Feeling the need for a quick tropical getaway? Check out this report from Jessie Voigts about her family's adventures at the Kalahari Waterpark Resorts in Sandusky, Ohio, and in the Wisconsin Dells.
If you’re at all like me, you want warmth in winter. Somewhere tropical, perhaps, to take the chill off the cold Michigan winters. In lieu of heading to Costa Rica, I’ve found somewhere closer to home that is perfect for a few days away – the Kalahari Waterpark Resort. There are two locations – the original location in the Wisconsin Dells, and in Sandusky, Ohio.
Kalahari, Wisconsin Dells
The waterparks are an 86 balmy degrees. While this might not seem like it’s that tropical, add in the millions of gallons of rushing water, the skylights letting the sun beam in, and you’re one happy clam in the midst of winter.
Kalahari, Sandusky
Each Kalahari location has its own unique attractions. Both have an excellent indoor waterpark – a lazy river, many slides, a zip coaster, small kids play areas and slides, surfing on flowriders, hot tubs, wave pools, and more. That would be enough for anyone. Both have an outdoor waterpark area for warmer weather – outdoor pools, fountains, slides, and the like. And both have an extensive arcade area, with mini golf, arcade games, bowling, and lots of prizes (yes, your kids will love it). Each location has a spa. There are several restaurants and even wild animals brought in by rehabilitation places for people to see. But wait, there’s more!
Kalahari, Wisconsin Dells
At the Wisconsin Dells location, there is an incredible indoor Theme Park, with a 6-story Ferris Wheel, ropes course, climbing wall, bowling, golf simulators, go-carts, arcade games, and our 7-year-old daughter's favorite, Laser Tag. Our family played Laser Tag for hours. It’s a nice break from the waterpark, if you’re a bit waterlogged. At the Sandusky location, there is a zip lining course around the outdoor waterpark (in warm weather, of course).
Kalahari, Wisconsin Dells
It’s a perfect family outing – there’s something for everyone to do, plenty of places to play, and the rooms are a tranquil oasis from the noise and activity. If you can only go on weekends, be aware that there will be huge lines for rides – it’s a very popular place to stay. If you can sneak away mid-week, it’s well worth it – fewer people, more time for rides, and plenty of room to stretch out and play.
Kalahari, Sandusky
For more information on the Kalahari Resort and Indoor Water Parks, please see
http://www.kalahariresorts.com
Kalahari, Wisconsin Dells
Jessie tells me that Kalahari has an interesting history, which you can learn about at her Wandering Educators site. You can trace Kalahari's beginnings from a small local pizza shop in the Wisconsin Dells that developed into a popular 600-seat restaurant--a success that encouraged the owners to open what became Wisconsin's largest indoor waterpark with more than one million square feet that includes a 752-room resort. I've stopped to meet friends for lunch at the Kalahari in Sandusky, Ohio, and that's pretty impressive as well!
Jessie Voigts is the publisher of Wandering Educators, a travel resource for global educators. Love to learn about the world? Head to http://www.WanderingEducators.com
Photos and text © Jessie Voigts 2012 All rights reserved, used with permission
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