Kalahari Sandusky: The Complete Guide

Why visit the Kalahari Sandusky? Well, for one, the massive African-themed resort features one of the world's largest indoor water parks. If slides and rides are what you're after, the Kalahari delivers as many—if not more—attractions than a major outdoor water park. And because it is located in a climate-controlled building, you could enjoy bathing suit-clad fun all year long, including the dead of winter.

But the Kalahari is more than just a water park. It is an enormous resort geared to families and includes loads of things to do, both wet and dry, to keep everyone busy.

Its not all family fun, all the time however. The Ohio facility also reaches out to meeting and organization planners with a huge, 215,000-square-foot convention and event complex. Attendees could bring their families along to enjoy the resort's many activities. Folks planning weddings and other social functions will find flexible spaces and a dedicated planning staff to help coordinate their big days. It’s a unique spot for a destination wedding.

Huge Indoor Water Park

At 174,000 square feet, the Kalahari’s water park is among the biggest in the nation. (In fact, it competes with other humongous water parks that are part of the family-operated chain, including the original resort, Kalahari Wisconsin Dells and the Kalahari Poconos in Pennsylvania. A fourth resort is planned to open in Round Rock, Texas in 2020.)

Among the many slides and attractions are the two Kalahari Surfaris (FlowRider surfing simulators), the world's first (indoor or outdoor) uphill Zip Coaster, indoor-to-outdoor spas, and the Wild Kingdom interactive water play area. The park's family raft ride, Victoria Falls, careens wildly in the dark and is particularly thrilling. The park also features one of the longest —and best—indoor water park lazy rivers.

Other rides include a huge wave pool, Cheetah Race, a mat racing slide; and Swahili Swirl and Tanzanian Twister, two bowl sides. One of the park’s more intriguing attractions is Storm Chaser, a water slide that includes an interactive, video game-like component. Private cabanas are available in a variety of configurations. A transparent roof covers part of the water park, allowing the sun's rays to shine on guests, even during the winter.

Plenty of Other Things to Do

A full-featured resort, Kalahari offers a host of activities beyond its world-class water park and is a veritable family vacation paradise. Kids will love the huge arcade, indoor mini-golf, ropes course, and pottery-making shop, for example. There is also an outdoor adventure park with a climbing wall and other activities.

The African-themed resort doesn’t forget about animals. It offers Safari Adventures Animal Park, complete with real giraffes, camels, and other creatures. Guests can feed the animals, take pony rides, and enjoy other activities. Other experiences include mini-bowling lanes, laser tag, a 7-D motion theater, and an interactive virtual reality game to try as well.

Children may want to give the "Adventurers Club" a try. Supervised activities include crafts, movies, and storytelling. For adults, the Kalahari offers a full-featured spa, a fitness center, and shops.

Not enough water park fun for you? During the warmer months, the resort also offers an outdoor water park with even more activity pools, whirlpool spas, and other attractions.

What's to Eat?

For dining, the Kalahari offers the Great Karoo Marketplace, which features a buffet; the Candy Hut, which is overflowing with tempting treats; and B-Luxe Grill and Bar and Cafe Mirage, two casual eateries. The resort's full-service eatery is Ivoruy Coast Restaurant. Next door is Felix’s Bar, which is open late. Both the indoor and outdoor water parks offer cafes, snack shops, and bars

Hotel Rooms, Admission Policy, and Location

The majority of the rooms at the Kalahari Sandusky are suites that come in a variety of sizes and styles. Some come with multiple bedrooms to accommodate large groups. The resort also offers traditional hotel rooms, suites with bunk beds for kids, and villas.

Admission to the indoor water park is bundled in the room rates for registered hotel guests. Day passes to the water park are available to the general public based on availability. Cabanas and bungalows are available to rent.

The Kalahari Resort is located at 7000 Kalahari Drive in Sandusky, Ohio. From Cleveland and Toledo: I-80 to Exit 118, 250 N towards Sandusky. The Kalahari is a few miles on the right.