Ultimate Guide to Kalahari Resort in the Poconos: Tips for a Perfect Family Getaway

Nestled in the picturesque Pocono Mountains, the Kalahari Resort beckons with promises of thrilling waterpark adventures and endless family fun. If you're dreaming of a getaway filled with splashes, slides, and smiles, look no further than this African-themed oasis.

Our third visit to Kalahari Resort was pure magic because, armed with experience, we came prepared. Here are some tips to turn your Kalahari stay into an unforgettable experience.

When to Book a Trip to Kalahari

Want to snag the best deal for your Kalahari adventure? Keep your eyes peeled for deals year round by checking their website or subscribing to their newsletters. We scored a sweet $350 per night gem when we booked in spring, complete with a generous cancellation policy safety net. Come holidays or school breaks, that room rate can skyrocket to double or more! If you have the flexibility, midweek stays (Monday-Thursday) are often the lowest without any promotion applied.

Maximizing Waterpark Time

Waiting for your room to be ready at 4 pm? No need! Dive into the fun right away! Flash your photo ID and credit card at the self check-in kiosks or the reservation desk when you arrive at the resort and, voila! Waterpark access granted!

Early Bird Insider Tip: pack a small separate bag with your swimsuits and waterpark essentials. Leave the rest in your car or opt for valet—they'll keep your luggage safe. This bonus bag will come in handy at the end of your stay too! Why? Even after 11 am check-out on your last day you are welcome to return to the waterpark one more time! Change and shower at the locker rooms before hitting the road home.

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What to Pack for Kalahari

When gearing up for our Kalahari adventure, we packed more than just excitement — we brought the essentials to ensure a splashing good time! With flip-flops and swimsuits tossed into our beach tote and our clothes stashed in a sealed dry bag, we were ready to dive right into the action.

Worried about valuables? No sweat! Kalahari has lockers up for grabs, or you can rock a waterproof pouch for your phone to ensure worry-free waterpark moments. And get this, no need to fumble with wallets! With those nifty wrist bands, everything's charged straight to your room, making it a breeze to focus on the fun.

Oh, and bulky beach towels? Leave 'em behind! Kalahari's got you covered with towel service. Just remember to return them before the park closes to dodge a $25 towel-chucking fee.

Now, let's talk safety. Kalahari's staff are like your waterpark guardian angels, especially the lifeguards. They're on it, ensuring a worry-free experience. Sure, the kids might grumble about no nose-holding underwater or staying put on that lazy river float, but what keeps our little ones safe will also keep us parents happy.

One of these safety rules which you might not find at other waterparks is that at Kalahari if your kiddos are under 48" tall, life vests are a must throughout the park. The borrowed ones might not be the comfiest, so bring your own puddle jumpers or approved life vests, even if your mini swimmers are pros. And don't forget the goggles for sensitive eyes!

Waterpark Fun for the Whole Family

Imagine toddler giggles echoing through fantastic water play areas, swinging over splash pads, mini water slides tailored for preschoolers, and a baby lazy river gently winding its way. And when it's time for the whole family to warm up and chill out, dive on into two massive indoor and outdoor hot tubs – a true family favorite!

Our journeys to Kalahari began when our kids were toddlers, but let me tell you, the experience only gets better as they grow a little older. For the bigger kids, there's a thrilling splash castle with twisting slides, a wave pool that makes a splash, water basketball pools for friendly competition, a flow-rider surf simulator for the daring, and not one but TWO lazy rivers. Psst... the one in the back is our secret haven – no splash zones and tubes with sealed bottoms, perfect for the little ones and those with sensory needs. We practically lived on that lazy river!

Fun fact: Kalahari Resorts reigned supreme as the largest indoor waterparks in the U.S. until recently when Dreamworks Water Park made waves in New Jersey. But guess what? Kalahari still holds the crown for the most water slides! With 17 rides and attractions, each marked with clear signs for height and thrill levels, you can count on fun times as well as a good leg workout on the treks up to the top. If you've got adventurous, but vertically challenged kids, a quick check of the map before making your way over may spare you some disappointment. Oh, and heads up – a couple of the raft and tubing attractions have weight minimums, so even the bravest kids might need a grown-up sidekick.

