Located two hours north-east of Harrisburg, Kalahari Resorts is a year-round destination for families. The main attraction of Kalahari Resorts is the large indoor waterpark, which recently doubled in size to be the largest indoor waterpark in the USA. The waterpark features a variety of slides for kids and adults of all ages from the very smallest in your family to the most adventurous.
My family has been to Kalahari Resorts half a dozen times since they opened in the Poconos and has loved every visit. We've gone in the freezing cold winter, a hot weekend in the summer and even over fourth of July weekend! Here are some of our top tips for enjoying a getaway as a family to Kalahari Resorts in the Poconos.
Maximize your time
One check-in day, get to Kalahari as close to noon as possible. Your room will probably not be available yet, but once checked in you will be able to begin using the waterpark. You can also stay at the waterpark until it closes on the day you check out of your room to maximize your time that day as well. Pack a small tote of bathing suits and anything you may want to have with you before checking in your room or after checking out and check it into the lockers in the waterpark.
US Coast Guard Approved flotation devices are provided
Kalahari Resorts does offer life jackets and puddle jumper style floats, but it's a first come first served basis so you may have to walk around a bit to hunt down the correct style and size float for your child. If they have one they already regularly use at home and like, bring that one so they're comfortable with it. All kids under 48" MUST use a USCG approved floatation device - no matter how good of a swimmer they are. This is non-negotiable, kids will not be permitted to get into any water without one. It's up to parent discretion if a taller child has to wear one. When our boys were just over 48" we had them still wear one on any of the large slides when we weren't riding on the same float as them, which is what a lot of other parents/kids seemed to be doing too.
Get officially measured
If your child is right at 42" or 48", the two height requirements for the large slides & life jackets, take them to the lifeguard office (when you walk into the waterpark, stay to the right and pass a set of bathrooms -it's just past there, but before you hit the kiddie slides) and have them officially measured. They'll receive a wristband to wear for your visit that has their height on it so they won't be repeatedly stopped and questioned over their height if they're close to 48" and not wearing a life jacket.
Bring your own food
Kalahari Resorts is fantastic with dietary restrictions and allergies, but also allows outside food and drink to be brought to the resort (you can't bring it into the waterpark area). The rooms all offer a small fridge and microwave so quick breakfasts, microwave mac and cheese or snacks are a great way to keep your costs down while visiting Kalahari Resorts. If we don't get a special that offers a complementary breakfast buffet, my kids love bringing microwavable breakfast burritos and sandwiches to enjoy in our room so we can be down to the waterpark when it opens and the lines are the shortest you'll see.
Look for a deal
During peak times (holidays, school breaks, etc.) the deals can be a bit harder to find, but search anyways! We often use the Family Safari Package that offers $50 arcade credit, a pizza and four sodas and four breakfast vouchers for the breakfast buffet. Kalahari's website offers a variety of deals and packages throughout the year, but Groupon sometimes has deals too.
Show your kids the lifeguards
You can stand almost anywhere inside Kalahari's gigantic waterpark and see multiple lifeguards. Point them out to your kids so your kids know to go to them if they get separated from you, injured or need help. I've always been very impressed with how many lifeguards there are and how reactive they have been to any situation.
Bring plenty of your own swim diapers
While Kalahari does sell swim diapers (at a steep mark-up!), if your child is not potty trained or still has some accidents it is best to bring your own pack of swim diapers. You don't want your family to be the reason an entire swim area is shut down for cleaning for a few hours so it's best to use the diapers if you think there is even the slightest chance of an accident. Also, bring more diapers than you think your child will use, you'll need them - trust me.
Head to the lobby for dessert
In the lobby is an ice cream shop, candy/treat shop and a small grab and go cafe that also has desserts. We love getting the three scoop sundae and splitting it between the kids. It's always way more ice cream than the three of them can eat and they love sampling each other's flavors. If you're looking for a cake/cookie type dessert check the grab and go cafe, where they also sell small bottles of milk to use for breakfast or wash your dessert down.
Pack easy clothing
Since you'll be tossing it on over a swimsuit or getting in and out of it multiple times a day to use other attractions at Kalahari, pack only clothing you and your kids can get into and out of easily. Nobody has time for sliding jeans over slightly damp legs or buttoning kids' pants or shirts when there are so many fun things waiting for you. Even in the winter, a quick sundress for girls/women is perfectly fine for leaving the waterpark and heading to your room.
Have a game plan, but go with the flow
Kalahari Resorts not only has a gigantic waterpark but a ropes course, golf course, small train ride, spa, fantastic restaurants, arcade and more. If you want to use some of the other amenities, they may require tickets/registration or may already be booked for the day. One of the fantastic parts of Kalahari is how many different things they offer. The arcade is just outside the waterpark and is a fun way to spend some time if you have a little napping in a stroller, or need a break from the waterpark. Also, the arcade has some of the best bang for your buck when it comes to turning in tickets for prizes. My kids love a good arcade and Kalahari's is always a favorite.
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