6 Austin Kid-Friendly Road Trips & Fun Family Things To Do

Looking for Austin things to do with kids this weekend? Staycations are an excellent way to enjoy the many things to do in Austin, but sometimes families need a fun getaway to explore new places and make special memories. Thankfully, there are some impressive spots near Austin that offer family-friendly fun and excitement. From splashing at resorts by Lake Travis to exploring the historical sites of San Antonio, family fun is just a short trip away on the freeways in Austin. Keep reading to learn about six awesome family-friendly destinations near Austin.

Lakeway Resort – Luxury Family Getaway

On the northwest side of Austin, about 20 miles from the city center, Lakeway Resort and Spa overlooks the beautiful Lake Travis. It’s a quick 30-minute trip from the city when there’s no traffic, following Highway 71 in Austin. The resort is an attractive addition to the Texas Hill Country, with its boutique spa and other fabulous amenities. Lakeway Resort and Spa is a place where kids of all ages rule, with multiple pools, including an adventure slide and splash pad, outdoor movies, golfing, and plenty of lake activities. Private rentals and charters are available to guests of the resort for kayaking, paddle boarding, skiing, boating, and fishing.

There are also numerous dining options to satisfy the whole family. The main restaurant at the resort is TR Restaurant & Bar. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner dishes influenced by the flavors of the Southwest, like Texas waffles, smoked ribs, and roasted chicken. Guests can visit the Sunset Pool Grill & Bar when they aren’t ready to leave the pool, or they can relax in rocking chairs with a cool beverage and admire the serene lake views at the Back Porch Lobby Bar. Take advantage of one of their package deals and enjoy a family-friendly spa getaway at Lakeway Resort and Spa.

Horseshoe Bay Resort

Also, in the Texas Hill Country, about 50 miles northwest of Austin, Horseshoe Bay Resort sits on the shore of Lake Lyndon B Johnson. It’s about an hour’s drive from Austin, with light to no traffic, following Austin’s Loop 1 Mopac to Highway 290 to Highway 71. Relax and unwind in one of their lake-view suites and wash your cares away in the swimming pool. There are many fun activities for the entire family, including biking, tennis, golf, pickleball, kayaking, and fishing. Guests can also view beautiful wildlife at the Birds of the Bay Show or the Tortoise Connection. Children 12 and younger can play on the two-story jungle gym or climb the rock-climbing wall at the Jungle Kids Club.

After working up an appetite, take a seat at one of Horseshoe Bay’s fine restaurants. J’s Restaurant serves tasty dishes with a Texas twist, like fried okra and pulled pork queso mac. Stroll over to Slick Rock Grill & Bar for a laidback meal with a view of the golf course, or enjoy a pizza while watching your favorite team on one of the many televisions at Whitewater 360 Sports Club. Whether it’s playing life-sized checkers on the lawn during the day or sharing stories and s’mores around the campfire at night, families will make some beautiful memories at Horseshoe Bay Resort.

Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort for Family Fun

Lost Pines is a special place situated on over 400 acres in the Texas Hill Country. It’s only 25 miles east of Austin, with a 40-minute drive with no traffic, following Interstate 35 in Austin to Highway 71. It’s the perfect place for families who love the great outdoors. The rooms and suites welcome travelers with beautiful views of the rolling Texas hills. Guests can spend their days exploring the resort on horseback, kayaking down the Colorado River, honing their archery and tomahawk skills, or floating down the lazy river at the water park. Golf lovers can enjoy a round on the award-winning course with wilderness views. For a relaxing break to awaken and renew the senses, visit Spa Django for a massage or reserve one of the luxurious cabanas with lounge chairs, a television, and a mini-fridge.

