Whether you're craving sun, adventure, or cozy nights under the stars, there’s something magical about hitting the open road with your loved ones. From splashing in the surf at the beach to the thrills of a theme park, indoor waterpark, or camping under the stars, these family-friendly destinations are sure to bring joy, laughter, and lots of bonding time. Pack up the car and get ready for an adventure the whole family will remember for years to come!
Great Wolf Lodge (Grapevine Location):
*Great Wolf Lodge in Webster is currenty open and 2.5 hours closer to home! However, the location in Grapevine is still a worthy visit since it's nearby other fun Dallas-area attractions. For the purpose of this article, we're including them both.
Location: Grapevine, TX – a 3.50-hour drive from The Woodlands
What to expect: With a heated indoor waterpark equipped with multiple slides and pools, a lazy river, wave pool, and more, this lodge is a paradise for families with kids of all ages! When you’re not swimming, you can enjoy daily family activities like dance parties and story times in the lobby area, several eateries, lodge-style accommodations with rooms that include bunk beds, an arcade, Starbucks, large gift shop, a sophisticated MagiQuest treasure-seeking game built throughout the lodge, and much more.
What else to do in the area?
- Round 1 Bowling & Amusement – bowling, arcade games, karaoke, and more
- Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Gardens – Breath-taking, award-winning gardens with trails and water features
- Six Flags Over Texas – large them parks with thrill rides and family rides
- Fort Worth Stockyards – rodeo shows, bull run, and more
- Gaylord Texan
Great Wolf Lodge (Webster Location):
Location: Webster, TX – a 1-hour drive from The Woodlands
What to expect: A vibrant indoor resort packed with a variety of activities, including a bowling alley, ropes course, arcade, Build-a-Bear Workshop, mini golf, and much more. The highlight is the heated indoor waterpark, complete with thrilling slides, pools, a lazy river, and a wave pool. When you’re ready for a break from the water, enjoy daily family activities like dance parties and storytimes in the lobby. With a range of dining options and lodge-style accommodations featuring rooms with cozy bunk beds, it's a delightful spot for family fun and relaxation.
What else to do in the area?
- Kemah Boardwalk - family-fun rides, games, shopping, and dining
- Space City Rock Climbing - indoor rock climbing
- Top Golf - entertainment complex with high tech golf
- Space Center Houston - immersive learning experience for science and space exploration
- FunCity Sk8 - roller rink, adult lounge & bar, arcade
Fiesta Texas:
Location: San Antonio – a 3.25-hour drive from The Woodlands
What to expect: Fiesta Texas is a medium-sized theme park packed with exhilaration. Expect pint-sized rides for tots and preschoolers, family-style rides, and even large thrill rides and coasters. Live shows, gift shops, and restaurants will enhance your experience, making this a complete day of fun. Fiest Texas will be having its Mardi Gras festival during Spring Break. Be transported to The Big Easy with authentic live music, unique performances, and a Mardi Gras parade with over-the-top floats and beads galore!
What else to do in the area?
- Six Flags Sea World – dolphin shows and more
- The DoSeum – award-winning children’s museum
- San Antonio Riverwalk – a walk along the river with shop and restaurants
- The Alamo – tour this historic fort
- Natural Bridge Caverns – adventure through caverns
Stewart Beach
Location: Galveston, TX - a 1.5-hour from The Woodlands
What to expect: Galveston’s family-friendly Stewart Beach offers miles of sand and fun in the sun! Picnic, fly a kite, splash in the water, build sandcastles! Stop at Pleasure Pier for more fun and thrilling rides and carnival-style games.
What else to do in the area:
- Moody Gardens – Rainforest, 4-D ride show, IMAX films, aquarium
- La King’s Confectionery – hand-pulled taffy and delicious ice cream treats
- Dolphin Tours – go out in the a boat to watch dolphins at play
- Galveston Children’s Museum – small interactive museum for kids
Jellystone Park
Location: Waller, TX – a 50-minute drive from The Woodlands
What to expect: Fun in the sun with a family cabin, Yogi Bear visits, sports courts, swimming pool, mini golf, and a myriad of camp activities.
What else to do in the area:
- Blackwood Educational Land Institute
- Chappell Hill Historical Society Museum
- Lonestar Breakout
Silver Dollar City
Location: Branson, Missouri – a 9.75-hour drive / 1.25-hour flight from The Woodlands
What to expect: An 1880’s style theme park with over 40 rides and attractions, 100 craftsmen, live shows and concerts, 18 award-winning restaurants, live entertainment, and dozens of unique shops, all sitting atop of one of Missouri’s deepest caves.
What else to do in the area: There’s no shortage of fun along the Branson, Missouri Strip! It’s Vegas for families! Live shows, fun dining options, and hundreds of fun attractions.
- Branson Coasters
- Sights & Sounds Theater
- Wonder Works
- Fritz’s Adventure
