The Kalahari Water Park In the Poconos

Ask any parent trapped in their house during a long holiday break and they’ll tell you that water parks are one of the best all-season getaways for families. ey are perfect for winter when the kids are climbing the walls and ideal for the summer months when the heat soars and they need a fun cool down. Fortunately, Westchester County is ide- ally situated close to Pennsylvania, which has great water parks, including favorites such as Great Wolf Lodge and Camelback Resort’s Aquatopia. But if you haven’t visited the latest newcomer, Kalahari Resorts & Conventions Poconos Mountains, get ready for an experience that blows the rest out of the water.

NEWEST AND LARGEST

As the newest and largest water park in the Poconos area, a trek here is an easy two hours from New York. Kalahari Resorts boasts three locations nation- wide and its largest park is in Pennsylvania.

The safari-themed Kalahari Resort combines comfortable hotel living, a 100,000-square-foot water park and a 30,000-square-foot Family Entertainment Center all under one gigantic, family-friendly roof. Of course, when it comes to entertaining the entire family size and variety of activities is not all that matters. We especially loved Kalahari for catering to not only kids but adults as well with their fully-amped water park, premium dining, luxurious full-service spa, outdoor sports club and top-of-the-line facilities.

AN AFRICAN THEME

Walking into the large complex, one is immediate- ly greeted by a dazzling African panoramic view, complete with oversized statues of lions, leopards, elephants and other members of the endangered animal set. ere are even a few friendly mascots including a lion and elephant roaming the area and greeting wee ones as they arrive.

The entire philosophy at Kalahari is centered around the African principle of Ubunto or humanity’s interconnectedness. Here, connection between families and friends is always paramount and there is truly something for everyone. From the dining options that cater to both kids and adults to the swim-up, adult-only bar and relaxation space, the resort was carefully conceived with an eye to keeping every member of the household happy.

A one or two-night stay is customary here, with some families choosing just to come for the day and pay the water park fee. But there’s nothing like extending your stay with overnight accommodation. e resort o ers lodging for a variety of budgets. Guests can keep it simple with an economy Desert room (about $300 per night) or splash out on an African Queen suite ($400+ per night). e rooms are very well appointed with some o ering Zebra-print bunk beds for older siblings to share.

WATER PARK ATTRACTIONS

At the center of all this action, the Kalahari water park is a treasure trove of play areas and thrilling rides that will appeal to kids of every age, while still providing something for adults who are looking for some thrills of their own.

Toddlers can have a ball at Tiko’s Watering Hole for kids 4 feet and under. With its own mini lazy river, this area is perfect for the tot set as the water is only 2 feet deep. Splash Down Safari o ers 10 medi- um level water slides perfect for middle school kids and provides hours of water gun, slides and climbing action. ere’s also a large lazy river called Crocodile Cove and a FlowRider section, where one can surf a 5-foot-wave with supervised lifeguard instruction. But the real standouts are the giant slides like the e Wild Wildebeest which is gravity-defying and exciting for kids and adults alike. Once the day is done, families can warm up together at one of the two large sized hot tubs.

EAT UP

From there, it’s o to another favorite American pastime: dining. Options certainly don’t veer from the “something for everyone” philosophy with a huge spread at the Great Karoo Marketplace Bu et restaurant and a character Sunday morning break- fast where kids can get up close and personal with the resort’s loveable mascots. For dinner, families can enjoy more casual spots like the Ivory Coast Restaurant or make a reservation at Brandberg, a more formal dining experience that o ers a welcome respite from the chaos of the park.

AND MORE

The arcade here is a marvel of fun and will delight the entire family. e youngest kids will be dazzled by the lights and video games geared to smaller kids while older kids will go berserk in the XD Dark Ride 5-D theater that offers an almost life-like Zombie and Godzilla Hunter experience. ere’s even a jungle-themed glow-in-the-dark mini golf course right on premises for the entire family.

One doesn’t need a long stay here to enjoy every- thing the weekend has to o er. A snowy winter or particularly hot summer weekend is the ideal time to grab the kids, load them in the car and head o for a bonding, wild-water family adventure.

Elina Furman is a seasoned travel writer and publisher of A-List Mom and A-List Mom Travel, reaching more than 77,000 moms nationwide with her weekly email. She lives in Dobbs Ferry with her two sons and husband.