13 TOTALLY TEXAS DESTINATIONS FOR THE WEEKEND
We're often asked about ideas for quick, yet fun weekend getaways. It's easy to forget about some great local sightseeing so if you're looking for something to explore in Texas, we've got some idea for the perfect, "totally Texas", weekend escapes. These destinations offer a variety of activities and attractions to ensure a memorable and enjoyable weekend for families.
San Antonio
Visit the Alamo, explore the San Antonio River Walk, and have fun at Six Flags Fiesta Texas or SeaWorld San Antonio. The San Antonio Zoo and the Witte Museum are also great for families.
Austin
Enjoy outdoor activities at Zilker Park, take a dip in Barton Springs Pool, and visit the Thinkery, a hands-on children's museum. The Austin Nature and Science Center and the Bullock Texas State History Museum are also family favorites.
Houston
Explore Space Center Houston, the Houston Zoo, and the Children's Museum of Houston. Discovery Green park and the Houston Museum of Natural Science offer additional family-friendly activities.
Dallas/Fort Worth
Visit the Dallas World Aquarium, the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, and the Fort Worth Zoo. Legoland Discovery Center in Grapevine and the nearby Six Flags Over Texas in Arlington are also great options.
Galveston
Enjoy the beaches, visit Moody Gardens, and explore the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier. The Galveston Railroad Museum and Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Waterpark are also popular.
New Braunfels
Spend a day at Schlitterbahn Waterpark, float down the Comal or Guadalupe River, and explore the historic Gruene district with its charming shops and restaurants.
Fredericksburg
Visit the National Museum of the Pacific War, explore the Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, and enjoy the family-friendly wineries and outdoor activities in the Texas Hill Country.
Corpus Christi
Spend time at the Texas State Aquarium, visit the USS Lexington Museum on the Bay, and relax on the beautiful beaches. The South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center is also worth a visit.
Big Bend National Park
Explore the vast landscapes, hike scenic trails, and go stargazing in one of the darkest skies in the country. The park offers family-friendly activities like wildlife viewing and river trips.
Waco
Visit the Waco Mammoth National Monument, the Cameron Park Zoo, and the Dr. Pepper Museum. The Magnolia Market at the Silos offers shopping, food trucks, and a large green space for kids to play.
Port Aransas
Enjoy beach activities, dolphin watching tours, and fishing excursions. The Port Aransas Nature Preserve and the Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center are great for nature enthusiasts.
Tyler
Explore the Tyler Rose Garden, visit the Caldwell Zoo, and enjoy outdoor activities at Tyler State Park. The Discovery Science Place offers interactive exhibits for kids.
South Padre Island
Relax on the beaches, visit Sea Turtle Inc., and enjoy water sports like kayaking and jet skiing. The South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center is perfect for wildlife enthusiasts.
NEVER LEAVE THE RESORT...
Maybe exploring the area isn't on the weekend to-do list. For those travelers that want to sit back, relax, and have everything they could want at their resort, we've selected our favorite family-friendly Texas resorts, perfect for that family escape.
Kalahari Resorts & Conventions
- Location: Round Rock, Texas (approx. 1.5 hours from San Antonio)
- Kalahari Resorts & Conventions in Round Rock, Texas, is the largest indoor water park in the state and one of the largest in the country. It opened in November 2020 and offers a wide range of activities and amenities for families.
Key Features:
- Indoor Water Park: The water park covers 223,000 square feet and features numerous water slides, wave pools, lazy rivers, and splash zones.
- Attractions include a FlowRider surf simulator, a wave pool, and various slides for different thrill levels.
- Outdoor Water Park: An outdoor water park area includes additional pools, water slides, and a swim-up bar.
- Adventure Park: The resort includes a family entertainment center with activities such as mini-golf, a ropes course, arcade games, bowling, and an indoor amusement park.
- Dining: Multiple on-site dining options range from casual eateries to fine dining, including a buffet, steakhouse, and various themed restaurants.
- Spa and Wellness: The Spa Kalahari and Salon offers a variety of treatments and services for relaxation and rejuvenation.
- Accommodations: The resort offers a variety of room types, including standard rooms, suites, and large family suites with multiple bedrooms.
- Conventions and Events: Extensive convention and meeting space is available for events, conferences, and weddings.
