Plan a Spring Break Getaway with a Kalahari Resorts Giveaway! #KalahariSpringBreak

February break for NYC schools is one we reluctantly look forward to. While we all welcome a week off from school in observance of President’s Week, we also never know if it will be a week that we are stuck indoors due to snow or if it will be a milder winter week. This year my husband wasn’t chancing it and decided it would be a good time to get away for a few days, even if it wasn’t far from home. We decided to spend the week in the Poconos, PA, because it wasn’t too far and offered family-friendly fun for our kids. Indoor water parks were on our list, and Kalahari was a resort we had heard of from friends. When Kalahari Resort in Pennsylvania invited us to visit and explore their indoor water park, we excitedly accepted. Less than 2 hours from NYC, Kalahari was the perfect distance for our mini vacation.

The first thing we noticed when we entered Kalari’s grounds was their expansion. They are on the way to making their huge resort even bigger with an additional 520 rooms and an outdoor Safari Park. By 2017 they will be America’s largest indoor water park. Upon entering the lobby, you are greeted with a cozy sitting area and guest services. The service reps are friendly, ready to check you in and provide any additional information you need before heading up to your room. All guests receive a wristband which is equipped with the room key, so you don’t have to worry about carrying extra items with you to the water park.

Our room was the Safari Suite which comfortable housed our family of 5. The room included two queen beds and a pull out couch. Housekeeping happily provided a pack & play for my little guy. We had a balcony that overlooked the outdoor water park and the site of the new expansion. The kitchenette in the room offered a mini fridge and microwave, which was convenient to bring snacks and small meals along for the family. Once everyone was fed and changed, it was time to head to the indoor water park.

Be prepared, parents. The entrance to the water park is through the large arcade. Your kids might beg to play “just one more” game, but be firm, more fun awaits them in the water park. Once inside, we decided to hit the lazy river. The lazy river is in the center of the water park and has various stops throughout the park where you can get off and partake in a new adventure. There’s a pool dedicated for basketball, a hot tub, a swim-up bar, and an area just for kids. This was our next stop. With kids slides, a short and shallow version of the lazy river, and a water table for youngest visitors, there was something for each of my kids. While my kids could have stayed at that one location for hours, I was excited to see what else the park had to offer. The center of the park is a spray area with bigger-kid water slides. My middle child was having so much fun, she decided to take off on her own, run away, and ended up slipping on the slippery floor. When Kalahari heard my little one chipped her tooth and cut the inside of her mouth, they wanted to make her happy and create a happier memory of her stay- so they sent up a cute stuffed lion and some player’s cards for the arcade.

After everyone was bathed, fed, and happy again, it was time to head over to the arcade. We passed a few eating areas, a coffee shop, and bakery- all providing something for everyone. My husband and I loaded up on coffee and our family head over to the games. The arcade area was loud and full of energy. My girls played until they were exhausted, cashed in their tickets for toys, and it was time to have dinner and head to bed. Room service food was pretty good and decently priced. There were options for everyone and the convenience of not taking the girls to a lobby eatery was great.

Checkout was easy- you don’t have to go to the front desk to checkout unless there is an issue. Our credit card was charged for our room-charges automatically. On our way out, we explored Kalahari a bit more and found a hidden gem- the spa! Our next trip will be complete with a timeout for mommy while my hubby and the kids enjoy the water park!

My suggestions when visiting an indoor water park like Kalahari Resorts:

• Dress children in two-piece swim suits. This is much more convenient for bathroom visits.
• Cover-ups keep kids warm from pool to room- it can get pretty cold when leaving the pool area and towels aren’t allowed outside the pool area.
• Water shoes aren’t necessary and may interfere with sliding, but anti-slip water shoes are a good idea when walking around the water area.
• Don’t bring floaties- Kalahari provides swim vests for children.

Check out the . One lucky reader can win a one-night stay (Sun-Thurs) at Kalahari Resorts, PA.