Helpful Tips For Visiting Kalahari Resort In Sandusky, Ohio

Don’t miss out on these valuable tips before visiting Kalahari Resort in Sandusky, Ohio. 

Kalahari resorts are known for their massive indoor waterparks throughout the United States. While the Kalahari Resort in the Wisconsin Dells holds the record for America’s largest indoor waterpark, Kalahari in Sandusky claims the title as Ohio’s largest.

Kalahari offers more than an African-Safari-themed indoor water park. Guests can enjoy onsite restaurants, boutiques, a full-service spa, a large arcade, and an outdoor adventure park. This article will dive into what to expect as a first-time visitor to Kahalari and tips for visiting the resort in Sandusky, Ohio.

Where is the Kalahari Resort In Sandusky, Ohio?

Kalahari in Sandusky sits along Lake Erie, offering guests many additional attractions to visit during their stay. Spend the day exploring Put-In-Bay, plan an afternoon at one of Lake Erie’s beautiful beaches, or go thrill-seeking at nearby Cedar Point.

Pulling into Kalahari, follow the signs to the main entrance for check-in. There is much hustle and bustle at the entrance as families come and go.

Check-in time begins at 4:00 pm. Should you arrive as early as 10:00 am, you can pre-register and begin to enjoy the waterparks.

Check-out is no later than 11:00 am. After you have checked out, you can stay until 3:00 pm in the waterpark.

Planning Tip: Drop someone off at the entrance to check-in. It should be the person who booked the room, as a photo ID is required. Then park in the nearby parking lot to wait until check-in is complete and you have a room number.

Lines can get long at check-in, so there is no need to pull the entire family out of the car to wait in line.

Photo Opt: Upon entering Kalahari, there is a great photo op right near the main entrance with elephants and the waterfall. Park in the parking lot in front of the entrance, then walk over or pull up for a quick photo.

Address: 7000 Kalahari Drive Sandusky, OH 44870

First-Timer Tips For Kalahari

If this is your first time visiting the Kalahari water park resort in Sandusky, prepare to be overwhelmed initially. The waterpark is massive, the lobby resembles Grand Central Station, and you may be left looking around, wondering what your next move is.

Here are a few tips for newbies:

• In addition to the indoor waterpark, during the summer, the outdoor waterpark is also open for guests to enjoy.
• If you plan on utilizing the spa services or restaurants at Kalahari, make reservations before you arrive. Sortino’s Italian Kitchen is on Open Table for easy reservations. It will be one less thing to worry about once you arrive.
• This massive resort is not what you would expect in Ohio. On the contrary, it resembles the big resorts in popular tourist towns like Orlando.
• The pricing is comparable with other indoor waterpark resorts, such as Great Wolf Lodge. However, it is higher than a standard hotel, as you are paying for waterpark admission.
• Take your own towel if you don’t want to deal with the towel exchange.
• Take your ID with you if you plan on purchasing alcoholic beverages at the waterpark. It is only one drink per ID.
• Honestly, two-three days is about max for how long you want to stay.
• Kids under 48″ have to wear a lifejacket for all Kalahari water attractions.
• Swim diapers are required for all children under the age of 3 and those who are not toilet-trained.
• Your wristband acts as your room key and gets you into the waterpark.

What Is There To Do At Kalahari Resort?

Kalahari is known for its African Safari-themed resort and indoor waterpark. While the waterpark is the main attraction, there are a variety of other amenities and attractions to enjoy, such as mini-golf, virtual reality, a mirror maze, and more.

The first thing is to get familiar with what is offered in the waterpark area. I recommend having kiddos measured so you know which attractions they can and can’t go on and which ones they can do with an adult.

