Texas offers a wide range of quick getaways perfect for families needing a break from daily routines. Quick weekend escapes help families reconnect, reset, and make lasting memories.
With sandy beaches, majestic canyons, vibrant cities, and peaceful countryside, Texas gives families countless options to relax, play, and bond, and often just a short drive away. Let’s discuss the best weekend getaways you can visit with your family in Texas.
1. San Antonio: History, Riverwalk, and Theme Park Thrills
San Antonio delivers an energizing combination of historical discovery and modern-day thrills perfect for families seeking a weekend that keeps everyone engaged. Start your adventure at the River Walk, where shaded walkways, colorful boats, and riverside cafés create a lively atmosphere.
Children love boat rides that wind past bridges and through vibrant neighborhoods, while parents enjoy the scenic charm and convenience. Step into the past at San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Families can walk through mission grounds, watch educational reenactments, and let kids complete activity booklets to earn Junior Ranger badges. Historical learning turns interactive, not boring.
For children needing movement and fun, San Antonio delivers in full force. The DoSeum is packed with interactive exhibits that focus on science, technology, engineering, arts, and math, perfect for curious young minds. Then head to Six Flags Fiesta Texas, where families can enjoy:
- Thrill rides for teens and adults
- Water attractions to cool off during warm months
- Kid-specific zones with gentler rides
SeaWorld San Antonio adds marine fun into the mix. Expect to see:
- Live shows featuring dolphins and orcas
- Hands-on exhibits with sea creatures
- Water rides and roller coasters for all age levels
Comfortable accommodations elevate the entire experience. Families often choose between:
- JW Marriott Hill Country Resort & Spa, with a lazy river, water slides, and daily kids’ activities
- Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort, offering golf, s’mores, movie nights, and scenic trails
2. Texas Hill Country: Rustic Charm and River Fun
Texas Hill Country invites families to slow down and reconnect while still enjoying active days under big skies. The area balances rustic calm with just enough energy to keep kids engaged and parents relaxed.
Hill Country’s gentle rivers, old-fashioned dances, and family-friendly cabins offer memories that feel timeless. Start by choosing a base for your stay. Options include:
- Mo-Ranch in Hunt, known for scenic views, rope swings, and a laid-back vibe
- Jellystone Park near Canyon Lake, where families can enjoy water zones, mini-golf, and Yogi Bear-themed fun
- River Bluff Cabins in Leakey, offering river access and outdoor grilling space right by the water
Daily fun in the Hill Country revolves around nature. Popular activities include:
- Tubing down the Frio or Guadalupe rivers
- Hiking quiet trails through oak and cypress woods
- Stargazing under skies free of city lights
- Wildlife spotting with chances to see deer, wild turkeys, and armadillos
Late afternoons often mean settling in with a good book, a porch swing, or a family barbecue. Once the sun begins to set, local traditions bring families together in heartwarming ways.
Garner State Park’s evening dance draws visitors of all ages, with classic tunes playing and little ones learning to two-step under string lights. Accommodations cater to families large and small. You can expect:
- Cabins with kitchens and fire pits
- Lodges with shared game rooms and pools
- Riverfront decks for fishing or just watching the world go by
3. Austin Area: Nature Meets Urban Cool
Austin brings together outdoor recreation and modern comforts, giving families a refreshing mix of adventure and convenience. Just outside the city, peaceful retreats offer wide-open spaces, while Austin itself delivers food, music, and quirky fun that works for all ages.
Parents can relax while kids burn off energy in nature or waterparks without needing to travel far. Popular resorts in the area offer plenty of reasons to stay a full weekend. Consider booking:
- Lakeway Resort & Spa with panoramic views of Lake Travis and a kid-friendly pool zone
- Kalahari Resort in Round Rock, featuring America’s largest indoor waterpark with slides, lazy rivers, and arcades
- Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort near Bastrop, set in a wooded area with horseback riding and nature trails
Adventure activities around the region include:
- Ziplining through forest canopies
- Kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding on the Colorado River
- Mini-golf and indoor climbing walls for year-round fun
For those who prefer gentler pastimes, family-friendly wineries, guided nature walks, and shaded picnics near creeks provide downtime between action-packed outings. Spa options at major resorts also give parents a moment to recharge while kids enjoy supervised recreation programs. Nearby Bastrop adds value to the weekend with attractions such as:
- McKinney Roughs Nature Park, ideal for hiking and wildlife watching
- River tubing and paddle trips
- Seasonal festivals and farmers markets
Indoor attractions help families stay active regardless of weather. Expect massive game arcades, bowling alleys, and immersive play centers. Food is never an afterthought in Austin; options range from food trucks with picnic seating to sit-down restaurants with live music and menus kids love.
4. Nacogdoches: History, Nature, and Small-Town Charm
Known as the oldest town in Texas, Nacogdoches offers families a peaceful and enriching getaway filled with history, nature, and small-town warmth. Located in East Texas, it’s a hidden gem where pine forests meet charming brick streets.