Families also receive a warm Texas welcome at Lost Pines Resort’s restaurants. Firewheel Café offers moutxfw-watering southern-inspired dishes by a cozy fireplace. Shellers Barrelhouse Bar serves casual yet tasty meals like burgers, smoked brisket sandwiches, and jumbo brownie skillets for dessert. For guests who are only in the mood for dessert, they can take a trip back in time at McDade’s Coffee Emporium & Ice Cream Saloon. There is so much fun to be had that families may decide to stay more than a week or two at Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa.

BlissWood Bed & Breakfast Ranch

Southeast of Austin, families will find Texas bliss at BlissWood Bed & Breakfast Ranch, an actual working guest ranch on 350 beautiful acres. The relaxing drive takes about two hours, with no traffic, following Highway 71 out of Austin. Guests can enjoy an authentic ranch experience with historic home and cabin rentals, trail rides, and campfires. There are many other family fun activities, including picnicking at Enchanted Lake, spotting deer on a scenic hike, or getting up close to bison and antelope on the Exotic Animal Safari. The ranch is pet-friendly, so guests can also bring their furry animals and keep the whole family together.

BlissWood is a bed & breakfast, so a continental breakfast of muffins, bagels, granola bars, yogurt, fresh fruit, juice, tea, and coffee is included. The cabins have kitchens and grills, so lunch and dinner are DIY. Guests can either bring their food or purchase different food packages to cook and enjoy under the tall oaks or by the serene lake. There are many ways for families to disconnect with technology and reconnect with each other and create unforgettable memories at Blisswood Bed & Breakfast Ranch.

Kid Friendly San Antonio

Most roads in San Antonio lead to kid-friendly family fun. The drive from Austin takes about 90 minutes, with little to no traffic, following Interstate 35 through San Antonio. There are so many fun things to do that travelers may want to plan to make sure they get to see all the great sites. LEGOLAND Discovery Center and Sea Life are great places to start since they are next door to each other, and families can save over 25% by booking a combo ticket to visit both places. LEGOLAND’s fun activities include rides, play zones, and a 4D cinema. Sea Life features San Antonio’s only underwater tunnel to explore fascinating sea creatures. Sea World has been a part of San Antonio for over 30 years and is a must-see spot for families. Guests can learn about orcas, dolphins, and sea lions, experience thrilling rides, or watch a parade.

No South Texas trip would be complete without a visit to The Alamo in San Antonio, where Texas history is brought to life. Guests can learn about its 300-year history as an outpost, fortress, and symbol of liberty for Texas and the United States. For dining and shopping for souvenirs, guests can stroll along The Riverwalk, a top attraction in Texas, to find some of the best shops and restaurants in San Antonio. Stay awhile and explore all San Antonio has to offer.

Great Wolf Lodge – Kids Paradise

For tons of wet and wild fun, take a trip to Great Wolf Lodge. Located in Grapevine, just off the 121 Freeway outside Dallas, the drive takes over 3 hours with no traffic following Interstate 35W through Fort Worth. Great Wolf Lodge provides fun and adventure for kids of all ages. The family fun starts in the available themed suites, designed as caves, tents, and log cabins. The indoor waterpark is the main attraction, with over ten exciting rides, slides, and pools to entertain families for days. There is also dry fun for the family, including arcade games, magic quests, and digging for gems.

When the kids wind down, they can recharge their batteries at one of the dining spots. There’s no need to dry off to grab a burger, sandwich, or salad at Buckets Incredible Craveables. Hungry as a Wolf offers pizza and pasta for the whole family to share. The Loose Moose Cottage provides breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffets with lots of tasty options for those who can’t decide. End the day with a sweet treat from Bear Paw Sweets & Eats. Visit Great Wolf Lodge and the best waterpark in Texas and create some family memories that will last a lifetime.

Family Fun Not Far From Austin

Families with kids don’t have to travel far from Austin for fun and excitement. These getaway spots are so welcoming, they feel like an extension of home, which makes the memories more special. Whether it’s a need for adventure or relaxation, families can find what they’re looking for by exploring the many freeways that connect Austin to the heart of Texas.