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If you follow me on Instagram, you know my family and I love to visit water parks. Indoor water parks are fantastic in winter (or extreme heat) while outdoor water parks are perfect for a sunny day. If you’re planning a water park trip, here’s a rundown on everything you’ll want to bring.

Water Parks 101: What to bring plus Kalahari Resort giveaway! Splashdown Safari is the main attraction at Kalahari Resorts in the Poconos.

And, if you’ve never been to Kalahari Waterpark, Resorts and Conventions in the Pocono Mountains, read on to see how you can win an overnight stay at this amazing family-friendly resort and water park.

Top 10 Must-Have Items for Water Parks

Water Parks 101: Be sure to pack waterproof footwear.

1 – Waterproof Footwear – For indoor and outdoor water parks, you’ll want to wear comfy, waterproof footwear. For kids, swim socks or rubber beach shoes are great because they can wear them on the rides. Crocs, Keens, Native, flip flops, shower shoes and other waterproof shoes will work outside. I am surprised how many outdoor water parks feature very hot and/or slippery pavement so you definitely don’t want to be walking around barefoot.

Water Parks 101: Take water park photos with a water-resistant phone case.

2 – Waterproof Phone Case or Dry Bag – If you’re splitting up your family or if you feel naked without your phone, invest in a waterproof phone case, wearable pouch or dry bag. You’ll be able to take photos on rides and you’ll be able to capture your kids in the splash pads and lazy river. If you want really great underwater shots and movies, you’ll want to bring a GoPro.

Water Parks 101: Master Lock SafeSpace portable safe is perfect to store small valuables.

3 – Portable Safe – I have a Master Lock SafeSpace® Portable Personal Safe and it has become one of my favorite summer accessories. I’m a paranoid New Yorker so I hate letting anything valuable out of my sight but I also hate paying $20 for a locker especially when I’m moving around from place to place. With this portable safe, I can safely lock up my valuables, secure it to a lounge chair or table, throw a towel on top and jump in the pool. If you’ve got a lot to secure or if you’ll be gone for an extended period of time, I’d suggest a locker but if you just want to take a quick trip around the lazy river, this is an easy and affordable solution.

4 – Floats – For kids who haven’t fully mastered the art of swimming, be sure to pack a float. I recommend the Stearns Kids Puddle Jumper Life Jacket Vest (one of the few coast guard approved devices) for toddlers or a backpack type floatation device like the Water Gear Back Float 4-Color Split Back Float for older kids.

Water Parks 101: Don't forget to stay hydrated.

Water Parks 101: Bring labeled water bottles so everyone stays hydrated. I love Mabel’s Labels because they look great wash after wash.

5 – Water Bottle – Bring along a labeled water bottle for each family member so everyone stays hydrated and be sure to refill them with ice water throughout the day. My favorite leak-proof bottles include Hydro Flask, Owala, Camelbak, Contigo, and Nalgene.

6 – Skin Protection – If you’re visiting an outdoor water park, you’ll need to reapply sunscreen throughout the day. Kids know the drill but packing some easy-to-use sunscreen sticks will make the process less painful. Don’t forget to bring sun protection lip balms as well.

7 – Quick Dry Towels – Some water parks provide towels so be sure to find out before you go. If you need to bring your own, try a lightweight microfiber travel towel or microfiber beach towel, or easy-to-pack towel tablets.

8 – Sun Protection Clothing – For an outdoor water park, you’ll want to bring rash guards, sun hats or visors, and a cover-up. Be sure to label your clothing with waterproof labels like Mabel’s Labels.

Water Parks 101: Don’t forget the goggles.

9 – Goggles – If your kids have never been to a water park, be sure to bring along some goggles. Some kids are sensitive to the splashing water so goggles help on rides and in the splash parks.

10 – Sunglasses – Last but certainly not least, be sure to bring along UV protection sunglasses for kids and adults.

Ready to win a trip to Kalahari Waterpark, Resorts and Conventions in the Pocono Mountains? Here’s your chance.

Water parks 101: Enter to win a Kalahari Resorts Giveaway

Kalahari really stands out in the sea of waterparks with its expansive waterpark (soon to be even bigger!), signature aqua lessons (FlowRider and mermaid, oh my!), spacious accommodations, fine dining, pampering spa, family-friendly activities, and kid-centric arcade and game area. Be sure to read about our Kalahari family trip for more details.

We had the best time visiting Kalahari this spring and I’m sure you and your family will too. Enter below to win a one-night stay (including two full days at the waterpark!) at Kalahari Resorts and Waterpark in the Poconos for a family of four (up to two extra guests can be added for $25 each). The prize is valid for a Sunday-Thursday night stay and expires within one year of the issue date.