- Shopping: Several shops and boutiques within the resort offer clothing, souvenirs, and other items.
- Special Programs: Kalahari Resorts often features special programs and events, such as character breakfasts, family movie nights, and seasonal activities.
Kalahari Resorts in Round Rock provides a comprehensive, fun-filled getaway for families, combining the excitement of an indoor water park with numerous additional amenities and activities.
Great Wolf Lodge Grapevine
- Location: Grapevine, TX (approx. 4 hours from San Antonio)
- Highlights: This resort features a large indoor water park, interactive games, character appearances, mini-golf, and various dining options. It's a highly popular family-friendly destination.
Key Features:
- Indoor Water Park: Massive Indoor Water Park: Open year-round with heated water, featuring multiple slides, a wave pool, a lazy river, and a large play area with water features.
- Signature Attractions: The Howlin' Tornado, Alberta Falls, and the Fort Mackenzie interactive treehouse.
Activities and Entertainment:
- MagiQuest: An interactive adventure game that spans the entire resort, allowing children to embark on quests with magic wands.
- Adventure Park: Includes a ropes course, climbing wall, mini-golf, and arcade.
- Story Time and Character Appearances: Regular events where children can meet characters and listen to bedtime stories.
- Kids' Activities: Arts and crafts, games, and other supervised activities.
- Fitness Center and Spa: Includes an adult spa and a kids' spa for pampering sessions.
- Shopping: Gift shops and stores offering souvenirs, swimwear, and other necessities.
- Meeting and Event Spaces: Facilities for conferences, weddings, and other events.
- Nearby Attractions: Grapevine Mills Mall, LEGOLAND Discovery Center, SEA LIFE Aquarium, and Historic Downtown Grapevine.
Accommodations
- Family Suites: Themed rooms such as KidCabin and Wolf Den suites, which feature bunk beds and themed decor.
- Standard Rooms: Spacious and comfortable rooms suitable for families of different sizes.
Dining Options
- Restaurants: Multiple dining options ranging from casual to more formal, including a buffet restaurant, a pizzeria, and a sweet shop.
- Wolf Wakeup Breakfast: A character breakfast experience for families.
Great Wolf Lodge in Grapevine is designed to provide a fun and memorable experience for families with children of all ages, combining a wide range of activities and amenities under one roof.
Schlitterbahn Resort New Braunfels
- Location: New Braunfels, TX (approx. 40 minutes from San Antonio)
- Highlights: Known for its extensive outdoor water park with a variety of slides, pools, and a lazy river. The resort offers accommodations and packages that include water park access.
Key Features:
Water Park
- Extensive Water Attractions: Schlitterbahn New Braunfels is one of the largest water parks in the world, featuring numerous slides, rivers, pools, and attractions spread across two distinct sections: the Original Section and Blastenhoff.
- Signature Rides: Master Blaster Uphill Water Coaster, The Falls (a long continuous river ride), and the Torrent Wave River.
- Variety of Rides: Includes tube rides, body slides, water coasters, and lazy rivers suitable for all ages and thrill levels.
- Kids' Areas: Multiple areas specifically designed for young children with smaller slides, splash pads, and shallow pools.
- Nearby Attractions: Situated along the banks of the Comal River, providing beautiful natural surroundings and opportunities for river tubing.
- Close to the town of New Braunfels, which offers attractions such as Gruene Historic District, Landa Park, and the Comal and Guadalupe Rivers for additional recreational activities.
Accommodations
- Variety of Lodging Options: The resort offers a range of accommodations including hotel rooms, suites, cottages, and treehouses. Some units come with kitchens or kitchenettes, making them convenient for longer stays.
- Themed Lodging: Unique options like Treehaus Luxury Suites with stunning views and rustic décor.
Resort Amenities
- Exclusive Resort Access: Guests at the resort get early access to the water park, allowing them to enjoy rides before the park opens to the general public.
- Dining Options: Multiple on-site dining options ranging from casual snack bars to sit-down restaurants. Many accommodations also come with BBQ facilities.
- Resort Activities: In addition to the water park, the resort offers additional activities such as volleyball courts, picnic areas, and evening entertainment.
- Special Features: Free Parking and Shuttle Service: Complimentary parking for guests and shuttle service within the park to easily access different sections.
- Resort Packages: Various packages are available that include water park tickets, dining credits, and other perks for guests.
