Water Park Archives - Globetrotting Mommy

Top 10 Must-Have Items for …

June 9, 2020 By admin

Welcome back from the 2020 Corona virus hiatus! Now that summer travel is becoming more of a reality, I think we are all looking forward to some close to home family trips. While you dip your toes back into summer travel, be sure to check out these must-have items for summer travel.

1 – Waterproof Footwear – Summer footwear is important since slippery pavement and hot sand are never fun. For water parks, pools, lakes and beaches you’ll want to pack comfy, waterproof footwear for the whole family. For water parks, swim socks and rubber-soled beach shoes are great because kids can wear them all day. For rocky beaches and lakes, be sure to get a waterproof shoe with anti-slip sole, or Crocs. For strolling around town, Salt Water Sandals, Birkenstocks and Tevas will provide more support than flip flops.

2 – Waterproof Phone Case or Dry Bag – Water and cell phones are never a good combination so invest in a waterproof phone case, wearable pouch or dry bag. If you want really great underwater shots and movies, bring a GoPro.

Top 10 Must-Have Items for Summer Travel: Master Lock SafeSpace portable safe is perfect to store small valuables.

3 – Portable Safe – I’m a paranoid New Yorker who hates leaving anything valuable out of sight so I travel with a Master Lock SafeSpace® Portable Personal Safe. With this portable safe, I can safely lock up my keys and money, secure it to a lounge chair or table, throw a towel on top and jump in the pool.

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

Top 10 Must-Have Items for Summer Travel. Don’t forget to label your water bottles.

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 Camelbak, Contigo, and Nalgene.

6 – Skin Protection – Don’t forget 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.

Top 10 Must-Have Items for Summer Travel. 2020 summer travel. Globetrotting Mommy.

Water Parks 101: Bring quick dry towels.

7 – Quick Dry Towels – Some water parks and pools provide towels so be sure to find out before you go. If you need to bring your own, try a lightweight microfiber towel.

Top 10 Must-Have Items for Summer Travel. Don’t forget the cover-ups.

8 – Sun Protection Clothing – For summer travel, you’ll want to bring rash guards, sun hats or visors and a cover-up for each member of the family. Be sure to label your clothing with waterproof labels like Mabel’s Labels.

Top 10 Must-Have Items for Summer Travel. 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.

Pin for later…

Top 10 Must-Have Items for Summer Travel - Summer 2020 Travel. Globetrotting Mommy

Happy travels…

Top 10 Tips for Visiting …

April 18, 2019 By admin

Furry Sesame Street characters, musical shows, water park rides and amusement park fun await junior travelers at Sesame Place in Langhorne, PA. My daughter first visited Sesame Place when she was three and enjoyed it even more as an adventurous six-year old.

Sesame Place is a great choice for toddlers and big kids as it can be done in one day or spread over a few days. If you’re looking for a quick amusement park getaway before school starts or this fall, here are my Top 10 Tips for Visiting Sesame Place, PA.

Top 10 Tips for Visiting Sesame Place, PA

TOP 10 TIPS FOR VISITING SESAME PLACE, PENNSYLVANIA

1 – Go Early

This is my usual advice when visiting any amusement park. The temperatures are milder, the lines are shorter and the parking spots are closer so definitely try to get there as early to opening as you can. You’ll also be able to claim lounge chairs in busy areas which fill up quickly.

Meeting the Sesame Street Characters is a must at Sesame Place.

2 – Meet the Characters

The Sesame Street characters can be found throughout the property (with minimal wait times) and in the 1-2-3 Smile With Me! area. The photographers are great at getting little kids to smile and some will also take photos with your camera which is nice. My favorite character backdrop is the hopscotch area in Sesame Neighborhood where you’ll find Bert and Ernie.

