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If you live in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex and don’t have any big summer vacation plans, don’t worry! A memorable family vacation doesn’t have to cost a fortune. You can explore a new area of DFW for a fraction of the cost of a big vacation by enjoying the amenities of a local hotel. Even one night away from home can make a big deposit in your family’s memory bank!
The Dallas/Fort Worth area has several hotels with great features and locations that fit the bill for a DFW family staycation hotel for the summer. And of course, I’ll tell you how to use miles and points to stay for free!
Great Wolf Lodge
The most obvious choice for a DFW family staycation hotel is Great Wolf Lodge in Grapevine. Not only does it have a huge indoor waterpark, but it’s also packed with other activities both inside and outside. Are you brave enough to try the Howlers Peak ropes course?
Before you book a room, check the resort’s website for deals. Currently, you can get up to 50% off if you book early. Groupon often offers discounted rooms as well (check out the current Groupon deal).
Using Points: The easiest way for a free stay at Great Wolf Lodge is to use points from the Barclaycard Arrival Plus. See the Hot Deals page for more info.
Hilton Dallas/Rockwall Lakefront
Located on the shore of Lake Ray Hubbard, this recently renovated hotel offers great lakefront views and a large outdoor pool. It gets 4 ½ out of 5 stars on Trip Advisor reviews.
Restaurants and a movie theater are within walking distance. Enjoy a concert by the lake on certain evenings, or book a cruise with Sail with Scott or BigDCats.
Using Points: Through May 31, two Amex Hilton credit cards have huge sign-up bonuses that would cover several nights at the Hilton Dallas/Rockwall Lakefront. See this post for details.
Hilton Anatole
Located near downtown Dallas, the Hilton Anatole is in a prime location to explore the city. Take in the nearby Perot Museum or the Sixth Floor Museum.
Last year, the hotel added a water park with a lazy river. JadeWaters pool complex has two water slides and a swim-up bar! I can’t wait to try out this hotel.
Using Points: Through May 31, two Amex Hilton credit cards have huge sign-up bonuses that would cover several nights at the Hilton Anatole. See this post for details.
Omni Fort Worth
If you haven’t explored the “city of cowboys and culture” (aka Fort Worth), you’re in for a treat. The Omni Fort Worth Hotel is located in the heart of downtown Fort Worth, right next to the Fort Worth Water Gardens and a few blocks from Sundance Square. Restaurants, museums and the zoo are right in the area.
The hotel has an outdoor pool and hot tub. Your kids will enjoy the special treatment from Omni Kids Crew, including a backpack full of toys and a special delivery of milk and cookies at night.
Using Points: Unless you’re a frequent overnight guest at Omni hotels, the easiest way to stay for free using points is to use points from the Barclaycard Arrival Plus. See the Hot Deals page for more info
Gaylord Texan
While my family visited the Gaylord Texan last winter for the Ice exhibit, the resort would also make a great destination for a DFW family staycation during the summer. Paradise Springs water park is calling my name! Lazy river, zip lines? Yes!
The inside of the hotel is just as impressive. I love the Alamo replica and the feel of the San Antonio Riverwalk in the huge atrium.
Using Points: Since this resort is part of the Marriott brand, you can use Marriott points or transfer points from Starwood Preferred Guest to Marriott at a 1:3 ratio. The best credit cards to earn points are the Amex SPG card and the Chase Marriott Rewards card. View more information about both of these card here.
Are you planning a DFW family staycation this summer? Do any of these hotels tempt you? Am I missing your favorite from this list?
Click here to view various credit cards and available sign-up bonuses
Author: Nancy
Nancy lives near Dallas, Texas, with her husband and three kids. Her favorite vacations include the beach, cruising and everything Disney.
I want to take my family to Texas one day. Dallas is a beautiful place to visit. I miss it there.
Texas has a lot to do for vacationing families, that’s for sure! I prefer San Antonio over Dallas myself, but that’s just because since I live in the Dallas area it’s hard to appreciate the tourist aspect of it.
Being from Dallas I’ll defiantly have to take a few days off of work to check some of these places out. I have been to the Gaylord & it’s really amazing!
@Megan Anne I hope you can check one out this summer!
These all look great, but the Gaylord looks amazing!
@Nostalgia Diaries–the Gaylord is amazing during the winter. I hope I can experience it over the summer!
Looks like you have quite a selection for family staycations. The Wolf Lodge by us is running a groupon, but it’s $200/night (not a deal in my book) so I’ll wait until they drop the prices some more. I was thinking of doing a night or two @ Huntington Beach Hyatt later in the year as a staycation just to get us through until Spring Break Vacation.
I love lazy rivers and water slides for the kids – such a fun vacation.
@Stephanie that Hyatt Huntington Beach looks nice! I was looking at it for a possible add-on to our California vacation (that was before we decided on the train trip).
I’m looking forward to trying out JadeWaters.
Me too, Lindy! It looks awesome.
Great suggestions!! We’ve done Great Wolf and the Gaylord and loved them both. We haven’t done the other three though—will have to check those out!
@Chrissie I hope to check the others out too! My kids love staying in hotels, no matter the location.