Why Mesquite is the Perfect Spot for Your Next Family Reunion

Finding a home base for your next family reunion takes more than a little planning: You need plenty of hotel rooms, with accommodations for the whole family; a good mix of eateries to suit even the pickiest palate; and activities—indoors and out—for kids and the young at heart.

So while you could spend hours comparing and contrasting destinations, weighing the pros and cons of each, and running your suggestions by a cadre of disagreeing kids and cousins, we’ll make it easy: Mesquite is the perfect spot for your next family reunion.

Sure, we might be biased. But Mesquite’s variety of lodging choices, outdoor recreation, and family entertainment options make it a crowd-pleasing hit. It also sits at the intersection of several major highways—so it’s easily accessible, regardless of where your family members are coming in from. So here’s a look at why you should host your next family reunion in Mesquite.

Where to Stay in Mesquite

First thing’s first: Everyone needs somewhere to stay. Fortunately, Mesquite boasts lodging choices to meet the needs of families and large groups alike, with rates more affordable than most major cities. Here’s a quick rundown of where to stay during your next family reunion in Mesquite:

Hampton Inn & Suites Dallas-Mesquite

You've packed a lot into your family reunion, and the staff at the Hampton Inn & Suites Dallas Mesquite understands your busy schedule—so the hotel strives to make life a little easier. The hotel’s amenities include free Wi-Fi, free hot breakfast (daily) or on-the-run breakfast bags (Monday through Friday), an outdoor pool, and a 24-hour snack shop (featuring beer and wine for mom and dad). It’s connected to the Mesquite Convention Center and Exhibit Hall, which has a ballroom that is perfect for big seated dinners. The Hampton Inn & Suites, TownePlace Suites, and Holiday Inn Express are all within walking distance of each other.

TownePlace Suites Dallas Mesquite

The ultra-modern TownePlace Suites by Marriott Dallas Mesquite caters to families with fully equipped kitchens, an outdoor pool, free Wi-Fi, a free breakfast buffet, and other helpful amenities for extended stays.

The Holiday Inn Express & Suites Mesquite

The Holiday Inn Express & Suites Mesquite sits just off I-635, offering easy access to the best the city has to offer—but convenience doesn't end at freeway access; the hotel hosts a 600-square-foot meeting room for groups, a heated indoor pool, a relaxing outdoor patio, a free breakfast bar, and free Wi-Fi.

Courtyard By Marriott Dallas Mesquite

This Courtyard By Marriott Dallas Mesquite is located by Mesquite’s Restaurant Row, and it’s got all the amenities that a family reunion could need, including a meeting room that can hold 40 people and an outdoor picnic area with a barbecue. There’s also a fitness center, indoor pool, and in-house bistro.

Fairfield Inn & Suites Dallas Mesquite

You don't want to spend your family reunion driving all over town—and if you stay at Fairfield Inn & Suites Dallas Mesquite, you don't have to. The hotel is within an easy walk of the Celebration Station family entertainment center, Mesquite Arena (home to the Mesquite Championship Rodeo), and other attractions. The hotel also hosts an indoor pool and hot tub, free hot breakfast each morning, free Wi-Fi, and eight suites (ideal for families).

What To Do in Mesquite

If you’re hosting your family reunion in Mesquite, you’ll want plenty to keep everyone entertained. Fortunately, the city has a lot to offer—from a long-running rodeo to family entertainment centers to mouth-watering restaurants and more. Here’s a sampling of the fun in store for your family in Mesquite.

Mesquite Championship Rodeo

Every summer, the Mesquite Championship Rodeo takes over town—and shows why Mesquite is the Official Rodeo Capital of Texas (as named by the Texas legislature). The Mesquite Championship Rodeo has been going strong since the 1950s—and, today, events are held throughout the summer months in the climate-controlled Mesquite Arena.

Celebration Station

Whatever the occasion, you’ll find plenty to celebrate at one of the city's biggest family entertainment centers. Celebration Station offers something for all ages, including arcade games, batting cages, bumper boats, go-karts, laser tag, miniature golf, paintball, and an exciting bungee attraction where you can jump as high as 24 feet in the air.

