America’s Largest Indoor Water Park! We absolutely loved Kalahari in the Poconos. We came for my daughters 4th Birthday with her little brother (14 months) and would do it again in a heart beat. We stayed 2 nights in a King Safari Bunk Room. I was shocked at how clean all of the resort was and was also very impressed with the service everywhere. Disclaimer it is not cheap by any means.
Water Park: Our kids were 1 and 4 years old. I wasn’t sure what to expect in regards to what rides kids could go on or not. But there was plenty for them to do. For kids there are 3 main areas; Coral Cove, Tiko’s Watering Hole and Splashdown Safari. Combined there were probably 20 slides that my daughter, age 4, could go down, she loved them all, even the biggest ones!
Some things to keep in mind, regarding the water park, things I wish I knew before visiting.
- Locker Rentals: are in my opinion overpriced. I brought down my diaper bag for the baby and it was $30 for a locker to fit it.
- Water shoes: I recommend bringing water-shoes for the kids, the floor is rough. You can not wear shoes on the big slides but you can in the 3 kids areas & the lazy rivers.
- Food & Drinks: in the water park there is no outside food or drink. Typical water park food, overpriced and nothing special. Drinks are expensive and huge, that goes for kids drinks. I brought the kids thermos’ in with water (we don’t do soda). I also brought in snacks and food for the baby and no one gave me any issues.
- Life jackets: Kids under 48 inches need to have a life jacket on, even if they can swim, and even though the water is knee deep. I highly recommend bringing your own neoprene life jackets, the ones there are great, but are bulky.
- Rides: there are only 2 larger slides that kids can do, they need to be 42 inches, everything else you have for be 48 inches. So mainly kids are in the lazy rivers & the 3 kid areas. They can do Cheetah Racer and Victoria Falls, my 4 year old loved Cheetah Racer.
- If your staying at Kalahari: bring down the bare minimum from your room, wear your suit and water-shoes, and leave your wallet. Make sure you have a bracelet with charging abilities and your wallet can stay in your room.
- Cabana Rentals: in the water park cabanas are available for rent, to experience the water park in style. There are many different options depending on your parties size, we did a standard cabana. We were at the desk immediately when they opened and the woman was kind enough to give us a cabana right next to Coral Cove which is one of the kids areas it was a perfect location for us and it was nice to have a homebase. Make a reservation in advance, they sell out.
Arcade & Games: The Big Game Room Arcade, is packed with games, rides, experiences and prizes for all ages! The arcade features nearly 250 games, there really is something for everyone. You and your family can try and solve your way out of two highly themed Escape Rooms. One is a deep space adventure, the other drops you in the middle of an ancient Egyptian pyramid. Experience incredible 3D visuals and movement in the 7-D Motion Theater. Plus, you can duck and dodge lasers in the Laser Frenzy or challenge the fast-paced Time Freak where up to six players race against time to hit light targets in the futuristic arena. Play a round of Mini Golf in a highly themed glowing jungle adventure. If you’re ready to bowl a few frames Mini Bowling is a great way for the entire family to enjoy the fun and competition of bowling without the need for special shoes and using only 5 pound bowling balls. Prize Store called the Prize Trunk. This themed shopping experience provides prizes for every member of your family.
Restaurants: There are so many dining options for all price points and tastes. There was a market where you could pick up items you forgot, an ice cream place, a dessert place, literally the main floor (2) had everything!
B-Lux Grill & Bar is the perfect place to watch your favorite sporting event, enjoy quality food with your family, or grab a quick bite to eat. It is typical bar food, and conveniently located in the main lobby. There were two huge fire places outside the entrance to the restaurant and huge windows overlooking the water park.
Café Mirage has something for all members of the family. From pizzas to sandwiches, burgers and so much more. This is the restaurant that you can order from at the water park, eek, so typical water park food. I was not impressed.
Double Cut Steak House. A signature steakhouse experience, featuring a menu with robust selections cooked over hot coals including steak (of course), seafood, chops, chicken and vegetables. Make a reservation.
Sortino’s Italian Restaurant was by far my favorite. With large portions and a great kids menu, this was a family favorite.
Java Manjaro, was a great little coffee shop in the lobby, offering coffee, fresh-baked pastries, desserts and more. My husband would run down and get us our morning coffees.
Marrakesh Market, inspired by the shops of Marrakesh, a major city in the Kingdom of Morocco. Was your one stop shop for everything you forgot, in addition to a great little market, where you could pick up some food for your room.
Room Types: There are so many different options, and is sure to be something to fit every families need. We stayed in a King Safari Bunk room, and the kids loved it. The only thing I wish was different, is that the kids bunk room doesn’t have a curtain or door to close, so when they went to bed we were stuck being super quiet in the dark.
What to pack: My first time I completely over packed. You only need real outfits (Jeans and a top) for evenings. We did the water park all day, would go shower and put on real clothes to hit dinner then the arcade. Bring a little cover up to wear to and from the room, my daughter wore her swim suit, goggles, life vest and water-shoes from the room to the water park.
I also highly recommend bringing some basic snacks & beverages for you to enjoy in your room. All rooms have a mini fridge and a microwave. With two kids, we always need snacks on hand! I brought along some mac and cheese cups, fruit & veggie pouches, and other assorted snacks. But wish I had brought some yogurt pouches, cut up fruit, and some beverages. The market had things like this but it was $3 for a yogurt pouch. My kids mainly eat fruit for breakfast with yogurt so we didn’t go out to breakfast.
Overall I was very impressed with Kalahari, they thought of almost everything, and strive to go above and beyond to make your experience the best. We will for sure be returning!
Out Making Memories 