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Kalahari Waterparks

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Kalahari Waterparks - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

• Sun - Thu 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
• Fri - Sat 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
• (0.02 mi) Kalahari Resorts & Conventions - Sandusky
• (1.05 mi) Hampton Inn Sandusky-Central
• (1.11 mi) Best Western Plus Sandusky Hotel & Suites
• (0.91 mi) Quality Inn & Suites Sandusky
• (4.12 mi) Hampton Inn & Suites Sandusky / Milan
• (0.01 mi) Java Manjaro
• (0.01 mi) B-Lux Grill & Bar
• (0.10 mi) Great Karoo Marketplace
• (0.10 mi) Ivory Coast Restaurant
• (0.10 mi) Sortino's Italian Kitchen

Kalahari Sandusky: The Complete Guide

Kalahari Resorts

Why visit the Kalahari Sandusky? Well, for one, the massive African-themed resort features one of the world's largest indoor water parks . If slides and rides are what you're after, the Kalahari delivers as many—if not more—attractions than a major outdoor water park. And because it is located in a climate-controlled building, you could enjoy bathing suit-clad fun all year long, including the dead of winter.

But the Kalahar i is more than just a water park. It is an enormous resort geared to families and includes loads of things to do, both wet and dry, to keep everyone busy.

Its not all family fun, all the time however. The Ohio facility also reaches out to meeting and organization planners with a huge, 215,000-square-foot convention and event complex. Attendees could bring their families along to enjoy the resort's many activities. Folks planning weddings and other social functions will find flexible spaces and a dedicated planning staff to help coordinate their big days. It’s a unique spot for a destination wedding.

Huge Indoor Water Park

At 174,000 square feet, the Kalahari’s water park is among the biggest in the nation. (In fact, it competes with other humongous water parks that are part of the family-operated chain, including the original resort, Kalahari Wisconsin Dells and the Kalahari Poconos in Pennsylvania. A fourth resort is planned to open in Round Rock, Texas in 2020.)

Among the many slides and attractions are the two Kalahari Surfaris ( FlowRider surfing simulators ), the world's first (indoor or outdoor) uphill Zip Coaster , indoor-to-outdoor spas, and the Wild Kingdom interactive water play area. The park's family raft ride, Victoria Falls, careens wildly in the dark and is particularly thrilling. The park also features one of the longest —and best—indoor water park lazy rivers.

Other rides include a huge wave pool, Cheetah Race, a mat racing slide; and Swahili Swirl and Tanzanian Twister, two bowl sides. One of the park’s more intriguing attractions is Storm Chaser, a water slide that includes an interactive, video game-like component. Private cabanas are available in a variety of configurations. A transparent roof covers part of the water park, allowing the sun's rays to shine on guests, even during the winter.

Plenty of Other Things to Do

A full-featured resort, Kalahari offers a host of activities beyond its world-class water park and is a veritable family vacation paradise. Kids will love the huge arcade, indoor mini-golf, ropes course, and pottery-making shop, for example. There is also an outdoor adventure park with a climbing wall and other activities.

The African-themed resort doesn’t forget about animals. It offers Safari Adventures Animal Park, complete with real giraffes, camels, and other creatures. Guests can feed the animals, take pony rides, and enjoy other activities. Other experiences include mini-bowling lanes, laser tag, a 7-D motion theater, and an interactive virtual reality game to try as well.

Children may want to give the "Adventurers Club" a try. Supervised activities include crafts, movies, and storytelling. For adults, the Kalahari offers a full-featured spa, a fitness center, and shops.

Not enough water park fun for you? During the warmer months, the resort also offers an outdoor water park with even more activity pools, whirlpool spas, and other attractions.

What's to Eat?

For dining, the Kalahari offers the Great Karoo Marketplace, which features a buffet; the Candy Hut, which is overflowing with tempting treats; and B-Luxe Grill and Bar and Cafe Mirage, two casual eateries. The resort's full-service eatery is Ivoruy Coast Restaurant. Next door is Felix’s Bar, which is open late. Both the indoor and outdoor water parks offer cafes, snack shops, and bars

Hotel Rooms, Admission Policy, and Location

The majority of the rooms at the Kalahari Sandusky are suites that come in a variety of sizes and styles. Some come with multiple bedrooms to accommodate large groups. The resort also offers traditional hotel rooms, suites with bunk beds for kids, and villas.

Admission to the indoor water park is bundled in the room rates for registered hotel guests.  Day passes to the water park are available to the general public based on availability. Cabanas and bungalows are available to rent.

The Kalahari Resort is located at 7000 Kalahari Drive in Sandusky, Ohio. From Cleveland and Toledo: I-80 to Exit 118, 250 N towards Sandusky. The Kalahari is a few miles on the right.

