This past weekend I was fortunate enough to be invited to a blogger event at Kalahari Resorts in Sandusky Ohio. This was my family's first trip to Kalahari and it was memorable, wonderful experience! Tonight's post is the second post of a three part series, visit my first post on the food of Kalahari here.
When you first walk into the resort you will see a beautiful aquarium filled with clown fish and other fish and water friends. Across from the check in counters is another cool area you must not miss. During certain hours you can get your photo taken with various baby animals! I heard from a Spa worker that at times they even bring out baby kangaroos! While we were there it was an adorable, itty bitty baby tiger, who wanted nothing to do with pictures, he wanted to sleep. There was also a baby cougar and lion, who were so rambunctious and playful. The kids chose the baby lion to get their photo taken with, the worker talked to the kids, educated them, let them pet him all while getting shots with Niko! There was also a beautiful parrot and tarantulas there as well!
No trip to Kalahari safari is complete without a trip to the "Big Game" Room Arcade and Redemption Center after a fun filled day of sliding, riding the waves, etc. The "Big Game" Room Arcade is one of the largest arcades in Ohio! My son scored big on tickets when he won over 1000 tickets on a reel fishing game, then my daughter won 100 tickets on Deal or No Deal. Dad won both kids a giraffe from a claw machine and a Kalahari ball. By the end of the night they had over 3300 tickets combined and then it was time to redeem. My son went for a ton of little items like a slinky and parachute man, while my daughter went for a stuffed sea horse.
Not only does it feature a serious amount of video games and claw machines as Savannah Strike Bowling ($5 per game) and Madagascar Black Light Mini-Golf ($6 per person). The bowling alley is a smaller version of a regular alley with some super cute small hand bowling balls.
Mini-golf is a nice way to wind down an evening or start a morning before the park opens. Make sure to wear light colors and watch the kids be delighted when they are surrounded by super-bright rainbow of colors and their own clothes glow! It is only 9 holes, but when your kids don't play min golf that often, it was just the right amount of holes!
Travel further down the hallway, right across from the water park is Tree Top Play. Now I did not venture inside as it is meant for children under 52 inches (my daughter just squeaked by getting in), but from what the kids said, it was pretty cool. It is basically a jungle themed indoor playground, with tubes, climbing areas, slides, ball shooter and more. There is only one way in and out, so rest assured your kids are safe, while you sit and take a breather. Socks are required and there is a sock vending machine nearby if you forgot yours.
Okay now on to the mommy/daughter spa day! This was a real treat for the both of us. I have had pedicures myself, but Paige had not...unless you count me painting her toes! We started off with Swedish massages and we got them in the same room. Paige stayed fully clothed and totally loved her massage, she is always asking for her back to be rubbed or itched, so this was perfect for her. It was my first massage ever too and it was amazing! A nice tranquil, dark room, warm blankets, massages and light music. It was AMAZING.
Afterwards we went into the quiet relaxation room and waited for our pedicures! Paige was treated to a cup of hot chocolate and I a cup of coffee. We each had an express pedicure which consisted of shaping, cuticle care, foot filing and polish. Paige was so excited when they handed her all the nail colors to chose from. She kept it a surprise till the polish went on! It was a nice blue glitter polish, while I opted for a dark red/brown color. Some tips for you if you plan on getting your nails done:
You must stay out of water for at least an hour, so plan you appointment time around your day's events. We went to cookie decorating afterward to keep our toes dry!
Make sure you bring flip flops, you will need them when you leave! Also bring shorts, easier to pull shorts up and down, rather then jeans with freshly painted toes!
Arrive 20 minutes early to your appointment, it gives you time to change and relax.
Drink plenty of water before and after any spa treatments received. It is important to keep hydrated.
Stay tuned for Kalahari Resorts Part 3: The water park and rooms!
I received a free nights stay, meal comps and spa treatments to facilitate this review. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Full Disclosure Policy