An in-depth dive into family-friendly resorts in the East with waterparks that make a huge splash
Many resorts in the Eastern US cater to multigenerational families throughout the year, offering fantastic indoor waterparks as on-site amenities. Whether youngsters want to explore aquatic slides and tide pools, tired parents need to relax and escape to the spa or lazy river, or grandparents want to capture special moments on camera, these resorts offer something exciting for everyone. This article provides a comprehensive overview (in alphabetical order) of the top family-friendly resorts with indoor waterparks for a fulfilling multigenerational reunion, where the weather will be the least of your concerns.
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1.) CAMELBACK RESORT’S AQUATOPIA (TANNERSVILLE, PA)
Camelback Resort is a premier family resort on the East Coast, offering an all-inclusive experience that caters to your needs. This exceptional family-friendly resort features a dynamic indoor/outdoor waterpark, Aquatopia, offering an unforgettable reunion experience.
Aquatopia Waterpark
Camelback’s indoor waterpark, Aquatopia, doesn’t observe off seasons. This 84-degree year-round escape offers guests access to 13 rides and slides, including an adventure river, kiddie pools and splash zones. Indulge in 37 different rides and attractions such as Rival Racer, High Noon Typhoon and their lazy river outside. Camelback also offers swimming lessons for children aged 2-14, a toddler-friendly area, Mummy’s Oasis, designed for children 48 inches and under, featuring a three-story playhouse, smaller slides, tipping buckets, and over 25 water activities.
Accommodation
Open year-round, Camelback offers a variety of accommodation options, including double queen suites, one-bedroom family suites, and three-bedroom condos and lofts. Amenities such as all-inclusive internet access, fitness centers, a pet-friendly policy, and designated smoke-free areas are designed to make your stay stress-free and enjoyable.
Resort Dining
Camelback Resort offers a diverse culinary experience, with a variety of dining options to suit every palate. Notable locations for group gatherings include Trails End Pub & Grille, which features local products like Black Bear Hazy IPA; Cafe & Bar, an excellent spot for a morning coffee or a midday snack; and Alta Vida, which serves vibrant, traditional Mexican dishes with a modern twist.
2.) GAYLORD OPRYLAND SOUNDWAVES (NASHVILLE, TN)
Located in the heart of Nashville, Gaylord Opryland Resort offers a stunning experience with its SoundWaves aquatic attraction and an exciting lineup of activities that ensure an enjoyable experience for the whole family.
SoundWaves
With an 84-degree year-round temperature, SoundWaves features a modern design to elevate your experience and enjoyment. For the adventure seekers, you can try your luck on the Rapid Remix, where you can climb aboard a mega raft for 4-5 people and take on a series of vortex loops and Up-Tempo Rapids River, where you can zip along on the 36” rapid river complete with waterfalls and spray features. For adults with young children, check out the Quarte Note Cove to have your little ones explore the splash pad and pool and Half Note Cove for a multi-level play structure suitable for children of all ages. Don’t forget to head over to the Status Cymbal Adult Pool & Bar for guests aged 18 and older to have exclusive access to this adult-only indoor infinity pool, bar and lounge area.
Accommodation
Resort accommodation options for large groups or families traveling together typically include suites, which offer more space and amenities. If you’re looking for something cozier, try their Plush Rooms and Suites for a reminder of home. Book the Atrium View Rooms where you’ll find tropical landscapes, waterfalls and fountain shows.
Resort Dining
After your time in the water, go over to Decibels, where you can get yourself a mixture of appetizers, headliner entrees, encore desserts, cocktails, and mocktails. If you’re in the mood for something light, you can grab a bite from one of the resort’s seasonal outdoor food trucks.
3.) GREAT WOLF LODGE (PERRYVILLE, MD & WILLIAMSBURG, VA)
Found across the United States and Canada, Great Wolf Lodge is a family resort featuring an incredible indoor water park. The resort is renowned for its family-friendly atmosphere, making it suitable for both children and grandparents. Groups have the option to visit two locations in Virginia and Maryland, each offering access to the waterpark from opening to closing, life jackets and towels, and daily family-friendly events.
Great Wolf Lodge Waterparks
In Williamsburg, Virginia, the indoor water park is maintained at a consistent 84 degrees year-round, providing ample space for the entire family to enjoy themselves. Exciting attractions, such as Fort Mackenzie, a water fort with a treehouse, are suitable for children and toddlers, featuring interactive water toys and kid-activated features. The Slap Tail Pond is a splash wave adventure with levels ranging from zero-depth-entry shallows to five-foot deep ends that will satisfy adults and teens.
The Perryville, Maryland, location has rides such as the Otter Cave Waterworks, where you can explore a four-story water fort treehouse and escape through their Otter Slides ‘N Falls, perfectly sized for every member of the family.