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Helpful Tips For Visiting Kalahari Resort In Sandusky, Ohio

Don’t miss out on these valuable tips before visiting Kalahari Resort in Sandusky, Ohio. 

Kalahari resorts are known for their massive indoor waterparks throughout the United States. While the Kalahari Resort in the Wisconsin Dells holds the record for America’s largest indoor waterpark, Kalahari in Sandusky claims the title as Ohio’s largest.

Kalahari offers more than an African-Safari-themed indoor water park. Guests can enjoy onsite restaurants, boutiques, a full-service spa, a large arcade, and an outdoor adventure park. This article will dive into what to expect as a first-time visitor to Kahalari and tips for visiting the resort in Sandusky, Ohio.

Where is the Kalahari Resort In Sandusky, Ohio?

Kalahari in Sandusky sits along Lake Erie, offering guests many additional attractions to visit during their stay. Spend the day exploring Put-In-Bay, plan an afternoon at one of Lake Erie’s beautiful beaches, or go thrill-seeking at nearby Cedar Point.

Pulling into Kalahari, follow the signs to the main entrance for check-in. There is much hustle and bustle at the entrance as families come and go.

Check-in time begins at 4:00 pm . Should you arrive as early as 10:00 am, you can pre-register and begin to enjoy the waterparks.

Check-out is no later than 11:00 am . After you have checked out, you can stay until 3:00 pm in the waterpark.

Planning Tip : Drop someone off at the entrance to check-in. It should be the person who booked the room, as a photo ID is required. Then park in the nearby parking lot to wait until check-in is complete and you have a room number.

Lines can get long at check-in, so there is no need to pull the entire family out of the car to wait in line.

Photo Opt:  Upon entering Kalahari, there is a great photo op right near the main entrance with elephants and the waterfall. Park in the parking lot in front of the entrance, then walk over or pull up for a quick photo.

Address:  7000 Kalahari Drive Sandusky, OH 44870

First-Timer Tips For Kalahari

If this is your first time visiting the  Kalahari water park resort in Sandusky , prepare to be overwhelmed initially. The waterpark is massive, the lobby resembles Grand Central Station, and you may be left looking around, wondering what your next move is.

Here are a few tips for newbies :

• In addition to the indoor waterpark, during the summer, the outdoor waterpark is also open for guests to enjoy.
• If you plan on utilizing the spa services or restaurants at Kalahari, make reservations before you arrive. Sortino’s Italian Kitchen is on Open Table for easy reservations. It will be one less thing to worry about once you arrive.
• This massive resort is not what you would expect in Ohio. On the contrary, it resembles the big resorts in popular tourist towns like Orlando.
• The pricing is comparable with other indoor waterpark resorts, such as Great Wolf Lodge. However, it is higher than a standard hotel, as you are paying for waterpark admission.
• Take your own towel if you don’t want to deal with the towel exchange.
• Take your ID with you if you plan on purchasing alcoholic beverages at the waterpark. It is only one drink per ID.
• Honestly, two-three days is about max for how long you want to stay.
• Kids under 48″ have to wear a lifejacket for all Kalahari water attractions.
• Swim diapers are required for all children under the age of 3 and those who are not toilet-trained.
• Your wristband acts as your room key and gets you into the waterpark.

What Is There To Do At Kalahari Resort?

Kalahari is known for its African Safari-themed resort and indoor waterpark. While the waterpark is the main attraction, there are a variety of other amenities and attractions to enjoy, such as mini-golf, virtual reality, a mirror maze, and more.

The first thing is to get familiar with what is offered in the waterpark area. I recommend having kiddos measured so you know which attractions they can and can’t go on and which ones they can do with an adult.

 Here is what to expect at the Kalahari indoor waterpark :

• Scan your wristband to get into the waterpark.
• Lockers, restrooms, and shower areas are available.
• If you didn’t bring your own towel, venture to the towel exchange to pick up your towel. I recommend bringing your own towel because the towel exchange line gets long.
• Don’t miss the lazy river!
• There is more than one hot tub. 
• Two kiddie areas can are indoors that are perfect for kids under six years old. However, I preferred the outdoor kid’s area, Bugs Burrow, with tons of slides made especially for them!
• A wide variety of water slides makes Kalahari ideal for older kids and teens.
• The huge wave pool is a staple. When the bell rings, the waves begin!
• A must-do is the Tanzanian Twister. This unique water slide sends guests around and around through a funnel flue up to 40 mph! Then you free fall into the catch pool below.
• The Swahili Swirl is a popular raft ride designed for thrill seekers.

