Midwest resorts are family-friendly stomping grounds
By: Beth Bartlett
August 2016
Kalahari Resorts and Conventions, Wisconsin Dells, Wis.
Touting itself as the home of “America’s Largest Indoor Waterparks,” it’s natural that Kalahari Resorts and Conventions is a slam-dunk for attendees and their families. Combine that with the amenities and timeless appeal of Africa, along with 750 rooms and suites and 100,000 square feet of meeting space, and it’s a perfect, year-round choice for relaxing, fun meetings. The authentic African theme goes beyond the decor. Even the coffee served is from hand-picked beans flown in from Rwanda.
Of course, splashing about isn’t the only thrill at Kalahari.
Kalahari also offers plenty of dry fun, including the 100,000-square-foot Indoor Theme Park, which features a ropes course, climbing walls, go karts, bowling, laser tag, hundreds of arcade games, a six-story Ferris wheel and more.
With all it has to offer, the resort is seeing a shift in meetings, according to Kevin Shanley, chief revenue strategist for the resort.
“The appeal of mixing work and play is only increasing,” he said. “We’ve found that when a meeting is held at Kalahari Resorts and Conventions, it transforms from an obligation one family member has to attend to one the entire family gets to attend. In fact, when meeting planners host their meeting at Kalahari, it leads to an average 20 percent increase in meeting attendance, and average block pickup of 108 percent.”
Grand Geneva Resort and Spa, Lake Geneva, Wis.
It’s all about going outside to play at Grand Geneva Resort and Spa. Hiking, horseback riding, golf and skiing give families a perfect opportunity to let go of their phones and get active.
“Grand Geneva Resort and Spa is the only all-season destination of its kind in the Midwest,” said Lauren Vernick, director of group sales at the property. “There’s a variety of meeting space options at Grand Geneva—everything from the ski chalet to grand ballrooms to conference rooms. We also have a variety of recreational opportunities at the resort to incorporate into the meeting, as well as teambuilding activities.”
The resort opened the Adventure Center last fall, which offers resort and destination adventures throughout the year, including mountain biking, hiking, disc golf, slacklines and volleyball. In winter, the resort’s Mountain Top Ski Chalet offers three chairlifts and two carpet lifts, with professional ski instructors available for kids and adults, so everyone can enjoy the slopes. Grand Geneva’s sister property, Timber Ridge Resort, also offers the Moose Mountain Falls Waterpark for summer fun.
Grand Geneva constantly plans new programming for families, according to Vernick. Activities can range from bingo, family magic shows and Family Feud to teambuilding events like the Putt-Putt Challenge, Build-A-Bike program or an Amazing Race-style scavenger hunt.
As for trends, Vernick sees groups “keeping it simple and hands-on.” She added that athletic trends that get people moving are popular, such as Amazing Race-themed activities.
Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa, Galena, Ill.
Secluded on 6,800 acres of the Galena Territory, Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa is a favorite for groups. In addition to 63 holes of championship golf and 23 miles of hiking trails, the resort also offers fishing on Lake Galena, plus a year-round pool that has a retractable roof for the warmer months.
Like many resorts, the key to Eagle Ridge is outdoor fun in any season, including ice skating and snowshoeing in winter. The resort also provides a vast array of programming for kids and adults, including poolside craft classes, scavenger hunts and Cork and Canvas classes, which were added by popular demand and feature painting instruction and wine and cheese. The staff can also set up off-site horseback riding adventures at the Shenandoah Riding Center, or hot-air balloon rides showcasing the pristine beauty of the Galena Territory.
