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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).
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).
All About the Extras
Boasting over 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.
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 & Around
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.
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.
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