Accommodation
Offering standard and premium rooms, the resort is best known for its themed suites, which include the Kid Cabin suite (6-7 guests), the Wolf Den suite (4-6 guests), the Wolf Pup Den suite (4-5 guests), and the Junior Cabin suite (4 guests).
Resort Dining
Williamsburg, VA, boasts a classic array of dining options for guests to enjoy, including Buckets Burgers & Bites, Hungry as a Wolf, which serves pizza, salads, and pasta dishes, and Loose Moose, a breakfast spot that offers farm-fresh items.
Perryville, MD, provides fun group dining at Campfire Kitchen, Barnwood for quality time, craft cocktails and shareable plates. Timbers Restaurant offers mouth-watering premium burgers and unique dishes.
4.) HERSHEY LODGE & HERSHEY’S WATER WORKS (HERSHEY, PA)
Hershey Lodge is a full-service resort located in Hershey, Pennsylvania, known for its chocolate-themed decor and family-friendly amenities. It features 665 guest rooms, 100,000 square feet of event space and an indoor pool complex called Hershey’s Water Works.
Hershey’s Water Works
Hershey’s Water Works is a 30,000-square-foot space of water fun that’s all-inclusive and complimentary for overnight guests. Popular rides include the East Coast Waterworks, featuring seven slides, two crawl tunnels, a 1,000-gallon tipping bucket, and 600 interactive water toys for children. For adrenaline rushes, take a trip on the Breakers Edge Water Coaster, a thrilling water coaster with multiple slides and a high-speed tunnel, and Whitecap Racer, where you can mat-race others on high-speed water slides. For toddlers, try the Splash Area, which features a kiddie pool with zero-depth entry and the Kiddie Swap, where parents can wait with their toddlers while they ride other attractions.
Accommodation
Family rooms are ideal options for large groups, as they provide ample space that can accommodate up to six people. These rooms include two queen beds and a double-size sleeper sofa. Other options include standard rooms, which are approximately 305 square feet and accommodate up to two people, and accessible rooms that feature chocolate-themed decor and regionally crafted furnishings, creating a unique environment for guests.
Resort Dining
Head to Fire & Grain to experience an energetic and engaging environment with gathering tables for your whole group and a full-service bar. Enjoy an innovative menu for breakfast and dinner with remastered comfort foods and flavorful cocktails. For a more formal setting, consider Revelry Chophouse for a classic and contemporary dining experience. Alternatively, for a quick bite, visit Cocoa Beanery, an all-day coffee shop that serves grab-and-go meals, coffee, and rotating flavors of ice cream.
5.) KALAHARI RESORTS (POCONO MOUNTAINS, PA)
Crowned “America’s Largest Indoor Waterpark,” Kalahari Resort is an African-inspired destination with an abundance of year-round family fun all under one roof.
Kalahari Waterpark
Kalahari Resort’s waterpark features a large pool, a whirlpool for kids, and a swim-up bar, allowing parents to relax and unwind. Inside, the park is climate-controlled for year-round enjoyment and features a retractable roof for warmer months. Activities include rides such as the FlowRider, where you can enjoy stand-up surfing or bodyboarding, and the Wild Wildebeest. This multi-rider tube ride descends a dark tunnel to generate enough speed to climb a near-vertical wall, where you can experience the sensation of negative G-force.
Accommodation
With 220,000 square feet, the resort offers standard rooms for single travelers and family suites that fit up to 12 guests, complete with separate bedrooms and living areas. Numerous amenities include 100% non-smoking facilities, handicap accessibility and motorcoach-friendly parking. Other amenities include a game room, spa/massage facilities and an exciting indoor and outdoor waterpark.
Wellness Activities
For those seeking a more relaxing and leisurely day, Kalahari offers multiple wellness activities, including a spa where you can experience signature body treatments, luxurious massages, and strengthening skin and nail care services. You also have access to their Halotherapy Salt Room and Hydro Escape space featuring an indoor jacuzzi, steam room and outdoor patio with lounge seating.
Resort Dining
To conclude your night, visit signature dining locations to enjoy a meal with your family. One location is Double Cut Steak House, a contemporary steakhouse that features items ranging from classic steaks and seafood to more unique, seasonal menu items. Complimentary valet parking is available, and large group dining is accepted by request.
6.) MASSANUTTEN RESORT (MASSANUTTEN, VA)
With a breathtaking location, the Massanutten Resort comprises 6,000 acres of mountain fun. With its unique size, amenities, and lavish condo and hotel accommodations, Massanutten has earned the spot as the premier all-seasons resort destination on the East Coast.
