Your attendees are thrilled about the resort picked for the conference, and in most houses there’s a growing refrain from their families: “I wish I could go, too!” With these six family-friendly resorts in the heart of the country, not only can attendees grant those wishes, but making them come true is a growing trend as families combine conference time with vacation time.
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.
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Inn at Bay Harbor, Bay Harbor, Mich.
On the shores of Little Traverse Bay at Lake Michigan is the Inn at Bay Harbor Autograph Collection. It’s so close to the water, in fact, that the beach is literally right outside the front door. Attendees and families can find a complete beach vacation and conference rolled into one experience. Covered beach chairs and cabanas await, or guests can dive into the outdoor pool instead of a beach swim. There’s also a life-size chess board for family fun or teambuilding exercises, and the staff can arrange off-site activities, such as fishing trips and wine tours.
When it comes to dining, choice is king. Want a real afternoon tea? They can do that. Prefer snacking down at the Cabana Bar? Fine. There’s even a Happy Hour special available at the spa, so guests can relax their bodies and their brains.
There’s still plenty to do in the winter months when it’s too cool to take a dip in the lake. Guests at the resort have access to the skiing and snowboarding at Boyne Mountain Resort, a sister property to the Inn at Bay Harbor.
The Lodge of Four Seasons, Lake Ozark, Mo.
Set in the beautiful Ozarks, The Lodge of Four Seasons has entertained families and groups for generations. After a $15 million renovation finished this year, the resort has even more to offer as a family-friendly destination.
“The natural layout of the lodge regarding sleeping rooms, meeting space and activities is all centrally located and not spread out,” said Frederik Houben, director of sales and marketing for The Lodge of Four Seasons. “Being a full-service lake resort, we feature the largest full-service marina on the lake and also fishing excursions, two championship golf courses, parasailing and kayaking.”
The resort’s location alongside the shores of Lake of the Ozarks means plenty of outdoor diversions on land as well, including walking paths, jogging trails and volleyball. After a full day of activity, attendees can relax in the award-winning, Japanese-themed Spa Shiki.
A trend Houben sees growing is the demand for physical activities.
“The arcade is utilized, but families are not just hanging around by the pool and vegging. They want to do things,” he said. “We do see there’s a lot more physical activity, even in the evening, people want to be outside, whether they are out on the boat, playing volleyball or just roasting marshmallows by the fire pit.”
Summer is a popular time for groups to bring the family due to school vacations.
“We currently have a law enforcement conference in-house, and I’m surprised by how many brought their spouses and families,” he said.
Grand Harbor Resort and Waterpark, Dubuque, Iowa
Located at the Port of Dubuque, Grand Harbor Resort and Waterpark offers both indoor and outdoor fun for families. The most popular attraction for kids is the 25,000-square-foot on-site indoor waterpark, with water slides, tube rides, activity pools and much more. The Cave Arcade offers old-school fun for kids and adults alike, with Skee-Ball, Whack-a-Mole and a Wheel of Fortune, in addition to video games. Even the property’s restaurant, Tony Roma’s, can switch between grown-up receptions and kids birthday parties with remarkable ease.
Outside, attendees can enjoy a casual stroll along the Mississippi Riverwalk, and the property is also within walking distance of Dubuque’s historic downtown. The nearby Grand River Center offers 86,000 square feet of event space and features commanding views of the Mississippi in the all-glass River Room.