Get ready to get wet at The Count’s Splash Castle

3 – Start dry and get wet

The park features a mix of traditional amusement park rides and water park attractions. Unless its a super hot day, I recommend starting with the dry rides (on the right hand side) and finishing with the water park. There is one “big” rollercoaster (Vapor Trail) near the entrance and the rest of the dry rides are pretty tame – except for the Honker Dinger Derby which my daughter made me ride twice…For the water rides, most are very little-kid friendly with a few more adventurous water slides near back of the park. Aside from water rides, there are some great areas to splash around – The Count’s Splash Castle has lots of waterslides and a gigantic bucket that spills over (as The Count counts backwards), Ernie’s Waterworks is an interactive water area great for younger kids and the Teeny Tiny Tidal Wave Pool is fun for all ages.

Top tips for visiting Sesame Place. Don’t miss Sesame Place’s Neighborhood Street Party Parade

4 – Stake your spot for the parade

The Neighborhood Street Party Parade is a must see so be sure to get there early to claim your spot. Kids will really love seeing their favorite Sesame Street characters singing and dancing while they watch all the colorful floats go by. The best viewing spot is in the middle of the route and you can lay down towels for kids to sit on in advance. There is usually an afternoon and early evening show but check the daily schedule or website for exact times.

Water shoes like Crocs are a must-have for visiting Sesame Place in the summer.

5 – Wear or bring water shoes

The pavement in some areas of the water park area is very hot and bumpy. Be sure to protect little feet with slip on water shoes or swim socks kids can wear on the rides. Crocs, Keens, flip flops and any other water proof shoes are good options and you can leave them in cubbies at the ride entrance/exit areas.

Top 10 Tips for Visiting Sesame Place – The green tube line is much shorter than the blue tube line.

6 – Go team green on Big Bird’s Rambling River

There are two entrances to Big Bird’s Rambling River – a lazy river ride perfect for families – one with blue tubes and other with green tubes. The green tube entrance is a bit hidden away so the lines are much, much shorter over there. Life jackets and kid sized tubes are available.

7 – Do bring a stroller for young kids

If your kids still nap, you’ll definitely want to bring a reclining stroller with a sun shade. An umbrella stroller also comes in handy for older kids since you can use it to cart around the towels, water bottles, sunscreen and change of clothes as you travel around the park.

Be sure to take in a show at Sesame Place.

8 – Take in a Show

There are three Sesame Street shows and they are all entertaining for young travelers. Only one (Elmo The Musical Live!) is air conditioned so be sure to see that one when you need a break from the heat. For kids who like to interact with the characters, try to find seating as close to the stage as possible. And for the Let’s Play Together show in Abby’s Paradise Theater, try to sit around the sectioned off areas around the stage or in the first few rows.

This Master Lock SafeSpace portable mini safe is a great way to store your valuables at Sesame Place.

9 – Store your valuables

There are lockers are in several areas so that is definitely an option. A more affordable solution is to bring your own Portable Personal Safe or just store your items in the stroller while you are in the water park and hope for the best.

10 – Designate a meeting spot

If you’re splitting up (which you will likely do if you kids range in age) agree on a time and place to meet. Be sure your kids can identify the uniformed staff members and if they are too small to know an emergency phone number by heart, have them wear this info on a personalized safety bracelet.

Read my Top 10 Must Have Items for a Water Park Trip for more helpful tips.

Have you visited Sesame Place? What was your favorite memory?

This post is not sponsored but does contains some affiliate links. If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to Globetrotting Mommy for daily updates!

Top 10 Tips for Visiting Great …

August 20, 2018 By admin

Having an only child can be tough for a water park getaway so we started a tradition of bringing along my daughter’s “vacation brother.” Last year we went to Sesame Place and this summer we headed off on a close-to home getaway to Great Wolf Lodge, Poconos, NY.

Top 10 Tips for Visiting Great Wolf Lodge, Poconos, PA

I knew the kids would love the non-stop activities and I was hopeful the moms would have some time to relax. Lucky for us, I was right. Great Wolf makes things super easy with waterproof room key wristbands (yes, they also charge things to the room), plenty of luggage carts and an easy to navigate layout. The kids put on their complimentary wolf ears at check-in and we were ready for fun.

