There’s no question that the Poconos in Pennsylvania are the East Coast’s indoor water park central, thanks to major resorts like Camelback’s Aquatopia, Kalahari and Great Wolf Lodge. But The Kartrite Resort and Indoor Water Park’s opening this past April in Monticello, NY is putting the Catskills on the map for wet and wild fun.
The Kartrite is the biggest indoor water park in NY and has everything from a ropes course and laser tag to a spa and fitness center to climbing walls and mini bowling on top of its pools and slides. There’s also plenty to eat (don’t miss Pop’s Sweet Shoppe!) and tons to do in the arcades, plus a stacked schedule of family activities the kids will love. Here’s why your crew may want to avoid the big crowds of the Poconos and make a splash in NY for your next getaway.
Its Manageable Size Is Perfect for Younger Kids
It’s true: Kalahari is the biggest indoor water park in the country and Camelback has almost 50,000 square feet on Kartrite. But the resort’s smaller size makes it easier to keep an eye on the kids. And its events and activities are usually held in big, easy-to-get-to areas of the resort, like the DIY sand art in the lobby or donut decorating at the Playopolis arcade. Older kids can likely find their way around easily if you want to relax poolside. Fair warning: They won’t have to come ask you for cash: The wristband they’ll get upon arrival acts as a room key and charge card.
Location, Location, Location
The Kartrite is located just minutes from Resorts World Catskills Casino Resort and Monticello Motor Club (think off-roading and go karts), and a short drive from Bethel Woods, the location of the iconic 1969 Woodstock Festival and the official Woodstock museum at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts. Play the slots, go off-roading or go karting with the kids or walk the field on which thousands of guests watched acts like Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin, respectively. Come next year, you’ll be about 40 minutes from the new LEGOLAND New York Resort in Goshen, too. You can also get to Woodbury Commons Premium Outlet in about 45 minutes (we suggest stopping here on your way home). The Catskills are also great for river trips, camping and golfing.
The Resort Has Its Own Hiking Trails
It’s no secret that the Catskills are home to beyond-beautiful natural landscapes and sites. You don’t even have to leave the resort to get in on some outdoor splendor. There are five Kartrite Trails that cover nearly six miles of scenic hiking. The trails are perfect for beginners and little one and open from dawn until dusk. Keep an eye out for wildlife while you’re trekking! Ask the concierge about guided trail tours if you’d rather go with a pro. Other outdoor activities include archery, cornhole and giant chess. And if the kids love s’mores, Kartrite’s signature outdoor fire pits stay lit every night so families can warm up in the brisk Catskill Mountain air with freshly made s’mores. S’mores kits are available for purchase or you can bring your own.
You Can Score a Splash Pass—Without Staying the Night
You While the brand-new rooms come complete with Wi-Fi, a mini fridge and microwave are a definite highlight, you can get access to the water park without booking a room. Splash passes score you entry to all 80,000 square feet of rides, slides and pools. The park gets natural light all day long (thanks to the transparent roof) and remains at a perfect 84 degrees. Chill in the Empire Bay lazy river, hang ten on the Endless Summer Flowrider, splash in the Puddle Ducks lagoon with your littlest guppies and brave the massive Nor’Easter thrill slide.
The water park is open from 10 am-8 pm Monday through Thursday, 10 am-9 pm on Fridays and 9 am-9 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Passes go for $59-99 depending on the day, and discounts are available to military and veterans, seniors and Sullivan County, NY residents.
If you do book a room, the fun won’t end after check out. You’ll still have access to the water park and its amenities (towels, lockers for a fee, dining) until closing time for the full day.