If you’ve ever packed up the car and headed to Sandusky, Ohio with a trunk full of swimsuits, snacks, and tweens buzzing with excitement, there’s a good chance you were headed to Kalahari Resorts & Conventions—and you weren’t alone. This African-inspired resort has become a go-to for Michigan families looking for big thrills and even bigger indoor water fun. In 2025, it’s celebrating a major milestone: 25 years of unforgettable family getaways.
What started in Wisconsin Dells back in 2000 has grown into a nationally recognized family vacation brand with resorts in Sandusky, Ohio (just about 2 hours from Detroit), the Pocono Mountains, Texas, and a brand new location coming soon to Spotsylvania, Virginia.
But the real news? Kalahari just won big—again. USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards named Kalahari the Best Indoor Water Park in the U.S. for the third year in a row. They also picked up a new honor for Best Water Slide thanks to their virtual reality slide in Pennsylvania.
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Why Michigan Families Love Kalahari (Especially the Sandusky Location)
Let’s be honest—sometimes Michigan weather keeps us guessing. So when kids want summer-level fun without depending on the sun, Kalahari delivers. Here’s why Sandusky’s Kalahari Resort is worth the drive:
- Massive Indoor Waterpark: With surf simulators, water coasters, tube slides, lazy rivers, and more! It’s easy to spend an entire weekend here without once checking the forecast.
- Thrill Rides for Tweens & Teens: Older kids won’t roll their eyes here. Between the FlowRider, trapdoor drop slides, and raft rides that twist through the ceiling, the thrill factor is high.
- Outdoor Waterpark (in summer months): If the weather’s right, the outdoor section is just as exciting—with sun-soaked splash zones and even more slides.
- On-Site Dining Credit with New Packages: One of the best parts of the new “25 Years of Adventure” package? A $100 nightly dining credit, which means pizza by the pool, breakfast buffets, or grown-up cocktails can all be covered.
- Adventure Park Access: The new celebration bundle also includes up to four passes to the resort’s adventure park, which features ropes courses, mini golf, and more.
Mark Your Calendar: Flash Sale Alert
To celebrate 25 years of water-soaked fun, Kalahari is rolling out a four-day flash sale:
- 🗓️ May 2 at 12:00am CST through May 5 at 11:59pm CST
- 💸 Promo Code: H2WOAH
- 🛏️ Deals on overnight stays, day passes, cabanas, and season passes
So whether the kids are begging for one last adventure before finals… or you’re looking for a long-weekend alternative to another basketball tournament, this sale might be worth bookmarking.
What’s Next for Kalahari?
With a fifth resort on the way and a commitment to “beyond expectations” guest experiences, Kalahari is showing no signs of slowing down. As founder Todd Nelson puts it, “Twenty-five years ago, we set out to redefine family getaways—and today, we’re honored to see the continued love from our guests and industry peers.”
And based on the number of Michigan license plates in the parking lot? We’d say the feeling is mutual.
Ready to book or learn more about the 25th anniversary celebrations?
Visit: www.kalahariresorts.com/25
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