Top 10 Tips for Visiting Great Wolf Lodge, Poconos, PA

There are several Great Wolf Lodge locations around the country and each one varies a bit but today I’m sharing my top 10 tips for visiting Great Wolf Lodge, Poconos, PA.

Top 10 Tips for Visiting Great Wolf Lodge, Poconos, PA

1) Allow ample time to explore the indoor waterpark.

Great Wolf Lodge’s indoor park is the main attraction here so you’ll want to explore all the waterslides (ranging from single tubes to rafts), pools and hot tubs, lazy river and splash areas. My daughter especially enjoyed the wave pool, rope climbing lily pad area and the many water slides.

There are activities for tots to teens and lots of seating areas and tables where you can leave your things while you are in the water. The waterpark seems large at first, but after one lap you’ll have the layout down. Children 48″ and taller will be able to ride most slides and life jackets are provided for young children.

2) If weather permits, don’t miss the outdoor pool area.

The outdoor pool is large with a zero-entry shallow end and plenty of seating. Since my daughter and her friend are good swimmers, they were able to happily swim around while the moms enjoyed frozen drinks under the shaded bar area. Win-win.

We ate lunch here as well and enjoyed prompt service and surprisingly good food (fish tacos, chicken wings and fries for the win).

Best of all, you can enjoy complimentary marshmallow toasting at the end of the day.

Top 10 Tips for Visiting Great Wolf Lodge, Poconos, PA

3) The Howlers Peak Ropes Course is awesome for kids of all ages.

The large outdoor ropes course was a big hit with our adventurous kids and I loved that they could go at their own paces. Watching their confidence grow with each crossed path and high-flying slide was amazing. Helpful staff members are available to assist when necessary and everyone is safely attached to a climbing harness.

Top 10 Tips for Visiting Great Wolf Lodge, Poconos, PA

The main course is for kids (and adults) 48 inches or taller and a smaller ground level course is available for young children. Be sure to bring sneakers or crocs along for this.

Top 10 Tips for Visiting Great Wolf Lodge, Poconos, PA

4) Magiquest is a must!

MagiQuest was definitely the highlight of our trip for the kids. This interactive scavenger hunt combines computer screen stations, enchanted paintings, talking animals, and several fairies, who, when your wand is pointed at them, will offer clues. The game costs $14.99 and the wands range from $17-$45 depending on the topper. Completing the entire series of games can take days so be sure to agree on time limits in advance. I loved watching kids help each other in the hallways as they searched for clues and swapped status updates. The wands can be reused so be sure to bring them if you visit another Great Wolf Lodge.

Top 10 Tips for Visiting Great Wolf Lodge, Poconos, PA

5) Check out the Indoor Activities.

From the 24-hour Northern Lights Arcade, Howly Wood XD Theater rollercoaster, to Ten Paw Alley and Howl at The Moon Glow Golf and the Creation Station, kids can participate in many indoor activities.

Some of these are more hidden than others so be sure to look around or ask directions if you get lost. Check out the Paw Pass if you plan to plan to do several of these paid activities.

Scoops Spa is a great spot for pampering.

Scooops® Kid Spa is a great spot for pampering.

6) Save time for Pampering.

All that swimming can get exhausting so if you can, plan some time for pampering. There are spas for grown-ups and children with a wide array of services. Elements™ Spa Salon is a full-service adult spa with a Zen-like atmosphere offering massages, manicures, pedicures and facials. Scooops® Kid Spa specializes in manicures and pedicures for children 12 and under. The pricing is on the expensive side but if you’re looking to celebrate a special occasion, this is a great place to indulge. Reservations are recommended.

7) Don’t miss the free entertainment!

