The city of Cedar Park is just north of and a suburb of Austin, and is a popular place to raise a family. Within an easy commute of vibrant downtown Austin, Cedar Park has a growing population currently at nearly 80,000 residents, with multiple elementary and high schools and the Cypress Creek campus of Austin Community College.

If you’re looking for some fun vacation options for your whole family you don’t have to go far to have a good time. A traditional staycation refers to staying at home while going on day trips to explore your own city, but why not mix it up a little and staycation at a local resort or other unique lodging? These family-friendly locations provide plenty of fun for adults and both younger and older kids.

Lakeway Resort and Spa

Located in the beautiful Texas Hill Country on the banks of Lake Travis, Lakeway Resort and Spa offers spectacular views and many nearby activities from golfing and wine tours to boating and water activities on the lake. There is also plenty for all ages to enjoy without leaving the resort. The dedicated kids-only pool features a water slide and splash pad, while the courtyard family pool is open to the whole family and includes a volleyball court. At this family-friendly resort, you can enjoy outdoor movies, seasonal s’mores, and dining for all ages.

Lone Star Court

“lone star court day” licensed under CC BY 2.0 via Flickr by goodiesfirst

Lone Star Court is part of The Domain, a business, retail, and residential center in Austin just 20 minutes south of Cedar Park. This boutique resort hotel features 4  acres of landscaped grounds with plenty of fun activities for both kids and adults including lawn games, complimentary bikes, an outdoor swimming pool, fire pits, and more. Retro-inspired rooms let you feel like you’re escaping into another time, only with all the modern conveniences you could want. Enjoy a nice cocktail from the bar while the kids get to relax in a fun nature setting without having to leave the city.

Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa

Lost Pines Resort and Spa is located along the Lower Colorado River on 405 acres of scenic land. It offers 491 rooms including suites such as the Liston House, a private cottage perfect for a family staycation with two bedrooms, fireplace, outdoor patio, and views of the resort pond. Guests can enjoy the 18-hole golf course, relax in a temperature-controlled pool, explore the grounds on complimentary bikes, or adventure on horseback by booking with Renegade Trailhead. S’more’s kits are available for evenings around campfires, and guests of all ages can fish in the fishing hole.

Exotic Resort Zoo

Have you ever wanted to stay at a zoo? The Exotic Resort Zoo lets you do just that. This independent family safari zoo started as a hobby farm that grew into a safari tour business. They have rare and exotic wild animals like antelopes, camels, and ostriches, as well as farm animals including rare breeds of sheep, friendly goats, potbelly pigs, and domesticated yak. The zoo offers eight safari cabins that can sleep from four to eight people depending on which one you book. You can enjoy views of the safari located in Texas’s beautiful Hill Country.

The Bloomhouse

The Bloomhouse is only able to accommodate children 5 and over, but if you have older kids it’s a truly unique place to spend a couple of nights. The Bloomhouse is located in West Austin and is an architectural oddity. Built by two UT architecture students in the 1970s when natural aesthetics were in style, it features white, arched, and curving walls reminiscent of a seashell, and is a perfect place to relax and unwind. This rentable home sits on a secluded piece of land with tall trees. It sleeps four in one bedroom that has two queen beds.

Castle Falkenstein

Inspired by designs for a sister site to the Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria that was never completed, Castle Falkenstein sits about an hour northwest of Cedar Park just south of Lake Buchanan and in the Longhorn Cavern State Park. This fairytale castle is available to rent for weddings, events, or a private weekend getaway. You’ll have the whole castle to yourself, with charmingly decorated rooms, and incredible tower views over acres of woodlands. A night spent here with your kids will be an unforgettable experience they will cherish forever.

Collective Retreats

Collective Retreats has several locations around the country, including one in Wimberly, Texas, called Collective Hill Country which is about an hour from Austin. This scenic retreat is located in the gorgeous Texas Hill Country and offers a way to relax in the comfort of their luxury tents while having access to outdoor adventures like hiking and horseback riding. You can book the Summit Tent Family Suite for a family staycation, glamping style. This includes a Summit tent with a king bed and a separate twin tent for the kids. 

Canyon of the Eagles

Just over an hour north of Cedar Park on the shore of Lake Buchanan is the Canyon of the Eagles Nature Park and Resort. Located on 940 acres of unspoiled land, you’ll have access to breathtaking landscapes, water activities, and much more. You can book a camping site, or stay in one of the 61 guest rooms fitted with sustainable amenities. Enjoy views of the lake from the Adirondack chair on your porch, and relax in the minimal, natural aesthetic of the pine furnished rooms with stained cement floors.An unforgettable family vacation doesn’t mean you have to cross the globe or even the country to be an amazing experience for both parents and kids. From local resorts to glamping tents, Cedar Park has plenty of great places to stay within an hour of the city. At Crème de la Crème of Cedar Park (Parmer Lane), we hope you have taken inspiration from our list. Do you have a favorite staycation spot you think everyone should know about? Contact us with your best recommendations.