10 Ways to Explore the Kartrite Resort in the Catskills

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Opened in the spring of 2019, the Kartrite Resort and Indoor Waterpark, spread across 1,600 acres in Monticello, New York in the Catskills, is a great spot for kids of ALL ages. The resort includes a two acre, 80,000 square foot indoor waterpark- the largest in all of New York- plus an indoor entertainment center, numerous restaurants and bars, fitness room, and a huge conference center. 

Attached to the waterpark and entertainment center is a 324 all suite hotel offering one, two, and three bedroom options.  Each suite includes amenities such as a microwave, mini refrigerator, pull out sofa; larger suites have a sitting area and dining table. All resort guests receive wristbands for access to the indoor waterpark during their stay including check in and check out days. Get the lay of the land with this resort map.

10 Ways to Explore The Kartrite:

  1. Get wet at the indoor water park. The 80,000 square foot indoor water park includes 11 rides and activities for all ages (the toddler crew will love Puddle Ducks, energetic kids will love Later Gator Crossing and Cannon Ballers and thrill seekers will love The Krakken  and Nor’easter). Everyone will want a chance to try out the Flowrider surf simulator and lifeguards are on deck to help with technique. Get the full scoop on height and safety requirements here. It is always a balmy 84 degrees inside the water park, which has many amenities ranging from cabanas (for rent), restrooms and changing rooms, lockers (for rent), and concessions. 
  2. Swim outside anytime of the year in the indoor AND outdoor Affinity Springs  warm spa. 

3. Dine at one (or several) of the six family friendly dining options on the resort property. Both Bixby’s and Harvey’s offer a children’s menu (we giggled at their cheeky names). Be sure to check online or call the resort for up to date hours:

  • Bixby’s Derby Tavern is the resort’s full service restaurant located on the main floor. The menu includes a variety of appetizers, soups and salads, and several steak, fish, and pasta entrees. There’s also a large cocktail and wine list.  Open at Friday- Sunday, and at 2pm on Thursdays.
  • Harvey’s Wallbanger is a great spot for burgers, sandwiches, and pizzas. There’s also great bar appetizers, and entrees like pasta, steak frites, and salmon, and a great beer and cocktail list. Open from 3pm-10pm Thursday through Sunday (for take out only when we visited).
  • Eat.Eat.Eat offers breakfast and dinner buffets, with themed menus like Italian, American, and TexMex. Open for breakfast and dinner Thursday- Monday.
  • Surfside Grill is located inside the waterpark and offers pizzas, sandwiches, snacks, and drinks. Open from 12pm-7pm each day.
  • The Highline offers plenty of breakfast pastries, sandwiches and salads for lunch, snacks, vegan options, and tons of hot and cold drinks.  Open from 7am-2pm, closed on Thursday.
  • Pop’s Sweet Shoppe is your best bet for a sugar fix- everything from ice cream to cookies and brownies to pastries, cupcakes, and macaroons. Open from 3pm-10pm each day.

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  1. Explore the outdoors with six miles of hiking trails. The resort has five marked, kid friendly trails, ranging in length from a half mile to two miles- see the trail map here. While on a hike, take this field guide and look out for various insects, ground animals, birds, plants, and flowers. Take note of the outdoor patio and s’mores pit for sweet treats at the end of a busy day at the waterpark.
  2. Check out the weekly entertainment at the Americana. Located in the main lobby area, the activities room offers tons of weekly activities, including art classes, magic shows, bingo, and family yoga. Check the monthly calendar here. 
  3. Climb high above everyone at the Carabiners ropes course and zipline and the Scrapeskyer  three wall LED-lit rock wall. More information here.

  1. Try other indoor sports like laser tag, bowling, air hockey, and pool. The lower level of the resort (on the way to the waterpark) has a variety of activities, including the four lane Van Winkle’s bowling alley, Amazequest laser tag course, and plenty of table games. Additional fees apply.
  2. Try your luck at some of the dozens of arcade games in Playopolis.  There’s old school nostalgic games and the latest, video game themed games. Guests can purchase cards with set amount of credits to play and earn prizes redeemable at The Vault. There’s also the Virtuality VR station. Get information on game cards and pricing here.
  3. Complete one, or several, scavenger hunts. The front desk has both a trivia scavenger hunt and a duck hunt. Americana also offers various themed scavenger hunts.
  4. Travel Tips: Be sure to remember flip flops and a large bag for the waterpark and consider bringing your own towels. The waterpark does supply towels, but there are small in size for most adults. Guests are allowed to bring unopened, bottle water inside the water park- no glass! If you do forget anything, the Sunsiders gift shop (located just outside the water park, next to the ropes course) sells everything from apparel, bathing suits, and flip flops to gifts, toys, and resort memorabilia. 

Looking for more fun in nearby Dutchess County? Check out our full City Guide here. And follow along on our adventures on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter.

Disclosure: Our family was given a media pass to explore the Kartrite. All opinions expressed are my own. 

New England based, part high school English teacher, part non profit founder, part road tripper who LOVES hopping in the family SUV to explore America. Our bucket list includes National Parks, MLB stadiums, presidential libraries, and eating wherever the locals eat!

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4 Comments

  3. The Kartrite Resort and Indoor Waterpark looks like a fun spot for the whole family. Certainly for kids of all ages! I love when pools are warm enough to swim outside all year round. And a ropes course is always a lot of fun.

    Reply

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