Can you remember your first time at a waterpark? I can! I was too excited for words, it seemed like a dream come true. That’s why the look of utter joy on my boys’ faces when we got to Kalahari Resorts in Wisconsin Dells was amazing! Here are things to know and trip tips for Kalahari Resorts Waterparks!
We had heard of Kalahari from our friends before we got invited to go and wondered what took us so long to get there. As you’ll soon see why, we will definitely be back. We went to the location closest to us being from Chicago, in Wisconsin Dells. It took us about 2.5 hours to get there on pretty pleasant drive. I have heard great things about the other locations and have listed them at the bottom of the post.
KIDS: Trip Tips for Kalahari Resorts Waterparks
We loved the outdoor and indoor areas the slides were their favorite part
Kalahari Resorts have the worlds largest indoor water parks, so you can go year around! Even in the winter or rainy summer, you will fully enjoy this place. The resorts are a mix of a hotel, restaurant, spa, and water park all in one, while also being the largest indoor water parks in the U.S. Therefore, it was no surprise that the boys’ favorite parts of the resort were actually indoors! There were the crazy long water slides and vortex slides (swirly slides you ride down on a tube) as well as the lazy river. However, they also LOVED the arcade and indoor Ferris Wheel!
Even in a super fun place such as a water park my kids can get bored and distracted, but that didn’t happen here. The weather cooperated one day and they would go back and forth between the indoor and outdoor parks. With options such as a water walk way with ropes and a bridge, tandem tube slides 270ft long, and finally the flowrider where you can body board and surf (for older kids), my kids were sufficiently entertained the whole day. Everywhere we turned there was a delight. Literally! They slept so soundly while we were there. 🙂
Adults: Trip Tips for Kalahari Resorts Waterparks
Kalahari Resorts waterparks is a definitely a must if you have kids. However, would you believe it if I told you that my husband and I had the best time? There was so much for us to do and enjoy as well. For starters, riding the water slides with the kids was really thrilling and brought the fun out of us. Additionally, there was fine dining, spa treatments, hot tub and an in pool bar! One of my main trip tips for Kalahari Resorts for adults is to allow yourself to be a kid. 🙂
The African Queen Suite
We stayed in the African Queen Suite and it was perfect! The suite consists of 2 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, and a nice living room that leads out into the balcony! For our conveniece, there was a fridge, a coffee maker, TV, internet, a nice closet! Basically, just about anything you would ever need. This suite is perfect for going with kids and having them stay in a seperate bedroom or if you’re going with grandparents. The second bedroom was a double bed, that accomodated my mom and kids really well!
Trip Tips for Kalahari Resorts
Mermaid Vibes
One of the cool things about the resort was that you could be a mermaid/merman/shark! If you want to take advantage of this, it’s an extra $30/pp and you can only do it at 8 AM or 9 PM for an hour! We did the morning shift and the light was beautiful and you get see the waterpark pretty empty. There are a couple of instructors/life guards and you get lessons on how to swim with your fins! Not easy, great work-out! Reserve your spot the day before.
Water Safety
There are many, many life guards on duty. In fact, I’ve never seen so much attention to water safety. Having said that, even if your kids know how to swim, do NOT take your eyes off them. The water is super shallow in some areas and it’s easy to get comfortable because of all the life guards, but don’t. Not to be morbid, but I just read an article that talked about a kid that had just graduated from swim school drowning in INCHES of water.
I did not bring my phone, I left it in the lockers. My husband would watch one of them and I would watch the other. Keep in mind, that they kiddos are REQUIRED to wear a water vest, even so, it’s not a replacement for your eyes.
Gear Amenities
Kalahari Resorts basically gives you almost everything you need; pool towels, water vest, chairs, lockers, tubes and an awesome locker room at the water parks. However, you must bring your own water diapers (some for sale), arm floaties, water shoes, and water.
Dining
There are awesome dining options within the park, including a steak house, pub, Starbucks, a candy stands, what I call kids foods stand and much more. Outside of this, there are also a few nearby locations around the resort that are a short walk or drive. We went to Famous Dave’s one evening just to “get out”! 🙂
Rooms Safety
As I mentioned above, our African Queen Suite left little to be desired! If you have small children, be aware that some rooms have a balcony. Our room in particular had to exits to the balcony; one in the master bedroom and one in the living room. I don’t know if you’ve ever had a balcony scare before, but you don’t want one. I did about a year ago, and I still suffer from PTSD from it. You can read about that and other kids travel safety here.
SPA
Don’t forget to book your spa treatment at least a couple of days before so you get a spot for what you want. I was able to take advantage of it while my kids went back to the room with my hubby after lunch for naptime!
Cabana Boy
Last but not least, don’t forget to rent a cabana for the perfect shade and set-up for you and your brood!
Kalahari Resorts Waterpark Locations
1.) Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin ( 1305 Kalahari Dr, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965 )
2.) Sandusky, Ohio ( 7000 Kalahari Dr, Sandusky, OH 44870 )
3.) Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania ( 250 Kalahari Blvd, Pocono Manor, PA 18349 )
4.) Round Rock, Texas (coming soon) ( 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX 78665 )
We look forward to heading back to Kalahari Resorts, and hope that you take advantage of one of the locations! Please let me know if you have questions. Looking for other fun kids activities and trips? Click here for 10 things to do with kids in Chicago for summer and here for the Downtown Chicago guide. Enjoy your stay at Kalahari! XO, Z
Note: I was invited to stay at Kalahari Resorts in exchange for social posts. I was not required to write a blog post. All opinions and “tips” are my own.