At some point, the family will throw in the towel for the waterpark, which means it is time to explore the other fun family activities at Kalahari Sandusky.

Planning Tip : Attractions outside of the waterpark are ala-carte.

Here are the things your kids will beg you to do :

• Play all the games in the Big Game Room Arcade.
• Try to get out of the Cave of Mirrors.
• Play a few rounds of Mini-Golf. There is an indoor and outdoor course!
• Safari Adventures Animal Park. Yes, there is a real giraffe, camel, and other animals!
• 7-D Motion Theater
• Take home their weight in candy from the Candy Hut.
• Challenge you to a game of Lazer Tag.

Don’t Forget The Adults

While many families love spending the weekend at Kalahari Resort, so do adults! Whether it is a romantic getaway, a destination wedding, or parents with children are a few spots you need to know about.

• Hit the fitness center to keep up with your fitness routine. 
• The swim-up bar is a popular adult retreat where guests can enjoy their favorite tropical cocktails and alcoholic beverages.
• Plan a rejuvenating spa session.

Traveling With A Group? Rent A Kalahari Entertainment House

During our recent visit to Kalahari, we were joined by four other families. Renting the 5 Bedroom Entertainment House was the most cost-efficient way for everyone to visit. It provides tons of space plus waterpark admission to everyone staying.

Price Breakdown

The Kalahari Entertainment goes for roughly $1600-1800 a night. A standard double room goes for roughly $350 a night. For a three-night stay, our cost was 4800 for all five families to split, making the total $960. If each family were to get standard rooms, it would be $5250 for all five families making the total $1050.*

*These prices are based on our booking experience for early August 2022. I recommend running the numbers for both options to determine the best deal for your family.

What’s Included In the Kalahari Entertainment House?

  The Entertainment Houses have a fully equipped kitchen allowing families to cook meals to avoid the cost of eating out. The kitchen was vital when choosing the Entertainment House because dining out at Kalahari is not cheap.

The five-bedroom entertainment was a two-level house with three bedrooms on the 2nd floor and two, including the master on the main level.

• There are a variety of different size houses from 3 to 10 bedrooms.
•  The five bedrooms include one with a king bed, four with two queen beds, and four bathrooms.
• There is a washer and dryer. We would dry our swimsuits every day; then at the end of the trip, we washed all the clothes, so we didn’t have to do it when we got home.
• FREE Waterpark admission is included with your stay: 10 am on your day of arrival through 3 pm on your day of departure.
• A complimentary shuttle is available to take guests to and from the waterpark.
• There is a pool table and a card table.
• Enjoy a spacious patio with loungers, tables, and chairs. I recommend eating breakfast out here a few mornings.
• Seven flat-screen TVs.
• Bar with mini-fridge.
• There are sand volleyball courts by the villas.

Planning Tip:  The shuttle can sometimes be a wait. The walk to the main entrance is roughly 10 minutes. However, if you are visiting while the outdoor waterpark is open, you can easily access that in a quick 3-minute walk.

Pro Tip : If you plan on cooking meals in the house, place a pick-up order at the local grocery store to save time.

Ways To Enhance Your Kalahari Stay

Celebrations are taken seriously at Kalahari as many families celebrate important life events, birthdays, and milestones at the resort. For my mom’s 60th, she wanted the whole family together for a vacation. Little did she know we added a few fun surprises to help make her trip more memorable.

Birthday Packages

If you are traveling, it is often hard to make the trip with a birthday cake. The Instant Birthday Party Package was perfect because they had a beautiful cake, a fun plush, and an arcade card waiting in the room for us. You also get a 14″ pizza and four soft drinks!

Many other packages are available such as balloon bouquets, surprise boxes, delicious candy from the Candy Hut, and more. Check out all the  Enhance the Fun  options to surprise someone for a special occasion.

Book a Spa Package

Relax and rejuvenate your mind, body, and spirit with excellent body treatments, luxurious massage, skincare, nail care, and more. Spa Kalahari & Salon offers a variety of tranquility packages to help you relax. Whether it is a session in their Halotherapy Room or a soothing massage, a visit to the spa is often on the itinerary for many guests.

Planning Tip:  Salon services have no age restrictions. All persons under the age of 18 years require parental consent. Make your reservations in advance.

Budget-Friendly Tips For Visiting Kalahari Resort in Sandusky Ohio

As with many families, budget often comes into play while planning adventures. If you are considering visiting Kalahari, here are a few ways to quickly save a little money while still enjoying all the fun Kalahari has to offer.

Book During Kalahari Family Nights

Kalahari Family Nights are special rates on special dates at the Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells and Sandusky, Ohio. These special deals are available for anyone who signs up in the “Don White Block.”