Schlitterbahn Resort in New Braunfels is ideal for families and groups looking for a fun-filled water park experience combined with comfortable accommodations and convenient amenities.
Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center
- Location: Grapevine, TX (approx. 4 hours from San Antonio)
- Highlights: The Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center, located in Grapevine, Texas, is a luxurious resort known for its expansive indoor gardens, extensive event facilities, and a wide array of amenities and activities.
Key Features:
Accommodations
- Variety of Rooms and Suites: The resort offers over 1,800 guest rooms, including standard rooms, suites, and presidential suites, all designed with modern amenities and Texan decor.
- Comfort and Luxury: Rooms feature plush bedding, flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and high-speed internet. Suites offer additional space and premium features.
Dining
- Multiple Restaurants: The resort boasts several dining options, from casual eateries to fine dining.
- Old Hickory Steakhouse: A fine dining steakhouse offering prime cuts of beef and a vast wine selection.
- Riverwalk Cantina: Serving Tex-Mex cuisine in a festive atmosphere.
Zeppole Coastal Italian: Specializing in Italian cuisine with fresh seafood and pasta. - Texan Station Sports Bar & Grill: A sports bar with a giant TV screen and classic American fare.
- Marketplace and Coffee Shops: For quick bites and coffee.
Recreation and Amenities
- Indoor Gardens and Atriums: The resort features lush indoor gardens and atriums, including a replica of the San Antonio River Walk.
- Paradise Springs: A 10-acre outdoor water park with a lazy river, water slides, a lagoon, and a kids’ splash area.
- Indoor Pool and Fitness Center: For year-round swimming and fitness.
Relâche Spa & Salon: Offering a full range of spa services, from massages to facials and salon treatments. - Extensive Event Space: Over 490,000 square feet of meeting and event space, including ballrooms, meeting rooms, and exhibition halls.
- Convention Center: Equipped with state-of-the-art technology and services for conventions, trade shows, and corporate events.
- Weddings and Social Events: Beautiful venues and professional event planning services for weddings and other celebrations.
- Nearby Attractions: Close to attractions like Grapevine Mills Mall, LEGOLAND Discovery Center, SEA LIFE Aquarium, and Historic Downtown Grapevine.
Seasonal Events and Activities
- ICE! and Lone Star Christmas: An annual holiday event featuring ice sculptures, holiday displays, and activities.
- SummerFest: Summer activities and entertainment for families, including pool parties and outdoor games.
- Year-Round Events: Various themed events, live entertainment, and festivals throughout the year.
The Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center offers a luxurious and comprehensive experience for both leisure and business travelers, combining top-notch accommodations, diverse dining options, extensive recreational facilities, and state-of-the-art event spaces.
Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa
- Location: Lost Pines, TX (approx. 1.5 hours from San Antonio)
- Highlights: The Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa, located near Bastrop, Texas, is a premier destination that offers a blend of luxury, adventure, and natural beauty. While it doesn't have an indoor water park, it provides a variety of family activities.
Key Features:
Accommodations
- Variety of Rooms and Suites: The resort features 491 guest rooms, including standard rooms, suites, and private cottages, all designed with comfort and relaxation in mind.
- Modern Amenities: Rooms include plush bedding, flat-screen TVs, complimentary Wi-Fi, mini-fridges, and scenic views of the surrounding landscape.
- Situated along the banks of the Colorado River, the resort is surrounded by the beautiful Lost Pines Forest.
- Close to Bastrop State Park, Lake Bastrop, and the charming town of Bastrop, known for its historic downtown and local shops.
- Located about 20 miles from Austin, providing easy access to the city’s attractions and amenities.
Dining
- Multiple Dining Options: The resort offers several dining venues that cater to various tastes and preferences.
- Stories Fine Dining Establishment: An upscale restaurant featuring Texas-inspired cuisine with a focus on local ingredients.
- Firewheel Café: A casual dining option with a diverse menu, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Shellers Barrelhouse Bar: A relaxed atmosphere offering pub fare, craft beers, and cocktails. - Old Buck’s Place: A poolside grill serving snacks, light meals, and beverages.
- McDade’s Emporium and Ice Cream Saloon: A nostalgic spot for sweets, ice cream, and light bites.
Recreation and Amenities
- Crooked River Water Park: An on-site water park featuring a lazy river, water slides, a splash pad, and an adult pool.
