Last weekend, we had the pleasure of celebrating my daughter’s upcoming 8th birthday at the Kalahari Water Park Resort in Round Rock, Texas. This destination turned out to be the perfect place for a multi-generational family gathering, offering something for everyone from my 28-year-old son to my 72-year-old mother, and of course, my 9-year-old niece. The memories we made there are sure to be cherished for years to come.
Welcome to the Jungle
From the moment we arrived, the sheer size and grandeur of the Kalahari Resort took our breath away. The resort boasts the largest indoor water park in the United States, and its African-themed decor adds an exotic flair to the entire experience. The staff welcomed us with warm smiles and exceptional hospitality, setting the tone for a delightful day.
Our Airbnb Oasis
Instead of staying at the resort, we opted for a nearby Airbnb, located just a 10-minute drive from Kalahari. This decision turned out to be ideal for our group of three adults and two children. The Airbnb had five bedrooms, providing ample space for everyone to relax. The game room was a particular highlight, offering entertainment for both kids and adults. This was our second visit to Kalahari; during our first trip, we stayed at the resort. However, this time, the Airbnb gave us the extra space we needed and contributed to an overall fantastic experience.
The Water Park Adventure
The water park at Kalahari is truly the crown jewel of the resort, featuring over 20 water rides and attractions. Here are some of the highlights that made our visit unforgettable:
- Barrelling Baboon: Riders slide through soaring dips and twists into oscillating funnels with ever-changing tempos.
- Cheetah Race: A competitive ride where you can grab a mat and challenge three friends to a race.
- Coral Cove: A zero-depth entry water play area featuring slides, bouncers, mini basketball, and more.
- Dungeons of Hout Bay: Plummet through a tube at racing speeds ending in a giant free-fall drop into a deep pool.
- FlowRider: Test your bodyboarding or surfing skills on this 5-foot wave simulator.
- Grotto Swim-Up Bar: An adults-only, immersive swim-up bar in a picturesque grotto.
- Kenya Korkscrew: A tandem tube slide with spiraling twists and turns.
- Lazy River: A relaxing river ride to wind down and enjoy the scenery.
- Lost Lagoon: A water basketball pool perfect for athletically inclined adventurers.
- Rippling Rhino: A flume ride with turns and drops, suitable for solo riders over 48″ tall or pairs.
- Sahara Sidewinders: A nearly vertical plummet through a 360-degree loop.
- Screaming Hyena: A thrilling drop ride starting 60 feet above the park floor.
- Serengeti Spinner: A slide with back-to-back curves and 360 spins.
- Splashdown Safari: A zero-depth entry pool with slides, water features, and a giant tipping bucket.
- Stingray: A ride where the tube rocks up and down steep funnel sides.
- Swahili Swirl: A dual raft ride ending in a funnel whirlpool.
- Tanzanian Twister: A high-speed funnel flume ending in a free fall into a deep pool.
- The Smoke That Thunders: A family raft ride with a stop time of 7:30 pm.
- Tiko’s Watering Hole: A kids’ play area with slides and a lazy river.
- Wave Pool: A zero-depth entry pool with gentle waves.
- Wild Wildebeest: An exciting ride with rapid turns and drops.
- Zig Zag Zebra: A fast-paced body slide.
- Thirsty Turtle: A new, 1,100 square foot swim-up and walk-up bar for adults.
- Adventure River: A 900-foot lazy river adventure.
- Bugs Burrow: A water-play area with bug-themed slides for kids.
- Basketball Pool: A large pool designed for water basketball.
- Outdoor Grotto Pool & Swim-Up Bar: An Instagram-worthy grotto with a swim-up bar for adults.
- ZanziBar Pool & Swim-Up Bar: An outdoor pool and swim-up bar with a sun deck.
- Savannah Springs: A kid’s pool with slides and a wet swing set.
Dining at Kalahari
Kalahari offers a variety of dining options to satisfy all tastes. We enjoyed a birthday dinner at B-Lux Grill & Bar, where the gourmet burgers and shakes were a hit with everyone. For a quick bite, the water park’s eateries, such as Sortino’s Italian Kitchen and the Last Bite, offer everything from pizzas and pasta to sweet treats. The restaurant staff even brought out a special dessert for my daughter, complete with a birthday song, making her feel extra special on her big day.
More Than Just a Water Park
Kalahari is more than just a water park; it’s a comprehensive resort with activities for all ages. We spent an afternoon at the Tom Foolerys Adventure Park, an indoor amusement space that includes:
- Arcade: A wide range of games for all ages.
- Escape Rooms: Challenging and immersive puzzles to solve as a family.
- B-Lux Bowling: A fun bowling alley perfect for all skill levels.
- Amatuli: An arts and crafts marketplace with unique offerings.
- Adventurers Club: A special club designed for young adventurers.
The kids couldn’t get enough of the arcade, while my son showed off his skills on the climbing walls and escape rooms. Bowling at B-Lux was a fun way to compete and laugh together, and exploring the Amatuli market provided a unique cultural experience.
Additionally, the resort offers various shopping options, including a Build-A-Bear Workshop where kids can create their own stuffed animals, adding another layer of fun to the experience.
The Lowdown on the Down Low
For those planning a visit, Kalahari offers day passes to the water park, with prices varying by season and availability. As of our visit, day passes ranged from $50 to $100 per person, which we found to be a fair price for the extensive variety of attractions available. Please note that access to Tom Foolerys Adventure Park is not included in the water park day pass unless specified in the package purchased.
The Splash-tastic Saga Continues
Our stay at the Kalahari Water Park Resort in Round Rock, Texas, was nothing short of magical. It’s a place where the fun never stops, and where families can come together to create unforgettable memories. Whether you’re sliding down thrilling water slides, exploring adventure parks, or simply relaxing by the pool, Kalahari has something for everyone.
Celebrating my daughter’s 8th birthday here was a decision we’ll never regret. From the smiles on her face to the laughter we shared as a family, it was a trip filled with joy and togetherness. We left the resort with full hearts and a promise to return, knowing that the adventures at Kalahari are far from over.
We have visited many water parks and enjoyed each one in its own unique way, but Kalahari is by far one of the best and lives up to the hype. Two full days would be plenty of time to enjoy everything that the park has to offer. I hope to bring my baby back again next year. I love how families can bring their children to the water park no matter the season since it is indoor.
If you’re looking for a destination that combines excitement, relaxation, and family-friendly fun, Kalahari Water Park Resort in Round Rock, Texas, is the perfect choice. We’re already counting down the days until our next visit!
For more information check out Kalahari in Round Rock, TX.
