WaterColor Inn & Resort Family Activities

At WaterColor Inn & Resort, the question is not what the kids can do, but rather, what can the kids not do? The summer is the best time for families at WaterColor. By all accounts the homes are full of children of all ages and the staff, a friendly and helpful bunch, is geared to accommodating the needs of all ages.

Camp WaterColor
Camp WaterColor offers a variety of age-appropriate activities and is available to children ages 3 and up (potty-trained is the deciding admission factor). Morning sessions run from 9 a.m. to noon (includes lunch) and afternoon sessions are from noon until 3 p.m. Full-day sessions are also available. The younger kids generally stay at the resort participating in themed activities such as: Treasure Hunters (be a pirate and search for buried treasure), Around the World (explore different cultures through exciting crafts and games), Nifty Nature (a wildlife adventure through the natural habitat, including fishing, hiking or kayaking), Weird Science (experiment with science including making lava-flowing volcanoes and learn a few magic tricks), and Artsy All Day (get creative). While the older ones tend to have off-site activities such as miniature-golfing or visiting some of the local attractions such as Ripley's Believe It or Not in Panama City Beach, Gulf World Marine Park in Panama City, and Big Kahula's Water Park in Destin.

Kids' Activities Outside of Camp WaterColor
For those who don't want to be in camp, there are activities that don't require a reservation and take place at Camp WaterColor, including sand art, make your own hula-hoop, stepping-stones, airbrush tattoos and tie-dye T-shirts. The weekly schedule of events is posted so that parents can easily sign their kids up. Or if you want something less organized, go to any one of the six parks, bring a bat and a ball and have a game of pick-up baseball.

Interestingly, there is a large room off the inn's lobby with two computers, DVDs and lots of games. In the summer, you will see children curled up in chairs playing checkers, chess, Clue and other board games together.

Kids Night Out
A fun alternative to a traditional babysitter is KNO (Kids Night Out), which offers kids a chance to enjoy the various activities while parents have some adult time. Dinner is provided as well as crafts, games, as well as singing and roasting marshmallows around the campfire. Reservations are required for all scheduled activities.

Water Activities
Of course, water is what every kid wants and there are plenty of water-based activities besides swimming in the pools. For instance, there are kayaking tours at the Boat House as well as YOLO boarding. YOLO stands for "You Only Live Once," and is a locally made paddleboard that you stand on while paddling gently through the water. In addition, there is Kids Beach, which is typically a three-hour program for several children. Fun items such as surfboards, boogie boards and other beach toys are available. Lessons are also available for surfing.

Bike Riding
For those who want a break from the water, bike riding is a popular activity and the many quiet streets and cul du sacs in the resort make for safe and easy bike riding. There is also a walking-and-bike-path that goes by the lake and to the local Starbucks about two miles from the resort. The only warning is that it is very easy to get lost riding around. Like most subdivisions, all the streets look alike and while there are signs pointing to the resort or the tennis court, it can be a bit confusing. Fine, we spent half-an-hour trying to get back to the resort and we were at most two-winding blocks away. But, if you're in no hurry, that's not a problem -- you'll eventually will find your way back.

Golf and Tennis
There are three adjacent golf courses: Camp Creek, a Tom Fazio 18-hole, par-72 course; a Davis Love III-designed, six-regulation hole course; and Shark's Tooth Golf Course, an 18-hole, par-72 course designed by Greg Norman. The resort also has tennis courts for those who prefer to bounce a ball off a racquet.

Spa and Fitness Center
For those who want some pampering, the spa will fit your needs. Especially popular is a mother-daughter pedicures. There is also a fitness center and numerous exercise classes offered, including Yoga and Pilates.