To enter please leave separate comments for each:

Leave a blog comment below telling me your favorite water park memory.
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This giveaway ends at midnight EST on Friday, August 5th.

Thanks to Kalahari Resort for sponsoring this post. This post contains some affiliate links but all opinions are my own. If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to Globetrotting Mommy for daily updates!

Water parks are all the rage with junior travelers and the best indoor water parks are catering to adults as well. My family and I took the plunge and visited Kalahari Resort in the Poconos, PA and it really exceeded my expectations. From the fun filled water park and fine dining to activities and spa services, here are my Top 10 Tips for Visiting Kalahari Resort in the Poconos, PA.

Top 10 Tips for Visiting Kalahari Resort in the Poconos, PA

1) Splash in the Water Park –

You won’t want to miss the resort’s 220,000-square-foot indoor water park, the largest in Pennsylvania. Guests will find water coasters, slides and raft rides in all speeds and sizes as well as a basketball pool, lazy river, indoor/outdoor hot tub and more. Kids will love Splashdown Safari (think net crawls, water guns, and slides galore) and Tiko’s Watering Hole with pint sized swings and a mini lazy river.

Learn to swim like a mermaid at Kalahari Resorts, Poconos, PA

2) Try your pick of signature aqua lessons: Mermaid or FlowRider –

My daughter tried out the resort’s new mermaid lessons and loved learning how to swim in a mermaid tail. I decided to tackle the FlowRider where you grab a board and catch some indoor waves. I won’t tell you how many times I crashed into the side wall but it really was a fun experience.

3) Get lost in the arcade –

You can’t get into the water park without meandering through the gigantic arcade so trust me when I say you will spend a lot of time playing arcade games as well as bowling, playing mini golf, laser frenzy and other fun games. Be sure to agree on a spending plan in advance and save room in your luggage for the prizes.

Kalahari’s Adventurers Club features daily activities for children.

4) Sign up for some family-friendly activities –

The Kalahari Adventures Club features daily supervised activities for kids (some fees apply) like games, crafting projects, character meetings, culinary challenges and family activities like hikes and scavenger hunts.

Kalahari features a wide array of family-friendly dining options.

5) Enjoy family-friendly dining –

Every restaurant is family-friendly at Kalahari from the upscale Brandburg to The Great Karoo Marketplace Buffet which features buffet offerings kids will love (think candy filled pancakes and chocolate fountains). If you’re visiting over a weekend, check out Kenya’s Birthday Bash Celebration, a fun-filled character breakfast party with family-style dining, dancing and kiddie games.

6) Save room for dessert –

There are sweet treats available morning, noon and night at The Last Bite. Ice cream lovers won’t want to miss the super-premium Wisconsin ice cream featuring flavors like Zanzibar Chocolate, Caramel Chaos, Fat Elvis, Big 5 Kalahari and more. It is delish!

Take in the African art at Kalahari Resorts, Poconos, PA.

7) Take in the African surroundings –

The resort features an array of authentic African decor including batik prints, sculptures, murals, carvings and more. If you’re an art lover, be sure to look out for the gorgeous artwork in the rooms, hallways, public areas and restaurants.

Shop till you drop at Kalahari Resorts, Poconos, PA

8) Shop Till You Drop –

The gift shops and specialty stores at Kalahari do not disappoint. You’ll find an array of swimwear and fun pool accessories like mermaid fins as well as authentic African gifts, crafts, stuffed animals, games and other souvenirs.

Visit the spa for a little relaxation at Kalahari Resorts, Poconos, PA.

9) Relax in the Kalahari Spa & Salon –

If you’re looking for a quiet retreat, escape to the spa where you can enjoy a full array of body treatments. I stole away for an hour to check out the sauna, steam room and hot tub and it was so peaceful and relaxing.

Check out story time at Kalahari’s Big Five Fireplace.

10) Check out Character Story Time –

Kalahari’s animal characters greet kids and a selection of oversized kids books are read aloud by the Big Five Fireplace.

Be sure to check out my full Kalahari Resort Poconos review for more details on this fun-filled family destination. This water park is so great it is also featured on this article: 19 Epic Indoor Water Parks You Will Want To Visit This Year!

Has your family ever stayed at a Kalahari Resort? What was your favorite part? Let me know in the comments below!

Thanks to Kalahari Resort in the Poconos, PA for hosting my family. As always, all opinions are mine. If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to Globetrotting Mommy for daily updates!