Families looking to unplug without sacrificing fun will find Nacogdoches ideal for a weekend of light adventure and learning. Start with a visit to the SFA Mast Arboretum or the Ruby Mize Azalea Garden, where kids can explore winding trails and vibrant blooms in springtime.
The Lanana Creek Trail offers shady walks perfect for strollers, birdwatching, and enjoying the forested landscape. History lovers will enjoy:
- Old University Building Museum, Texas’ oldest university building
- Durst-Taylor Historic House and Gardens, showcasing 19th-century life
- Nacogdoches Railroad Depot, with hands-on exhibits and family photo ops
Downtown offers a walkable, relaxed vibe with local shops, ice cream stops, and bookstores, great for browsing and breaks between activities. On weekends, there are many things to do in Nacogdoches:
- Local farmers markets with homemade treats
- Seasonal festivals like the Texas Blueberry Festival
- Live music or outdoor movies at Festival Park
For outdoor fun, Lake Nacogdoches provides opportunities for kayaking, paddleboarding, and picnicking. The area also has several fishing piers and small swimming spots.
5. Big Bend National Park: Nature, Stars, and Hot Springs
Big Bend National Park offers families a dramatic contrast to city life. Spread across more than 800,000 acres, this remote destination rewards those willing to make the drive with geological wonders, wildlife encounters, and peaceful solitude. For families ready to unplug and experience the wild, Big Bend makes every mile worthwhile. Start with manageable hikes that offer big rewards. Popular trails include:
- Hot Springs Historic Trail, a short walk along cliffs and petroglyphs that ends at a natural hot spring beside the Rio Grande
- Santa Elena Canyon Trail, offering towering canyon walls, river views, and a flat path that’s ideal for children
After a day of hiking, take a soothing dip in the geothermal springs where kids splash and parents relax. The waters stay warm year-round, and the view across the river into Mexico adds something extra to the experience. Evenings in Big Bend are nothing short of spectacular. The park holds the designation of an International Dark Sky Park, making it ideal for stargazing. Activities under the stars include:
- Spotting constellations with the naked eye
- Attending ranger-led night sky programs
- Using basic binoculars or apps to track planets and satellites
Families eager to learn more can visit the Panther Junction Visitor Center, where park staff offer tips on wildlife safety, geology, and activities tailored to kids. The Junior Ranger program allows children to earn badges by completing educational challenges.
6. Palo Duro Canyon: The Grand Canyon of Texas
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Palo Duro Canyon delivers dramatic beauty and Western adventure without requiring a passport or plane ticket. As the second-largest canyon in the country, it offers views that stretch for miles and a wide variety of outdoor activities designed to keep families entertained from sunrise to sundown. Begin with outdoor fun that suits all experience levels. Families can explore the area by:
- Hiking scenic trails like Lighthouse Trail, known for its balanced terrain and postcard-worthy rock formations
- Horseback riding with Old West Stables, offering guided tours that blend adventure with history
- Mountain biking or trail running for those with older kids and plenty of energy
Wildlife sightings come naturally here. Expect to see:
- Deer and wild turkeys roaming freely
- Roadrunners zipping across paths
- Lizards, hawks, and the occasional bobcat or fox in more remote sections
As the sun sets, gather at the Pioneer Amphitheatre for the TEXAS Outdoor Musical. This long-running performance brings Texas history to life with music, dancing, and fireworks, all set against canyon walls that glow in twilight. Children enjoy the theatrical style and parents appreciate the cultural touch. Overnight stays range from rugged to refined. Options include:
- Campsites with full RV hookups or tent spaces under the stars
- Canyon cabins with basic comforts like A/C and mini-fridges
- Lodges in nearby Canyon or Amarillo for those who prefer modern amenities
7. South Padre Island: Surf and Sand for All Ages
South Padre Island welcomes families with sun-soaked days, warm surf, and a schedule that’s as relaxed or as adventurous as you want it to be. Located at the southern tip of Texas, this beach destination mixes calm waters with exciting activities, making it easy to please toddlers, teens, and everyone in between. Start the day with beach time, where soft sand and gentle waves set the scene for effortless fun. Families can:
- Build elaborate sandcastles with kits sold at local shops
- Splash in shallow surf perfect for smaller children
- Try out boogie boarding or simply float under the sun
For families ready to add more excitement, South Padre offers a variety of guided experiences. Book with South Padre Surf Co. for lessons that teach kids and adults how to ride waves safely and confidently. Other favorite activities include:
- Dolphin-watching tours where kids squeal with joy at every splash
- Parasailing rides offering sky-high views of the coast
- Eco-cruises that introduce marine life and barrier island ecosystems
In the evening, families often gather for fireworks over the beach or stroll along the sand as the breeze cools. South Padre’s boardwalks and beachside restaurants stay lively, but never feel rushed.
Endnote
Texas delivers an exceptional mix of weekend destinations that suit every kind of family. Some places offer outdoor adventure, while others provide urban entertainment or cozy countryside stays. Rotate through these trips as part of your annual travel calendar and build new memories every time you hit the road.
