High on that bucket list is to visit an indoor water park locally to us for a fun overnight winter getaway, such as Kalahari.
But having never been to one of the indoor water parks myself, I have been a bit hesitant to do so.
However, my husband and girls are persistent. So, I have been looking into this more.
I thought I would share what I found out, as well as how to prepare a young family for a visit to a fun indoor water park.
Here are some sure-fire indoor water park planning tips, I have gathered….
1. Research for starters.
There are quite a few indoor water park resorts, such as Kalahari to choose from, but taking a look at what all have to offer, pricing and more is a big part of planning. Comparing and contrasting to see how they would fit into your family’s needs should be priority and key when first starting out here.
2. The room does matter.
When it all comes down to it, many may argue about how much time you will spend in the room. But still, it is a vacation and when you have children in tow, you not only want them be comfortable, but yourself, as well. Therefore, more comparing and contrasting. But in the end, go with a room that will add comfort, even if you have to splurge a few extra dollars to do so. At Kalahari, they have 520 rooms, which brings the resort total to nearly 1,000 guest rooms including two new styles exclusive to the Poconos!
3. Make sure water activities are age appropriate.
Nothing is worse than rides that kids can’t go on, because they don’t meet the height requirements! Therefore, measure your kids before going. Then, check out which rides are OK for their height. This will help plan out, which rides they can and will be able to try out while you visit. Like at Kalahari, Pennsylvania’s largest indoor waterpark (100,00 sq. ft.), here are some of the fun rides that can be experienced depending upon height/age (by March 2017):
- Screaming Hyena: A trap-door start that drops into a near-vertical plunge at up to 25 mph
- Sahara Sidewinder: An indoor looping waterslide that takes guests on a 250-plus-foot journey
- “The Smoke That Thunders” and Victoria Falls: Named after the natural wonder of the world located in southern Africa, it will provide unforgettable waterslide experiences
- Kenya’s Korkscrew: Zig-zag slide
- Zig-Zag Zebra: Tunnel slide
- Cheetah Race Mat Slide: Challenge your friends to see who gets down the hill fastest
- Elephant’s Trunk
- Dungeons of Hout Bay Wavepool
- Lazy River Expansion
- Coral Cove Kids’ Play Area
4. Be sure to find out all amenities offered.
So a big reason to visit an indoor water park, such as Kalahari is for the indoor water attractions. But many, including Kalahari offer many other attractions, as well. You may be wondering what though. Well, for instance, Kalahari also offers character breakfasts with all the Kalahari Characters all the while enjoying a delicious breakfast. They also house a spa, a sports club, shopping, an arcade and over 8 different dining experiences for all your meal time enjoyment including:
- Double Cut Charcoal Grill/Liquor Bar: Kalahari’s signature steak house experience featuring: premium cuts of meat, craft cocktails, family style sides and more.
- Sortino’s Italian Kitchen: A new-aged, red-sauced restaurant where old-school Italian cuisine meets the modern age.
- Marrakesh Market: Grab and go convenience bazaar style shopping, unique gifts, authentic-African items and everyday needs.
They also have a 30,000-sq.-ft. extension to the family entertainment center including the new virtual reality experience known as, The Arena. Plus, they even have Kalahari Fitness and Training Center, as well as Spa Kalahari.
5. Don’t forget to check out featured deals.
Once you decide on the actual water park and dates, looking at deals that may be available during the time you plan on visiting is a big plus.
Now that you got the lowdown, tell us in the comments if your family has visited an indoor water park, such as Kalahari.
Also stay tuned for our visit soon…
Seana Turner says
My sister and I took our girls to one of these when they were little. We had such an amazing time. It felt like sheer luxury to be running around in bathing suits as we looked at the snow outside. It was definitely one of their favorite vacations with their cousins!
Janine says
Aw, love that you have this memory, Seana and gave me more incentive to want to do this with my girls now 😉
Meredith Spidel says
We have never gone to an indoor water park, but would like to! Thanks for the great tips and the ideas–a fab resource!
Janine says
My pleasure and we have been wanting to go for awhile so loved doing a bit of research, as well to find out more for us now, too 🙂
Dara says
We have gotten day passes to indoor water parks but never stayed at one. My kids would love that!
Janine says
Never done either so definitely on our short list now 🙂
William Holland says
I want you for a mom. You’re a fun mom! My mom had me doing chores, for God’s sake. 🙂
Happy Monday, Janine!