- Wolfdancer Golf Club: An 18-hole championship golf course designed by renowned architect Arthur Hills, offering challenging play and stunning views.
- Spa Django: A full-service spa providing a wide range of treatments, including massages, facials, and body therapies.
- Fitness Center and Sports Facilities: A well-equipped fitness center, tennis courts, and various outdoor sports activities.
- Horseback Riding: Guided trail rides through the scenic Lost Pines region.
Nature Trails and Hiking: Miles of hiking and biking trails within the resort and the adjacent McKinney Roughs Nature Park. - Family-Friendly Activities: Includes s’mores by the fire, movie nights, and arts and crafts sessions.
- Outdoor Adventures: Kayaking, rafting, and fishing on the Colorado River.
- Camp Hyatt: A supervised kids' program offering fun and educational activities.
- Event Space: Over 60,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space, including ballrooms, meeting rooms, and picturesque outdoor venues.
- Wedding Venues: Beautiful locations for weddings and receptions, with professional planning services available.
The Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa offers a luxurious and comprehensive experience for families, couples, and business travelers alike, with a wide range of activities, amenities, and services set against the backdrop of Texas Hill Country.
Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa and Convention Center
Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa and Convention Center, located in Galveston, Texas, is a premier destination offering a mix of luxury accommodations, diverse attractions, and extensive event facilities.
- Location: Galveston, TX (approx. 4 hours from San Antonio)
- Highlights: Features a variety of attractions including an outdoor water park, an aquarium, a rainforest pyramid, and seasonal events. The hotel offers packages that include access to these attractions.
Key Features:
Accommodations
- Variety of Rooms and Suites: The hotel features 418 guest rooms and suites, all designed with comfort and modern amenities in mind.
- Room Amenities: Includes plush bedding, flat-screen TVs, complimentary Wi-Fi, mini-fridges, and beautiful views of Galveston Bay or the tropical gardens.
- Located on Galveston Island, offering easy access to the beach and local attractions.
- Nearby Attractions: Close to Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Waterpark, Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier, The Strand Historic District, and more.
Dining
- Multiple Dining Options: The resort offers several dining venues that cater to a variety of tastes.
- Shearn’s Seafood and Prime Steaks: An upscale dining option known for its gourmet seafood and steak dishes.
- Café in the Park: A casual restaurant offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a diverse menu.
- Moody Brews: A coffee shop serving Starbucks coffee, pastries, and light snacks.
- Lobby Bar: A relaxed setting for cocktails and light bites.
- Pool Bar: Seasonal poolside dining and drinks.
Attractions and Activities
- Moody Gardens Pyramids: Three glass pyramids housing different attractions:
- Rainforest Pyramid: Features a lush tropical environment with exotic plants, animals, and free-roaming monkeys and birds.
- Aquarium Pyramid: Home to marine life from around the world, including sharks, seals, and tropical fish.
- Discovery Pyramid: Focuses on science and interactive exhibits.
Palm Beach: A seasonal water park with a lazy river, wave pool, slides, and sandy beaches.
- 3D and 4D Theaters: Showcasing the latest films and educational documentaries.
- Colonel Paddlewheel Boat: Offers scenic cruises on Galveston Bay.
Ropes Course and Zip Line: An adventure area for those seeking thrills.
Spa and Fitness
- Moody Gardens Spa: Offers a range of treatments including massages, facials, and body therapies.
- Fitness Center: Well-equipped with cardio machines, free weights, and strength training equipment.
- Outdoor Pool and Hot Tub: A relaxing area for guests to unwind.
Events and Meetings
- Convention Center: Over 103,000 square feet of flexible event space, including ballrooms, meeting rooms, and outdoor venues.
- Weddings and Celebrations: Picturesque venues and professional planning services for weddings and special events.
Seasonal Events and Festivals
- Festival of Lights: An annual holiday event featuring millions of lights, ice skating, and festive displays.
- Other Events: Various seasonal activities and festivals throughout the year.
Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa and Convention Center provides a blend of luxury, family-friendly attractions, and extensive event facilities, making it an ideal destination for vacationers, business travelers, and event planners.
While none of these resorts are identical, they offer similar family-friendly amenities, water-based attractions, and a variety of activities suitable for all ages. Your family will be sure to have fun and excitement year round.