In an area that easily claims to be the "Water Park Capital of the World," Kalahari Resort and Conference Center rules as a national trendsetter and one of the country's most popular family resorts. This is where it all began before the resort expanded into Sandusky, Ohio, and Fredericksburg, Va.

The resort stands out nicely with its African theme and has constantly added new attractions throughout the past decade, from bigger thrills in water park rides to its newer indoor theme park. The indoor water park is Kalahari's claim to fame and a top draw in an area so dense with resorts, theme parks and entertainment.

What else makes Kalahari stand out? For one, size. There are 752 rooms and suites to accommodate families of all sizes. For kids, it's all about the fun, including the 125,000-square-foot indoor water park, the 77,000-square-foot outdoor water park, and the 110,000-square-foot indoor theme park that opened in 2008. There are enough activities and things to see that the resort can feel like a dry-land cruise ship. African music spills out from the lobby where staff members dressed in safari gear and pith helmets assist guests and real tiger or lion cubs may be on display in a glass enclosure.

There is a paint-your-own-pottery shop, gift stores and seven dining options including a restaurant overlooking the water park. You don't have to go outdoors either to access the 15-screen Desert Star Cinema. All these amenities make Kalahari an ideal resort for kids 6 and older. Little ones would have plenty to do, but older children can better appreciate the African atmosphere and artwork, can navigate longer halls without "Carry me!" tirades, and enjoy the bigger thrills of the water park and theme park.

If you're on a budget, be wary. There are countless ways to blow it with photo purchases available at every thrill ride, booths with fanciful hair braids and tattoos, arcade games throughout the theme park, pay-per-view movies (and no ability to hook your own DVD player to the TV). There also are plenty of edible temptations such as picture-perfect caramel apples and creative, unique treats at The Sweet Hut. Keep in mind additional fees, too, such as indoor theme park passes, the daily resort fee for general amenities and additional fees for crib or rollaway rentals.

Our advice? Plan well and make sure kids have an allowance or can accept agreed-upon limits. Then let them go wild.

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