 The “Don White Block” is a special room block at the Kalahari not available to the general public. A limited number of rooms are set aside at a rate well below the regular Kalahari rates. Learn more about the  Kalahari Family Nights .

Join The Mailing List

One of the best ways to find great deals at Kalahari is by joining their mailing list. That way, you are getting special offers delivered directly to your inbox.

Bring Your Own Meals or Order From Nearby Restaurants

Eating out is a quick way to increase your expenses during a trip. To help keep food costs at a minimum, consider these options:

• Bring lunch meat or microwavable meals. All rooms have a fridge and a microwave. Don’t forget to pack paper plates and napkins!
• For larger units with kitchens, bring supplies to prepare meals in the room.
• You can have pizza delivered, or Uber Eats meals to Kalahari.
• Enjoy one of the many restaurants Near Kalahari Resort in Sandusky, Ohio. For a great Mexican restaurant, visit Casa Real.

Consider Buying A Day Pass

Families looking only to spend the day at Kalahari can purchase a day pass to enjoy both the indoor and outdoor waterpark. Day passes should be purchased directly through Kalahari as they provide the wristband needed for entrance.

• Planning Tip:  Day pass visitors should bring their own towels as they are not provided. Outside food and drink are prohibited inside the waterpark.

What Do I Pack For A Stay At Kalahari?

Depending on the season you are visiting, you will need to come prepared to visit the indoor and possibly the outdoor waterpark.

A top priority when considering what to wear to a water park is comfort. Opt for lightweight, loose-fitting clothing to wear over swimwear. A comfortable pair of sandals that are easy to slip on and off will make getting around the water park more enjoyable.

Kalahari has a firm rule against using water slides and certain water attractions with swimsuits that have zippers, buttons, and any exposed metal. 

Prevent an embarrassing moment by ensuring you have the correct swimwear on. For example, a bikini top can easily come up during the plunge on a waterslide.

If you plan on doing more than waterslides during your visit to Kalahari, pack casual wear such as shorts and a t-shirt to wear around the resort for mini-golf, arcade, and dining out.

I recommend reading our  Ultimate Waterpark Packing List  to ensure you come fully prepared.

Planning Tip:  Bring a stroller. Kalahari is a huge resort, and little legs get tired quickly.

We hope you enjoyed our article on helpful tips for visiting the  Kalahari Resort in Sandusky, Ohio . Check out our related articles for finding more awesome things to do in Ohio.

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Kalahari Resorts & Conventions – Sandusky, Ohio

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7000 Kalahari Drive, Sandusky, 44870, OH

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Editor's rating.

Soak up the sights, sounds and tastes of Africa at Kalahari Resort Sandusky, an African-themed family destination boasting the largest indoor water park in the entire U.S.

Opened in 2005, the 884-room northern Ohio resort is the second in the Kalahari family — succeeding Kalahari Wisconsin Dells — and includes a 173,000-square-foot indoor water park, a 77,000-square-foot outdoor water park and a new Safari Adventure Park, featuring an African-themed animal park complete with camels, giraffes and zebras.

In winter months and throughout the year, visitors will find a veritable host of indoor venues to entertain the troops, from a massive arcade and a pottery studio to play zones for both big and little kids.

In fair weather, aspiring adventurers can get their feet wet at an expansive outdoor complex, which includes a three-level Ropes Course, two water playgrounds and a four-tower Zipline Tour, where explorers can enjoy awe-inspiring aerial views of both climbing walls and water.

Lodging options range from standard guestrooms with a refrigerator and a microwave to three-bedroom, three-bathroom condos with full kitchens, and a multitude of dining options, from African-themed table service to pizza delivery, appeal to a range of palates as well as family budgets.

Our Editor Loves

• Largest indoor water park in U.S.
• Children's play zones
• Adventure Park with zip line, ropes course and animal park

Family Interests

• Museum/Cultural
• Water Parks
• Water Sports

Family Amenities

• Children Programs
• Family Room 5+
• Kids' Pool
• Kitchenettes
• Onsite Dining
• Refrigerator

Room Information

Find the best price for your stay.

Designed to create a themed experience, rooms are rich in African ambiance, from framed art and headboards with inlaid African prints to wall sconces with animal "tusk" accents. All accommodations feature free Wi-Fi, a refrigerator, microwave, coffeemaker and in-room safe and complimentary access for each registered guest to the Fitness Center, Tree Top dry Play Area and the indoor and outdoor water parks. Rollaway beds, cribs and Pack 'n Plays are available at an additional nightly fee.