 Here is what to expect at the Kalahari indoor waterpark:

• Scan your wristband to get into the waterpark.
• Lockers, restrooms, and shower areas are available.
• If you didn’t bring your own towel, venture to the towel exchange to pick up your towel. I recommend bringing your own towel because the towel exchange line gets long.
• Don’t miss the lazy river!
• There is more than one hot tub. 
• Two kiddie areas can are indoors that are perfect for kids under six years old. However, I preferred the outdoor kid’s area, Bugs Burrow, with tons of slides made especially for them!
• A wide variety of water slides makes Kalahari ideal for older kids and teens.
• The huge wave pool is a staple. When the bell rings, the waves begin!
• A must-do is the Tanzanian Twister. This unique water slide sends guests around and around through a funnel flue up to 40 mph! Then you free fall into the catch pool below.
• The Swahili Swirl is a popular raft ride designed for thrill seekers.

At some point, the family will throw in the towel for the waterpark, which means it is time to explore the other fun family activities at Kalahari Sandusky.

Planning Tip: Attractions outside of the waterpark are ala-carte.

Here are the things your kids will beg you to do:

• Play all the games in the Big Game Room Arcade.
• Try to get out of the Cave of Mirrors.
• Play a few rounds of Mini-Golf. There is an indoor and outdoor course!
• Safari Adventures Animal Park. Yes, there is a real giraffe, camel, and other animals!
• 7-D Motion Theater
• Take home their weight in candy from the Candy Hut.
• Challenge you to a game of Lazer Tag.

Don’t Forget The Adults

While many families love spending the weekend at Kalahari Resort, so do adults! Whether it is a romantic getaway, a destination wedding, or parents with children are a few spots you need to know about.

• Hit the fitness center to keep up with your fitness routine. 
• The swim-up bar is a popular adult retreat where guests can enjoy their favorite tropical cocktails and alcoholic beverages.
• Plan a rejuvenating spa session.

Traveling With A Group? Rent A Kalahari Entertainment House

During our recent visit to Kalahari, we were joined by four other families. Renting the 5 Bedroom Entertainment House was the most cost-efficient way for everyone to visit. It provides tons of space plus waterpark admission to everyone staying.

Price Breakdown

The Kalahari Entertainment goes for roughly $1600-1800 a night. A standard double room goes for roughly $350 a night. For a three-night stay, our cost was 4800 for all five families to split, making the total $960. If each family were to get standard rooms, it would be $5250 for all five families making the total $1050.*

*These prices are based on our booking experience for early August 2022. I recommend running the numbers for both options to determine the best deal for your family.

What’s Included In the Kalahari Entertainment House?

 The Entertainment Houses have a fully equipped kitchen allowing families to cook meals to avoid the cost of eating out. The kitchen was vital when choosing the Entertainment House because dining out at Kalahari is not cheap.

The five-bedroom entertainment was a two-level house with three bedrooms on the 2nd floor and two, including the master on the main level.

• There are a variety of different size houses from 3 to 10 bedrooms.
•  The five bedrooms include one with a king bed, four with two queen beds, and four bathrooms.
• There is a washer and dryer. We would dry our swimsuits every day; then at the end of the trip, we washed all the clothes, so we didn’t have to do it when we got home.
• FREE Waterpark admission is included with your stay: 10 am on your day of arrival through 3 pm on your day of departure.
• A complimentary shuttle is available to take guests to and from the waterpark.
• There is a pool table and a card table.
• Enjoy a spacious patio with loungers, tables, and chairs. I recommend eating breakfast out here a few mornings.
• Seven flat-screen TVs.
• Bar with mini-fridge.
• There are sand volleyball courts by the villas.

Planning Tip: The shuttle can sometimes be a wait. The walk to the main entrance is roughly 10 minutes. However, if you are visiting while the outdoor waterpark is open, you can easily access that in a quick 3-minute walk.

Pro Tip: If you plan on cooking meals in the house, place a pick-up order at the local grocery store to save time.

Ways To Enhance Your Kalahari Stay

Celebrations are taken seriously at Kalahari as many families celebrate important life events, birthdays, and milestones at the resort. For my mom’s 60th, she wanted the whole family together for a vacation. Little did she know we added a few fun surprises to help make her trip more memorable.

