury option for families wanting to enjoy a country-style vacation in Texas is the 4-star Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa, also in San Antonio. Built on a magnificent 300-acre former ranch (this part of Texas is very green), the resort has a total of 27 holes of golf and offers lessons and kids’ programs.

Also popular with families traveling together is the huge five-acre water park complete with waterslides and a lazy river. Other on-site amenities include the full-service Windflower Spa, a variety of fun kids’ programs, and great restaurants, including healthy children’s menu options.

Popular accommodation choices for families include the spacious and well-appointed one- and two-bedroom units. Notable features of these attractive units include large master bedrooms plus ensuite bathrooms with stand-alone bathtubs and showers, separate dining and living areas, kitchenettes, full-second bathrooms, and balconies.

While the one-bedroom can sleep five comfortably thanks to its rollaway bed, the two-bedroom can handle up to nine guests. Some pet-friendly units are also available.

3. The Woodlands Resort, The Woodlands

Accommodation: The Woodlands Resort

A huge draw for families to the 4-star Woodlands Resort is the property’s location in the midst of the 28,000 unspoiled acres of Piney Woods. There’s no end of fun things to do for guests of all ages. Highlights include enjoying a fun family game on one of the resort’s two championship golf courses, or playing doubles at the tennis center (lessons and kids’ programs are available for both).

The resort also offers the chance for families to hang out together at one of the swimming pools. Better still, have fun at the resort’s water park, popular for its waterslide and lazy river, and catch a poolside movie afterwards. For grown-ups, there’s plenty of fun to be had at the on-site spa and restaurants.

Some of the most popular guest room options at The Woodlands include direct walkouts to the swimming pools. Featuring either single king or two queen beds, these spacious rooms come with mini-fridges and coffee makers. A great upgrade offers the chance to stay in a club level room with your very own private lounge.

4. Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek

Accommodation: Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek

The 5-star Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek is one of Dallas’ most luxurious properties. It is also a great family choice, with stay packages specifically designed with kids in mind.

The “slumber party at the mansion” package is a customized experience that takes place in one of the resort’s top suites and can include everything from a movie night to monogrammed pajamas, balloons, decorations, or kid-focused desserts.

In a residential area in Uptown, the property has 142 rooms and suites and is just a 30-minute drive from Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport.

The decor is inspired by motifs from the 1920s private estate that the hotel now occupies. Expect custom furnishings, damask accents and a distinctive color palette throughout. Despite the luxe look, rooms are also comfortable and kids stay free here.

The on-site Mansion Restaurant serves contemporary American fare with French influences. There is an outdoor swimming pool with sun loungers and umbrellas. Other amenities include a fitness studio, sauna and therapeutic massage services.

There are also lots of nearby parks and walking trails to get the kids exploring outside. And should you not want to dine on-site, there are literally hundreds of restaurants within a three-quarter mile radius.

5. La Cantera Resort & Spa, San Antonio

Accommodation: La Cantera Resort & Spa

Another great location to consider when planning your next family vacation is San Antonio’s La Cantera Resort & Spa. There’s plenty for young and old alike to do in this large 4-star resort, including enjoying the full-service spa, golfing on one of the resort’s two championship 18-hole golf courses, or lounging around any of the five swimming pools or hot tubs. For a real treat, be sure to sample the poolside dining experience.

And when the youngsters are busy at the kids’ pool with its waterslides and splash zones, head to the adults-only pool with its cozy cabanas. Other amenities include a shuttle bus, a fitness center and full-service spa, as well as jogging trails. There’s even a shop, the delectable La Cantera Bonbon, which sells the resort’s own unique brand of sweet treats.

Popular accommodation options for those traveling as a family include the 1,700-square-foot luxury suites featuring king and queen bedrooms. They also come with a large parlor area with a dining table, plus a living room, work desk, and wet bar.

Whatever size room you book, you’ll enjoy bright décor, custom finishes, large bathrooms with stand-alone bathtubs and showers (and bathrobes), HDTVs, and free bottled water. Those traveling with infants can request equipment such as strollers and cribs if needed, too.

6. Wildcatter Ranch & Resort

Accommodation: Wildcatter Ranch & Resort

Set on 1,500 acres near the small city of Graham, Wildcatter Ranch & Resort offers an authentic Texas dude ranch experience, along with 4-star pampering and accommodations. It’s actually a working cattle ranch, so part of the fun is experiencing first-hand just how such a facility functions.

