Easter Weekend Getaways Near Houston 2025: 5 Family-Friendly Activities
Imagine this: it’s Easter weekend 2025, and instead of the usual backyard egg hunt, your family is chasing dolphins off the Gulf Coast, kayaking under a canopy of pines, or savoring ice cream amidst a sea of bluebonnets—all just a short drive from Houston. Easter Sunday falls on April 20, and with spring bursting across Texas, it’s the perfect time to swap city noise for adventure. I’ve compiled five destinations within three hours of Houston for unforgettable Easter escapades. ots
1. The Woodlands: Lakeside Easter Fun
Distance from Houston: ~45 minutes
Why Go: The Woodlands isn’t just a suburb—it’s a lush, master-planned oasis where nature and family fun collide. Picture Lake Woodlands shimmering under April sunshine, surrounded by 200 miles of trails and towering pines begging for a bike ride or hike. Spring brings mild temps (mid-70s) and blooming azaleas, setting the stage for Easter magic. Local parks host egg hunts, and the community’s upscale yet laid-back vibe means you’ll find everything from gourmet brunches to aerial obstacle courses. It’s close enough for a quick getaway but feels worlds away from Houston’s hustle—ideal for families craving a mix of relaxation and excitement.
Itinerary
Friday, April 18: Arrive and check in. Explore the Woodlands Waterway—rent bikes (~$10/hour, Riva Row Boat House) or stroll the scenic path. Lunch at Fielding’s Local Kitchen + Bar (kid-friendly menu).
Saturday, April 19: Morning kayaking on Lake Woodlands ($20/hour). Afternoon at Texas TreeVentures ($50/adult, $45/kids, texastreeventures.com)—an aerial course for ages 6+. Dinner at The Kitchen (casual American fare).
Sunday, April 20 (Easter): Join an Easter Eggstravaganza (check visitthewoodlands.com for 2025 details) or host your own hunt at George Mitchell Nature Preserve (free). Brunch at Back Table Kitchen & Bar (~$40/adult, $20/kids).
Where to Stay
The Woodlands Resort: Lazy river and pools. Easter 2025 estimate: ~$210-$240/night. (woodlandsresort.com)
The Westin at The Woodlands: Rooftop pool, near Market Street. Easter 2025 estimate: ~$230-$260/night. (marriott.com)
2. Galveston Island: Beachside Easter Adventure
Distance from Houston: ~1 hour
Why Go: Galveston is where Houstonians go to trade skyscrapers for sandcastles, and Easter weekend turns this Gulf Coast gem into a family playground. The island’s 32 miles of beaches—like family-favorite Stewart Beach—offer soft sand for egg hunts and warm waves for splashing (water temps hit the 70s by April). Beyond the shore, Moody Gardens’ pyramids house penguins and tropical birds, while the Pleasure Pier’s Ferris wheel spins with seaside thrills. Spring means fewer crowds than summer, and the historic Strand district adds a dose of charm with its Victorian architecture and fresh seafood joints. It’s a coastal escape that blends holiday fun with Texas flair.
Itinerary
Friday, April 18: Check in and hit Stewart Beach (family-friendly, $15 parking). Build sandcastles or swim. Lunch at The Spot (burgers and seafood).
Saturday, April 19: Morning at Moody Gardens ($25-$35/person, moodygardens.com)—explore the aquarium and rainforest pyramid. Afternoon on the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier (~$30 wristband, rides and games). Dinner at Gaido’s (seafood classics).
Sunday, April 20 (Easter): DIY beach egg hunt along the shore. Attend an Easter service or brunch at Hotel Galvez (~$50/adult, $25/kids, hotelgalvez.com). Relax at Galveston Island State Park (free entry).
Where to Stay
Hotel Galvez & Spa: Historic beachfront with a pool. Easter 2025 estimate: ~$200-$230/night. (hotelgalvez.com)
Holiday Inn Resort Galveston: Beach access and kids’ activities. Easter 2025 estimate: ~$180-$210/night. (ihg.com)
3. Brenham: Bluebonnets and Easter in the Country
Distance from Houston: ~1.5 hours
Why Go: Brenham is Texas countryside at its finest, especially in spring when bluebonnets carpet the rolling hills of Washington County. Known as the birthplace of Blue Bell ice cream, this charming town offers a taste of small-town life with a scoop of nostalgia—perfect for families seeking a slower pace. Easter weekend aligns with peak wildflower season, turning every drive into a photo op, while historic farms and gardens provide space for kids to roam. It’s a chance to unplug, savor homemade pies, and celebrate Easter surrounded by nature’s best show—a refreshing break from urban sprawl.
Itinerary
Friday, April 18: Arrive and check in. Visit Blue Bell Creamery ($8/adult, $6/kids, bluebell.com) for a tour and ice cream. Dinner at Brazos Valley Brewing Company (kid-friendly pub fare).
Saturday, April 19: Morning drive through Washington County to see bluebonnets—stop at Chappell Hill for photos. Afternoon at Antique Rose Emporium (free entry, gardens and picnic spots). Evening at Brenham Heritage Museum (free, local history).