Birthday Packages

If you are traveling, it is often hard to make the trip with a birthday cake. The Instant Birthday Party Package was perfect because they had a beautiful cake, a fun plush, and an arcade card waiting in the room for us. You also get a 14″ pizza and four soft drinks!

Many other packages are available such as balloon bouquets, surprise boxes, delicious candy from the Candy Hut, and more. Check out all the Enhance the Fun options to surprise someone for a special occasion.

Book a Spa Package

Relax and rejuvenate your mind, body, and spirit with excellent body treatments, luxurious massage, skincare, nail care, and more. Spa Kalahari & Salon offers a variety of tranquility packages to help you relax. Whether it is a session in their Halotherapy Room or a soothing massage, a visit to the spa is often on the itinerary for many guests.

Planning Tip: Salon services have no age restrictions. All persons under the age of 18 years require parental consent. Make your reservations in advance.

Budget-Friendly Tips For Visiting Kalahari Resort in Sandusky Ohio

As with many families, budget often comes into play while planning adventures. If you are considering visiting Kalahari, here are a few ways to quickly save a little money while still enjoying all the fun Kalahari has to offer.

Book During Kalahari Family Nights

Kalahari Family Nights are special rates on special dates at the Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells and Sandusky, Ohio. These special deals are available for anyone who signs up in the “Don White Block.”

 The “Don White Block” is a special room block at the Kalahari not available to the general public. A limited number of rooms are set aside at a rate well below the regular Kalahari rates. Learn more about the Kalahari Family Nights.

Join The Mailing List

One of the best ways to find great deals at Kalahari is by joining their mailing list. That way, you are getting special offers delivered directly to your inbox.

Bring Your Own Meals or Order From Nearby Restaurants

Eating out is a quick way to increase your expenses during a trip. To help keep food costs at a minimum, consider these options:

• Bring lunch meat or microwavable meals. All rooms have a fridge and a microwave. Don’t forget to pack paper plates and napkins!
• For larger units with kitchens, bring supplies to prepare meals in the room.
• You can have pizza delivered, or Uber Eats meals to Kalahari.
• Enjoy one of the many restaurants Near Kalahari Resort in Sandusky, Ohio. For a great Mexican restaurant, visit Casa Real.

Consider Buying A Day Pass

Families looking only to spend the day at Kalahari can purchase a day pass to enjoy both the indoor and outdoor waterpark. Day passes should be purchased directly through Kalahari as they provide the wristband needed for entrance.

• Planning Tip: Day pass visitors should bring their own towels as they are not provided. Outside food and drink are prohibited inside the waterpark.

What Do I Pack For A Stay At Kalahari?

Depending on the season you are visiting, you will need to come prepared to visit the indoor and possibly the outdoor waterpark.

A top priority when considering what to wear to a water park is comfort. Opt for lightweight, loose-fitting clothing to wear over swimwear. A comfortable pair of sandals that are easy to slip on and off will make getting around the water park more enjoyable.

Kalahari has a firm rule against using water slides and certain water attractions with swimsuits that have zippers, buttons, and any exposed metal. 

Prevent an embarrassing moment by ensuring you have the correct swimwear on. For example, a bikini top can easily come up during the plunge on a waterslide.

If you plan on doing more than waterslides during your visit to Kalahari, pack casual wear such as shorts and a t-shirt to wear around the resort for mini-golf, arcade, and dining out.

I recommend reading our Ultimate Waterpark Packing List to ensure you come fully prepared.

Planning Tip: Bring a stroller. Kalahari is a huge resort, and little legs get tired quickly.

We hope you enjoyed our article on helpful tips for visiting the Kalahari Resort in Sandusky, Ohio. Check out our related articles for finding more awesome things to do in Ohio.

10 Fun Ways To Spend Summer In Ohio

Beautiful Places To Explore In Ohio This Fall 

Pin It For Later 

Helpful Tips For Visiting Kalahari Resort In Sandusky, Ohio