Visiting Kalahari Resorts in the Poconos is a perfect all-in-one vacation destination; there’s no need to book a flight or spend time planning. With a fantastic indoor and outdoor waterpark featuring areas for toddlers, tweens, and teens, a massive arcade, numerous restaurants, shops, a spa, and even a treetop adventure course, you can relax without the stress of keeping the entire family entertained. What’s more, you can spend a few days here plunging down all 34 waterslides (yep, 34!), watching flicks in a 7-D motion theater, and feeling at home in one of the family-sized suites packed with amenities. It’s the kind of place that families return to year after year because there’s so much to do that you’ll never feel the need to leave the resort. It’s no wonder Kalahari is included in our roundup of the best family resorts in NJ and the surrounding areas. (featured photo credit: Kalahari Resorts and Conventions)
Splash The Day Away At Kalahari Resorts
Dive in any time of year
Water activities are the name of the game at Kalahari, with 10 pools (always kept to a balmy 84 degrees), whirlpools, five private hot tubs, three outdoor pools, nine outdoor waterslides, and 34 indoor waterslides. Test your surfing skills on the FlowRider, chill in the Lazy River, or splash around in the Wave Pool Experience. Adults can get a drink at Paxton’s Grotto Swim-up bar or test out the indoor or outdoor spas while the kids enjoy the indoor or outdoor play areas. If the family needs a break, private cabanas are available to rent.
Make it a suite stay
With a safari theme, Kalahari has comfy rooms and suites for families big and small. And the best part? Each room includes waterpark admission, daily resort activities, admission to the Big Game Room arcade, and WiFi with early check-in at 10 AM and late check-out at 3 PM. The rooms and suites are all the comforts of home, with plush bedding, ample living spaces, kitchenettes, wet bars, and some even have a fireplace. Choose from one, two, three, four, or five bedroom suites, including a penthouse and honeymoon suite. And if you have a large group visiting, the 5-bedroom Big 5 Suite can hold up to 22 guests.
Play big for family-friendly competition
Ready to get your game on? Check out the Big Room Arcade, which spans 30,000 square feet of pure fun. There’s a black-light mini golf, arcade games, a Dark Ride 5-D Theater, virtual reality experiences, and mini bowling with bowling balls weighing only 5 pounds, so bowlers of any age or skill are welcome. Get strapped in and play the claw game to get a prize, except this time you are the crane and the joystick can lower you to swoop down and pick plenty of prizes. Or see how long you can hang on Hang Time or drive the bumper cars. You can also test your agility in Laser Frenzy, get a high score in Time Freak, or play some laser tag.
The adventure continues outdoors
Every Memorial Day through Labor Day, at Gorilla Grove TreeTop Adventures, the whole family can explore the Pocono Mountains. Try outdoor laser tag, or race family or friends on the zip line. The ropes course offers kid-friendly to expert paths with swinging logs, tunnels, and tightropes. Or check out the new Black Rhino Ropes course for thrill-seekers and athletes looking to take on a challenge for ages 14+. If you’re staying closer to the ground, the Legends of the Lost Jungle Mini Golf Course, with 36 holes, is the right spot for your family to get a hole-in-one while crossing over Ricky bridges, walking past waterfalls, or finding hidden monkeys.
Eat, shop, and relax
From gourmet restaurants to quick bites, Kalahari has plenty of places to grab a bite or sit down for a meal. Have a delish dinner at one of the restaurants offering Italian, Mexican, a Steak House, and a Bar & Grill. Kids will want to head to MACS, a macaroni-and-cheese shop, for a delish twist on this family favorite. Other quick hits are a cafe with sandwiches, pizza, and wings, a buffet, a candy shop, and a coffee shop. After you fuel up, shop till you drop at Build-a-Bear Workshop, Marrakesh Market, Indigo Swimwear & Accessories, and Kalahari Outpost, featuring logo wear and apparel. Stop by the Adventurers Club, where kids can play with slime, make friendship bracelets, or paint ceramics. And if you get a chance for some me time, the Spa Kalahari offers relaxing spa treatments, a Hydrotherapy Room, and Halotherapy salt therapy.
What to know before you go
When you stay over at Kalahari Resort, the waterpark admission, daily resort activities, admission to the Big Game Room arcade, and WiFi are all included, and room rates start around $249 and up. If you are not staying overnight but still want to play at Kalahari, day passes are available for the waterpark. Prices vary for dates and times. Gorilla Grove TreeTop Adventure also has a menu of choices where you can choose from an Adventure Pass to more specific packages like just the ropes course or zipline, and prices vary. The resort is 100% cashless; it accepts credit cards, mobile payments, and room charges via the RFID wristband. NJMOM tip: Make sure to check the Kalahari Adventures Guide, which gives you all the details on what’s happening, including Morning Stretches, Character Appearances, Bubble Parties, Dance Parties, and Pajama Storytime.
To learn more about Kalahari Resorts and Conventions, check out their website, Instagram, and Facebook.
Kalahari Resorts and Conventions
250 Kalahari Boulevard
Pocono Manor, PA 18349
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