Cabin-Style Suites Above Massive Indoor Waterpark
High above Fort Mackenzie—a four-story waterlogged treehouse that feels like it could be a part of Swiss Family Robinson or Pirates of the Caribbean—a 1,000-gallon bucket slowly fills with water. Suddenly, the big bucket topples, drenching those gathered below in a torrent of water. Heated to a balmy 84 degrees, Great Wolf Lodge Pocono Mountains’ indoor wate park and its splash-filled attractions draw visitors looking for an aquatic getaway no matter the season. In addition to braving Fort Mackenzie, you can crash into 3-foot waves at Slap Tail Pond and careen down a hairpin turn at Double Barrel Drop.
The gigantic waterpark is merely one of many activities at the hotel's entertainment campus. During the MagiQuest live-action adventure, kids wield magic wands and journey through a kingdom to meet mythical creatures, including a pixie and a dragon. Scooops Kid Spa gives manicures and pedicures to pintsize patrons sitting atop ice-cream-cone stools and banana-split thrones—free ice cream completes each visit.
Guests can use the $30 or $60 restaurant credit included with deal options to feast on filet mignon and grilled-shrimp pasta at Camp Critter Bar & Grille. And Hungry as a Wolf will deliver a homemade pizza right to the door of your suite.
Six vacationers can comfortably sleep in a Wolf Den or KidKamp suite; family suites feature two queen-size beds and a full-size sleeper sofa. Each unit comes with a private balcony.
Scotrun, Pennsylvania: Skiing and Quaint Shops in the Pocono Mountains
Scotrun, Pennsylvania, sits in the mountainous region of eastern Pennsylvania's Pocono Mountains, which boasts a diverse landscape of lakes, rivers, and green, forested hillsides. Take a scenic 20-minute drive from the hotel to Big Pocono State Park for a bit of outdoor adventure and a breathtaking view of Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey. Its 1,300 acres surround Camelback Mountain, creating a natural playground for skiing or hiking pine-fringed trails rife with deer, coyotes, and wild turkeys.
For souvenirs, head just outside Big Poconos to Tannersville, where you can browse brand-name clothing at The Crossings Premium Outlets, which features more than a hundred retailers. At Peddler's Village, vendors set up shop in three old-fashioned red barns to sell vintage toys, handcrafted jewelry, rare coins, and antique furniture.
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