From storytime with the Great Wolf characters to dance parties, games, yoga, walks and arts and crafts, there are many free activities offered for kids of all ages. Be sure to bring your camera for the character appearances.

Top 10 Tips for Visiting Great Wolf Lodge, Poconos, PA

8) Be sure to pack right.

Depending on the time of year, you won’t need much more than swimsuits, cover-ups, water shoes and goggles. Towels and life jackets are provided and shorts and t-shirt are the norm for clothing around the resort. Leave your fancy clothing home unless you plan to go off property. A waterproof camera, iPhone cover, personal safe and these water park necessities are always good to bring along. Sunscreen and hats are only necessary if you are visiting in summer. The indoor waterpark is kept at a warm 84-degrees so don’t overdress.

9) Use the resort facilities and waterpark after check-out.

Guests at Great Wolf Lodge check out at 11am but can use all the facilities for the remainder of the day. Store your suitcases in the car and rent a locker for the day if you have time. Pack a pool bag with swim items and a dry bag with a change of clothing to wear home.

10) Choose your room carefully.

Great Wolf Lodge offers a wide range of suites to fit all families and budgets. Standard Family Suites feature two queen beds and a full-size sleeper sofa making them a great choice for families of 4-6.

Other suites feature themed kids sleeping areas with bunk beds, a queen bed and sofa sleeper and other room amenities include fireplaces, Whirlpools and private master bedrooms. We were upgraded to a spacious Majestic Bear Suite which featured a large breakfast bar and patio overlooking the pool. Check out the room floorplans before you book. Each suite at Great Wolf Lodge includes a microwave, mini fridge, coffee maker, hairdryer, iron and ironing board. I recommend bringing along easy to make breakfast items as well as beverages and snacks.

Have you visited a Great Wolf Lodge? Tell me below in the comments.

We received reduced pricing on our accommodations for review purposes but all opinions are my own. If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to Globetrotting Mommy for daily updates!

The Best Rides at Splish …

June 19, 2017 By admin

We’ve started a family tradition of kicking off summer with a visit to Splish Splash Waterpark and this year was no different. After a crazy cold spring, we finally had the chance to visit last weekend and today I’m sharing the scoop on the Best Rides at Splish Splash for every age. Splish Splash is located in Riverhead, Long Island, about 90-minutes from Manhattan making it a great day trip to escape the city heat.

Best Rides at Splish Splash, Long Island.

From babies to grandparents, everyone will find a favorite attraction at Splish Splash Waterpark. Splish Splash is a great option for a multi-generational visit since the rides are fairly close to each other, there is plenty of shade and seats plus attractions even a grandma who wants to keep her hair dry can enjoy. Read on for the best rides at Splish Splash for everyone in your family.

The Octopus Pool at Splish Splash is perfect for babies at toddlers.

BEST SPOTS FOR BABIES AND TODDLERS

The Kiddie Cove section is where you’ll be spending most of your time if you’ve got tiny kids. The Octopus Pool has the cutest baby swings, sprinkler fountains and super shallow wading pool. Across the way are three kiddie water slides that are pretty slow and end in a shallow pool so they are perfect for toddlers and little kids. There are plenty of lounge chairs and shaded areas so parents can set up camp or rent a nearby cabana.

Best Rides at Splish Splash, Long Island. The Yellow Submarine area is a hit with little kids.

BEST FOR LITTLE KIDS (3-8 and under 54″)

For children, the Pirate’s Cove shipwreck area and Yellow Submarine area feature small climbing and sliding structures in shallow pools. The Monsoon Lagoon is a larger play area that features a faster waterslide, canons and climbing ropes area. Little kids will also love the Kahuna Bay Wave Pool and the Lazy River. For rides, Dinosaur Falls and Mammoth River are the tamest raft rides and Bootleggers Run is a great family roller coaster ride for kids 42″ and up.

