There are a number of options within Texas for a great family getaway. All of the cities on this list are within driving distance from Houston. From the coast to the picturesque Texas Hill Country, get out of the Houston area and explore the Lone Star State with your loved ones. You’ll have an unforgettable time at one of these best family vacations from Houston, Texas.
Austin
Austin may be known for its nightlife and live music, however there are tons of kid-friendly activities in the city. Take a tour around the Texas State Capitol, head to a University of Texas at Austin football game, or swim and hike along the Greenbelt. Families will also enjoy kayaking or paddle boarding Lady Bird Lake, or even catching the bats at sunset underneath the Congress Avenue Bridge during the summer months. With swimming holes like Barton Springs Pool and Hamilton Pool, Austin is a great family vacation from Houston during the summertime.
Corpus Christi
For sun-loving and beach-obsessed families, Corpus Christi makes for a great family vacation. Corpus Christi is not the closest beach from Houston, however this coastal city is worth the three-and-a-half hour drive. Besides the miles of sandy beach, Corpus Christi is home to other fun attractions like the Texas State Aquarium and Schlitterbahn River Park.
San Antonio
Home to the Alamo, the Riverwalk, and Six Flags Fiesta Texas, a family vacation to San Antonio is anything but boring. San Antonio is even home to a children’s museum, The DoSeum, that is perfect for a rainy day. Other San Antonio attractions ideal for families is SeaWorld, the San Antonio Zoo, and Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch. With so many options, a trip to San Antonio is sure to please the entire family.
New Braunfels
Escape the Houston heat by heading to New Braunfels and floating down the Comal or Guadalupe River this summer. Since these rivers are spring fed, the water in the river stays cool all year round. A leisurely float along one of these New Braunfels rivers is an awesome way to spend the day together. Another way to cool off here is at Schlitterbahn New Braunfels, which is one of the largest water parks in the world.
Galveston
Galveston is one of the top family vacation destinations for Houston families since the coastal city is only an hour away. You could spend your entire time here enjoying the beach. However if you can pull yourself away from the shore, you won’t regret exploring top Galveston attractions with your family. Head to an amusement park by the beach called Pleasure Pier, or explore the incredible complex of Moody Gardens. Also home to a Schlitterbahn water park, Galveston seems to have everything you’ll need for a great family vacation from Houston.
Dallas/Fort Worth
Dallas and its neighboring city of Fort Worth may not immediately come to mind as a family vacation destination, however the DFW area is well worth the visit. Enjoy family-friendly attractions such as the Dallas Zoo, Perot Museum of Nature and Science, and Six Flags Over Texas. Fort Worth is also home to a science museum and a zoo that is home to over 7,000 exotic animals.
Fredericksburg
Fredericksburg offers a great home base for a Texas Hill Country family vacation. One of the top state parks in Texas is found in Fredericksburg, Enchanted Rock State Natural Area. Head to Enchanted Rock for a day hike or a multi-day camping trip. After your time exploring the outdoors, have a nice family dinner and shopping trip in downtown Fredericksburg. For Houston families with adult children, there are a number of wineries in the area to explore too.
