Kalahari Sandusky Reviews: New Insider Tips for When You Plan!

If you are looking for a warm getwaway that isn’t too far from metro Detroit, then Kalahari Sandusky might be the perfect staycation for you. In this Kalahari Sandusky Reviews we will share a few insider tips that will help your vacation go a bit smoother and give you an idea of what to expect before you go. We received a complimentary hotel stay and admission to the waterpark in exchange for this promotional post.  All opinions are my own.  Your experience may differ.  Kalahari Sandusky is located just south of Route 2 on Milan Road. It about a two and a half-hour drive from the Metro Detroit area.  Generally taking 80/90 is the quickest route. However, we often take Route 2 as it is only a couple minutes more. The route has better scenic views, and better yet saves us the tolls.

Kalahari Sandusky Reviews: Waterpark Attractions

Kalahari Resorts in Sandusky, Ohio is the nation’s second-largest indoor waterpark at 173,000 square feet.  At the time of publication, the largest is Kalahari Poconos. This amazing space includes more than 20 atrractions. Although many children possess excellent swimming capabilities in standard pools, Kalahari Resorts requires all children under 48” to wear a life vest for added safety while enjoying the waterparks. Life jackets are available at many locations about the waterpark. 

Daily locker rentals are available. At the time of publication (3/2023), rental fees were $25 per day for a small locker, a large locker was $30, and a jumbo locker was $35 per day.

Kalahari resorts offers many attractions that are fun for the whole family including the Lazy River, Crocodile Cove, indoor and outdoor spas, Water Basketball, and also a wave pool. The Leopard’s Lair is a great space for the whole family. With a zero-depthd entry, the attraction hosts slides of all sizes as well as water cannons all within this multi-level water tree fort. For children that are 52 inches tall or under, the Kids Safari is a great place to hang out. Smaller slides and splash elements will keep your little one busy for hours.

Guests that are 42 inches or taller call enjoy the bigger slides and rides such as Zimbabwe Zipper, Flowrider and Cheetah Racer.

We visited on a very low capacity day. This was great particularly when it came to not having to wait in long lines for rides or food. However, some of the attractions (and restaurants) were closed due to low attendance.

Kalahari Sandusky Reviews from my Children

Kalahari Sandusky Reviews from my children: Rosaleigh (9) and Carlyn (6) weren’t really into slides and rides. Therefore, we spent most of our time in the lower thrill areas. They especially enjoyed the wave pool, lazy river and the water tree fort.  Naomi (3) is my thrill-seeker. She LOVED the slides in the tree fort, she wanted to go on some of the bigger rides and slides. However, she was WAY too short and didn’t meet the height requirements.

I personally rode on the Tanzanian Twister (pictured above) and the Swahili Swirl (pictured below).  Both were a ton of fun and full of excitement.

I also braved the flow rider (pictured below), which was by far my favorite.  One piece bathing suits are highly recommended.  A t-shirt is required for female riders wearing a two-piece style suit.  But, females are not the only victims of bathing suit shenanigans on this ride… I witnessed a boy lose his swim trunks, and I myself almost lost the bottom half of my suit.

Kalahari in Ohio Fun and Games

Outside of the waterpark, the Kalahari Resorts in Sandusky offers many options to keep you and your family busy.  For example, sports lovers will enjoy mini bowling or mini golf. While gamers can spend some time in the game room, play laser tag, or virtual reality. If sitting back and relaxing is more your speed, you will love the 7-D Motion Theatre. You can also test your physical abilities at the Safari Outdoor Adventure Park. Finally, guests can pamper themselves at the spa or salon.

Dining at Kalahari in Ohio

On-site dining options are numerous.  The Ivory Coast and B-Lux Grill & Bar are two options that offer casual dining. However, if you are looking for a quicker option, you may enjoy the Cafe Mirage.  The Candy Hut offers an amazing assortment of sweets.  And if you choose, you can enjoy a meal in the waterpark at one six restaurants.

Insier Tips for Kalahari Sandusky

What Should I Pack:

• Don’t forget to bring shoes for the pool area as well as walking shoes. There are plenty of activties besides the waterpark (like the Safari Oudoor Adventure Park).
• A smaller bag for your first and last day – this way you can enjoy the waterpark starting at 10 am on the day of arrival and stay til close on the day of your departure.
• Don’t forget your bathing suit as well as at least one towel for each guest.

How Long Should I Stay at Kalahari Sandusky?

We recommend at least two nights so you can really relax and enjoy the park for a whole day uninterupted. However, if you make other plans in the area (like a day trip to Cedar Point) three nights or more would be best.

Planning your Meals at Kalahari Sandusky

Kalahari Resorts in Sandusky offers plenty of dining options one site, not only within the resort, but also within the waterpark. However if you are looking to save money on your trip, you can bring your own food and eat in your room. The rooms all have a microwave, mini-refrigerator as well as a coffee maker.

What are the Kalahari Waterpark Hours

Currently the hours at Kalahari Resorts in Sandusky are Sunday through Thursday from 10 am until 8 pm. Friday and Saturday the waterpark is open from 10 am until 9 pm.

Kalahari Waterpark Passes

If you are not staying at the resort, you can still visit the waterpark. Kalahari offers a limited number of day passes which grant access to both the indoor and outdoor waterpark areas. Toddlers ages 2 and under do not need a day pass.

What age is good for Kalahari Sandusky?

There is truly something for everyone at Kalahari Resorts in Sandusky.  Alhtough I would recommend that your child be at least walking to get the most out of this indoor water park. While this wouldn’t be my top choice for children under the age of five, they still provide a lof of amazing opportunities for fun for all age groups. We highly recommend Kalahari Sandusky for families with children of mixed ages or teens.

How far is Cedar Point from Kalahari?

Cedar Point Amusement Park is 9.9 mi away from the Kalahari Resorts in Sandusky. So if you are planning a trip to the Roller Coaster capital, Kalahari is a good option for a hotel stay. Especially if you are planning on staying multiple nights.

Is Kalahari the largest waterpark in the world?

No, the tropical Islands Resort in Germany holds that title with an area of 710,000 square feet. However, Kalahari in the Poconos is the largest waterpark in the United States with 223,000 sq feet of water fun. While Kalahari Sandusky is the second largest with 175,000 square feet.

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