The Woodlands Resort: All-Inclusive Weekend Getaway for the Whole Fam

Did I just find the perfect family-friendly resort in Texas? Less than four hours from Arlington? I think so...

Kid-friendly weekend escape in Texas: The Woodlands Resort

Grab the bathing suits (and maybe the golf clubs!)- it's time for family fun in the greater Houston area

Karaoke by the pool. A foam party for all ages. Glow swimming. Poolside movies. A poolside bar with delicious drinks (both with and without alcohol). If you're looking for family fun within driving distance of DFW, you're in luck! The Woodlands Resort has everything you need for a fun getaway for groups of all sizes and guests of all ages.

We checked in for an overnight in mid-June to The Woodlands Resort in The Woodlands, Texas, and were instantly sad we were only staying one night. This destination, only three hours from our Arlington home, has everything we could have wanted in a serene setting on the northern outskirts of Houston. From the moment we drove up, we knew we were in for fun in the Texas sun.

Enjoying the lazy river at The Woodlands Resort.

The Woodlands Resort offers:

• 4 on-site dining options, including two restaurants, a market and coffee shop and a poolside bar and grill. Plus the resort offers room service!
• Lots of outdoor and recreational fun. Play a round of golf. Or grab a racquet and try out pickleball or tennis. And there's a fitness center onsite.
• A calendar of fun activities to keep kids (and adults!) entertained at no additional charge.
• A water park and pool area that is your one-stop shop for fun. From waterslides to a lazy river and splash areas for toddlers, the water area at The Woodlands Resort is perfect for all ages.

Drinks by the pool at The Woodlands Resort. 

Honestly, we spent most of our time at this resort at the pool and waterpark area. During the summertime (and throughout the year), the resort offers programming at the pool to keep kids entertained so caregivers can sit back and enjoy their vacation, too! What kinds of activities are offered? Well, for starters, there is a nightly movie by the water. We got to watch 101 Dalmatians as we splashed. Throughout the day, kids can engage in activities such as Popsicle Bingo, Poolside Karaoke, Turtle Feedings and more. Check out the schedule here. (My daughters want me to encourage everyone to go under the water, also, as fun Disney movie is piped in that can't be heard when your head is above the water!)

Enjoying a poolside movie at The Woodlands Resort

The waterpark at this hotel is truly the reason to travel down to this area, especially if you are looking for a quick getaway that will be fun for adults and kids. The waterpark area features multiple slides, a lazy river, multiple play pools and a splash area as well as ample seating options. Combine all of this with the additional programming over the summer and the poolside bar for adults (plus an ice cream shop for all ages), and you'll truly wonder what took you so long to discover this wooded oasis. We spent our day Saturday by the pool and only saw the kids when they were hungry. They loved roaming around, meeting other kids and engaging with the activities. And my husband and I enjoyed Dr Peppers by the pool while we got some sun and hung out together. 

We dined poolside the night we arrived and enjoyed light bites at on-site Spruce Market the morning before we left. We also did smores around the fire Friday night for $6- my youngest just can't seem to resist roasting marshmallows even when she has no intention of eating them! 

Breakfast on the go from Spruce Market at The Woodlands Resort

My husband was bummed he didn't have time to golf but our trip to the Houston area was quicker than we would have liked. The next time we visit, we will be checking out the pickleball courts, too!

I can't recommend this spot enough if you are looking for a fun vacation that is drivable from DFW. Obviously The Woodlands and Houston in general has a lot of fun to offer travelers, from The Sloo Moo Institute to NASA and Aquarium to the Houston Zoo. But The Woodlands Resort is truly a destination unto itself and all you need for a great, relaxing and undeniably fun weekend away.

*Disclosure: We received a free night and resort credit in exchange for a blog and social media posts. All thoughts and comments are my own.*

Greater Arlington Area FREE Indoor Playgrounds

When the weather is hot and you want to get the kids out of the house, check out these fun & free indoor playgrounds in the greater Arlington area. 

The Tubes at Irving Bible Church: Open daily 9 am- 7 pm. Rent out the adjacent room for birthday parties on the weekend! Great play area for the 12 and younger set about 30 minutes from Arlington. Grab coffee at the adjacent coffee bar, Cuppa Espresso Bar. 

The Tubes at Irving Bible Church

The Playscape at The Hills Church in North Richland Hills: Designed for kids in 5th grade and younger, The Hills Playscape is open Saturday & Sunday from 3-5 pm for playtime as well as Monday- Thursday from 5-6:30 pm. 

Wesley's Indoor Playground at White's Chapel Methodist Church in Southlake: Perfect for kids ages 11 and younger, Wesley's Playground is open Sunday- Friday starting at 8 am (closing times vary, check website for details). There is even a great spot for tots! While you're there grab a beverage at Wesley's Cafe. 

Wesley's Playground at White's Chapel Methodist Church in Southlake, Texas.

The REC of Grapevine Indoor Playarea: You do not need to be a member of the rec center to enjoy this awesome indoor playground! Perfect for elementary-aged kids, this playscape is open when the REC is open. See the website for hours. 

Free play area at the REC in Grapevine

Living Spaces Play Area: Fort Worth & Grand Prairie: Both Arlington-area locations of this awesome furniture store have free indoor playareas where you can drop off the kids! I repeat: You can drop off the kids! Don't forget socks. Kids can play for two hours while caregivers shop. The play area is open during store hours, see website for further details. Bonus: The Fort Worth location has inexpensive glasses of wine to sip while you hang kid-free! 

Bubbleland at Gateway Church Grand Prairie: Bubbleland is open for play on Wednesdays from 10 am - 1 pm and then on Saturday from 3:30- 5:30 pm and on Sunday from 8:30 am- 2:30 pm. Younger kids will enjoy this play area and caregivers can stay cool in the air-conditioning!

Open Play at Rush Creek Church, Green Oaks & Mira Lagos Campuses: Ideal for kids ages 3-10, Rush Creek Church Green Oaks will open its doors for indoor play on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9- 12 pm & 1- 3 pm through August 8. Mira Lagos will be open during the day Monday through Friday. 

IKEA Smaland Grand Prairie: Kids must be potty-trained and no taller than 4'4" to play for free for an hour at the IKEA playground while parents and caregivers shop or eat at the cafe. This is a fun, safe spot for littles- just don't forget socks! Keep them in your purse for summer IKEA visits for sure. See the website for open times. 

Walnut Ridge Baptist Church in Mansfield: This fun spot for little kids allows them to climb and move. The play area is open during the summer for playtime, although the website currently says it's closed for maintenance. Keep checking back though- this is another fun spot for your list!  

Of course there are loads of awesome Chick Fil As, McDonald's, Burger Kings and more with fun and free play areas. Feel free to drop your favorites in the comments!