Best Splish Splash Rides for big kids

BEST RIDES AT SPLISH SPLASH FOR BIG KIDS (8-12)

Big kids have their pick of rides at Splish Splash since most rides have a 42″or 48″ height requirement to ride solo. Bootleggers Run is a favorite for this age as well as Hollywood Stunt Rider and Dragon’s Den tube rides, and the Giant Twister and Max Trax body slides. For kids who love dark rides, the Abyss tube slide and Barrier Reef body slide are great options.

Best Splish Splash Rides for teens and adults: Dr. Von Dark’s Tunnel of Terror

BEST RIDES AT SPLISH SPLASH FOR TEENS AND ADULTS

Cliff Diver sends riders down an 8-story slide making it a great choice for adventure seekers. If dark and twisty rides are your thing, Dr. Von Dark’s Tunnel of Terror will be a favorite. One of my favorite rides to watch is Shotgun Falls where riders plunge into a 10-foot pool so I would recommend this one only for strong swimmers.

Mammoth River is a great choice for the whole family.

FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

The Battle of Mutiny Bay is a slow interactive water ride where you can shoot water from the ship or from water cannons on land. Other picks are the lazy river, Kahuna Bay Wavepool (the whistle means the waves are coming), Soak City pool area and Mammoth River (you will get wet on this one). In addition to rides, families can enjoy a Tropical Parrot Show from June 17 – September 4 at 12:30, 1:30, 3:30 and 5:30.

Ready to visit? Check out my Top 10 Tips for Visiting Splish Splash and save $5 per ticket with this Splish Splash coupon code.

Special thanks to Splish Splash for inviting us to visit. As always, all opinions are my own. If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to Globetrotting Mommy for daily updates!

Water Parks 101: What to Bring …

July 19, 2016 By admin

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.

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.

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.
Tweet about this giveaway
Share this giveaway on Facebook
Like Globetrotting Mommy on Facebook
Follow Globetrotting Mommy on Instagram
Follow Globetrotting Mommy on Twitter
Follow Globetrotting Mommy on Snapchat

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!

Top 5 Splish Splash Rides for …

June 21, 2016 By admin

The only thing more fun than an indoor waterpark is an outdoor waterpark! If you’re heading out to Long Island this summer, be sure to stop by Splish Splash Waterpark for a family friendly adventure sure to please travelers of all ages.

Top 5 Splish Splash Rides for Families (and coupon)

On our recent visit, my family had so much fun enjoying our favorite rides and tackling some new ones. Today I’m sharing my Top 5 Splish Splash Rides for Families…

Before you go, be sure to check out my Top 10 Tips for Visiting Splish Splash and use this Splish Splash coupon to save $6 off each ticket.

Top 5 Splish Splash Rides for Families (and coupon)

1) Kahuna Bay Wavepool

If you and your kids like playing in waves, you won’t want to miss the Kahuna Bay Wavepool. Every ten minutes, the waves start small and finish big (think four foot waves!). Small kids and grandparents can stay in the shallow end while big kids and parents ride the waves making this a great attraction for all families. Life jackets are available and plenty of lifeguards are on hand to be sure everyone stays safe.

Mammoth River is full of twists and turns.

2) Mammoth River Raft Ride

Grab a raft (fits up to five people) and the whole family will enjoy an adventurous twisting tube slide ride. No swim skills are necessary for this ride making it a great option for families with young kids (minimum 36″). Prepare to get splashed along the way and at the end of the ride.

More adventurous families will enjoy Bootleggers’s Run at Splish Splash.

3) Bootlegger’s Run

Think roller coaster meets water slide for this one! The four-person family-friendly raft goes uphill using new generation hydromagnetic technology and flies down like a roller coaster without rails. This one features a combination of open and closed tubes making it a great pick for kids who are scared of dark rides.

The Lazy River at Splish Splash is the perfect spot for families to relax.

4) Lazy River

Families will love this relaxing tube ride on the gentle current of a beautifully landscaped river. Along the way you’ll find spraying fountains to cool you off. All family members can participate in this one but if you want to keep your hair dry, you’ll have to duck around some of the fountain areas.

