Timber Ridge Lodge And Waterpark
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3 Reviews for Timber Ridge Lodge and Waterpark
37
17
'11, '12
2 families found this helpful
"Great weekend getaway for young families!"
Our recent visit to the Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark was like a nice little surprise gift that kept revealing more of itself. That is to say, my kids tore into the place, laughing maniacally, ravenous to find more and more fun things to do there! The Lodge provided the perfect weekend getaway for our family of five- it kept us entertained and busy and allowed us to enjoy the beautiful fall colors of the surrounding area of beautiful Lake Geneva, WI.
While we had a fairly long drive, coming down from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, the location of Timber Ridge would make for a fabulous quick weekend trip out of Milwaukee or Chicago and surrounding areas for a young family. Timber Ridge is located inside the property of the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa, which, coincidentally, was once the home to one of the Playboy resorts (who knew?)! The bonus of that location is that guests of Timber Ridge not only have access to all of the fun amenities in that hotel, but also to all of the amenities of the fabulous Grand Geneva--a true bonus we took advantage of on our departing day. The waterpark at Timber Ridge did not open until 10:00am; however, after my kids' early wake-up and breakfast in the room, we hopped on the free trolley for a quick trip down to the Grand Geneva and burned some energy at their pools and playgrounds before our check-out.
The overall feel of Timber Ridge is comfortable, accommodating and, above all, family-friendly. The entrance is woodsy and grand, with a large fireplace and seating area. Our check-in, even on a busy Friday night, was fast and friendly. We received waterpark bands for each day of our stay and two complimentary packs of tokens to be used in their arcade as well as information about all of the autumn activities taking place on or near the resort during our visit--there were TONS of activities!
We blasted down the hall to find our room and were pleasantly surprised upon our arrival. Every room at the lodge is a suite with a good-sized kitchen that includes a full-size fridge, two-burner stove, microwave, full sink and mini dishwasher (no oven). The amenities allowed us to stock breakfasts and snacks in the room to save a little money while at the resort. There is a bar with three tall stools at the kitchen and a full-size, 6-person dining table adjacent. We had a one-bedroom suite with a fold-out sofa which our three kids slept on (ages 7, 5 & 5). I found the main (queen-sized) bed to be soft, but comfortable. The fold out was not one I would have cared to sleep on, as it was quite thin and lumpy; however, my kids did not seem to mind much. There were two flat-screen TVs in the room--one in the main living area and one in the bedroom. There is wired internet in the living room and the AC/heat were easily controlled once we figured out to put our room key in the activation slot next to the door. Additionally, each room has a private patio with comfortable chairs. Finally, we had a room with a jacuzzi tub that we never found time to use. There was just so much to do! Regular room rates (that include waterpark passes) range from around $139 - $269 per night; though, they offer several specials and discounts that you'd be well advised to research before your travel.
After our quick check of the room, the kids made sure we were ready to hit the waterpark to burn all that pent up energy from our drive. The waterpark includes two large waterslides--one for singles or doubles on tubes and another for just individuals (no tubes). The individual slide requires riders to be 48" tall to use, much to my short 7 year old's dismay. Not to worry, we had plenty of fun on the tube slide and the rest of the park! There is a good sized lazy river, a large pool with basketball/water polo hoops connected to another pool with an obstacle/ropes course, a large indoor-outdoor hot tub and a nice toddler area with three other small slides, fountains, swings and splash area. All of the pools, bathrooms and surrounding areas were clean and the water temperature was just right. Except for the hot tub, the remaining outdoor pools were closed for the season, but they appear to have one other slide and a large pool outdoors. The size of the waterpark was not massive, but appropriately sized for our children (7, 5 & 5) and we visited it three separate times during our weekend there. Children older than, say, 10 might find it too small and tame for their liking.
When families have burned enough energy at the pools, they will find two eating establishments on-site, both serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. The Hungry Moose is pool-side and offers a variety of fast-food options (pizza, snacks, sandwiches, etc.) and beverages (including adult beverages) for what I consider average prices. The other restaurant, Smokey's Barbeque House offers apps, soup/chili, a couple of salads and standard barbecue fare, as well as pizza. During our visit, we ordered a couple of large pizzas ($15-17 each) and a salad ($7) to eat in the room. They were o.k.....not phenomenal, but an easy option after a hard day of playing. Other guests of the lodge had similar comments about the food. Had we stayed longer, we would have ventured down the road to try one of the restaurants at the Grand Geneva. There is also the option of ordering delivery from some of the restaurants in town. There is quite a selection for such a small town.
