Photo courtesy of the Great Wolf Lodge
By Maryann Hammers
Looking for a way to entertain the kids over winter break? Are you spending time with the grandchildren for the holidays? Here are some ideas, from year-round waterparks to alligator safaris and family-friendly resorts — with military discounts, too.
Stay in a fancy wigwam
The Wigwam, a landmark adobe resort in Litchfield Park, Ariz., (15 miles west of Phoenix) offers active duty, reserve, and retired servicemembers up to 50-percent off the best available rate with its Salute to the Heroes program. You’ll also receive a certificate of appreciation, an Everyday Patriots wristband, and a Family Fun Book packed with additional discounts and offers, such as complimentary wine at the pool, free ice cream for children, 25-percent off dinner, and spa discounts. The resort has four pools, dual 25-foot water slides, a splash pad, family game nights, live entertainment, nightly movies, character breakfasts, and Wildlife World Zoo animal encounters. Kids get unlimited refills of water, soda, iced tea, or lemonade. Call (800) 327-0396.
Play at Disneyland
Disneyland offers great military discounts: The three-day Park Hopper Ticket is $132. (Regular price is $275.) Staying at the resort? For active duty and retired servicemembers, Disneyland Resort hotels are discounted up to 40 percent. Learn more here. Purchase by Dec. 18; valid for admission through Dece. 20, 2015. Call (714) 520-7088.
The nearby Residence Inn, just a couple miles from Disneyland, is located in the family-friendly Grove District. The hotel offers suites at the government rate of $138, saving you about $20. Call (714) 591-4000.
Wildlife safaris in Florida
Billie Swamp Safari in the Big Cypress Reservation in Clewiston takes you on an Everglades airboat to see alligators, turtles, birds, and other animals as you travel though a natural cypress dome. Get an up-close view of wildlife on a buggy tour: you’ll spot ostrich, zebras, and white buffalo. Walk through an alligator-infested swamp on a mile-long boardwalk. Explore the Native Village, a replica of a Seminole camp, and see dugout canoes, a cook chickee, and a sleeping chickee. Active duty servicemembers and their families get a 50-percent discount; retired/nonactive servicemembers and their families get a 25-percent discount. Call (800) 467-2327 for information.
Get wet at indoor waterparks
Great Wolf Lodge and its famous indoor waterparks offer active and retired military personnel up to 20-percent off its best rates through Dec. 30, 2015. The offer is valid at all 12 locations throughout the U.S. and Canada (Wisconsin Dells, Wis.; Sandusky, Ohio; Traverse City, Mich.; Kansas City, Kan.; Williamsburg, Va.; Pocono Mountains, Pa.; Niagara
Falls, Ontario, Canada; Mason, Ohio; Grapevine, Texas; Grand Mound, Wash.; Fitchburg, Mass.; and Charlotte, N.C.) As part of the deal, you’ll stay in a four-person family suite with a private living area and get four free waterpark passes. You kids will love the nightly Storytime by the Grand Lobby fireplace, nature hikes, and daily music shows (all free). Use promo code “HEROES” when booking, and show ID upon check-in. Click here to choose your destination and make an online reservation.
Kalahari Resorts and Conventions are African-themed indoor waterpark resorts. Each of its three locations offers a different military discount: In the Pocono Mountains , servicemembers get 20-percent off the best available rate through Feb. 29, 2016, plus free waterpark passes for each guest. To book, click here or call (877) 525-2427 and ask for the Military & Service Personnel Special. In Sandusky, Ohio , servicemembers get a special rate, starting at $180, including waterpark passes, through Dec. 25, 2015 (this is about a $20 savings). Call (877) 525-2427 and refer to booking code 01036. In Wisconsin Dells, Wis., the military rate starts at $130 through Dec. 30, 2015 and includes admission to Wisconsin’s largest indoor waterpark. This price saves you about $30 off the regular rate. Call (877) 525-2427 and refer to booking code W1032.
For more family-friendly ideas, check out these previously posted articles, with suggestions for Texas, the Rocky Mountains, and Orlando.