Preparation for a trip to Woodloch is as simple as showing up and bringing clothes. Check in time is 4pm, but Woodloch encourages you to arrive early. We arrived early on a Saturday and after a brief orientation by the staff where we got the scoop on meals and shuttle transport, we left with a map, the daily activity sheet and two kids bursting with excitement given the vast array of activity choices. Viper go-carts, bumper boats, bumper cars, paddle boats, kayaks, scenic boat rides, a climbing wall, archery range, pools and playgrounds (indoor and outdoor) are all part of the regular amenities that are open throughout the day.
As if that weren’t enough, there are adventure series amenities which include the shooting barn, paintball, zipline, and segway tours. Finally, special family programs and contests abound. During our stay we enjoyed a music festival with games and prizes, Family Feud, Cash-Cab Trivia, Dessert Wars and a mini-golf contest.
For some "calm" amidst all of the excitement, we spent a few hours on the lake itself. The kids built castles in the sand while mom and dad had quality time together supervising from the comfort of our lounge chairs.
The dizzying selection of activity choices at Woodloch cannot be overstated given the universal appeal to its youngest and oldest guests! Saturday evening offerings included dinner and a Broadway style show along with bingo, movies and a nightclub. The fun didn't stop until long past bedtime and only when we wanted it to!
For meals, which we had as part of the inclusive American Meal Plan, we ate in the Main Lodge dining room with the exception of the lunch-time cookout which was a family favorite. Throughout our stay, the food at Woodloch was fresh, wholesome, delicious and plentiful! Staff members encourage you to take food to go, which is especially important for families like ours with little ones who graze all day on snacks.
Despite the “high end” nature of its offerings, Woodloch is unpretentious and old-fashioned. While high-praise can be given for the tangibles, a beautiful location, amenities galore and accommodations that are comfortable and lodge-like, it is the intangible that makes it so special. Established in 1958 by Mary and Harry Kiesendahl, there is a deep sense of history and tradition at Woodloch. Most guests we met had been coming for years. Some came as children and now returned with their own children and others were vacationing with friends and families at their designated annual time. I would also be remiss to write about our Woodloch experience without mentioning the hospitality that is as much a part of the resort as the lake and trees. Friendly smiles greet you everywhere, laughter is shared among staff and guests, and help is a mere phone call away.
Finally, within the 1,000 acre Woodloch Pines resort, you will find Woodloch Springs, an 18-hole championship golf course, and The Lodge at Woodloch, a luxury destination spa. In other words, Woodloch understands that having the opportunity to take care of mama bear (or papa bear) is important at a family resort. I suspect the highlight of my husband’s visit was his early morning golf round at Woodloch Springs, which provided a spectacular setting in which to spend time alone.
During our visit to Woodloch Resort, our family had fun together and enjoyed each other in a way that could only be described as easy. With four seasons of fun, and a tradition of exceeding expectations, Woodloch Resort is a special place to create the kind of memories that linger long after you have returned home.
The Woodloch Pines Resort provided a complimentary weekend stay and all activities and meals were included. All opinions are the writer’s own.
