We have 2 families that want to go to an indoor waterpark the end of March or early April. Our family is 2 adults and 2 children and the other family is 2 adults and 3 children. We were thinking of getting a suite with 2-3 bedrooms so we could all share or 2 separate rooms. The other family would like a whirlpool tub.
Any recommendations for a great indoor waterpark? I thought of Avalanche Bay but the reviews I read say it's geared more towards older kids and the kids with us are 8, 6, 5, and 2 2 year olds.
We go to the Great Wolfe Lodge in Traverse City every year. All the rooms are "suites" and have a fridge and microwave. They do have larger suits, but I think everyone has to share a bathroom. They do have whirpool suites as well.
For a work outing we went to Kalahari in Sandusky, Ohio and had a great time. They also have a location in the Wisconsin Dells. The whole place is a jungle theme. They even have a baby tiger to look at or get a picture taken with it (additional cost.) There are adult slides, lazy river, surfing stand, kiddie pools, and a big arcade.
We personally love Kalahari. My kids are older(10,15) but I do think there was a large area for the little ones. They have also doubled in size since I was last there(we go for Thanksgiving).
Over winter break, we went to Castaway Bay in Sandusky, OH. It was an amazing trip. Our four year old loved it, and there was a lot she could do independently. They also have a lot of 'Peanuts' activities, since they are the characters from Cedar Point. They have a craft room that is available with games, videos, and a craft of the day. Also, there are evening activities: games, karaoke, dance party and video with Snoopy. There are a lot of "big kid" slides and rides for your older children, too.
There is the Best Western Sterling Inn in Sterling Heights
I recently took my 6yr old there and her and her friends had a blast. They also have a seperate area for the babies!
The indoor waterpark is open 24 hours
There is a new water park in Dundee, MI, called Splash Universe. I googled it and it came up. I've never been there, but maybe you can check it out if you haven't made your plans yet.
We just returned from the Great Wolf Lodge in Sandusky and would NEVER return and or refer someone there. If you want a Great Wolf Lodge take the extra time and go to the one in Traverse City. Yes think of the smaller properties with small children as it is an EXHAUSTING yet fun trip. As you still need to watch your kids and there is so much to do. Plan to spend plenty of money to stay and be there.
Something LOCAL is the Sterling Inn. We love that too and so close to home.
Kalahari is my favorite! Their suites are t huge rooms! Not whirlpool tub but I believe the park is open for an hour after the kids hour! There is also a lot of things to do there that are out of the water! Check it out!
I have been to GWL in Traverse City. I liked the water park. Clean. The room themes were cool for the kids, but the beds where advertised as Queen and they were SMALL. The food was yucky, so plan on going out to eat at one of the chain eatery's in the area. Wasn't impressed with Traverse City either, don't know what the big draw is there...
Now we had friends who just returned from Kahlahari in Sandusky and LOVED it! They said the area for the smaller kids was much bigger than at GWL. They go to a lot of the water parks and would rate Kahlahari as #1, Avalanche Bay in Boyne as #2 and GWL #3.
Hope I've helped! Have fun!
J. in Macomb
Hi S.,
My family and I have been to Great Wolfe Lodge twice and Castaway bay (both in sandusky Oh) and we had a blast at both locations. Great Wolfe also is in Traverse city, and wisconsin. we got really great discounts with our Kroger discounts and Sam's club membership. check it out I guarantee that you and the little people will want to return.
Rah
We have stayed at Grat Wolf Lodge in Ohio and loved it. Another good one a little closer by is Zehnder Spash in Frankenmuth. Both were similar and fun for my 7 yr old and 5 yr old. Hope that helps.
Avalanche bay is great for all ages!! We took our 7, 5 and 2 year old there in November and they all had a great time. It is well layed out and lots of fun for all ages. Also the accomodations are luxurious and affordable, especially if you go on their website first and get a promo code. We ended up getting a 150.00 a night discount by doing that. Have fun!!
The Kalahari in Sandusky Ohio is the Best. It's only a few years old so everything is new & freah. We've also been to the Great Wolf which is pretty nice as well. They have great food. I didn't really like Castaway Bay, but they are the only resort with a wave pool. It's an older hotel converted to a waterpark.
If you're not afraid to travel Castaway Bay was great! Our boys were 6 & 10 and they both want to go back! I was also told the Great Wolf Lodge was good but haven't tried it yet.
