14 Fabulous Weekend Family Getaways near Houston

This is a list of 14 weekend family getaways near Houston.

 

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We recently had the opportunity to drive a 2018 Mazda 626 to Kemah for the weekend and it made us realize how underrated short road trips are in the travel space.  There’s something special to be said about packing way too much, loading the family into the car, and jamming out to Kidz Bop while blazing down the highway to a new [or old] destination.  Amiright?

 

Our family is, of course, 50/50 on their feelings about family road trips from Houston.  Two of us love them and the other two just don’t get the appeal [and would much rather do a staycation in Houston].  BUT we were unanimous in our love for driving our Mazda 626!  It was incredibly spacious and the smooth ride made for a super comfortable transit.  The girls made it through the entire trip without the “your leg is touching my leg” arguments.  Y’all know the ones I mean!

That leads us back to this list of weekend family getaways near Houston.  Living in this dynamic city is fabulous but sometimes you just want to get away with the family for a weekend, right?  Here are 14 weekend family getaways near Houston.

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WEEKEND FAMILY GETAWAYS NEAR HOUSTON [1-2 hours]

These family road trips from Houston should take you less than 2 hours if traveling from mid-Houston.  Traffic isn’t factored in and these are rough estimates.  Spend less time on the road and more time at the destination with these weekend family getaways near Houston.

• The Woodlands, TX [30.2 miles]

  Located a short distance from Houston, The Woodlands makes a fun and quick weekend family getaway near Houston.  Visit the Woodlands Children’s Museum, commune with nature at the George Mitchell Preserve, catch a [Kidz Bop] concert at Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, kayak down Lake Woodlands, shop at Central Green [while the kids burn energy at their central green space], and cool off at the Rob Fleming Aquatic Center.  Stay at The Woodlands Resort to have even more fun in the city and play at their guest-only water park.

• Kemah, TX [36.2 miles]

  Kemah is only a short distance from downtown Houston and could technically be a day trip BUT with all the activities there why not make a weekend of it?  Visit the Kemah Boardwalk where they have carnival rides, a roller coaster, bay cruises, plenty of restaurant options, a mini-aquarium, and more.  Houston’s own Space Center is right down the street too. [Note: The hotel located on the Boardwalk is super cute and quaint but LOUD.  If you have young kids with an early bed time, I highly recommend staying at the nearby Holiday Inn Kemah instead.]

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• Lone Star Jellystone Park in Waller, TX [50.2 miles]

  Simplify your weekend getaway with by retreating to nature with Lone Star Jellystone Park in Waller, TX.  There are actually 7 Jellystone Park locations in Texas but this one is one of the closest.  There is a lazy river, swimming pool, water slides, miniature golf, a lake for fishing, and tons more.  They also often have special events planned just for those taking a family road trip from Houston.  Different lodging areas are available there on-site.

• Galveston, TX [50.9 miles]

  Spend the weekend surf side in Galveston, TX.  Explore the Galveston seawall, shop on The Strand, build sandcastles on the beach, or play at Pleasure Pier.  Book a stay at Moody Gardens to have access to even more fun Galveston, TX activities!

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• Lake Conroe, TX [53.8 miles]

  Conroe is more than just the fastest growing suburb of Houston.  It’s actually a wonderful weekend getaway near Houston!  Spend a weekend fishing or boating on the lake, hike the Sam Houston National Forest, camp at the many camping sites in the area, and peruse classics in historic downtown Conroe.

• Lake Charles, LA [143.5 miles]

  Explore beyond Texas state lines by taking a weekend family getaway to Lake Charles, LA which is surprisingly near to Houston.  Stay a resort hotel that has it everything your family might want or need like L’Auburge Casino Resort.  There is a casino in the lobby for the adults but there’s an arcade, lazy river, and beach area called Touloulou’s for the rest of the family.

 

WEEKEND FAMILY GETAWAYS NEAR HOUSTON [2-4 hours]

These family road trips from Houston will take you more than 2 hours [but less than 4] if traveling from mid-Houston.  Again, traffic isn’t factored in and these are rough estimates.  You’ll spend more time on the road but have a wider variety of options for weekend family getaways near Houston.

 

• Hyatt Regency Lost Pines and Resort in Cedar Creek, TX [144 miles]

  Unwind and relax for a weekend at Hyatt Regency Lost Pines and Resort in Cedar Creek, TX.  The family can spend the weekend horseback riding, kayaking in the Colorado River, exploring McKinney Roughs National Park, splashing in the water park, or trekking to nearby Austin, TX.  If you find time to slip away from the kids, there is also a spa with many relaxation treatments within the resort.

• Austin, TX [165 miles]

  Austin, TX is arguably the most popular weekend family getaway near Houston.  Take a dip in Barton Springs, wade in the Hamilton Pool Preserve, frolic in Zilker Park, tour the Texas Capitol building, go on the hunt for Bevo, watch for bats under the Congress Avenue bridge, get ice cream [with a show] at Maggie Moo’s, do any and everything that helps keep Austin weird.

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• New Braunfels, TX [175 miles]

  Stay and play the weekend away at the original Schlitterbahn Waterpark in New Braunfels, TX slipping and sliding down rides built around the Comal River.  Use this comprehensive water park packing list to make sure you have everything you need.

  Venture outside the water park to experience the city’s Landa Park, natural caverns, nature trails, and more.

• Waco, TX [186 miles]

  Waco, TX is more than just the home of Chip and Joanna Gaines.  There is also a ton of stuff to do for families looking for a weekend getaway near Houston.  Tour the Dr. Pepper museum, check out the Cameron Park Zoo, visit a real-life dig site at the Mammoth National Monument [and let the kiddos become Junior Park Rangers], and no visit to Waco would be complete without a stop at Magnolia Market.  Click here to see a complete list of things to do with kids in Waco.

• San Antonio, TX [197 miles]

  Although only a few hours away, San Antonio can feel like a completely different world.  The city has done a wonderful job preserving its Tex-Mexican roots and it is apparent all over the city.  Enjoy delicious food, roam the Riverwalk, remember the Alamo, shop Market Center, or visit one of many amusement parks in the city.  A little outside the city is also Natural Bridge Caverns and Wildlife Ranch Texas. Stay at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa to enjoy their water park!

• Corpus Christi, TX [208 miles]

  Spend the weekend on the beach with a family weekend getaway to Corpus Christi, TX.  Search for fish at the Texas State Aquarium, immerse the family in the history of the USS Lexington, build sandcastles on the beach, or play at many of the cities many playgrounds.  Stay at the Schlitternbahn Corpus Christi Resort for even more fun.

• Fredericksburg, TX [237.5 miles]

  Did you know Texas has its very own elephant sanctuary where you can touch, feed, and bathe protected Asian elephants?  That alone makes the family road trip from Houston worthwhile but there is also Lady Bird Johnson Park, Enchanted Rock State Natural area, and some orchards that will let you pick your own fruitful bounty.

• Dallas, TX [239 miles]

  A family road trip from Houston to Dallas offers many options for a weekend.  Transport yourself back to the past with a stop at Medieval Times,  ride exhilarating rides at Six Flags over Texas, participate in an “African” safari at Fossil Rim, learn about JFK at the Sixth Floor Museum, spend the day at Epic Waters indoor water park, and more.  Venture to Grapevine for even more fun at Legoland, Great Wolf Lodge, and Sea Life.  Stay at the Gaylord Texan to partake in their own bevy of events.

Have you taken any family road trips from Houston?  What are you favorite family weekend getaways near Houston?