As for other activities in the area and on-site, the list is enormous! We received tickets to the corn maze on the property and spent part of an afternoon enjoying the farm, feeding chickens & petting farm animals, as well as getting lost in the maze. During our weekend visit, they had a fall festival taking place on the grounds with pumpkin decorating, crafts & games available for a small fee. Every afternoon and evening the lodge offers a free family movie and every morning kids could choose to do a Lego Create and Take session ($30). On Saturday evening there is a PJ story time in the front lobby by the fireplace with cookies and milk available. We took advantage of the free trolley that gave us a lovely tour of the Grand Geneva grounds, which included a visit past the two golf courses, woodsy hiking trail, main resort, and little downhill ski area. Your family could choose to do the (paid) Lake Geneva trolley tour, as well, as the area is just beautiful and the town incredibly quaint. The main Grand Geneva Resort offers an additional kids program called "Kids are Grand" that could be used as either day-care or day-camp for two hours at a time. While the programs sounded pretty fun, they were somewhat cost-prohibitive for a family with three kids at $13/hour per kid. We stuck with the fun at Timber Ridge and just used the pools and large outdoor playground at the Grand Geneva.
Overall, the setting of the hotel is beautiful; the amenities just right for a young family; and the staff were absolutely accommodating, understanding the wants and needs of active families! We will surely be back when we need another break from the U.P.!
"This review is based on a complimentary stay at the Timber Ridge Lodge and Waterpark. I received no other compensation besides the hotel stay and complimentary tickets to the seasonal corn maze and the hotel did not state any requirements that I express a particular point of view."
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0 families found this helpful
"Mini Waterpark"
The Nitty Gritty: We went here as part of our mini vacation. Admission is $28 for a full day and $15 for a half day (starting after 3 pm). You cannot enter the waterpark unless you are staying at the Grand Geneva resort of any of its affiliates.
The fun: We went here in July when my son was 14 months. Since he was a little too young, he did not go on the waterslides, but there is a tot area with sprays and even a floating river.
Son's fav moment: Playing with the spraying water and the lazy river.
Bottom Line: I would recommend if you are staying in the resort and need some time to kill. It is a little pricey for what you get, so if you have older children it may be worthwhile since they can use the slides.
Tip: You can buy food here.
0 families found this helpful
"Pretty much can't go wrong"
How can you go wrong at an indoor water park for kids? There is plenty for kids to do of all ages although the 4-5 year old range may get a little bored as the kiddie area may be too kiddie and the other area including two slides and lazy river needs adult supervision. My one big complaint is that it is VERY WARM however each and ever time someone comes in/out of snack stand, blasts of cold air hit the entire kiddie area. Big downer. The rooms are nice (separate bedroom). It has a GREAT game room (this was my kids favorite thing in the hotel). The one restaurant in the hotel (barbecue) is not the best so I recommend maybe venturing out one day instead.
The Timber Ridge Lodge and Waterpark is located on the tree lined banks of Lake Geneva (Wis.), surrounded by rolling hills, just an hour from Milwaukee and an hour and a half from Chicago, but millions of mental miles from stress and hectic living. This resort offers a 30,000 square foot indoor water park with 20,000 square feet of water park outdoors and two 35 feet high slides a perfect choice for kids, teens and adults. This all suite, all season resort also offers guests amenities from the Grand Geneva Resort, including the Spa and Sports center, where competition or complete rejuvenation await.
A championship golf course, tennis courts, guided horseback tours and paddleboats offer guests their favorite pursuits. During snow season, exhilarating skiing and snowboarding are at hand. A modest daily resort fee includes trolley transportation on resort grounds, complimentary arcade tokens, water park passes and complimentary bottled water.
Each guest suite at the Timber Ridge Lodge offers comfortably rustic décor, and features fireplaces, jetted tubs, private balconies and kitchenettes. A one bedroom suite can accommodate up to four people with the two bedroom suite accommodates up to six. Each suite has a microwave, refrigerator, stove top and dishwasher. Suites are stocked with board games, and VCRs for memorable fireside evenings, and premium linens offer the extra touch guests expect at Grand Geneva Resorts.
Check-In: 4:00 PM
Check-Out: 11:00 AM
Number of Rooms: 225
Number of Suites: 0
Recreational Facilities:
Fitness Facility
Services:
In house Restaurant
High Speed Internet
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