Massanutten Resort Indoor Waterpark
Rated one of the best waterpark resorts in Virginia, Massanutten’s Indoor Waterpark maintains a heated temperature of 84 degrees Fahrenheit, offering rides that will surely satisfy your children’s expectations for a fun family celebration. Enjoy a water fortress, body slides, pools of all sizes, and learn how to surf on the FlowRider. Continue the fun with kid-friendly activities and classes, including arts and crafts workshops. Virginia wine tastings and cooking classes keep adults entertained while escape rooms and VR experiences offer new adventures for everyone. Nature lovers can enjoy mountain biking, with bikes available for rent or purchase.
Accommodation
The resort offers rooms with one king-size, one sleeper sofa, or two queen-size beds, each accommodating up to four people. All rooms include amenities such as coffee makers, irons, and ironing boards, as well as balconies and sitting areas. Additionally, they are conveniently located near exciting activities, including the Ski Area, the Family Adventure Park, and Massanutten Fitness & Rec Club.
Resort Dining
For group dining, there are multiple options to get a delicious meal. Base Camp, being a popular choice, welcomes guests to a bar and grill-style service and a perfect location to enjoy a nice beer on tap. Virginia BBQ & Pizza CO. is an ideal spot if you’re in the mood for down-home Southern barbecue in a family-friendly atmosphere. The resort offers dining events and catering for larger parties with signature dishes from their talented chefs to make your evening extra special.
7.) THE KARTRITE RESORT & INDOOR WATERPARK (CATSKILLS, NY)
Nestled in New York’s Catskill Mountains, The Kartrite Resort and Waterpark is an ideal getaway for your visit to New York. The resort offers a variety of attractions, including arcade and gaming fun for young children, as well as wellness activities such as hiking and personal exercise areas for adults. They offer rooms and suites for large families and have a suite that includes a waterpark pass.
Kartrite Indoor Waterpark
With seasonal and day passes, Kartrite’s indoor waterpark offers an 84-degree paradise with multiple slides and water rides. Popular options include The Krakken, a high-speed slide that was inspired by the legend of the sea monster, Endless Summer Flowrider, where you can ride perfect waves all day long, and Puddle Ducks, a water world for toddlers with shallow lagoons and suitable slides.
Resort Dining
Kartrite offers a variety of dining options, ranging from savory, group-friendly restaurants like Bixby’s and Surfside Grille to more relaxed adult environments and quick stops, such as Pop’s Sweet Shoppe and Bar Mez. If you’re planning a larger, multigenerational celebration, Kartrite offers multiple bundles to meet your specific group’s needs.
8.) WILDERNESS AT THE SMOKIES (SEVIERVILLE, TN)
Family fun is what’s at the heart of Wilderness at the Smokies. This unique resort is home to Tennessee’s largest water park and indoor adventure forest. With multiple dining options and over 700 rooms, suites and villas, this is a well-rounded family reunion destination. Admission to the waterparks is included when staying at the resort, making its 17 waterslides, nine pools, and multiple water rides and attractions available to your entire family.
Wild WaterDome Indoor Waterpark
The Wild WaterDome Indoor Waterpark features a see-through roof for a weather-proof reunion. It is home to the stunning Kaleidoscope Kavern, a one-of-a-kind lazy river featuring an immersive tunnel where the natural beauty of the Smoky Mountains is on display. The Ridge Runner is a new three-story water coaster featuring three steep drops and adrenaline-boosting uphill blasts, perfect for thrill seekers. At Magnolia Grove, the indoor/outdoor hot spa features 25 feet of benches inside, set in 101-degree warming waters with soothing jets, providing a relaxing and unwinding experience after a day of aquatic adventures.
Accommodation
Guest rooms range from basic options with two queen-sized beds to multi-suite units with fully equipped kitchens that can accommodate up to 16 people. For those who have a love for golfing, you have the option of staying at their Sanctuary Villas, Wilderness Cabins or Treehouses, where you have a view and access to at least 36 holes of championship golf.
Resort Dining
Popular resort dining options include Swimm’n Chick’n, located in Adventure Forest, offering a casual restaurant atmosphere with menu items such as handcrafted chicken tenders, salads, sandwiches, and wraps. Camp Social is a 5,000-square-foot food hall, perfect for families and large groups seeking variety. For a sweet treat, try their new Molly’s Shake Shoppe, where you can get unique milkshakes that include ice cream and crazy flavors and toppings.
WHY REUNITE AT RESORTS WITH INDOOR WATERPARK?
With so many exceptional resort options to choose from for your next family reunion, it won’t be challenging to find the perfect match. Indoor waterparks are great options for family gatherings because they offer something for everyone, regardless of the time of year. Being under one roof with your kids, who are already engaged in activities provided for them, is a significant advantage, allowing you to relax and bond during a memorable celebration.
For more insight into reunion planning and family-friendly destinations, visit DestinationReunions.com and download your FREE magazine today.
By Madelyn Bugai