The Battle of Mutiny Bay is a great option for family fun.

5) The Battle of Mutiny Bay

This kind of interactive water attraction was completely new to my family and we loved it. Up to four people can ride in the pirate ship which features water spraying cannons in every seat. As the ride circles around Mutiny Bay, guests engage in the largest water gun fight imaginable as the landlubbers squirt the “pirates” from large water cannons. Split your family up and see which team gets soaked.

Ready to visit? Use this Splish Splash Coupon to save $6 off the gate price. FYI, on our visit some attractions were closed so be sure to call ahead if there is a ride you don’t want to miss out on.

Have you been to Splish Splash Waterpark? Tell me your favorite attraction in the comments below…

Special thanks to Splish Splash for inviting us to visit. As always, all opinions are my own. If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to Globetrotting Mommy for daily updates!

Top 10 Tips for Visiting …

May 9, 2016 By admin

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!

Top 10 Tips for Visiting …

June 23, 2015 By admin

Summer is fiiiinnaaallly here and that means time for some fun in the sun! Splish Splash water park, one of the best NYC area water parks, is celebrating 25 years of fun so we hit the road to check it out. Here are my Top 10 Tips for Visiting Splish Splash, Long Island:

Splish Splash, Long Island, Water Park, Tips, Family Travel, Long Island, New York, Globetrotting Mommy

Top 10 Tips for Visiting Splish Splash, Long Island

1) Lather on the sunscreen at home so you and your kids can jump right on to the rides and slides when you arrive. There are many shaded areas for sitting and strolling but most of the pools are slides are in the direct sun. Be sure to bring along sunscreen so you can reapply throughout the day.

2) Aim to arrive around opening time since you’ll get the best parking spots and the park will be empty. We got there around 10:20 am and found a great parking spot right near the entrance. We headed to the kiddie areas first and there were plenty of chairs and no lines. The parking lot area is huge so I’m guessing the crowds get much larger as the summer heats up.

Top 10 Tips for Visiting Splish Splash, Long Island

3) Grab a map and make a plan. If you’re with older kids (48” and up), you’ll want to start with the more adventurous rides like Cliff Rider and Tunnel of Terror. If you’re with toddlers, start at the Octopus Pool and slides. If you’re with young kids (under 48”), start with Pirate’s Cove and the kiddie slides. The water attractions are spread out over 90 acres but things are really much closer than they seem on the map. Once you get your bearings, there are plenty of large maps along the way so you won’t need to carry around a soggy map.

Top 10 Tips for Visiting Splish Splash, Long Island

4) Grab a locker or have someone to help carry your camera, sunscreen and cover ups/towels while you are on the rides. There are plenty of lockers (starting at $14) and there are also a lot of free open cubbies where you can store your towels and shoes throughout the park.

5) Travel light but don’t forget family friendly summer essentials. If you’re going on rides, you really just need a comfortable bathing suit or rash guard and a light cover-up or sarong. Water shoes (the stretchy tight types – not crocs or flip flops) and sun hats are a great idea for kids. Some kids prefer wearing goggles in the water so if its your child’s first water park visit, bring a pair along just in case. If you have a waterproof phone or camera, you might want to bring that along too. Skip the heavy towels and bring a lightweight quick dry beach towel.

Splish Splash, Long Island, Water Park, Tips, Travel, Globetrotting Mommy, Family

Top 10 Tips for Visiting Splish Splash, Long Island

6) If you’ll be splitting up kids and parents, plan to meet up for some family time. The wave pools, lazy river and Mammoth River raft ride are great for the whole family. If you’ve got teens, older family members or kids who nap, you may want to consider renting a cabana for the day so older kids can run around freely and check back throughout the day. If you’re with babies and toddlers, you’ll want to claim your seats or cabana around the Octopus pool (think water swings on tentacles!) and kiddie slides.

