Austin, TX
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
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 $$ – Downtown – Zilker Park
The Carpenter Hotel is another place to stay with easy access to the miniature train and kayaking opportunities in the beautiful Zilker Park. This hotel echoes the cool vibe of Austin with its 1970s-style décor. The Carpenter also has a pool to dip in when the Texas weather gets hot.
The Driskill in downtown Austin.
4. The Driskill $$$ – 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 $$$ – Downtown – Congress Avenue
Austin Marriott Downtown is a great choice for families, with a rooftop pool where the kids can cool off. The location means you’re close to attractions like the Thinkery, so your little explorers can get their interactive science fix.
Austin Motel offers access to downtown at a discounted price.
6. Austin Motel $$ – 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.
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.
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Austin, TX
More dangerous Texas floods expected after at least 2 killed and hundreds of people rescued in high water, governor says – WTOP News
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — More dangerous Texas floods expected after at least 2 killed and hundreds of people rescued in…
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — More dangerous Texas floods expected after at least 2 killed and hundreds of people rescued in high water, governor says.
Copyright
© 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, written or redistributed.
Austin, TX
Live updates: Flash Flood emergency in Kerr County as rain continues to pound Texas
KERRVILLE, Texas (KXAN) — The City of Kerrville issued a shelter-in-place Thursday morning, with heavy rain causing reported evacuations early Thursday morning. A Flash Flood Warning is currently in place for Kerr County as the Guadalupe River continues to rise.
Around 5:30 a.m., the National Weather Service said a “large and deadly flood wave is moving down” the Guadalupe River.
KXAN First Warning Weather Meteorologist Kristen Currie said approximately 11 inches of rain have fallen northwest of Kerr County since 10 p.m. on Wednesday. The Guadalupe River is expected to reach major flood stage in multiple areas.
Kerr County PIO Lisa Walter said “there have been multiple swift water rescues and evacuations.” Officials emphasized not to drive through flooded streets and to turn around if water covers the roadway.
Evacuations were underway in multiple areas, according to the county, including:
- Goat Creek
- Arcadia Loop
- Lowery/Guadalupe area
- Junction Highway low-water crossings
- Other low-lying neighborhoods
Emergency shelters are open at Impact Church (Goat Creek evacuation point), Calvary Temple Church and City West Church for people in West Kerr County, the county said.
Here are the latest headlines:
Live updates
7:03 a.m.: KXAN’s Kevin Baskar is in Gillespie County providing updates on the latest flood conditions in the area. Watch his update below.
6:37 a.m.: Kerr County officials emphasized not to drive through flooded streets and to turn around if water covers the roadway.
Evacuations were underway in multiple areas, according to the county, including:
- Goat Creek
- Arcadia Loop
- Lowery/Guadalupe area
- Junction Highway low-water crossings
- Other low-lying neighborhoods
Emergency shelters are open at Impact Church (Goat Creek evacuation point), Calvary Temple Church and City West Church for people in West Kerr County, the county said.
6:27 a.m.: Video shows emergency crews hauling boats and rescue equipment through Kerrville.
6:15 a.m. NewsNation correspondent Xavier Walton and his photographer captured a structure being swept up in river water and crashing into a Kerrville bridge. The structure appears to be some sort of shipping container, pushing against the bridge.
Watch the video below:
6:08 a.m.: Kerr County PIO Lisa Walter confirms “there have been multiple swift water rescues and evacuations.”
6:02 a.m.: The Guadalupe River at Center Point is expected to crest at 35 feet, which is the same crest as July 4, 2025.
5:57 a.m.: The National Weather Service said “a large deadly flood wave” is moving down the Guadalupe River.
5:49 a.m.: The Comfort Volunteer Fire Department said it has units in Kerrville and Centerpoint alerting people along the Guadalupe River. They’re helping Kerr County with evacuations along Highway 27 between Comfort and Centerpoint. They said all VFD personnel are OK.
5:30 a.m.: The Kerr County Sheriff’s Office said in a Facebook post that it’s received reports of “street flooding in Ingram, and it’s likely many roads and city streets are flooded as well.”
Austin, TX
Austin Pets Alive! activates emergency response to assist shelters affected by flooding
AUSTIN (KXAN) — As flood threats continue across parts of South Central Texas, Austin Pets Alive! has activated emergency response efforts to support animal shelters affected by the inclement weather.
In a social media post, APA! wrote, “We began offering aid last night, working to secure fosters for 10 dogs in the Castroville shelter, an open-air shelter that sits at the bottom of a valley.”
APA! said the situation escalated overnight with additional shelters reporting flooding. One shelter confirmed that floodwaters reached its facility, APA! added.
Communities overwhelmed due to weather include Uvalde, Castroville and Sabinal.
The nonprofit is asking the Austin community to foster, adopt or donate to free up capacity for animals displaced by the disaster. APA! needs to clear out its facilities to assist the animals in need of shelter.
Here are ways you can help:
- Adopt: APA! is offering a “Name Your Own Adoption Fee” on all animals.
- Foster: The shelter is seeking foster homes for a minimum of three weeks.
- Donate: Proceeds will fund vans and response teams setting up a staging and triage center at the heart of the disaster zone, along with an expanded stockpile of preventatives, PPE and additional supplies.
If you would like to donate, click here.
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