Finally, if you grab a special wristband for the day, you can venture onto America's first Virtual Reality waterslide with three exciting virtual worlds skinned to the Anaconda ride.

Need a breather from the family fun? Discover the oasis of kid-free moments at the 21+ swim-up bars. Sip on a cocktail, toss back a beer, catch a game, or better yet, indulge in some well-deserved self-care. Treat yourself to a spa retreat within the resort, where you can unwind in Kalahari's Halotherapy Salt Room and Hydro Escape space. Leave your worries behind at a tranquil indoor jacuzzi pool, a fragrant herbal-infused steam room, and a cozy dry redwood sauna before jumping – refreshed and recharged – back into the joyful chaos of family time.

Where to Eat at Kalahari Poconos

After spending a whole day in the waterpark, it was nice to have the option of sitting down at a real table for dinner far removed from the splash zone. Secure your spot at Sortino's Italian Kitchen or DoubleCut Steakhouse well before you arrive, the prime dining times (6-8pm) tend to get snatched up quickly. On select nights, DoubleCut even serves up live entertainment. Check the schedule before you arrive!

For a taste of Mexican delights, knock back a margarita or mezcal cocktail paired with mouthwatering tacos at Cinco Niños. Or, catch a game over burgers and fries at B-Lux Grill and Bar. Both are conveniently located near the lobby and open for both lunch and dinner.

Need to just grab a bite and get right back into the waterpark excitement? Cafe Mirage is your go-to for pizza and munchies around the clock. Just plan ahead during peak meal times to dodge the lines.

Craving something sweet? The Last Bite has you covered, offering everything from ice cream by the scoop to hand-dipped chocolate and caramel apples. Our daughter's favorite though were the Mini Melts scattered conveniently around the resort for an instant sugar pick-me-up.

Mornings at Kalahari kick off with a generous spread at the Great Karoo Marketplace buffet from 7:30 am to 12 pm. If buffets aren't your thing, break your fast with coffee and à la carte delights from Marrakesh Market, or Java Manjaro, or send someone out on an expedition to the local McDonald's.

Things to Do on Dry Land at Kalahari

When you're ready to towel off and take a break from the water, Kalahari's got you covered with a whole world beyond the waterpark, but fair warning, your wallet might feel a little lighter at the end of the day.

Few kids can resist the siren call of the arcade that you have to pass every time you go in and out of the waterpark. Spending hundreds of dollars on arcade games in exchange for a dollar store trinket is a trying experience for most grown-ups. We've been there, done that, and survived the lure of the Prize Trunk. Our strategy? Set a budget – how much are you willing to spend on a couple hours of entertainment? – keep it real, and revel in the joy our little ones get from their arcade conquests.

But wait, there's more! Glow golf, laser tag, mini bowling, and escape rooms – the fun doesn't stop. And when the summer sun's shining, take it outdoors for treetop adventures, zip lining, and more. If you know your crowd is going to want to do it all, bundle it up with package deals to save a bit over buying everything piecemeal.

When the kids need a sensory breather, check out arts and craft activities available at the Adventurer's Club, or cozy up for story time and character greets. Or, just explore and enjoy the incredible sculptures, artwork, and immersive African Safari vibe throughout this sprawling resort.

We're still riding the waves of gratitude for the incredible memories we made with our amazing group of friends during this trip. Our kids ventured out of their comfort zones, we conquered the extreme slides, and made tons of memories. Whether you're a seasoned waterpark pro or gearing up for your first splash, we're all ears for your stories and tips. Have you explored the waters at other Kalahari spots across the US? Or maybe you have your own favorite spot for year-round waterpark thrills? Let us know how they compare and keep the conversation flowing like the Lazy River.