Even with its educational attractions, Los Angeles may occasionally make families feel like they are in a concrete jungle.
Fortunately, there are many family-friendly resorts close to LA where your family can unwind and take advantage of a wide range of services.
Guess what else?
We will assist you!
We’ve cooked together a guide to some of the top family resorts close to Los Angeles, California, including everything from laid-back beach coves to themed hotels.
- Great Wolf Lodge Southern California
Who should stay here
Our go-to family-friendly getaway in the Los Angeles area is Great Wolf Lodge.
It not only has roomy accommodations, but it is also brimming with family-friendly features.
The resort’s energetic indoor waterpark is, without a doubt, its main draw.
This indoor waterpark comprises family entertainment and adventure, featuring over 15 water slides and thrill rides.
We also adore their additional family-friendly facilities, which include playgrounds, a bowling alley, an XD movie theatre, and a kids’ spa.
Did I also mention that Disneyland is not too far away?
Distance from Los Angeles
Great Wolf is a great substitute for several family resorts in Los Angeles because of its handy location.
I-5 S from LA will take you there in approximately 30 minutes (32.1 miles).
- Kona Kai Resort and Spa
Who should stay here
A family trip is an invaluable experience.
But when the kids come along, it can also be difficult to find some quiet time to enjoy the activities.
Additionally, Kona Kai Resort offers childcare since it recognizes that parents deserve their own space.
Spend time indulging at the resort’s adult pool or enroll in a fitness class.
In addition, there are lots of resort activities that allow you to spend quality time with your kids.
They have nightly beach bonfires and movie showings around the pool.
The resort’s Kids Korner, a play area with games, crafts, and a huge Jenga, is a favorite hangout for toddlers.
Distance from Los Angeles
Los Angeles is about two hours away from Kona Kai.
Driving I-5 S is the quickest route from LA to the resort.
It is a one-hour and 50 minute drive due to the trip’s distance of 120.6 miles.
- Resort at Pelican Hill
Who should stay here
At this well-regarded family resort, children are catered to in various ways.
The staff will take information about your children’s names, allergies, interests, and favorite foods before you arrive at the resort.
For families traveling with young children, rooms or suites can be baby-proofed and even furnished with useful items.
The kids will be given a resort map, welcome gifts, and directions for their kid scavenger hunt.
The little ones will also have a separate area with little chaise chairs, a circular pool, and a sandbox.
For me, children under 12 should visit this family-friendly resort.
Distance from Los Angeles
I-405 S takes you 47.7 miles (44 minutes) to get to the resort from Los Angeles.
- Miramonte Indian Wells Resort & Spa
Who should stay here
With its picturesque Tuscan-style architecture, Miramonte is a selfie-taking tween and a teen’s dream come true.
Of course, the stunning desert vistas and soaring mountains in the background will appeal to your Instagram-obsessed children.
Adventuresome teenagers will love visiting the local natural landmarks, which include the well-known Joshua Tree National Park.
There are countless chances for adventure here, from horseback riding to hot air balloon tours.
Distance from Los Angeles
Within three hours of Los Angeles, Miramonte is one of the top resorts for teenagers.
From LA, take CA-60 E and I-10 E to get there.
The route is 124 miles long and takes 1 hour and 53 minutes to complete.
- LEGOLAND California Hotel
Who should stay here
There isn’t a kid-friendly hotel like LEGOLAND, California, close to Los Angeles.
Everything at this one-of-a-kind resort is styled after the famous LEGO toy lines, from its vibrant rooms to its activities.
Additionally, it provides parents with a tonne of joy.
The resort is fun for the whole tribe, with more than 50 rides, activities, and performances.
It is the location of the first-ever Legoland Water Park in the world.
Your children will also enjoy the themed elevators, swimming pool, play areas, and the LEGO brick Build-A-Mini program.
Distance from Los Angeles
Via I-5 S, the resort is 90 miles from Los Angeles. The journey to the resort takes an average of 1 hour and 20 minutes.
- Knott’s Berry Farm Hotel
Who should stay here
The Knott’s Berry Farm Hotel features everything a great family getaway should have.
Several family-friendly amenities are available at this 320-room resort, including sports courts and a pool with a kids’ play area.
Even Snoopy-themed wings are available for those who like a cartoon characters.
The resort offers a few eating alternatives, such as Amber Waves, which specializes in American cuisine.
Additionally, the resort offers a variety of budget-friendly family vacation packages, including access to its well-liked theme park.
Distance from Los Angeles
Driving I-5 S is the quickest route from LA to the motel.
The journey is only 22.6 miles long and only takes 24 minutes.