Top 10 Tips for Visiting Splish Splash, Long Island

7) Plan to splurge on calories and sweet treats. I think most families who visit amusement parks are looking for some variation of chicken, hamburgers, fried treats and french fries at lunchtime and that is exactly what you’ll find here. Ice cream at a water park is a natural fit and you’ll find lots of sweet frosty options including Dole soft serve. If you’re hoping to eat healthy fare, you’ll want to store your lunch in a car cooler and get your hand stamped to re-enter the park.

Top 10 Tips for Visiting Splish Splash, Long Island

8) Get wet! One of my 5-year old daughter’s favorite spots was Monsoon Lagoon which featured water slides and climbing ropes. It was a little hidden away so be sure to check it out. In addition to all the kid areas, the lazy river and wave pools were big hits. The open tunnel rides like Dinosaur Falls were also fun for us. There were plenty of attractions for her height and she also loved watching the ones she wasn’t tall enough to ride like Shotgun Falls.

9) Relax. All in all, it was a very fun filled and somewhat relaxing day. My daughter is a good swimmer and the kids water play and slide areas are surrounded by shallow water so I felt very safe letting her play while I watched from the sidelines. Each ride and pool area features multiple lifeguards who carry flotation devices (even in the kiddie pools). The lifeguards kept a close watch on all the kids as they went down the slides and exited the pool which was impressive. In addition, the grounds were very well kept and the staff members were quite friendly.

10) Tickets at the entrance gate cost $41.99 for general admission and $31.99 for kids (under 48″) and seniors. Save $7 on general admission and $4 on kids and seniors by using this Splish Splash coupon code.

Splish Splash is located in Calverton, Long Island about 90 minutes (without traffic) from NYC. If you’re heading to the Hamptons, this is a great pitstop along the way. If you want to make a weekend of it, there is plenty of family fun on Long Island’s East End.

What’s your favorite water park?

Special thanks to Splish Splash for inviting us to visit. As always, all opinions are my own. If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to Globetrotting Mommy for daily updates!

Share this:

TOP 10 TIPS FOR VISITING SESAME PLACE, PENNSYLVANIA

1 – Go Early

2 – Meet the Characters

3 – Start dry and get wet

4 – Stake your spot for the parade

5 – Wear or bring water shoes

6 – Go team green on Big Bird’s Rambling River

7 – Do bring a stroller for young kids

8 – Take in a Show

9 – Store your valuables

10 – Designate a meeting spot

Share this:

1) Allow ample time to explore the indoor waterpark.

2) If weather permits, don’t miss the outdoor pool area.

3) The Howlers Peak Ropes Course is awesome for kids of all ages.

4) Magiquest is a must!

5) Check out the Indoor Activities.

6) Save time for Pampering.

7) Don’t miss the free entertainment!

8) Be sure to pack right.

9) Use the resort facilities and waterpark after check-out.

10) Choose your room carefully.

Share this:

BEST SPOTS FOR BABIES AND TODDLERS

BEST FOR LITTLE KIDS (3-8 and under 54″)

BEST RIDES AT SPLISH SPLASH FOR BIG KIDS (8-12)

BEST RIDES AT SPLISH SPLASH FOR TEENS AND ADULTS

FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

Share this:

Top 10 Must-Have Items for Water Parks

Share this:

1) Kahuna Bay Wavepool

2) Mammoth River Raft Ride

3) Bootlegger’s Run

4) Lazy River

5) The Battle of Mutiny Bay

Share this:

1) Splash in the Water Park –

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

3) Get lost in the arcade –

4) Sign up for some family-friendly activities –

5) Enjoy family-friendly dining –

6) Save room for dessert –

7) Take in the African surroundings –

8) Shop Till You Drop –

9) Relax in the Kalahari Spa & Salon –

10) Check out Character Story Time –

Share this:

Share this:

Recent Posts

Meta

Recent Comments