Splash Lagoon Indoor Waterpark
Mar 17th, 2009If you are looking for a great weekend getaway - even if the weather isn't cooperating -- you must make some time to visit Splash Lagoon, the area's largest Indoor Waterpark located in Erie, PA. Only an hour and a half drive from Pittsburgh, this is a fabulously fun time, with something for every age! Splash Lagoon is owned and operated by Scott Enterprises, a family operated company that truly believes in giving back to the community through programs like Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Make A Wish, Habitat for Humanity and the Erie City Mission to name a few. Scott not only owns Splash Lagoon, but over the years has invested in over fifteen francishes in the Erie area, including hotels and popular restaurants to truly make your visit an "experience" to remember!
We packed up the minivan and decided to get away for a couple days last month, all told there were 5 of us: my husband and I, our son and 2 daughters...10, 8 and 3. Wary of getting away to a place that could entertain all three ages, the 1 1/2 hour drive from just north of Pittsburgh proved just long enough a drive. We arrived on a late Friday morning to this vacation oasis just off the highway. The kids could spot several of the colorful waterslides jutting out of the building into the parking lot ... and could hardly contain their excitement! We parked in front of the Holiday Inn Express located just next door and entered a warm, invitingly decorated front desk area. The front desk staff checked us in quickly and efficiently and thoroughly explained the details of our Water Park bracelets and the complimentary breakfast in the morning. All of the employees we interacted with provided us with friendly and expedient service, and before I knew it we were settling into our hotel room, conveniently connected just down the hall from the Water Park.
Upon entering our room, I was struck by how clean and spacious the room was. The room included two queen beds and a pull out queen sofa and had all the extra's we would need for the weekend. There was a mini-refridgerator, microwave and coffee pot to help make our stay more comfortable, but the kids (and my husband) were most excited about the super large whirlpool tub in the bathroom!
The smell and sounds of the Water Park next door were beckoning, so we were quick to change into our suits and head over to the slides. The park was literally just down a short inside hallway, and we immediately were transferred to Hawaiian style resort lobby. To the left was a neat little "Surf Shop", chock full of all the necessities you may have forgotten (like our goggles!) and lots of souveniers. Straight ahead was a 2nd floor balcony with plenty of carpeted seating for those that didn't want to get wet down in the water park. It had a fabulous view of the entire park and would be great for those with older children to keep an eye, while keeping dry. At the end of the balcony area was a fabulous Tiki Bar, the Island Oasis Bar & Lounge, complete with any fun cocktail you could desire. And just on the other side of the glass was a 6,000 foot complete gaming arcade with all the latest and greatest fun for kids of all ages.
We chose to get wet right away and took the elevator down to the ground level and found a table in between the tot pool (Monkey Shines Island) and Adventure Bay to place our things. My littlest one was perfectly content in the tot pool with zero depth entry and miniature slides for most of our stay. There were hanging bouncy seats for the littlest swimmers to take advantage of the water on their own. Bubbling fountains and lots of water activities right inside the pool!
My older two could not wait to get a hold of the innertubes and try out the wild slides. Both of the kids were tall enough (42") to ride all the slides on their own. I was excited to see that they also offered double innertubes so that we could ride together with our 3 year old too. Most of the slides dropped into the Lazy River, which gave you a chance to just lay back and relax right through the middle of the park. There was a large open pool area that had 8 basketball hoops, two floating rafts and an obstacle course for the daring. One of my favorites was the two family hottubs that had seating around the edges. The water was just the right temperature, not too hot, so the little ones really enjoyed them too. For those looking for a bit of "away" time ... there was even Paradise Cove, an "adult" only hot tub tucked in the corner and blocked away from everything else!
When the kids got waterlogged, but still had some energy, we checked out the loads of kid friendly crafts/movies and activies in the Family Activity Center, just off the water park. We didn't even get a chance to check out the 2,000 square foot, state of the art, Lazer Tag arena just next door, next time! It was a wonderful feeling to know that after all that swimming and playing, that we could return to our room and simply call for dinner delivery from a host a popular restaurants in the area, also owned and operated by Scott Enterprises, including Applebee's and Damon's ... delivered right to your room!
On a side note, our vehicle remained parked just out front of our hotel the entire time, there was no reason to leave the resort area! Though the weather was mild during our stay, I imagine not having to leave the park an extra great perk during the North Eastern winter cold! In addition to the many choices of room delivery, there were an abundance of dining choices within the resort area, including Boston Pizza and the Safari Grill, we found the prices were reasonable, and the food was great.
Splash Lagoon is the perfect place for family getaways, birthday parties, field trips and group outings alike! If you haven't had a chance to visit, I urge you to go see what you have been missing! You can check them out online for the latest events and specials as well as great coupon offers! We certainly will plan to return to Splash Lagoon! |
