Family-friendly Hotels in Austin

Spring-fed pools, bats under bridges, and a museum built just for kids—these are just some of the things that make Austin a top vacation spot for families. As one of the fastest growing cities in the US, this city remains young at heart and offers a wide range of activities for families to enjoy and places to discover as part of a kid-friendly vacation. And staying true to the mantra of 'Keeping Austin Weird', expect the unexpected from your visit to the state capital of Texas.

Things to see in Austin

As well as Austin’s renowned music and film festivals, there's plenty of family fun to be had here, all year round. The city is home to several parks and lakes, with Zilker Park perhaps being the most popular. Looking out over the downtown skyline, you can enjoy picnics, walks, bike rides, and even canoeing in its open spaces. There's a great sculpture garden, a miniature railway, and a refreshing spring-fed swimming pool for cooling off on those hot Texan days. Next door is Lady Bird Lake, which has trails to explore and an informative wildlife sanctuary. Stick around to admire its amazing natural spectacle, when a million bats emerge from a bridge at dusk in the summer months. Kids will love Austin Children's Museum, which has been specially designed to grab young ones’ attention with a series of problem-solving, creative-learning, and play environments.

Family-friendly hotels in Austin

The Texas capital has long had a reputation as an easy-going, friendly kind of city, and the many family-friendly hotels in Austin certainly live up to that. They generally feature spacious, well-equipped family rooms, and most family-friendly hotels in Austin also offer baby-sitting services and plenty of children’s activities. There are amenities for parents too, who can take a refreshing dip in the hotel pool (which is always a hit on a family vacation) or make use of free WiFi services.

Where to stay in Austin

Some of the most luxurious family-friendly hotels in Austin are found Downtown, especially in the Waller Creek District. Here you'll be close to the museums and sights of central Austin. The open spaces and attractions of Zilker Park are across the river. For some refreshingly inexpensive Austin hotel rates, you could try the city’s North Loop district. The mid-range hotels found here are close to some of the city's best shopping opportunities. Better still, family hotels in Austin's northern belt are away from the bustle of Downtown, but still close to the freeways—convenient for trips out exploring the country around Austin. Lastly, you can find some great family-friendly hotels in Austin's Southeast district, not too far from the airport.

How to get to Austin

If you’re traveling to Austin with kids, you'll find getting here easy. Austin Bergstrom International, the main airport for both national and international flights, is only 6 miles from central Austin. From here you can take a bus into town, take a taxi, or hire a car. If you're looking to drive, rather then fly in, San Antonio is only 90 minutes away, while Houston and Dallas are some three hours’ drive away by car. Public transport is available, but the simplest way to get around the city is by car.