In this article:
-Rio Bella Resort
-7A Ranch
-Horseshoe Bay Resort
-Tapatio Springs Hill Country Resort
-Lucky Arrow Retreat
The Texas Hill Country is home to some of the state’s top river destinations where families can experience a blend of exciting water activities and plenty of relaxation. With summer on the horizon, many families are looking for respite from the Texas heat with river vacations in the beautiful Hill Country region. You may find yourself planning a river resort getaway and wondering which one would best suit your kids’ needs. Whether you have a young toddler who is just getting used to the water or school-aged children who can’t get enough of swimming fun, the following destinations are worth the drive.
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Rio Bella Resort
Why go? This family-run summer oasis was designed with children in mind. Located on the banks of the Frio River, Rio Bella Resort has beautifully landscaped grounds and is about a 10-minute drive away from Garner State Park. With a selection of stunning and spacious cabins to fit different-sized groups, Rio Bella Resort can be considered a riverfront home away from home where you can relax and spend time with your loved ones.
In the summer, let the kiddos express their artistic side at the resort’s seasonal rock painting station (these rocks come directly from the Frio River) with paint and brushes provided. The resort has yard games for guests to play and kayaks, paddleboards, and tubes for rent so you and your family can experience a plethora of water activities.
Take an afternoon to try catch and release fishing or go hiking and mountain biking at Bushong Mountain Park, a new attraction in nearby Leakey, Texas that just opened in May 2025.
Location: Rio Bella Resort is about 5.5 hours from DFW, at 3088 Ranch Road 1120 Rio Frio, Texas
Cost: Prices can range from $310 to $1,049 a night, depending on the cabin and date, with summer being considered a peak season. However, there is a 10% discount for active military/veterans and other types of first responders. This resort fills up quickly for the summer season, so if you can’t find a reservation for this summer, their reservation calendar will open on October 1, 2025, for bookings next year.
Contact: 830/232-4781
Website: riobella.com
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7A Ranch
Why go? Settled along the banks of the Blanco River, 7A Ranch is a nostalgic destination with a Western-theme. This scenic resort features lodging options for small and large groups alike. Choose between cabins with firepits, riverfront lodges, modern cottages, and even RV sites with full hook-ups included.
But what makes 7A Ranch such a great place for families with young children is its unique kid-friendly amenities, like its 1880s Wild West town called Pioneer Town. This charming attraction provides many opportunities for families to engage in historic exploration. It features an old-time ice cream parlor, Cowboy Museum, and the Pioneer Express train offering rides throughout the property.
When you’re not wandering around Pioneer Town, kick back at the Riverview Pool, which has shallow areas and a splash pad to accommodate young swimmers. Or rent paddleboards and kayaks from 7A Ranch and spend a day on the Blanco River.
And don’t worry if you forget to bring a stroller, toddler bed rail, or other baby gear. 7A Ranch is partnered with BabyQuip to offer rental gear for your little ones, so you can have what you need without the hassle of packing it.
Additional highlights: 7A Ranch has quiet hours during late night and early hours (from 10pm to 8am) to help ensure guests have a peaceful environment. Pets are allowed in certain cabins for a fee of $25 per night for each pet (with a max of two).
Location: About 3 hours south of DFW, at 333 Wayside Drive, Wimberley, Texas
Cost: Prices this summer can range from $225–$435 a night. Summer is a peak season at 7A Ranch and bookings fill up quickly, so check the resort’s booking calendar online or call to book as early as possible. If fully booked, consider purchasing a day pass for river access. There are 50 passes available daily starting at 10am and sold on a first-come, first-served basis.
Contact: 512/847-2517
Website: 7aranch.co
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Horseshoe Bay Resort
Why go? An upscale recreational destination on the southern shore of Lake Lyndon B. Johnson (along the Colorado River), Horseshoe Bay Resort is a luxury destination for families. If your little ones are adventurous, they can explore Kids Jungle Club, which has a rock climbing wall and a two-story indoor jungle gym. For guests 6 and older (and 42” tall and over), Splash Safari Aqua Park is a floating obstacle course that delivers an entertaining and challenging lake experience.
There are many other offerings available at the resort, such as award-winning golf, a water-front floating pool, and a full-service marina with a wealth of water activity rentals, including chartered cruises. The marina is equipped with a ship store where you can purchase boating supplies, apparel, beach toys and snacks for your family time on the lake.
Location: About 3.5 hours southwest of DFW, at 200 Hi Circle North, Horseshoe Bay, Texas
Cost: There is currently a limited-time promotion called Family Fun & Sun: Kids Stay, Eat, and Play Free. This promotion is valid for stays through August 28, 2025, and invites families with children under 12 to a sun-soaked vacation with rates starting at $289 per night. Kids can enjoy free admission to Splash Safari Aqua Park and Whitewater 18-hole Putting Course, and they can eat breakfast and dinner for free when dining with an adult at J’s Restaurant and Waterfront Bar & Grill.
Contact: 877/611-0112
Website: hsbresort.com
Tapatio Springs Hill Country Resort
Why go? Tapatio Springs is a peaceful and luxurious setting place in Boerne, less than an hour away from San Antonio. Here, golf is a big draw for guests: an 18-hole golf course for adults, a putting green and even a 6-hole disc golf area for families where families can get on the green together.
Although there’s no direct river access here, you’ll find family adventure in the resort pool with a swirling waterslide and splash pad for little ones. (They’ve got an adult pool too on the other side of the event lawn.) More play zones are positioned across the resort with lawn games, weekend bounce houses, and a jungle gym. Whatever you choose to do during the day, don’t the evening ritual of s’mores around the resort’s cozy firepits.
To help make exploring nature and the local wildlife even more fun for your kids, ask about the Little Hill Country Explorer Package, which comes with extra perks like a special backpack filled with exploration gadgets for kids under 12. The package also includes an armadillo plush toy and complimentary daily breakfast.
Location: Tapatio Spring is about 5 hours southwest from DFW, at 1 Resort Way, Boerne, Texas
Cost: Prices can range from $185 to $319 per night this summer season. Check out the special offers to help you save on your summer stay, including discounts when you book two or three nights.
Contact: 855/627-2243
Website: tapatiosprings.com
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Lucky Arrow Retreat
Why go? Less than an hour west from bustling Austin, Lucky Arrow Retreat is a glamping resort with 40 unique lodging options to choose from, from cabins and porch houses to yurts and even safari tents. Whichever type you choose, making bedtime for your young kids is easier thanks to their Pack ‘n Plays, available for guests. Just make the request for one when you book your stay.
Lucky Arrow is a pet-friendly spot (so expect to see some dogs there) and an event venue that’s got a great amount of space—15 acres of gorgeous trees and walking trails—where you and your family can explore and unwind.
For playtime, check out the family-friendly amenities like board games and the family pool, and when you’re ready to swim in a natural body of water, venture out to Pedernales Falls State Park, less than a 30-minute drive away. Take a day trip there to swimming, hiking or bird-watching, or to the south, go swimming at the spring-fed Blue Hole Regional Park, whose annual swim season is May through Labor Day, as well as weekends in September.
Location: Lucky Arrow is about 4 hours south of DFW, at 3600 Bell Springs Road, Dripping Springs, Texas
Cost: Prices for this summer can range from $149 to $299, depending on the specific date and type of lodging.
Contact: 512/400-4197
Website: luckyarrowretreat.com
