Connect with us

Austin, TX

Best Kid-Friendly Hotels and Resorts in Austin

Published

on

Best Kid-Friendly Hotels and Resorts in Austin


Looking for the perfect place to stay in Austin with the whole family? Whether you’re planning a fun-filled adventure exploring the attractions in the state’s capital or a relaxing getaway, finding a kid-friendly hotel or resort is key to a good trip. These Austin hotels and resorts have kid-friendly amenities and good locations, so your family can have a blast while visiting all the Best Things To Do in Austin. 

For more to do near Austin, check out our Texas Hill Country with Kids guide.

 
The pool at the Sonesta Bee Cave. Photo by author Sarah Banks

Advertisement

1. Sonesta Bee Cave $$ – West Austin

Sonesta Bee Cave is a fantastic, kid-friendly spot in the scenic Bee Cave area on the west side of Austin. Its refreshing outdoor pool is ideal for keeping everyone happy, with two shallow areas perfect for little kids. Plus, you’re next door to the Hill Country Galleria, with groceries, dining, and shopping just a short walk away. Austin Zoo, one of the Best Texas Zoos, and Lake Travis, a favorite of the Texas Swimming Lakes, are also in the nearby area. The hotel’s Buzz Around Bee Cave package includes discounts for Lake Travis ziplines and boat hire.

2. Hotel Van Zandt $$$ – Downtown – Zilker Park

Hotel Van Zandt combines cool, contemporary vibes with family-friendly perks like a rooftop pool – ideal for mini mermaids and pirates. Located near Zilker Park, you can easily swap the hotel pool for Barton Springs Pool if you’re feeling adventurous – one of the Best Hill Country Swimming Holes to Keep Kids Cool this Summer. 

3. Carpenter Hotel $$ – Downtown – Zilker Park

The Carpenter Hotel is another place to stay with easy access to the miniature train and kayaking opportunities in the beautiful Zilker Park. This hotel echoes the cool vibe of Austin with its 1970s-style décor. The Carpenter also has a pool to dip in when the Texas weather gets hot.

Hotels in Austin

The Driskill in downtown Austin.

Advertisement

4. The Driskill $$$ – Downtown – Congress Avenue

This 100-year-old hotel is renowned for its history, so it’s a beautiful place to rest your head after exploring. This is our only recommendation without a pool, but the grand lobby is so stunning you’ll need a family photo session to capture the attractive setting.

5. Austin Marriott $$$ – Downtown – Congress Avenue

Austin Marriott Downtown is a great choice for families, with a rooftop pool where the kids can cool off. The location means you’re close to attractions like the Thinkery, so your little explorers can get their interactive science fix.

Hotels in Austin

Austin Motel offers access to downtown at a discounted price.

6. Austin Motel $$ – Congress Avenue

This retro motel on the south side of the river has a kidney-shaped pool and offers discounts for Texas residents bookings made more than 14 days in advance. If you want to save some money on your trip to Austin, check out our Fun Budget Weekend Getaways for Houston Families to learn more about free activities in Austin to keep costs down.

Advertisement

7. Kalahari Resorts & Conventions $$$ – Round Rock

Home to one of The Best Indoor Waterparks in Texas, Kalahari Resorts & Conventions is the ultimate vacation playground. From wave pools to lazy rivers, your family will have so much fun splashing around. The resort is 20 miles north of Austin, so you can drop into the city on your stay. Day passes are also available to experience the waterpark while staying downtown.

8. JW Marriott Austin $$$ – Downtown – Lady Bird Lake

JW Marriott Austin offers luxury and family-friendly fun with a rooftop pool. Located close to Lady Bird Lake, its location makes combining city sights with outdoor activities easy. Lady Bird Lake is a great place to watch Austin’s famous bats fly out at sunset.

9. Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa $$$ – West Austin

Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa is a sprawling retreat west of Austin, where kids can enjoy indoor and outdoor pools (heated in the winter). With beautiful Hill Country views, it’s a great spot for relaxing as part of your trip to Austin.