- The Waterfront Beach Resort
Who should stay here
The Waterfront provides access to miles of natural shoreline, making it a beach lover’s ideal.
The hotel also offers cabana rentals with flat-screen televisions so that the whole crew can enjoy fire pits and the sand.
Some lodging packages come with a breakfast buffet, and kids under four eat for free by default.
The resort offers a kid-friendly menu and a tonne of family-friendly activities.
In addition, the resort provides childcare services.
Distance from Los Angeles
Use the I-605 S for 40 minutes from LA to the resort (36.9 miles).
14, Best Kid-Friendly Family Vacations in Texas
When someone mentions Texas, what comes to mind is Old West.
But gun-toting cowboys are one of many attractions Texas has to offer.
Beaches, national parks, famous cities, amusement parks—and the only one for those with special needs, museums, and more, make it an ideal destination for some of the best family vacations in Texas.
When there, you will want to taste the Texan delicacies consisting of fried chicken, steaks, or other true-blue Mexican delicacies.
Get your toddlers to vote on which of the Texan vacations they are looking forward to experiencing this year.
- South Padre Island
South Padre Island, located on the southern end of the most extended barrier island in the world, the 34-mile-long Padre Island, borders Mexico.
It is one of the best places to go on vacation in Texas as it offers many attractions, such as dolphin tours, pirate cruises, and a visit to the historic lighthouse.
You are allowed to observe how injured turtles are taken care of at the rehabilitation center called Sea Turtle, Inc.
You can have fun splashing around in the indoor and outdoor water park at Schlitterbahn Beach Resort.
Make sure you go to South Padre Island Adventure Park for horseback riding and zip lining.
- Dallas
If you want to visit a modern city, Dallas is the place to be!
Dallas, an ultra-modern city, is a family-friendly destination where each member will have something to pique their interest.
The Dallas Firefighters Museum and Children’s Theater are a must-see if you have young children. Visiting the Six Flags over Texas and Hurricane Harbor would be ideal for teenagers.
If you’re looking to create great memories with your family, Sandy Lane Park, with mini golf and boat rides, provides the ambiance.
Perot Museum of Nature and Science and Dallas Heritage Village will bowl you with their incredible architecture and scenery.
- San Antonio
If you are looking for weekend getaways in Texas for families, you cannot give San Antonio a miss.
This charming city has many attractions that are suitable for all ages.
The River Walk and the labyrinthine pathways dotted with stores peddling tempting wares and restaurants with mouth-watering menus are a sight to be held.
Alamo, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015, is also a significant historical spot to visit in San Antonio.
You and your children are guaranteed a fun-filled day at Six Flags Fiesta Texas, a theme park.
SeaWorld San Antonio is much gushed over, as are The DoSeum children’s museum and Morgan’s Wonderland, an amusement park specially created for children with special needs and their families.
- Grapevine
Grapevine is the perfect destination if you’re looking for a quick getaway.
Close to the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, you can decide to hop over if you have a longish layover between flights, especially around Christmas time.
The train ride with Santa on the Grapevine Vintage Railroad will give your young toddlers something to remember.
Not only can you shop in the farmer’s market, but you also have the chance to enjoy any of the 1400 events hosted between November and December.
The Cafes, boutiques, and wine tasting rooms lined along the town’s Main Street make this a gourmet delight.
Experience the best family vacation in Texas, and ensure you visit the Glockenspiel with your family for a chance to watch animatronics characters perform four times daily.
- Fort Worth
For an affordable family trip, travel back in time to the Fort Worth Stockyards Historic District, walking down cobblestone streets that lead to one of the longest-running livestock shows in the US.
To get a taste of the Texan cowboy culture, a visit to the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame and the National Cowgirl Museum Hall of fame would do you good.
For aviation enthusiasts, the Vintage Flying Museum is another thrilling sight that you must see.
Get yourself bites of mouth-watering barbecues and other local delicacies at the restaurants along the walk.
Purchase memorabilia at the boutiques and souvenir stores to cherish memories of your visit to one of the most fun places to visit in Texas with the kids.
- Big Bend National Park
Big Bend National Park is a site for nature lovers. From scenic drives to hiking, biking during the day, and star gazing at night, the park provides an aura like no other.
It is not hard to believe that the Hot Springs Historic District, located on the Rio Grande River, was a health resort because of its natural springs.
The evidence is in the old buildings that still make their presence felt.
The park is also rich in cultural history, and the pictographs and archaeological sites are proof.
If you’re vacationing with your family, Kayaking, ranger-led tours, and Junior Ranger programs for kids make this a perfect destination for you.