Janine says
Aw, thanks Bill and I try. But honestly not that fun of a mom as I hate the cold and snow. So, I don’t do playing the snow with them very well in all honesty. But still indoor water parks and more are more my speed. Happy Monday right back at you!! 🙂
April says
It doesn’t get that cold here, but I’ve still been looking into a vacation with an indoor water park. It seems so awesome! I’ll keep these in mind during my search.
Janine says
Awesome and so happy you could use the info I shared here for indoor water parks for your vacation needs, too April 🙂
Rea says
Indoor water park sounds like a nice destination. I will most likely splurge for comfort too if reasonably within my budget. The latest book I’ve just finished reading mentioned the Poconos in Pennsylvania which somehow made me excited for this. LOL. But sad, knowing that it’s too far away from me. Maybe I can find a similar version of that here.
Janine says
Aw, I hope you can and if you do, please let me know when you can 🙂
AnnMarie John says
I’ve never heard of this place before now. Sounds interesting! I don’t really intend to visit any water parks besides the ones at Disney in the summer but this one I’ll have to save for when I need somewhere new to visit. BTW those are some great tips!
Janine says
Aw, thanks AnnMarie and I know I have done the Disney Water Rides and also a local outdoor water park here in NY. But definitely can’t wait to try this and will have to keep you posted 😉
Diane Roark says
Hey girl, I just checked out this indoor water park. I love that it is in doors. All The water parks around me are outdoors. We are at Disney this week but would love to visit an indoor water park. Have a great week! Diane
Janine says
Aw, hope you do get to go and that you all are enjoying Disney, too this week 😉
Mary says
That indoor water park looks awesome! Thanks for all these great tips Janine 🙂
Janine says
My pleasure and hope you can give this indoor water park a try soon, Mary!! 🙂
Jen says
Oh my gosh, go and take me with you! I love water parks, but with our littlest we haven’t gone for a few years now. I think it’s high time we did! This sounds amazing! I can’t wait to hear more about it.
Janine says
Jen, I wish I could take you with me and would totally if I could. But promise to share more here soon still!! 🙂
Tamara says
The room does matter!
We have a Kalahari near my parent’s house, so of course I think about heading there every second of winter. I think we will!
Janine says
Agreed totally my twin and we should try to go at the same time as I think that would be a blast if we did!! 😉
Rabia @ The Liebers says
We have one of those Wolf Lodges not too far away. I’ve considered it for a family getaway at some point. It’s a good tip to check the height requirements before we go. My minis are so short they often can’t do all the things they want to. I would be ticked to get somewhere and have them not be able to play!
Janine says
Same here, Rabia and my girls are also on the shorter size for their ages. So trust me I get this in spades, as well!
Cynthia says
I can imagine that if you have kiddos, staying in a room while doing something like this. 🙂 I bet your girls LOVE the water park. I know I would. And those recommendations are great. 🙂
I hope you get to go on LOTS of fun trips like this in 2017. HUGZ
Janine says
Aw, thanks so much Cyndi and many hugs to you, too 😉
Jennifer Bly says
This waterpark looks amazing!
You shared some great tips here too!
We live just blocks away from West Edmonton Mall’s World Water Park. It has 17 slides and a HUGE wave pool. We haven’t brought the kids yet but we will when my youngest is a wee bit older.
Thanks for sharing! Wishing you a lovely week.
xoxo
Janine says
That water park near you sounds amazing too and thank you for sharing with me, as well. Wishing you a lovely week, too xoxo 😉
Christine Carter says
First of all, what a WONDERFUL idea to take the kids to an indoor water park! That sounds PERFECT for these long winter months, when we need something fun and different to do. You reminded me about this water park near us- and I am going to use your tips in planning our own little ‘getaway’. 🙂
Janine says
Yay and so happy to give you the idea here and hope you book very soon for you and your kids now, as well 🙂
Nellie says
I’ve heard so MANY great things about Kalahari! I can’t wait tot take a visit with my family. Thanks for sharing all of the great tips here!
Janine says
Happy to share and psyched for you that you are going to visit soon with your family soon, too 🙂
Leslie says
We’ve never been to an indoor water park resort, but our county has a small indoor water park that our kids can go to. Now that I think about it, that sounds like the perfect place to take them today! Thanks for sharing your research!
Janine says
My pleasure and do hope you can totally enjoy!! 😉
Aunt Gloria says
Sounds like fun! Hope you get a chance to enjoy Kalahari. It looks like a terrific place. xxoo
Janine says
Thanks Aunt Gloria and I hope so too now!! xoxo