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.
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| 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.
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| 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!)
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| 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!
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| 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.*