Mesquite Arts Center

When you’re looking for some after-dinner entertainment, chances are good you’ll find something new and exciting at the Mesquite Arts Center. The performing arts center hosts more than a dozen arts groups, from the Mesquite Symphony Orchestra to the Mesquite Arts Theatre—and includes an art gallery with rotating exhibits.

For Kids

It's not a matter of whether your little ones will enjoy Kids Empire; it's only a matter of whether you can pull them away after a few hours. The massive play area includes multiple slides, climbing walls, play structures, a ball pit, go-karts, arcade games, a mini soccer arena, an obstacle course, and more. Another option is the Urban Air Adventure Park, which features trampolines, climbing walls, and rope courses.

Escape the Everyday

Have you ever tried an escape room? Xcape Adventures features four different options to challenge your thinking skills. The idea is to solve a series of problems to get out of the room in under an hour.

How to Get Outside in Mesquite

If your family is an active bunch, Mesquite has you covered. An agreeable climate and easy access to the outdoors gives you options for stretching your legs, getting some sun, and enjoying Mesquite’s natural beauty. Here are just a few ways to enjoy each other’s company in the great outdoors:

Mesquite Golf Club

The Mesquite Golf Club has been a citywide institution since the 1960s—and a dramatic renovation in 2013 only added to the course’s charm. These days, friends and family can unwind—or enjoy some friendly competition—on a 6,980-yard, 18-hole course, complete with Champion Bermuda greens and 20 new bunkers for an added challenge.

Debusk Park

Let's face it: Your kids can only swim in the hotel pool so many times; at a certain point, they'll want to run around outside. Fortunately, Debusk Park hosts the KidsQuest wooden play structure, wide-open play areas, shaded pavilions for staying cool, and walking and cycling paths.

Samuell Farm

Popular as Mesquite is, the city still boasts a few hidden gems. Chief among them: Samuell Farm, a 600-acre park near the heart of town. The quiet park boasts grills and picnic tables for family get-togethers, playgrounds for the little ones, walking paths, fishing ponds, and plenty of open space for lawn games.

Mesquite Heritage Trail

The Mesquite Heritage Trail officially opened in the summer of 2015—and has quickly become one of the region's most used (and accessible) outdoor destinations. The 4.25-mile trail is Mesquite’s largest recreation facility, with concrete paths and sidewalks, three trailheads for easy access, one exercise station, and plenty of natural beauty to enjoy along the way.

City Lake Park

Mesquite’s City Lake Park packs a whole lot of fun into 20 acres. The bustling park offers picnic tables and a covered picnic shelter for large groups (like, say, family reunions), urban lakes stocked with catfish and trout, tennis courts, walking paths and trails, and more. It’s also across the street from the City Lake Aquatic Center.

Where to Eat in Mesquite

It’s true that everything’s bigger in Texas—including our appetites. Mesquite is home to restaurants spanning the culinary spectrum, so here are a few hometown favorites with something for the whole family.

Pancho’s Mexican Buffet

Sometimes, you can’t decide between tacos and taquitos; fortunately, at Pancho's Mexican Buffet, you don't have to. The cherished local institution offers more than 30 fresh favorites at its buffet, salsa bar, and dessert bar. (And if you’re grabbing something for the whole crew, Pancho’s offers family packs with up to 30 taquitos, flautas, tamales, or enchiladas.)

Mesquite BBQ

You can’t come to Texas and not eat barbecue. It's only fitting, then, that the oldest restaurant in Mesquite is an acclaimed restaurant dishing up pulled pork, ribs, and other down-home favorites. Mesquite BBQ has been family-owned and operated since 1959; today, you can’t go wrong with just about anything on the menu—but keep an eye out for the family packs, which feed groups of up to 10.

Planning Your Trip to Mesquite

It can be tough to plan an entire trip, especially for such a large group, but the Mesquite Convention and Visitors Bureau is happy to help.

Reach out

For starters, feel free to get in touch by calling 972-204-4925 or emailing info@visitmesquitetx.com. The knowledgeable, passionate staff is happy to answer any questions and provide suggestions for making the most of your time in Mesquite.

Use Mesquite’s trip-planning app: Did you know that Mesquite hosts an interactive app? The trip-planning tool lets you see where everything is, offers up-to-date info on upcoming events, and makes it easy to share that info with other members of your group.