Guestrooms and Villas Room options range from Desert and Nomad rooms (515 square feet, accommodate six) in the Resort North and South wings to Hut (358 square feet, maximum four persons) and Lodge (663 square-feet; full kitchen; maximum four persons) rooms in the Sands condominium building. Combination Suites (1,021 square feet) combine one Lodge and one Hut room and sleep up to eight, while Village Suites (1,570 square feet) combine one Lodge room and two Hut rooms, feature a total of three bathrooms and three patios and sleep up to 12.

Suites Additional options for larger families include Two Room Family Suites, located closest to the indoor water park, and African Queen Suites, both of which accommodate up to eight. Two Room Family Suites feature two full bathrooms versus 1.5 bathrooms in the African Queen Suites, while African Queen Suites offer the added bonus of a shared living room.

One important detail to note is that while rooms may accommodate a total of six or eight guests or more, resort pricing is often calculated for a lower occupancy. When sleeper sofas are used, there is an added charge per guest per night. Children under two stay and play for free.

With regard to room location, seasonality is key. In summertime, Lodge and Hut rooms in the Sands wings, as well as their suite combinations, offer convenient access to the outdoor water park, as well as easy access to the indoor water park via an outdoor pool deck entrance. You can request an outdoor pool view (no extra charge), but a specific outlook is not guaranteed.

In winter, Nomad and Desert rooms in the Resort South Wing afford easy access to the indoor water park, as do Two-Room Family Suites and African Queen Suites, while rooms in the Resort North Wing and Sands buildings can be a good distance away, but are convenient to the convention center, Fitness Center and Spa Kalahari.

by 330MRaymond

We recently attended a convention at Kalahari. This place is huge so be prepared to walk. The building and grounds are impressive. The staff are inconsistent. Some are lovely, helpful and prompt. Unfortunately, there are also many that either don't care or don't know what they are doing. At check in, we were required to pay for our full stay. I've never heard of this anywhere else. The desk staff didn't have a calculator to split our bill We wanted to use the shuttle to go into town, we were sent from the concierge desk to the front desk to the valet desk. No one knew what to do. Finally it was arranged and our fee was paid. Later, we wanted to use the shuttle to go to dinner. We were told they didn't do this. We took a cab. Another group used the shuttle to go to town. No problem and it was free! Some rooms were cleaned during our stay. Others were not. I was in the room when housekeeping came. They asked if I wanted their service. I said yes. Then was asked what did I want them to do? Um, your job maybe? Food in the restaurants is ok if you want burgers or sandwiches. If you want healthy there is virtually nothing available. The buffet was closed in spite of more than one convention in the resort. Service in the restaurant was either great or terrible. I ordered a sandwich with my choice of side being a salad. It came with fries which were cold and a salad and I was charged extra for the salad. I asked for balsamic vinegar on my salad but what I got was so spicy I couldn't eat it. Then the next night in the same restaurant the young lady serving us was lovely, attentive and did a great job. We also heard the wait staff makes $4 per hour. That's terrible! So my recommendation is pay a little extra for the room with a full kitchen. Go to Walmart just down the street and load up on groceries. Enjoy the waterpark but avoid the restaurants.

by Redbeard1969

Came to Kalahari on a Friday that my daughter had off from school. We knew she would have fun, and we figured we’d just grin and bear it. I had reserved the cheapest tier of room, but as we checked in, we were informed that our room had been upgraded to a suite, a way more expensive suite! I’m not sure how or why this happened, but it started the visit off on a high. We’ve never gotten upgraded on anything, ever! The suite was lovely, spacious and clean. The room was a little worn, but overall very clean. We immediately changed into bathing suits and headed into the indoor water park. Towels were plentiful (though I’d suggest having an additional new towel cart farther into the park, not just at the entrance, for when you’d like a towel handy), and there were a lot of seating options throughout the water park. Everything appeared to be clean and maintained, and there appeared to be a good number of attendants throughout the whole area. After spending all afternoon there, we dried of and headed to the restaurants ... we wanted to do the buffet, but it was closed that evening, not sure why. Maybe it’s not open if the resort isn’t busy enough, or only weekends? We checked the other restaurants instead. After looking at their menus, we tried B-Lux Burgers. We got a seat right away and had a fabulous server, Madison, who was fast, friendly, and efficient. Dinner was excellent! My wife had the Parmesan Burger, I had the Nashville Hot Chicken, and we also had the cheese curds appetizer. The food was very food, and it came out quickly. Dessert was a donut shake, which was decadent! After dinner, our daughter checked out the Arcade, and had a great time earning tickets she turned in for prizes. Overnight wasn’t bad ... the mattress was good, though the pillows were usual hotel pillows (1 is too thin, 2 are too thick). At breakfast,the buffet was open, and it was fabulous. Tons of different dishes to chose from, and everything we tried was good, and we had a server, Abby, who was the soul of kindness and friendliness. We really enjoyed the food at Kalahari, but what really made the place overall was how nice and friendly all the staff was. From the check-in to housekeeping to maintenance to the wait staff in the restaurants, everyone was really friendly, everyone had a smile, and they gave great customer service. I don’t know if it’s a Sandusky thing, or a Kalahari thing, it it makes a trip like this so much better when everyone you encounter is so friendly. We really didn’t expect the trip to be so nice, I have to confess. But it was a great time, and I look forward to a future return trip!

