Editor’s Review of Kalahari Resorts & Conventions - Wisconsin Dells
Lisa
Meyers
McClintick
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 other areas.
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
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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. 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. less
Our Editor Loves
- Wisconsin's largest indoor water park
- Ferris wheel and bowling alley
- Climbing wall and Go Karts
Family Interests
- Golf
- Museum/Cultural
- Theme Parks
- Water Sports
- Water Parks
Family Amenities
- Children's Program
- Cribs
- Family Room 5+
- Free Wi-Fi
- Game Room
- Kids' Pool
- Kids'/Theme Meals
- Kitchenettes
- Laundry Service
- Onsite Dining
- Refrigerator
- Pool
Bsmaddux
I have been taking my family to the Kalahari in WI since they opened. At the time the Waterpark was a quarter of the size. It is great for all ages. My 4 sons were little when we started going and now they are in their 20's and ...
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Cleowyn
The indoor water park area is a great time for all ages! When you are tired of swimming you can do the indoor theme park that has a Ferris wheel, go-carts, lazer tag, and bowling. Not to mention the multitude of arcade games. It ...
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Rooms
Kalahari features 752 rooms and suites in its four-story building. Even the most basic rooms have families in mind with the mini-fridges and microwaves that can make quick meals and snacks possible and affordable -- especially with early birds or night owls. Another convenience is retractable clothesline in the showers for drying swimsuits. Rooms also include flat-screen TVs, coffee makers and free Wi-Fi. Most rooms sleep four while two-bedroom suites can accommodate up to eight. Some suites have balconies or views of the lobby, and some have whirlpools.
For more space, condominium suites in the adjacent Sands Building have full kitchens, balconies and fireplaces. Ny-Um-Ba luxury condominiums are standalone units off The Sands Building. Ten units are supersized with five bedrooms for large gatherings.
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