In addition to behind-the-scenes tours and plenty of interactions with staff (and the beasts in their care), families are actively encouraged to learn the skills and techniques that helped build the lasting reputation of these dude ranches, which are now so ingrained in the cultural fabric of the state.

Family-friendly activities include trail riding (ponies are available for smaller children), roping, tomahawk throwing, as well as clay pigeon shooting. A steakhouse (naturally!) is located on the premises, too, and serves special menu items for kids of all ages.

As for accommodations, you’re spoiled for choice. In addition to standard hotel-sized rooms, you can upgrade to larger suites and family units. Luxuriously appointed stand-alone cabins are also available, as well as an authentic Western homestead. These larger units come with plenty of living space and full kitchens.

7. Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa, Cedar Creek

Accommodation: Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa

Built in the style of a classic 19th-century Texan farmhouse, the elegant Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa near Austin offers a degree of luxury that’s sure to impress everyone in the family. The resort is set amid a lovely 400-acre tract of rolling countryside near the Colorado River, and there’s plenty of exploring to be done on-site and along the 18 miles of trails on the nearby McKinney Roughs Nature Park.

Popular activities include hiking and biking, educational nature tours, and fireside singalongs. Other on-site amenities include eight different places to eat, a water park with a 1,000-foot lazy river, a large fitness center, a full-service spa, a business center, as well as access to golf courses and tennis courts.

When it’s time to hunker down for the night, there are 491 rooms and suites to choose from. Each of these comes with such standard features as mini-fridges, HDTVs, and bathrobes. A good choice for families is the huge “Governors Suite.” In addition to its tall, vaulted ceilings, this spacious unit features a separate king bedroom, two bathrooms, an office area, living and dining rooms, and its own library.

Some pet-friendly units are available, so check ahead when booking to ensure availability. Also, be sure to check out their special deals and seasonal offerings like their New Year’s packages.

8. The San Luis Resort, Spa & Conference Center, Galveston Island

Accommodation: The San Luis Resort, Spa and Conference Center

Offering young and old alike an unforgettable beach vacation, the San Luis Resort, Spa & Conference Center in Galveston on the Gulf of Mexico is a safe bet for a great family getaway. In addition to easy beach access, guests can enjoy spending time sunbathing by the resort’s large heated swimming pool or nearby plunge pool. Sumptuous private cabanas are also available, which come complete with mini-fridges.

In addition to great on-site dining (there are 10 restaurants to choose from), there’s plenty of other family activities to enjoy, too. These include toasting marshmallows at one of the fire pits, enjoying a spa treatment, or working out in the fitness center.

Each of the resort’s 250 rooms are bright and well decorated. If available, be sure to request a unit boasting a sunset view over the water from its spacious balcony. Whatever size you opt for, you can expect to enjoy complimentary bottled water, newspaper delivery, Keurig coffee makers, comfy bathrobes, HDTVs, mini-fridges, and microwaves. A number of super-luxurious penthouse suites and larger stand-alone villas are also available.

9. The Westin Dallas Stonebriar Golf Resort & Spa, Frisco

Accommodation: The Westin Dallas Stonebriar Golf Resort & Spa

Located in rugged northern Texas, the 4-star Westin Stonebriar Hotel & Golf Club is a great place for families to kick back and enjoy quality time together. Notable amenities on this large resort are a championship 18-hole golf course with pro shop and professional instruction, a huge lagoon-style swimming pool complete with waterfalls, and a full-service spa which offers a variety of in-room services.

A few of the many other fun things to do here include enjoying on-site dining in its restaurants, or working out in the fitness center. There’s also a large business center, and multiple function rooms that are popular for wedding parties.

A variety of accommodations are available, including the popular executive king rooms. A favorite with family groups, these spacious suites include a large separate seating area, HDTVs, and mini-fridges. Better still are the presidential suites, which comprise a separate bedroom, large main bathroom with a separate shower and bathtub, a second bathroom, plus a family room.

10. Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center, Grapevine

Accommodation: Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center

One of the larger resort’s in Texas, the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center is equally well-suited to family fun as it is for those on business. Located midway between Dallas and Fort Worth, this 4-star resort sprawls across 4.5 acres overlooking Lake Grapevine and offers plenty of fun activities for all ages.

A highlight for families is spending time at the resort’s large water park. There’s also fun to be had at its heated indoor and outdoor swimming pools, plus a games room. Adult fun includes spending time at the spa or dining in one of the resort’s many restaurants.

