A truly family-friendly hotel must be more than a place to rest your head. It has to be a home-away-from-home where you can keep kids, toys, snacks, souvenirs, and strollers in a state of comfortable disarray until it’s time to head home. And of course, it needs the all-important pool!
These eight hotels and resorts are just a few of the many family-friendly places to stay in the Austin area that have all that and more. Whether you need a home base where you can explore the city, or a resort full of activities and entertainment, this list has got you covered.
Aiden by Best Western at Austin City Hotel
Aiden by Best Western at Austin City Hotel combines boutique style with a major name brand. Kids will enjoy the large outdoor pool with wading area for little ones, deep end for strong swimmers, and hot tub for the grown-ups.
A complimentary full breakfast will get the family fed with minimal fuss, and you can stock the in-room fridge with milk or other kid-friendly snacks. Cribs and rollaway beds are available upon request. And if you’re traveling with a pet, you can bring up to two dogs per room for just $30/day.
The best part? Aiden is one of the more affordable hotels in the city, which can be key when traveling with a brood. Located just south of downtown Austin on the major north/south highway, you’ll have easy access to both city and countryside attractions.
Courtesy of Fairmont Austin.
Fairmont Austin
The Fairmont Austin brings family-friendly luxury to downtown Austin. The 7th floor heated swimming pool provides a place for the adults to sip a cocktail or snack on frozen fruit while the kids cool off. Send them to reapply sunscreen in the contactless sunscreen kiosk!
With five onsite restaurants, you can dine with ease. But if you’re craving something else, you’re steps away from the shops and restaurants of Downtown Austin. The Fairmont is also close to Lady Bird Lake, Zilker Park, and Barton Springs Pool for plenty of outdoor fun.
Courtesy of Hyatt Regency Austin.
Hyatt Regency Austin
Stay within walking distance of some of Austin’s best outdoor spaces at the Hyatt Regency Austin. Family suites and connected rooms are available for larger groups, and each room is equipped with an in-room mini fridge.
A large pool gives kids a place to play while you relax on the sundeck and take in views of the downtown skyline. The on-site restaurant prepares family-friendly fare for breakfast and lunch, so you can fuel up before heading out on your adventures.
The hotel is on the banks of Lady Bird Lake where you can rent kayaks and paddle boards. Watch the famous Mexican Free-Tailed Bats emerge from under the Congress Avenue Bat Bridge at dusk. Walk to Auditorium Shores for an outdoor concert, or take a ride share to Zilker Park and take a dip in Barton Springs Pool.
Courtesy of Kalahari Resorts & Conventions Round Rock.
Kalahari Resorts Texas
If the family is looking for excitement without a lot of driving around, Kalahari Resorts Texas in Round Rock fits the bill. As “America’s Largest Indoor Waterpark,” this African-themed resort boasts 223,000 square feet of water fun. Bodyboarding, waterslides, a lazy river, splash pads, and more will keep the family entertained for the length of your stay.
When you’re tired of being wet, visit the arcade complete with nearly 250 games, or solve an Escape Room with the family. The kids can also spend some time in the Adventurer’s Club making arts and crafts.
Suites are available for larger groups, and a complimentary pack & play can be provided upon request.
Courtesy of Lakeway Resort & Spa.
Lakeway Resort & Spa
Spend your family vacation on lovely Lake Travis at Lakeway Resort & Spa to keep both parents and kids happy. The resort has pools for all ages, including an adults-only section with swim up bar, splash pad for the smaller kids, and an Adventure Slide for everyone.
While you’re indulging in a pampering spa treatment, you can drop kids over 5 at the Kids’ Zone for up to two hours where they can play mini golf, ping-pong, air hockey, and tons more. They won’t miss you. In the evenings, the resort hosts seasonal events like s’mores parties and outdoor film screenings.
Located right on Lake Travis, the family can also enjoy lake activities like boating, sailing, and fishing during your stay.
Courtesy of Lone Star Court.
Lone Star Court
Explore all The Domain has to offer from your cozy weekend headquarters at Lone Star Court. This retro-inspired hotel has no shortage of outdoor fun like lawn games, fire pits, a swimming pool, and live music in the Courtyard Outdoor Pavilion. Hotel guests can also borrow complimentary bicycles for a two-wheeled tour through the area.
In your room, you’ll find a full-sized Smeg refrigerator for snacks and drinks, along with an iPad docking station so you can recharge that all-important tablet.
Within The Domain, there’s plenty to do. Burgers, pizza, sandwiches, milkshakes, and plenty more kid-friendly dining options are available. Several playgrounds throughout the property give kids a place to work up an appetite. When it gets hot, head to iPic Theater for an air-conditioned movie. And sports fans will love being within walking distance of Q2 Stadium, the home of Austin’s Major League Soccer club.
Courtesy of Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa.
Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa
For a family-friendly country club feel, visit Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa in West Austin’s Hill Country. Stay busy with the four onsite golf courses, nature trail, tennis, and mini golf. In the summer, cool off in one of the four pools. The Infinity Pool is for adults only, but there are two outdoor and one indoor family pools, as well as a splash pad.
Six restaurants on the property provide plenty of dining options, so you can enjoy as many meals as you like without packing up the whole crew.
This resort is near other Hill Country attractions like the One World Theater, Austin Zoo, and several state parks and nature areas. But if you’d prefer to spend your days in the city, it’s only a 10 mile drive to downtown.
Courtesy of Renaissance Austin Hotel.
Renaissance Austin Hotel
The newly renovated, urban feel and ideal location make the Renaissance Austin Hotel the perfect place to take the family on your next trip to Austin. The amenities at and attractions near the hotel mean the whole family can enjoy their trip with ease.
Opt for a relaxing day at the hotel and enjoy the two indoor and outdoor swimming pools and whirlpool hot tub. For lunch or dinner, you don’t have to travel far, choose from Tex-Mex or craft American cuisine at the two on-site restaurants.
If you’re looking to get out and explore, walking distance to The Arboretum and proximity to both the Domain and Domain NORTHSIDE means you’re never far from endless shopping, exceptional dining, greenspaces for kids, and unique family-friendly attractions. Leave the whole family scratching their heads after a trip to the Museum of Illusions or delight in all-you-can-eat ice cream at the Museum of Ice Cream.
These are just a few of the many accommodations fit for families in Austin. For a full list, visit our Places to Stay page. Looking for family-friendly things to do while you're in town? Check out more family-focused resources on the Austin Insider Blog!
Contributed by Kate McDermott.
Kate McDermott is a local copywriter, content writer, and cocktail enthusiast. She writes about and for restaurants, hotels, event companies, and more from her home in Way South Austin.
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