- Amarillo
Are you a car enthusiast? Then this car haven is what you need. Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo displays the most outstanding art collection of overturned cars covered in graffiti!
Follow that up with a visit to the Jack Sisemore Traveland RV Museum, located in the same Route 66 Historic District, and learn more about the RV culture.
You can enjoy scenic drives or window shopping at antique stores.
But if your young bundles of joy demand something more, pack off with them to Wonderland Amusement Park or Splash Amarillo, the water park.
A visit to Amarillo would be ideal for steak lovers, as it is known for its delicious steak challenge at the Big Texan Steak Ranch.
What more do you need to make this the best family-friendly vacation?
- Galveston Island
The Barrier Island, situated on the Gulf of Mexico, will suit you best if you want an inexpensive family vacation idea.
To entertain the kids, the Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Water park and the Galveston Railroad Museum are great to keep them busy, and you can head out to the beach in the mornings or evenings for some family time fun!
While there, check out the longest SEE-WALL mural on the Seawall that runs for 10 miles between the 9th and 89th streets.
The Strand has a variety of restaurants to satisfy your taste buds and shops for souvenirs.
- Houston
The Houston Museum District houses all the museums within walking distance.
Having a toddler won’t limit you from visiting the museums as you can quickly push the stroller from one point to another.
The variety of museums is impressive, from the Children’s Museum of Houston to the Houston Museum of Natural Science.
Your young ones and toddlers can also have fun and learn about specific birds at the Houston zoo, which has one of the most extensive collections of birds in the US.
The Cockrell Butterfly Center will be a beautiful experience for your family, and you can also enjoy some time at the quirky National Museum of Funeral History.
- Austin
For some bold and beautiful moments, a vacation to Austin is what you need.
Drive down the rolling hills beyond city limits or enjoy hospitality at one of the luxurious resorts surrounded by natural beauty.
For the hikers and bikers, Lady Bird is for you; alternatively, you can cruise along on a boat.
Don’t miss out on live concerts, as Austin is considered the world’s live music capital.
The Thinkery, a children’s museum, and the zoo just around the corner are to-go places for the young lads.
Ensure they experience the Zilker Zephyr, a 25-minute miniature train ride through Zilker Park.
On the weekend, don’t forget to take a three-hour, round-trip ride through the Texas Hill Country on the Bertram Flyer.
- Port Aransas
Beach camping is a relaxing family activity while on vacation in Texas.
Beach camping on Mustang Island in Port Aransas is perfect for you and your kids as they build sand castles and indulge in sport fishing.
At night you can take a pirate-themed cruise with Red Dragon Pirate Cruises and end the day with delicious seafood as dinner.
Port Aransas comes with an ideal family package that includes parasailing, Kayaking, birding, and dolphin watching that will excite your family and make this a memorable experience.
Other festivals and events make this a vibrant place to visit with the family.
- Waco
Waco is a great quick getaway with five historic homes and seven recreational venues and is Located on the I-35 corridor between Dallas and Austin,
With nine arts organizations, theatrical and musical productions are plenty and staged, vying for attention with art exhibitions.
Kid-friendly diversions make Magnolia Market an excellent family vacation destination.
Dr. Pepper Museum, Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum, Hawaiian Falls, and a water park complete the attractions for a family vacation.
The Cameron Park Zoo, on 52 acres of land on the Brazos River banks With 1,731 animals representing 300 species, is a beautiful sight, and one day would not be enough for you to experience it.
If you have your dog with you on vacation, don’t worry about it, as the employees will dot on them and give them treats.
- New Braunfels
New Braunfels hosts one of the largest water parks in the world, and the thrill of water rides promises loads of outdoor fun if you are traveling with family.
Comal and Guadalupe, the two Rivers that flow through the town and are famous for tubing, are ideal during summertime with the family.
The Texas Ski Ranch spans provide unadulterated fun with action sports, be it wakeboarding or cable parks, and for first-time riders, coaching is provided on beginner cables.
For a good day filled with fun and amusement, spend some time on the beach, drink at the beach bar, or burn energy in Spring Loaded trampoline park.
- Corpus Christi
Corpus Christi is the ultimate getaway if you’re looking for a coastal city with some of the cleanest and calmest beaches in the state.
Whether you are here for the sun, the beaches, or to soak in some history, Corpus Christi offers you a little of everything, including; nature, wildlife, and culture.
Take your children to the Hurricane Alley Water Park, or indulge in Water Dog Floating Yoga.
Ensure that you commune with the dolphins or watch the butterflies flit by.
Surf shops or visit the Texas State Aquarium, the largest in the Lone Star State, or ride the cables. Make the most of everything that this charming place has to offer.
