Great Family Vacations in Texas: Where to Take the Whole Crew for Fun and Sun

When it comes to planning a family vacation, the Lone Star State is one of the best places in the United States to corral your crew for some unforgettable family fun. With everything from water parks to national parks, lazy rivers to luxury resorts, and live music to scenic drives, Texas knows how to keep every family member entertained.

Now, don’t get me wrong—taking the entire family on a trip in Texas doesn’t mean you’re suddenly living in a travel brochure. Someone will definitely whine, someone else will forget a swimsuit, and someone will declare they’re “bored” within 24 hours. But the beauty of Texas is that it’s big enough and bold enough to have plenty of opportunities for everyone—from toddlers to teens to grandparents—to find something fun.

So, if you’re planning your next family vacation, let’s dive into the best family vacations in Texas.

San Antonio: Theme Parks, Lazy Rivers & A Dash of History

If you haven’t been to San Antonio, you’re missing out on one of the most popular tourist destinations in the state. Sure, it has the Alamo, but let’s be honest—the kids will roll their eyes after five minutes. The real draw here? Theme parks and water activities galore.

• SeaWorld San Antonio: The main attraction for animal lovers and thrill-seekers. It’s part marine park, part amusement park, and all-around chaos (the good kind). Expect water slides, dolphins, and at least one child begging you for overpriced Dippin’ Dots. Purchase discounted SeaWorld tickets.
• Six Flags Fiesta Texas: Because roller coasters are a great way to remind yourself you’re not 17 anymore. The kids will love it, though. Purchase discounted Six Flags tickets.
• Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort: This family-friendly resort is practically its own mini-vacation. It has a lazy river, multiple swimming pools, a splash pad, and a hot tub for when your back reminds you that you carried a baby for nine months (or three). Don’t miss the golf course and on-site scavenger hunts.

San Antonio also makes a great spot to launch into the Texas Hill Country with its scenic drives, wine country (for you), and Enchanted Rock (for them).

South Padre Island: Beautiful Beaches & Water Sports

When in doubt, bribe the family with sand. South Padre Island is a perfect place for a family getaway if your whole family loves water sports and the Gulf of Mexico. Things to Do in South Padre Island

Stay at the Isla Grand Beach Resort, a family-friendly hotel with outdoor pools, a volleyball court, and nightly live music (so you can pretend you’re on a beach vacation without kids). Or go upscale with vacation rentals featuring a full kitchen—because nothing screams family trip like still having to cook. 8 Best Hotels and Resorts in South Padre Island

Pro tip: Book during the summer months or early fall for the best beach weather. Skip spring break unless you want your kids asking you awkward questions about drunk college students.

Galveston Island: Resorts, Moody Gardens & Gulf Coast Vibes

Galveston Island is basically the family-friendly resort capital of the Gulf Coast. It’s got beautiful beaches, attractions for the entire family, and some of the best family resorts in Texas.

• Moody Gardens: Think aquariums, rainforests, and theaters all in one. This is one of the best things to do with kids in Galveston and a great place to escape when the weather conditions get iffy.
• San Luis Resort: A luxury resort with swimming pools, a swim-up bar (for you), and kid-friendly amenities (for them).
• Schlitterbahn Waterpark: Yes, another water park, but this one has legendary water slides and a heated outdoor pool for the off-season.

And since Galveston is a short drive from downtown Houston, you can tack on a visit to Space Center Houston and the Johnson Space Center—which means you get to pretend it’s an educational trip.

New Braunfels: Schlitterbahn & River Fun

Speaking of water, if your family thinks “vacation” equals “get wet,” then New Braunfels is calling your name.

• Schlitterbahn Waterpark is basically a rite of passage in Texas. It has lazy rivers, water slides, and endless water activities. Bring snacks unless you want to take out a small loan for nachos.
• The Guadalupe River and Comal River offer tubing adventures perfect for the whole family (though maybe not Grandma).
• Nearby you can find the Best Wineries Near San Marcos

Round it out with German food, picnic tables, and a visit to nearby Dripping Springs for even more hill country charm.

The Woodlands: Close to Houston, Far from Boring

If you want easy access to a convention center, shopping, and a resort all rolled into one, the Woodlands Resort is an excellent place for a family trip.

This family-friendly resort features swimming pools, a lazy river, tennis courts, and kid-approved activities like scavenger hunts. Parents will appreciate the golf course, spa, and proximity to downtown Houston for urban fun.

Gaylord Texan Resort & Great Wolf Lodge – Grapevine

If your idea of the best family vacations includes not leaving the hotel, Grapevine has you covered.

• Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center: This massive property has pools, including a small waterpark in the summer, ice skating during the holidays, live music, and lots of restaurants.
• Great Wolf Lodge: Famous for its indoor water park, this is an unforgettable experience for kids. The hotel rooms come with bunk beds, there are kid-friendly activities nonstop, and parents can hit the hot tub once the kids crash.

Both are just a short drive from Fort Worth, which means you can mix in some city sightseeing or a visit to the Fort Worth Water Gardens.

Big Bend National Park: West Texas Adventure

If your family leans more outdoorsy than splashy, pack up and head to West Texas for Big Bend National Park. With miles of trails, dramatic landscapes, and endless outdoor activities, it’s one of the best things you can do with your family in Texas.

• Go on tram tours to save your knees.
• Try horseback riding for a true Lone Star adventure.
• Camp under the stars (and try to explain why there’s no Wi-Fi to your teen).

It’s a great spot for bonding and appreciating the state’s natural beauty without the distraction of amusement parks or water slides. And on your way out there you can stop in Marfa, Texas.

Corpus Christi & Port Aransas: Gulf Coast Chill

If you’d rather dip your toes in the sand without the Galveston crowds, Corpus Christi and Port Aransas offer beautiful beaches and plenty of water activities.

Book a vacation rental with a full kitchen for family meals. These towns are great places for outdoor activities like dolphin watching, fishing, and water sports.

Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort – Bastrop

Just outside Austin, this family-friendly resort along the Colorado River is a perfect place for both parents and kids.

• There’s a lazy river, multiple swimming pools, a fitness center, and even volleyball courts.
• Kids can join kid-friendly activities, while parents sneak away for a round of golf.
• Nearby, you can explore state parks and go on scenic drives.

Plus, you’re close enough to the live music capital of the world (downtown Austin) for a night out if you can convince a family member to babysit. Check current rates.

Bonus: Things That Work Year-Round

The great thing about Texas is that no matter the time of year, there’s a great way to plan fun things for your crew:

• In winter, hit up ice skating at the Gaylord Texan.
• In spring, book train rides and bluebonnet scenic drives in the Hill Country.
• In the summer months, stick to water parks and outdoor pools.
• In fall, enjoy outdoor activities at a state park or a national park with cooler temps.

Final Thoughts: Why Texas is Perfect for Families

Whether you’re floating a lazy river, riding water slides, or trekking through rugged terrain in a national park, Texas has something for the whole family. From Galveston Island to Big Bend National Park, the Lone Star State offers family-friendly hotels, vacation rentals, and luxury resorts that make planning your next family vacation easy.

The only hard part? Deciding which of these best family resorts and destinations to pick first. But don’t stress—Texas isn’t going anywhere, and there are plenty of fun things waiting whenever you’re ready.