Better Than A Beach

If you can't make it to the shore this summer, try the next best thing: an indoor water-park resort. To attract families, hotel-based water parks are bubbling up across the U.S. About 45 such parks operate in 14 states, and a dozen more are under construction. The craze began in Wisconsin Dells, Wis., in the mid-'90s. Once a summer hot spot, the Dells (located off I90/94) now attracts winter tourists to its 18 indoor water-park resorts. Opened in 2000, the African-themed Kalahari Resort's indoor park doubled in size last year with such rides as the Botswana Blast, a 570-ft. uphill water roller coaster. Nearby, the Wild West — themed Wilderness Resort added a third indoor water park this year. Among the latest parks are the North Woods — inspired Great Wolf Lodge in suburban Kansas City, Kans. (off I-70 and I-435), and the 1-acre Splash Lagoon in Erie, Pa. (off I-90). Great Wolf has an Aveda spa and camping-themed restaurant. Splash Lagoon's water attractions include the Black Hole tube slide and the Tiki tipping bucket.