Family Activities

Kalahari Indoor Water Park A Zip Coaster uphill water rollercoaster, two FlowRider surf stations and a 12,000-square-foot Wave Pool located under a transparent Texlon tanning roof, are the highlights of the massive 173,000-square-foot indoor water park, which is open to the public and features attractions for every member of the family. Kids can take lessons on how to become a mermaid, play a game of water basketball, twist around a waterslide funnel at 40 mph or hop in a family raft and ride down Kalahari's version of Victoria Falls.

Swim vests (complimentary) are required for all kids 48-inches and under (expect to be measured!), and height requirements vary by attraction. Skip the formalities by obtaining a 42-inch or 48-inch wristband at the Lifeguard Manager's Desk by the Lazy River. A parent or guardian must accompany all children under 14, and swim diapers are required for non potty-trained children. A dedicated family changing area is located in the Locker Room (lockers are available). Towels are complimentary.

On the day of arrival, registered hotel guests can perform a "soft check-in" and utilize the water park and facilities from this time through closing time (varies) on the day of checkout (overnight guests may enter one hour early). Ninety-minute FlowRider classes are offered daily. Register at the Waterpark Cashier by 8 p.m. for the following day's session.

Bugs Burrow For the smallest water park guests, Bugs Burrow is a slide where little kids can imagine what it is like to be the size of a bug!

Storm Chaser Slideboarding Storm Chaser is a video game waterslide, you heard that right! You play a video game while sliding down the waterslide! Riders use a controller to play a target video game while riding a sideboard down the waterslide. The object of the game is to hit the targets and earn points without losing speed.

Pottery Pizzazz and Animaland Paint a souvenir mug or plate or fill a fluffy friend to take home, then dress it in a signature Kalahari T-shirt at this sizeable pottery and animal stuffing spot, located near the Big Game Arcade. Shipping is available. Hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and until 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Big Game Room Arcade You'll find around 200 rotating games, both video and prize bearing, at this extensive and lively arcade, located on the first floor. At a prize window, your kids can trade in tickets for take-home treats like beach balls and stuffed animals. Purchase a rechargeable card at a kiosk. Hours are 8 a.m. to midnight daily.

Tree Top Play Area Airball cannons, a ball pit, slides and three levels of interior climbing will keep the kids (52-inches and under) occupied at this indoor play area, located between the public water park entrance and the Big Game Arcade. Next door, there's a soft play area for smaller kids, with colorful jungle animals, trees and slides. Socks are required for both areas, but if you forget, they're conveniently available for purchase in a nearby vending machine.

Safari Outdoor Adventure Park This mostly seasonal park offers four outdoor adventure experiences. A length of stay pass, which includes all activities, is $19.95 for resort guests. One-day all-attraction admission is $19.95 for water park day passes for guests, and $24.95 for the general public. Pack a standard short or long-sleeved T-shirt, long shorts or pants and sneakers. Loaner Croc-style shoes are available.

Kalahari Zipline Tour At this four-stage Zipline course (fee), located in the interior courtyard of the hotel, get an aerial view of the outdoor pool complex. Souvenir photos (fee) are available.

Kalahari Adventure Course and Climbing Walls Test your skills on three levels of challenges, ranging from bridges and balance beams to ropewalks. There's no time restriction, so take it slow and easy, if you wish.

Kalahari Animal Park Open year-round, this extensive animal park (entry fee; under 2 free) hosts a rotating array of animal guests, from zebras, giraffes and lemurs to reindeer. A multitude of opportunities is available to feed, ride and interact with the animals and chronicle your experience via souvenir photos. Visitors can even ride a pony or a camel (fee). Individual photos as well as USB card packages with copyright privileges (fee) are available. Kids ages 4 to 12 can sign on to be a "Junior Zookeeper of the Day" (fee; reservations required: call 419-656-1098). Activities might include feeding, grooming and saddling the animals, and sessions (morning and afternoon) are two hours in duration. Just outside, there's a "gem mine," where kids can pan for treasure. Park hours vary by season.