Sunday, April 20 (Easter): Attend a local Easter Sunrise Service (check visitbrenhamtexas.com) or host an egg hunt at Lake Somerville State Park ($5/adult, free for kids, tpwd.texas.gov). Brunch at Must Be Heaven (sandwiches and pies).
Where to Stay
Ant Street Inn: Boutique downtown stay. Easter 2025 estimate: ~$160-$190/night. (antstreetinn.com)
Hampton Inn & Suites Brenham: Pool and breakfast included. Easter 2025 estimate: ~$140-$170/night. (hilton.com)
4. Port Aransas: Coastal Easter on Mustang Island
Distance from Houston: ~3 hours
Why Go: Port Aransas is the Gulf Coast’s hidden gem, a laid-back fishing village on Mustang Island where wild dolphins and pristine beaches steal the show. Easter weekend brings gentle tides and sunny skies (highs in the 70s), ideal for sandcastle-building or a sunrise egg hunt by the waves. Unlike busier Galveston, this spot offers a quieter vibe with quirky attractions—think glowing kayak tours and bird-filled wetlands. The free ferry ride from Aransas Pass adds a dash of adventure, making it a standout for families who love the sea and want a coastal Easter with a twist.
Itinerary
Friday, April 18: Take the free ferry to Mustang Island, check in, and relax at Port Aransas Beach ($12 annual permit). Lunch at Fins Grill & Icehouse (waterfront seafood).
Saturday, April 19: Morning Dolphin Watching Tour ($25/adult, $15/kids, dolphinwatch.com). Afternoon at Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center (free, spot spring birds). Evening GlowRow Kayak Tour ($50/person, glowrow.com).
Sunday, April 20 (Easter): Beach egg hunt at sunrise. Brunch at Irie’s Island Food (tropical tacos). Afternoon biking at Port Aransas Nature Preserve (rentals ~$15/day, islandbikecompany.com).
Where to Stay
Beachgate CondoSuites: Beachfront with kitchens. Easter 2025 estimate: ~$170-$190/night. (beachgate.com)
VRBO Beach House: Spacious family rentals. Easter 2025 estimate: ~$220-$320/night. (vrbo.com)
5. Conroe: Lake Life and Easter Outdoors
Distance from Houston: ~1 hour
Why Go: Conroe is Houston’s lakefront backyard, where 22,000-acre Lake Conroe beckons with boating, fishing, and serene shores. Spring transforms the area with blooming dogwoods and a chorus of birds in Sam Houston National Forest—perfect for an Easter immersed in nature. Families can rent a pontoon for a day on the water or explore trails where kids can spot deer and armadillos. It’s less polished than The Woodlands but richer in raw beauty, offering a peaceful retreat with just enough amenities (think craft breweries and cozy cafes) to keep everyone happy.
Itinerary
Friday, April 18: Check in and head to Lake Conroe Park (free entry, picnic and swim). Rent a pontoon boat (~$100/half-day, lakeconroeboatrentals.com). Dinner at Montgomery Bistro (casual dining).
Saturday, April 19: Morning fishing on Lake Conroe (bring gear or rent ~$10/day). Afternoon at W.G. Jones State Forest (free, short trails and wildlife). Evening at Southern Star Brewing Co. (family-friendly, no alcohol required).
Sunday, April 20 (Easter): DIY egg hunt at Sam Houston National Forest (free entry, nearby). Brunch at The Toasted Yolk Café (~$15-$20/person). Relax by the lake before heading home.
Where to Stay
La Torretta Lake Resort: Lakefront with pools and activities. Easter 2025 estimate: ~$200-$230/night. (latorrettalakeresort.com)
Margaritaville Lake Resort: Family suites and lake access. Easter 2025 estimate: ~$220-$250/night. (margaritavilleresorts.com)
Tips for Your Easter Getaway
Make Easter 2025 extra special with these holiday-focused ideas. Pack a basket of plastic eggs filled with treats or small toys for a DIY hunt—beaches like Galveston and Port Aransas offer unique sandy hiding spots, while Brenham’s wildflower fields add a colorful twist. Check local church schedules for sunrise services (many welcome visitors) to start Easter Sunday with meaning—Conroe and The Woodlands often have scenic outdoor options. Bring a portable speaker for holiday tunes during picnics, and reserve brunch spots early—popular places like Hotel Galvez fill up fast. For a crafty touch, pack egg-dyeing kits to enjoy at your hotel or rental, turning downtime into family bonding. Some reminders to keep in mind:
Weather: Mid-70s expected—pack sunscreen, hats, and light layers.
Booking: Reserve hotels and activities by late March 2025 for availability.
Easter Events: Confirm specifics closer to April via local tourism sites
Make Easter 2025 Unforgettable
From the serene lakes of Conroe to the wildflower hills of Brenham, these five getaways near Houston offer something for every family this Easter weekend, April 18-20, 2025. Whether you’re drawn to Galveston’s sandy shores, Port Aransas’ dolphin-filled waters, or The Woodlands’ upscale charm, each spot delivers a blend of spring beauty, outdoor fun, and holiday joy—all just a short drive away. Don’t let Easter pass with the same old routine—pick your favorite, book your stay, and share your plans (or tips!) in the comments below. Where will your family’s Easter adventure take you?