Who’s ready to get away for family summer vacation in Texas?
Summer is meant for vacationing! We all need a break from day-to-day life, whether to go to another city in Texas, another state, or a staycation in Texas. Below is a roundup of our favorite family summer getaways in Texas, perfect for those quick getaways.
Did you know? Over 39 million roadtrippers are estimated to travel at least 50 miles from home this summer.
Family Summer Getaways In Texas
Some of Texas’s most incredible adventures happen on the year’s hottest days—summer! Whether at waterparks, rivers, lakes, swimming holes, or any other outdoor space, it’s time for a family getaway! Especially if you didn’t get to take a vacation due to unforeseen circumstances from years past. Check out these summer vacation ideas in Texas for 2025.
1. New Braunfels For Tubing
A Central Texas destination that welcomes you with a “Guten Tag.” New Braunfels offers German culture, German cuisine, riverside cabins, and the world-famous Schlitterbahn New Braunfels Waterpark. And don’t forget all the fun you can have on the Guadalupe River and the Comal River. Tubing on the river is huge in this part of Texas. We love this part of the Texas Hill Country.
2. Go RV Camping In East Texas
All RVers, take note of these 12 RV Campgrounds to visit in Texas. RVing is fun and less expensive than a hotel, and you can enjoy the view of East Texas piney woods. Plus, you can bring your own food to save money, and the family pets can come along, too!!
3. Enjoy The Outdoors In Bastrop
Another great family destination to visit this summer is Bastrop. Southeast Austin hosts Lake Bastrop and terrific access to the Colorado River. It is also home to the Lost Pines and a large state park offering outdoor activities. If a girl’s weekend is in order, read what one of our travel bloggers and her friend found to do on their glamping adventures in Bastrop, TX.
4. Gaylord Texan Resort University of Light Show
From May 23 to September 1, 2025, the Gaylord Texan will delight its guests with a University of Light show complete with the superhero of your child’s imagination. See more about this epic event at The All-New Gaylord Texan Summerfest Show, and grab a coupon code for $5 off each ticket.
5. Great Wolf Lodge in Webster, TX
Have you heard? There is a new Great Wolf Lodge near Houston and Galveston. Right smack in the middle of the two, you’ll find fun at the new Great Wolf Lodge. My son and I went there and he had the most fun time.
6. Make A Splash at the Gulf Coast
Summer getaways in Texas must include a waterpark. Multiple coastal and bay destinations exist near Houston, including Brazoria, Baytown, Pearland, and Galveston. Check out our complete list of waterparks in Texas that might help you decide.
Of course, just 45 minutes south of the big city is Galveston Island, a jewel of history and coastal living. Aside from the fun days at the beach, Galveston has some magnificent restaurants on the Seawall and in town that are worth visiting. Next time you’re in Galveston to play on the beach or for something else, check out Where To Eat In Galveston.
7. Play At Margaritaville Resort On Lake Conroe
Just north of Houston is an island vibe that has never looked and felt so good! Possessing lakeside, by the many outdoor pools, or perhaps in a hot tub, or hanging out in the lazy river is your ideal vacation.
8. Ride Horses At South Fork Ranch in Plano
While vacationing in Plano, take a short drive to the iconic South Fork Ranch and reminisce about Dallas’s famous TV show. Then, take a ride on a guided horseback tour across the pasture. Afterward, hang out with the longhorns and tour the main house.
9. Go To Round Top, TX, In the Off-Season
Off-season means “not when the popular antique shows are in town.” There’s a world of fun things to do in this small town in Central Texas. If you have young kids with you, they will enjoy the pool at The Frenchy while you enjoy everything else Round Top has to offer. I was here not too long ago in the off-season and found lots to do. Read about it here – Things To Do In Round Top In The Off-Season.
10. Girls’ Getaway To Marble Falls – Texas Hill Country
Sometimes, you must leave the kids at home and go with the girls. I recently went to Marble Falls with a friend on a girls’ getaway. We enjoyed shopping, sipping, and hiking – just the two of us! It was nice.
11. Take The Family Glamping
If you’ve never experienced glamping, maybe this summer is the time to do it. There are all kinds of unique glamping spots in Texas – from plain Jane to luxury glamping.
12. Catch A Waterfall In Dripping Springs
After my girls’ weekend in Marble Falls, I visited Dripping Springs for three days. If seeing the waterfall at Hamilton Pool Preserve and visiting wineries in town aren’t good reasons to visit Dripping Springs, then go for all the good eats and shopping there. But I bet you’ll fall in love with what nature provides in this town. My favorite place is the Westcave Discovery Center. We hiked down to the grotto and saw the waterfall.
13. Ride Horses On The Beach In Brazosport (Galveston Area)
Somewhere on the County Beach, people are riding horses by the water. Beach Bum Horse Rides will meet you at the beach and provide an hour-long guided ride along the beach. My grandson and I did this just last week.
Note: Beach Bum may or may not be in business anymore. She was very iffy with us and wanted to ensure my son was an experienced horse rider.
14. Staycation At Tanglewood Resort On Lake Texoma
About an hour’s drive from Dallas and minutes away from the Texas-Oklahoma border, Tanglewood Resort on Lake Texoma provides the perfect setting for a staycation for families, couples, adults, groups, etc.
15. Head to Wimberley in the Texas Hill Country
If this small river town becomes more popular, it must expand. With Jacob’s Well, the Blue Hole, and Old Baldy right there, this town will be swarming with visitors this summer. I went in April, and it was busy. If you can handle the crowds, the activities and attractions in Wimberley will be fun for families.
16. Hang Out On Lake Granbury At Stumpy’s
Not only is Stumpy’s an excellent lakeside grill, but you can also rent boats, hang out on their back patio, have a party, shop, or rent the place for a celebration. Stumpy’s on Lake Granbury can do it all!
17. Hyatt Vacation Club at Wild Oak Ranch (San Antonio)
The Hyatt Vacation Club at Wild Oak Ranch is just minutes from downtown San Antonio. The resort offers spacious, residential-style villas that make it easy for families to make a quick getaway with full kitchens for easy in-room meals, separate living and sleeping areas for privacy and comfort, and plenty of room for everyone to spread out and relax after a day of adventure. Kids (and adults) will love floating down the 800-ft Texas-shaped lazy river.
Buy A Get Out Pass And Save $5 Using Code TEXASTRAVEL
By using TEXASTRAVEL you’ll save another $5 on tickets. The GetOutPass.
Enjoy all your Family Summer Getaways In Texas!
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