10. The Westin Austin at The Domain $$ – North Austin

The Westin at The Domain is another option for families who enjoy shopping and dining nearby. With pet-friendly rooms and an outdoor pool, it’s a great choice for both the kids and the family pooch. The Domain area includes the Museum of Ice Cream, allowing you to learn, have fun, and enjoy cooling treats at the same time.

All photos courtesy of Visit Austin, unless otherwise noted.

Advertisement

Disclosure: We may earn a small commission if you click through our link and make a purchase. This revenue helps us maintain this site, so thank you for supporting us.





Source link

Advertisement

Austin, TX

PHOTO: Apparent gunman in Austin 6th Street shooting wore ‘Property of Allah’ shirt

Published

on

PHOTO: Apparent gunman in Austin 6th Street shooting wore ‘Property of Allah’ shirt


FOX News obtained this image that purportedly shows the gunman responsible for a deadly mass shooting in Austin, Texas, on March 1, 2026. (FOX News)

Investigators are probing the deadly shooting on Austin’s Sixth Street, that left three dead and 14 injured. 

Officials are gathering new evidence that could point to extremist motives, as additional details surfaced Sunday about the gunman’s background and clothing during the incident.

Advertisement

What we know:

Three people, including the gunman, were killed, and 14 others were wounded early Sunday outside Buford’s beer garden in Downtown Austin. 

Advertisement

Police said officers were responding to reports of gunfire around 1:40 a.m., before confronting the suspect and fatally shooting him after he opened fire.

Authorities have not publicly identified the suspect, but an FBI spokesman said on Sunday that investigators are reviewing materials recovered from the suspect and his vehicle that indicate a “potential nexus to terrorism,” but cautioned that it is too early to determine a motive or whether the attack was directed or inspired by a specific group.

Dig deeper:

Advertisement

FOX News reported Sunday that it had obtained a photo of the suspect taken before the shooting. The image showed a man holding a firearm and wearing a gray sweatshirt bearing the words “Property of Allah.” 

Sources also told the network the suspect was wearing an undershirt that appeared to display an Iranian flag or Iranian imagery.

Advertisement

The Source: Information in this article was provided by FOX News and press conferences held by Austin police and the FBI.

Mass ShootingsDowntownAustinTravis CountyTexasCrime and Public Safety



Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Austin, TX

Multiple people injured in mass shooting on 6th St; Austin Police investigating

Published

on

Multiple people injured in mass shooting on 6th St; Austin Police investigating


Austin Police are investigating a mass shooting at Buford’s on West 6th Street that’s left multiple people injured.

This happened around 2 A.M. as the bar was closing.

The number of people injured is not known.

Austin Police are also investigating an Officer Involved Shooting in the 600 block of Rio Grande Street.

Advertisement

They say the suspect is deceased.

APD says the call originated as a shoot/stab hotshot incident with multiple people injured.

Austin Travis County EMS and the Austin Fire Department are also on the scene.

Comment with Bubbles

BE THE FIRST TO COMMENT

Advertisement

This is a developing story and will be updated as more information is released.



Source link

Continue Reading

Austin, TX

State of the Texas Longhorns: Where UT athletics stands in early 2026

Published

on

State of the Texas Longhorns: Where UT athletics stands in early 2026


If Bevo had to step in front of the microphones, cameras and Texas football fans everywhere to deliver an annual State of the Longhorns address, what would he say?

Maybe he would expound on the virtues of Arch Manning and deride the College Football Playoff committee for leaving the Longhorns out. Or maybe he would just as for some more hay to snack on. 

Article continues below this ad

Advertisement
Texas Longhorns linebacker Ty'Anthony Smith (26) lifts the trophy with head coach Steve Sarkisianas the Longhorns celebrate after winning the Citrus Bowl 41-27 against the Michigan Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.

Texas Longhorns linebacker Ty’Anthony Smith (26) lifts the trophy with head coach Steve Sarkisianas the Longhorns celebrate after winning the Citrus Bowl 41-27 against the Michigan Wolverines at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, Dec. 31, 2025.

Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman

Bevo and his predecessors have been stomping on the sidelines of Texas games for over 100 years. It might require a few hundred more years and some substantial evolutionary progress before he’s ready to deliver the burnt orange equivalent of the President’s annual State of the Union Address, which took place Tuesday night. 

Bevo XV makes his way into Darrell K Royal Texas Memorial Stadium during before the start of an NCAA college football game against Texas A&M Aggies in Austin, Texas, Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025.

Bevo XV makes his way into Darrell K Royal Texas Memorial Stadium during before the start of an NCAA college football game against Texas A&M Aggies in Austin, Texas, Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025.

Advertisement

Ricardo B. Brazziell/Austin American-Statesman

For now, we’ll take on the task for him. Here’s where things stand with the Longhorns in early 2026. 

Article continues below this ad

Where the Texas Longhorns rank nationally 

Texas won the Learfield Directors’ Cup — awarded to the best-performing athletic department in the country — for the second consecutive year and the fourth time in the last five years in 2025. That’s a remarkable achievement. 

How likely are the Longhorns to repeat in 2026?

Advertisement

Article continues below this ad

MORE: Texas football is spending a lot on its coaches. Why Steve Sarkisian says it’s necessary

It’s tough to predict. Texas didn’t have a great fall, by its standards. The Longhorns rank 31st in the Directors’ Cup standings, with fifth-place, 13th-place and 33rd-place finishes in women’s volleyball, football and men’s cross country finishes marking the only areas where they picked up points. 

The good news for Texas is that the fall typically isn’t kind to the Longhorns. Last year, they came out of the autumn ranked 16th. 

The winter should be much better. Texas, as usual, has national championship contenders in both men’s and women’s swimming. The Longhorns have an elite women’s basketball team and top-20 teams in men’s and women’s indoor track and field. They can make up some serious ground when results for those sports are tabulated in April. 

Advertisement

Article continues below this ad

We know less about the Longhorns’ outlook in the spring sports, many of which are just getting going, but that has been a source of strength for UT in years past. Last year, North Carolina paced the Directors’ Cup field after the fall and winter events were scored. Texas nearly doubled the Tar Heels’ spring score to chase them down. 

How Texas matches up with its in-state rival Texas A&M

Any successful political endeavor requires success in your power base.

Texas’ move to the SEC ahead of the 2024-25 athletic campaign led to the revival of the Lone Star Showdown against local rival Texas A&M. Like the Directors’ Cup, the Lone Star Showdown measures the results of all sports, compiling outcomes of games between the Aggies and Longhorns throughout the academic year. 

Advertisement

Article continues below this ad

MORE: What a hot start for Dylan Volantis, UT pitchers means for Longhorns

Last year, Texas won the Lone Star Showdown over Texas A&M by a final score of 11-7. 

This year, the Aggies hold a 5.5-4 lead at the time of publication. Texas A&M has bested the Longhorns in soccer, cross country, volleyball, women’s tennis and men’s basketball, while Texas took home points in football, women’s basketball and swimming and diving. 

There are still 9.5 points up for grabs. Half a point is at stake when the men’s basketball teams meet in College Station on Saturday, Two more points can be had this weekend at the SEC indoor track championships, too. 

Advertisement

Article continues below this ad

Texas Longhorns have a down year financially 

The campaign funds did not flow as freely for the Longhorns in the 2025 fiscal year. 

Texas made a $23.3 million loss, according to financial documents reviewed by the American-Statesman. 

The Longhorns attribute most of that to a diminished SEC media rights share — a stipulation Texas agreed to in order to leave the Big 12 for the SEC a year earlier than originally planned. The average SEC school took in $72.4 million in conference distributions in 2025. Texas received just $12.1 million. 

Advertisement

Article continues below this ad

Texas officials say they’re not concerned about their financial position because their agreement with the SEC puts them in line for a full revenue share in the next fiscal year. Rob Novak, the Longhorns’ Chief Financial Officer, said the $23.3 million loss was considered a good financial outcome internally. 

And, Novak says, the Longhorns had cash to fall back on. He told the Statesman that the Athletic Department still has over $30 million available in reserve after earning a profit for three consecutive years prior to 2025. 



Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Trending