As a family with two young children (ages 3 and 4), it is crucial for us to pick a vacation destination that includes specific activities geared toward the little ones. Otherwise, they are bored after a few hours and no one has a good time. That’s why we were THRILLED to find out we would be visiting the brand new, family-friendly Kalahari Resorts & Conventions for their grand opening earlier this month.
Kalahari is an authentically African-themed resort, located less than 90 minutes from Allentown in the Poconos, whose mission is to encourage family time and create life-long memories. The resort features Pennsylvania’s Largest Indoor Waterpark, 457 comfortable guestrooms and suites, three on-site signature dining experiences, a relaxing Spa Kalahari, a Family Entertainment Center and LOTS of activities for everyone in the family, including the little ones!
First, the waterpark at Kalahari is incredible. It’s 100,000 square feet of fun for all ages, including an area for small children that is hands down the best one we’ve ever seen! Our kids spent hours playing in Tiko’s Watering Hole, which included several slides, splash areas, a huge water table (with seats for babies built right in!) and even a mini lazy river ride.
First, the waterpark at Kalahari is incredible. It’s 100,000 square feet of fun for all ages, including an area for small children that is hands down the best one we’ve ever seen! Our kids spent hours playing in Tiko’s Watering Hole, which included several slides, splash areas, a huge water table (with seats for babies built right in!) and even a mini lazy river ride.
For the bigger kids and adults, there are plenty more water slides, a swim-up bar, whirlpools, a surfing experience (the Flowrider) and much, much more. And this is just the beginning! Phase II of Kalahari is currently under construction and will include an additional 100,000 square feet of waterpark space, making it America’s Largest Indoor Waterpark (200,000 sq. ft.), expanding the outdoor waterpark and doubling the number of guest rooms and suites. When it’s finished, Kalahari will be home to the best indoor waterpark in the world!
But the fun doesn't stop there! Kalahari also features a 30,000 sq. ft. Family Entertainment Center with a huge arcade and game center (with plenty of video games just for the little ones!), a mini-bowling alley, blacklight mini golf and a children’s activity center, and the Kalahari Adventurers Club, with instructor-led activities throughout the day. Our family of four was able to participate in ALL of these activities! Kalahari really does an exceptional job of finding ways to include even their youngest guests.
When it's time to eat, you'll have your choice of nine unique dining options. Our family managed to hit almost all of them and we truly enjoyed every single thing we ate. My favorite was the breakfast buffet at Great Karoo Marketplace (I ate and ate until I couldn't fit another bite and I still hadn't tried everything I wanted to!), hubby liked the sit-down dinner at the Ivory Coast Restaurant and the kids raved about the hand dipped chocolate at The Last Bite. Everything was simply delicious.
Overall, our stay at the new Kalahari Resorts & Conventions was exceptional. From the facilities, to the amenities, to the staff, the entire resort was top notch. We can't wait to go back!
Kalahari Resorts hosted my family for a two-night stay at their Poconos location to facilitate this review. All opinions are our own.