Kalahari Outdoor Pool Complex The animal theme is played out to the extreme at this fun-filled, 77,000-square-foot pool complex, open seasonally. A zero-entry pool offers colorful toys from a squirting bicycle to a water seesaw and a separate splash pad features monkeys, giraffes and elephant figures festooning tube and traditional water slides, sprayers and dump buckets. Also, a five-slide tower includes rides like Sahara Sidewinder and Serengeti Spinner.

Children under 48-inches must wear a life vest (complimentary). Hours are 9 a.m. to dusk daily. An army of lifeguards is on duty, but stick close to your kids to ensure maximum safety, especially during crowded times.

Adjacent to the outdoor pool, you'll find a good-sized playground with two climbing walls, three rope-constructed climbing elements, slides and a teeter-totter. Nearby, there's a sand volleyball court.

Family Dining

Great Karoo Marketplace Ala carte dining is available at this sit-down restaurant located off the main lobby, but the main reason to visit is the breakfast and dinner buffets. Ala carte kids' options include pasta with marinara sauce, macaroni and cheese and cheese pizza. Hours are 6:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. and buffet hours are 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. for breakfast and 5 to 10 p.m. for dinner.

Java Manjaro Fresh-brewed coffee, pastries and fancy desserts are available all-day at this counter-service lobby shop. For breakfast, pancakes will please the kids, and lunch and dinner offerings include a variety of salads and deli sandwiches. Hours are 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Candy Hut Guests gobble up gourmet caramel apples, hand-dipped chocolates and candy by the ounce or the pound at this Lobby sweet shop, which also features hand-dipped ice cream. For a special treat, order a themed candy basket. Open daily at 9 a.m.

The Reserve Exclusive to Kalahari Resort, this African-themed dining experience features American cuisine with an ethnic twist, with special touches like create-your-own cookie and sundae experiences. From 5:30 to 9 p.m., there's live entertainment and games with prizes. Foodservice hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and kids' options include a "Vegetable Plate" with goldfish crackers, peanut butter and raisins. Reservations are recommended.

Cafe Mirage Order pizza whole or by the slice, pick up a roasted chicken family pack or select from kid favorites like chicken strips and burgers. Also available: souvenir cup slushies. Plenty of high chairs are available in a nearby seating area, and more seating is available on an outdoor patio. Hours are 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., and until midnight Friday and Saturday.

Zulu Grille Fresh cut French fries, burgers and pizza are just a few of the choices at this indoor water park grill. Just outside, there's a freezer case offering ice cream novelties. Hours are noon to water park close.

Zanzibar Grille At this seasonal poolside grill and sandwich works, you can make your own salad, select a sandwich with all the fixings, or order up a fresh smoothie, available in an astounding number of varieties (try the Miami Vice). Hours are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and highchairs and covered poolside seating are available.

In-Room Dining Order up a plate of pancakes in your PJs, or host an in-room pizza party. Kids' picks ($5.99) include spaghetti, lasagna, grilled cheese and macaroni and cheese. Hours are 7 to 11 a.m. for breakfast and 12 to 11 p.m. for lunch and dinner. Tax and an 18 percent service charge will be applied.

Planning & Tips

All About the Extras Since all rooms contain a refrigerator and microwave, many families opt to bring along ingredients for quick in-room meals and snacks. Nearby 24-hour grocery options include Wal-Mart Supercenter (5500 Milan Road) and Meijer (4702 Milan Road).

Boasting more than 500 pieces of African art (including a convention center chandelier created with ostrich eggs), this resort is truly rich in theming. Family photo ops abound, from the "Big Five" animal scene in the Main Lobby to colorful creatures populating both indoor and outdoor water parks. Free swim lessons are held daily for ages three and up, the resort mascot makes regular appearances, and there's an ongoing coloring contest, with winners' names posted daily at the Registration desk.

Kalahari Outpost Diapers, wipes and other baby and toddler essentials, plus plenty of souvenir options are available at Kalahari Outpost (open 24 hours) off the Main Lobby. Swim diapers, along with hats, sunscreen and water shoes, are also available at the shop on the outdoor pool deck (seasonal), and you can buy waterproof safety tattoos at Zakanaka Kids (9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and until 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday).

Fitness Center and Spa Near the Convention Center, a fitness room (ages 18 and over) contains a range of cardiovascular equipment. It's open 24 hours with a resort keycard. At Spa Kalahari, kids can celebrate with a "Mommy & Me Party" or have a mini-manicure or a pedicure.

Cabanas Escape the crowds by renting a comfortable indoor cabana or an outdoor bungalow. Costs range from $99 to $299, depending on the season. Call 877-525-2427 to reserve.

Laundry Six coin-op laundry stations are located throughout the resort. They're open 24 hours.