A variety of room options are available, with larger configurations possible by combining two or more rooms. Standard features include a choice of king and queen beds, good-sized furnished balconies, mini-fridges, and seating areas. Alternatively, why not opt for one of the larger one-bedroom suites? These spacious units come complete with separate living and dining rooms.

11. Isla Grand Beach Resort, South Padre Island

Accommodation: Isla Grand Beach Resort

Built overlooking the beach on South Padre Island, the 4-star Isla Grand Beach Resort’s Gulf of Mexico location makes it the perfect place for families to enjoy a great seaside vacation. The resort is set amid 10 acres of lush vegetation, and there’s plenty of fun activities here.

Highlights include relaxing on the beach, getting in some water sports aboard a kayak or paddleboard, or lounging around one of the two heated outdoor swimming pools (hot tubs are also available). Other on-site amenities include tennis and volleyball courts, a fitness center, restaurants, plus a coffee shop and gift shop. There’s also plenty of great programs and activities for kids, from sports to creative pastimes.

A popular choice of room that’s large enough to host the whole family, the “Beachfront Cabanas” sleep up to four guests comfortably thanks to their pullout sofa beds. Other features include large bathrooms, separate seating areas, HDTVs, private balconies, and handy mini-fridges.

12. Lajitas Golf Resort, Lajitas

Accommodation: Lajitas Golf Resort

Located near Big Bend National Park, Lajitas Golf Resort and Spa is a great choice for those traveling with kids. Thanks to its massive 27,000-acre setting, this 4-star resort is very much about adventure holidays and outdoor activities.

Fun things to do include playing a round of golf on the resort’s 18-hole course (kids classes available), getting in some clay pigeon shooting, trying out the zipline, or saddling up at the equestrian center and hitting the trails. There’s also on-site dining, a full-service spa, a fitness center, swimming pools, plus a fun outdoor theater.

In addition to having a number of standard sized hotel rooms with a choice of king or queen beds, the resort offers family-sized options, including the spacious Boardwalk Condos. These well-appointed units consist of two good-sized bedrooms, a full kitchen, three bathrooms, separate dining and living rooms with fireplaces, plus large furnished terraces. Some pet-friendly units are available.

13. Lakeway Resort and Spa, Lakeway

Accommodation: Lakeway Resort and Spa

Set overlooking Lake Travis in the heart of Texas Hill Country, the 4-star Lakeway Resort and Spa is about as family-friendly as it gets. Those with younger kids will appreciate the fun kids’ zone with its many immersive activities, including arts and crafts, games, as well as regular movies.

Older kids and adults alike who are into water-based activities such as boating, sailing, and kayaking can grab a rental from the resort’s marina. Other amenities of note include three heated outdoor swimming pools (one with a great kids’ slide), a hot tub, spa, fitness center, and a Southern-style restaurant. The resort also boasts an 18-hole golf course.

A great room choice for those traveling with kids and in need of a little more space are the nearly 1,000-square-foot suites. Highlights of these spacious and bright accommodations include full-kitchens with modern appliances, separate living and dining areas with a fireplace, a work desk, HDTVS, and balcony (or patio) seating.

14. The Resort at Schlitterbahn, New Braunfels

Accommodation: The Resort at Schlitterbahn

One of five popular resorts owned and operated by the Schlitterbahn brand, Schlitterbahn New Braunfels is a great getaway for families who enjoy their water parks. The resort is spread over a 70-acre parcel of land.

Highlights of this great 3-star resort include two separate water parks with a lazy river, tubing river, and water “coasters,” along with surfing rides and wave rivers – all of them fun for all ages. Best of all, admission to the parks and their many attractions is included in the price of your stay.

Other on-site amenities include dining, heated outdoor swimming pools, a volleyball court, tennis and basketball courts, fishing, hiking, and barbecue pits. A great way to keep the family happy come bedtime is to book one of the luxurious “Treehaus” suites, with their exquisite custom-made furniture and fantasy-inspired décor (an added bonus is their location close to the water parks).

A variety of other suites are available, sleeping between two to six guests, as well as a number of funky stand-alone, one-bedroom cabins. Larger still are the two-bedroom lofts with their additional pullout couches, or the deluxe three- and four-bedroom homes capable of sleeping up to 14 comfortably.

Map of Family Resorts in Texas