School's out for the summer. You've booked a trip or two away and organized summer camps for the kids, but it's still not quite enough. This is why having a few staycations up your sleeve comes in handy. So kick schedules out the window, be spontaneous, and book a last-minute getaway that's just around the corner. Your kids will thank you for being the coolest parent around.
Here are our picks on where to staycay this summer in Dallas-Fort Worth.
The Hilton Anatole
The game-changer for many families looking for a Dallas resort arrived last summer with the launch of JadeWaters, the 3-acre water experience at the Hilton Anatole. The resort pool complex offers a lazy river, two 180-foot water slides, kids' water features, a swim-up bar in the adult pool, pool-side spa treatments, and luxury cabanas.
New this year is the Fun Pass, which can be purchased daily or for a full weekend. It gives you access to kids activities at Geppetto's Marionette, s'mores parties, and craft workshops. The kids activities at JadeWaters run every Friday to Sunday, and the resort pool is open only to hotel guests.
Adolphus Hotel
Become downtown urbanites and check-in at the Adolphus Hotel. At over 100 years old, the grand dame of Dallas has undergone a major renovation of its 407 guest rooms and suites and added a rooftop pool and full-service spa and salon. Wander around discovering downtown or book a Dallas city tour on an eco-friendly electric EFrog shuttle. Restaurant options include Ascension Coffee at Thanksgiving Tower and Cafe Momentum within walking distance, or stay in for the chef-driven pool-side menu with offerings like flatbreads, all-beef sliders, and rainbow sherbet push-pops
The Summer in the City Staycation package includes complimentary valet, reserved cabana, and a $50 food and beverage credit. The F&B credit comes in handy for in-room dining while the hotel awaits the completion of the French Room and City Hall (opening later this summer).
Four Seasons Dallas Resort and Club Las Colinas
Two words — Kids Club. Four Seasons Dallas has perfected the art of keeping children happy with organized activities like scavenger hunts, cooking classes, and yoga, all of which is available via the Kids For All Seasons (KFAS) program. Additionally, kids can take tennis and golf clinics or sign up for all-day camps. This gives parents an opportunity to try an anti-gravity aerial yoga lesson, surf the TPC green on a Golfboard, or book a couples spa treatment. Our pro-tip is to book an unhurried dinner at LAW Restaurant on Friday or Saturday (from June to September), and drop the kids off at Kids Night In at KFAS, where they will be fed and entertained.
There are also plenty of ways to spend quality time together, including s'mores nights, dive-in movies at the pool, and a game of bocce or billiards at the newly opened Outlaw Taproom.
NYLO Plano at Legacy
Swanky New York vibes can be had at NYLO Plano. Walls covered with original artwork, slick concrete floors with exposed brickwork, and gritty industrial ceiling ducts are reminiscent of an artist's loft. A library and game room connected to the in-house restaurant, LOCL, lets the littles wander about and play over a leisurely meal. There's fresh-baked cookies and fruit-infused water for guests to nibble on all day long.
Go completely local and check out the frequently held festivals in historic downtown Plano and discover eateries like Urban Crust, Zalat Pizza, Amazeballs Cakeballs, and Crave Popcorn.
Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center
Cool off from the heat in Gaylord Texan's 10-acre water park, Paradise Springs. There's a lazy river, a lagoon pool, and a 27-foot-tall waterslide as well as a multilevel water play structure. Tots have their own toddler pool away from chaos of the big kids. When water play is done, take a stroll under the 4.5-acre Lone Star Atrium. The indoor lush gardens, walkways, and restaurants create a mini city wrapped under air-conditioned comfort. There are 10 food and beverage options, from the Texas-inspired Old Hickory Steakhouse to casual Italian at Zeppole Coastal with courtyard seating. Family program highlights include panning for gold with Gaylord's Prospector Pete, rounding up bandits at Hank's Outlaw Scavenger Hunt, and Mommy & Me manicures at Relâche Spa.
Free family activities include Friday night fireworks overlooking Lake Grapevine, a Saturday night Glow Party and Wild West Show under the Lone Star Atrium, and nightly live music.
Paradise Springs is a 10-acre water park at Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center.
Bonton Farms' goods are now sold at DFW Airport Terminal A. Photo courtesy of Bonton Farms