The Art of Smart Timing Because it's a family-centered resort, occupancy is high any time school is out of session. This includes weekends, holidays and school breaks, including summer. At holiday times, the resort expands its already extensive array of activities -- a nice benefit, if you don't mind combating the crowds. For shorter wait times at the water park, visit mid-week and arrive early. Be sure to visit the resort's website as well as its Facebook page, where special promotions are regularly posted.

Getting There By car, Kalahari Resort Sandusky is about one hour from Cleveland and Toledo, less than four hours from Columbus, Dayton, Pittsburgh, Cincinnati and Wheeling, W.V., and less than five hours from Buffalo, Chicago and Indianapolis.

Getting Around Within the resort, a stroller is a must for kids under three. Self-parking is free in a front lot (the bridge path isn't stroller-friendly; enter through the spa door and save your back), and valet parking is available.

For Mom and Dad Pick up some artisan cheese and a bottle of wine at Java Manjaro and enjoy a night in after the kids crash, or bring a babysitter and indulge in a couples massage at Kalahari Spa.

More Top-Rated Family Hotels in Nearby Area

Fairfield Inn Sandusky

Hampton Inn Sandusky – Central

BEST WESTERN PLUS Sandusky

Comfort Inn Sandusky

Maui Sands Resort & Indoor Waterpark

Great Wolf Lodge Sandusky

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VIP Experience and Big 5 Suite Tour at Kalahari Resorts & Conventions

Discover the new Emerald Lounge VIP Experience at Kalahari Resorts & Conventions with PTN host Jim Hamill and his daughter!

New experiences greet guests at Kalahari Resorts & Conventions in the Pocono Mountains. One, a VIP exclusive lounge and check-in experience called the Emerald Lounge. Another, new self check-in kiosks in the recently renovated lobby.

The new self-check-in kiosks that allow guests to streamline their check-in process. Additionally, Kalahari added the exclusive VIP-only Emerald Lounge for guests looking to enhance their stay.

With the purchase of a “VIP All the Way” or “More Time for More Fun” package as well as Big Five and Penthouse Suites, guests can choose to kick off their vacation with several added amenities, including valet service, early check-in, late check-out, nightly turn-down service complete with pillow-top chocolates. Now, with the addition of the Emerald Lounge, VIP guests will be greeted with a glass of sparkling wine or sparkling juice, elegant tapas and be escorted through check-in with a professional guest service agent. VIP guests also receive a welcome gift that includes an Emerald Lounge welcome bag, luggage tags, special memoirs for children and other customized items. The Emerald Lounge also offers a dedicated resort concierge to assist VIPs in booking cabanas, dining reservations, spa services and any other amenities during their stay.

“The addition of the Emerald Lounge to our Pocono Mountains resort adds an additional element of elegance to our VIP guests’ check-in process,” said Karolyn Doro, Kalahari Resorts and Conventions, Corporate Director of Rooms. “We are dedicated to expanding our offerings for all of our guests’ needs.”

The addition of self-check-in kiosks will also streamline the guest arrival process. All renovations are currently complete and are being actively implemented at the Poconos resort.

Kalahari Resorts ranks No. 1 on top 10 list of best indoor waterparks in the US

Kalahari Resorts & Conventions is making a big splash in the waterpark world with a first-place ranking on a top 10 list of best indoor waterparks.

The list comes from USA TODAY 10Best, which gives top 10 rankings on topics such as food halls, beaches, public squares and more.

"The resorts' water parks include uphill water coasters, surfing simulators, waterslides, and a unique virtual reality waterslide," USA TODAY wrote of Kalahari Resorts.

"To be recognized in back-to-back years as the Best Indoor Water Park, voted by readers and guests, is one of the biggest honors we can get," Travis Nelson, President and Owner of Kalahari Resorts and Conventions, said in a press release.

"We're committed to constantly evolving and expanding the guest experience at Kalahari, so to receive this recognition is a clear sign of our guests' appreciation of that. We are so grateful to our associates and our guests."

More: New rooftop Mexican cantina opens in downtown Austin Thompson hotel

Where is Kalahari Resorts & Conventions?

Kalahari Resorts has a location in Round Rock , three others in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Wisconsin, and a fifth is opening in Virginia in 2026.

Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark ranks second on USA TODAY 10Best list

Another Texas waterpark took the second-place spot: Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark in Grand Prairie.

"With Mountain Creek Lake nearby, the Dallas suburb of Grand Prairie has plenty of natural water to play with, but that doesn't stop families from spending time at this epic water park — and for good reason," USA TODAY wrote. "Racing slides, inner tube rides, and the wall-climbing Yellowjacket Drop are among Epic Waters' top attractions."

Great Wolf Lodge Resorts, which has a location in Grapevine, took home the fifth-place spot.