10 Fun and Kid-Friendly Hotels in Austin for Your Next Trip
When you’re visiting a city, the most important thing to do first is book your hotel! Once that’s taken care of, everything else—restaurants, museums, concerts, and other fun activities—falls into place.
I’ve written before about the best places to stay in Austin with kids, and I still stand by what I said: a vacation rental home can make traveling with kids so much easier. But if you’re leaning toward a hotel stay for your family trip to Austin, I totally get it—I’m a hotel girl at heart! I love the pools, the room service, and the daily housekeeping.
Here are some of the best kid-friendly hotels in Austin, from luxury stays to boutique gems:
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kelsey Kennedy is a native Texan and a local Austin author, photographer, and blogger with a serious obsession for all things Austin. As the creator of four Texas-focused travel websites, her work has reached over 12 million readers in 38 countries, all searching for the coolest things to do in the hottest cities in Texas. For more insider tips on the capital city, check out her bestselling travel book, Austin Food Crawls: Touring the Neighborhoods One Bite and Libation at a Time.
JW Marriott
It’s hard to beat the JW Marriott! Yes, it’s a chain, but it’s tried and true. The downtown location is perfect for getting just about anywhere in Austin. The rooftop pool is epic, and kids love the high-rise building with big glass elevators and sweeping downtown views. Plus, the onsite restaurants make quick meals—or in-room dining—a breeze.
BOOK HERE | 110 E 2nd St, Austin, TX 78701
The LINE
If you love unique boutique hotels, The LINE is a must. It has a stunning infinity pool kids adore, a Veracruz Taco restaurant downstairs with a poolside walk-up window, and Alfred Coffee in the lobby—because parents need caffeine too. Bonus: The hotel overlooks the famous Bat Bridge, where millions of bats emerge every summer evening. You can watch the spectacle right from your room!
WEBSITE | 111 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78701
Carpenter Hotel
One of my personal favorites in Austin, Carpenter is perfect for families. This renovated mid-century hotel has a ground-level pool shaded by big pecan trees. Carpenter Hall, the onsite restaurant, has won multiple national awards, so try to dine there if you can. If not, grab pastries from the lobby coffee shop—they’re some of the best in the city.
BOOK HERE | 400 Josephine St, Austin, TX 78704
Austin Proper
If luxury is your vibe, Austin Proper delivers. Stunning rooms, multiple incredible onsite restaurants, and a gorgeous pool make it a treat for the whole family. Its downtown location also makes rideshares to nearby attractions super easy.
Austin Motel
This groovy retro motel is iconic in Austin, and its recent makeover makes it a fun, family-friendly stay. The kidney-shaped pool is perfect for splashing around, and the SoCo location puts you steps away from Homeslice Pizza, Amy’s Ice Creams, and other fun spots. Plus, you can walk to watch the famous Congress Avenue bats emerge at dusk.
BOOK HERE | 1220 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
Origin Hotel in Mueller
The Origin Hotel is tucked into the family-friendly Mueller neighborhood, close to The Thinkery kids’ museum, playgrounds, and kid-friendly restaurants. It’s quieter than downtown, which makes bedtime a little easier after a fun day exploring Austin.
BOOK HERE | 1825 McBee St, Austin, TX 78723
Lonestar Court/The Domain
Families love staying at The Domain for the shopping! Often called “Dallas lite,” it’s not exactly Austin-core, but it’s a fun area. Lonestar Court has spacious family rooms, a great pool, and is walking distance to hundreds of stores and restaurants. Perfect for keeping the kids entertained while parents shop!
BOOK HERE | 10901 Domain Dr, Austin, TX 78758
Omni Barton Creek Resort and Spa
For a resort experience without venturing too far into the Hill Country, Omni Barton Creek is ideal. The hotel has tons of kid-friendly activities, including the Barton Kids Zone, Longhorn Lawn, evening s’mores, and a great pool. It’s also close enough to downtown Austin to explore the city during your stay.
BOOK HERE | 8212 Barton Club Dr, Austin, TX 78735
Downright Austin
This recently renovated Marriott property has a bright and fresh vibe. The standout feature of Downright Austin is the Swim Club, a retro-style pool where you can dine in a sunken pool and splash around in the bright pink pool outside. Its downtown location near I-35 makes it easy to access Austin’s attractions.
BOOK HERE | 701 E 11th St, Austin, TX 78701
Hotels You Might Want To Avoid With Kids
If you’re traveling with little ones, I’d steer clear of hotels on Rainey Street. The area has a lively, bar-hopping vibe that’s not really kid-friendly.
Also, there are plenty of amazing resorts in the Hill Country and beyond—like Hyatt Lost Pines and JW Marriott San Antonio—but keep in mind that if you book one of these, your trip will likely revolve around staying on-site, enjoying the restaurants, pools, and waterparks. That’s perfect if a resort stay is your goal! But if you’re hoping to explore Austin itself, I’d recommend booking a kid-friendly hotel in the city instead.
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