Central Texas Staycations? Sign me up! I am not one to travel far from home on a “vacation” with my kids. We take a 3-hour plane ride every summer to visit family, the longest flight we’ve ever done, and even that is not a super pleasant experience. That’s why we often prefer to stay close to home and take a staycation in Texas.

My kids are still pretty young, so every experience is new to them and it doesn’t take a lot to impress them. Does the place have a pool? Ice cream? Bunk beds? They’re sold. As for me, my goal for a trip is to experience as little stress as possible and make some family memories. The destination is less important.

Texas does have some pretty great destinations, though, if you’re looking for a staycation this summer. All of these resorts are family-friendly, with great amenities you and your kids will love, and within 1.5 hours of Austin. Start planning your getaway now with our guide to the best staycations around Austin, Texas.

7A Ranch (Wimberley)

This family-owned resort has been around for over 70 years. Numerous cabins were washed away in the historical flood of 2015, but they have been rebuilt and stylishly renovated to be better than ever. Enjoy Blanco River access, riverview pool, a Pioneer Town with ice cream parlor and arcade, kayak and paddleboard rentals, and volleyball, basketball, tennis, and pickleball.

Camp Fimfo (New Braunfels)

This retreat on the Guadalupe River offers RV sites, tent sites, and newly built, spacious cabins. Amenities include an interactive water playground, water slides, mini golf, playground, jumping pillow, wading creek, swim-up bar, pickleball and tennis courts, alpine coaster, dining options, and 1000 feet of Guadalupe river frontage. A dream staycation less than an hour from downtown Austin.

Lucky Arrow Retreat (Dripping Springs)

The “Glamping Capital of Texas,” only 35 minutes from Austin, offers gorgeously designed cabins, as well as yurts and safari tents. There’s a heated pool, as well as a kiddie pool and a nature play area. This beautiful hill country spot is near many wineries and breweries (many of them kid-friendly), and there’s even a private access gate to Bell Springs Winery.

Kalahari Resort (Round Rock)

With the title of America’s largest indoor waterpark, there’s clearly plenty to keep you busy on a staycation at Kalahari. The 223,000 square foot waterpark has crazy slides, a wave simulator, a lazy river, water basketball, and a zero depth play area. Tom Foolerys Adventure Park features a ropes course, climbing wall, zip line, bowling, laser tag, and arcade games. There are four restaurants, a spa, and fun shopping.

JW Marriot San Antonio

This beautiful, sprawling resort has plenty for kids and families—water park, s’mores, slime factory, Kids Night Out, hiking trails, as well as for adults—spa, dining, golf, and tennis. You can also explore all the attractions in San Antonio like the DoSeum, San Antonio Zoo, Natural Bridge Caverns and Wildlife Ranch, the Riverwalk, the Botanical Garden, and the Alamo.

Horseshoe Bay Resort (Horseshoe Bay)

Located on the shores of lake LBJ, just an hour from Austin near Marble Falls, Horseshoe Bay has everything you need to relax and have fun with family. Three pools; lake activities including boat rentals, sunset cruises, and fishing; Kids’ Club; nightly s’mores; Birds of the Bay interactive show; and tennis, pickleball, and golf.

Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa (San Antonio)

This family-friendly resort is on 300 acres of historic ranch land, but also only 20 minutes from everything that San Antonio has to offer. The resort features newly renovated guest rooms, golf, spa, tennis, biking, and nature trails. Kids can play at the water park and man-made beach, check out the family fun room with face painting and take-home crafts, or do a kids’ night out at Camp Hyatt. Daily activities include movie nights, s’mores, wildlife feeding, live music, and competitions like tug o’ war and water balloon toss.

Lost Pines Resort and Spa (Cedar Creek)

Only 20 minutes from Austin, this picturesque resort is tucked away in a scenic Hill Country haven. Outdoor activities include archery lessons, horseback trail riding, fishing, lawn games, and stargazing. Kids will also love the water park; meeting the furry “mascots” of the resort (alpacas and goats); daily arts and crafts; and the playground and arcade. McKinney Roughs Nature Park is close by, where you can go on a guided UTV tour or take a zipline ride.

Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park (Canyon Lake)

Stay in a cabin, cottage, or lodge room, or bring your RV or tent to this camp-resort with everything families could want for a memorable vacation. Water playground, mini golf, river tubing, pedal carts, arts and crafts, arcade, jumping pillow, heated indoor pool, laser tag, playground, and more. There’s also daily activities like candy bar bingo, hula hoop contests, ice cream socials, and movie nights.

Omni Barton Creek Resort (Austin)

This resort, located right in Austin, has all the amenities parents will love, as well as a rotating schedule of family-friendly activities like guided nature hikes, crafts, bouncy inflatables, lawn game challenges, face painting and balloon twisting, animal encounters, and water wars. There are also s’mores, tennis and golf lessons for kids and adults, poolside cinema, a game lounge, and teen spa services. With the Junior Chefs program kids receive a welcome tote with a lunch bag, snacks, and activity book.

Featured Image Credit :: Noelle Westcott Photography

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