Etchings on the Attic Wall

Kalahari is a huge indoor water park themed after the African Kalahari desert.  They have several locations, but the one in Ohio is officially America’s largest indoor water park.  The facility, due to its unique roof, allows in about 75% sunlight so guests can get a suntan anytime during the year.  They can accommodate about 4,000 guests per night and have condominiums available.  There are about 900 rooms and suites, all African-themed.

Kalahari has both an indoor and an outdoor water park.  The outdoor one has pools, hot tubs, sun deck, volleyball courts, and shuffleboard courts.  You can even get your own bungalow with a flat screen TV, table, chaise lounges, refrigerator, and security safe.  The outdoor park is obviously only available during the warmer months.

The real excitement happens with the indoor park.  There is a ride called the “FlowRider” which simulates a 5-foot ocean wave upon which you can surf or boogie board!  There is also a 12,000 square foot wavepool, the “Swahili Swirl” (60′ diameter bowl raft ride), a water roller coaster that actually zips uphill, the “Cheetah Race” (4 lane mat ride), the “Tanzanian Twister” (slide down a whirling vortex into a pool below), “Shooting Star” (a 3,700 square foot basketball pool), raft rides, a lazy river, spas, indoor mini-golf, an arcade, and a swim up bar.

They also have fun things specifically for younger kids to do.  There is the “Leopard’s Lair” which has net crawls, water guns, slides, and a 3,000 square foot pool.  In addition, there is “Crocodile Cove” which is basically a large activity pool with water walks, water cannons, and water basketball.  “Tree Top Play” is a jungle-themed playground that can also keep your kids entertained.  While the kids are playing, why not relax in an indoor cabana, furnished with the same items the outdoor one has (i.e. TV, refrigerator, etc).

If your skin is starting to prune up, take a break and hit some of the many retail shopping outlets or grab a bite to eat at one of the restaurants or snack areas.  They actually have a pig roast every Friday and Saturday!

So, as far as indoor water parks go, you can’t beat Kalahari.  Come and get wet!