The Kartrite Resort hosted us. All opinions are my own.
The Kartrite Resort and Indoor Waterpark is located in the Catskill Mountains of New York state. The resort celebrated its opening in Spring 2019. It is nestled in the south east corner of the state. This makes it easily accessible from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Connecticut.
While there are plenty of activities and events at The Kartrite, the main attraction is the water park. It’s the largest indoor water park in the state of New York. One of the many unique things at this resort is the transparent, arched roof of the water park. This allows the sun to shine in, and along with the lush vegetation, it can make it feel like you’re outside in 84 degree temperatures.
The Kartrite Water Park
The Kartrite Resort gives you water park access is from 11 AM to 7 PM (subject to change) on each day of your stay, including the days you check in and check out. If your room is not ready, or you’ve already checked out of your room, there are changing rooms available in the water park. There are also lockers to hold your belongings.
I’d suggest riding the big slides as close to opening time as possible. We were able to get a lot of rides in early in the morning. The bigger slides are located in the rear of the water park, and include a double mat racer, two tube slides and a boomerang raft slide. My absolute favorite was the Krakken, which includes some high speed turns.
Even though I’m not a huge fan of mat racers, I love the way it opens up to show you your racing opponent at different times during the slide. I rode it with my daughter. She laughed and hollered every time we saw each other during the length of the slide. It was a lot of fun!
Empire Bay – Lazy River
If you’re looking to relax after riding the large slides, there’s the lazy river, Empire Bay. The river moves at a fairly rapid pace. Single tubes and double tubes are available. Be prepared to get soaked by the water falls and other overhead water elements during your ride on the river.
Kartrite Island
Opposite the lazy river is Kartrite Island. This multi-level water-play structure includes several slides (some small kiddie slides, and some a bit larger for the bigger kids). My kids loved the small, wide slide. The splash down is the best on this slide! The island also contains a massive dump bucket and flowers that will soak you!
In the middle of the water park is the Flow Rider, Later Gator Crossing (a lily pad walk), and a basketball pool. The lily pad walk has ropes which hang down to cross the lily pads. This made it a bit easier for my kids to cross, instead of there just being one rope straight across the lily “pond”.
Be sure you don’t miss Affinity Springs, which is a large hot tub pool that has both indoor and outdoor sections. It’s tucked away on the right side of the water park. My daughter loved using the door to get outside. I think it was the first time she’s used a door inside a pool!
Puddle Ducks
Last, but not least, is the toddler water-play area. This area includes four slides. One straight, double slide and two twisting slides. There are also several water spray features and the bubble fountain that kids can get underneath. This toddler area gradually goes from very shallow to a foot or so deep.
Onsite Restaurants
The Kartrite has a lot to offer when it comes to onsite food and drinks. First, is the Highline. This eatery serves coffee and a variety of breakfast foods all day long. There’s also light snacks and salads available.
Next, Bixby’s Derby is tavern and taproom with an extensive menu. It’s a more up-scale dining experience. If you’re looking for something a little more casual, Harvey’s Wallbanger is another option. This is an all-American sports bar with a lot of the classics like burgers, wings, and quesadillas. It’s an interesting atmosphere too, right in the center of the action at The Kartrite.
Our favorite place to dine with kids at The Kartrite is Eat. Eat. Eat. This is the buffet serving breakfast and dinner. At breakfast, all of the staples are available, including fresh fruit, pastries, eggs, bacon (lots of it!), potatoes, sausage, and a variety of drinks. We loved getting nice and full at the beginning of a long day at the water park.
The Kartrite Adventures
In addition to the water park, there are so many other activities to experience at The Kartrite. There’s a large arcade, bowling alley, 3D ride and laser tag. More fun can be found on the climbing walls and even an indoor ropes course and zip line!
At the end of a fun and exciting day, we especially enjoyed sitting outside by the fire pits and roasting marshmallows. The Kartrite thought of everything, because nearby the fire pits are fun logs and play equipment for the kids to climb. The adults can relax by the fire, while the kids play within view.
The Kartrite Guest Suites
Family bunk suites, junior suites, two and three bedroom options are available. We stayed in a junior suite with two queen beds and a pull out couch. This room was much bigger than a typical queen bed room in a hotel. The room had a view of the water park and the fire pit area. Some rooms even include balconies.
Local Attractions
There’s plenty to do at The Kartrite, but if you’re looking for some extra adventure the Catskill Mountains has plenty of it. We enjoyed a quick trip to the site of Woodstock, as well as a short hike to a beautiful water fall, Awosting Falls. In 2020, Legoland New York will be opening not too far from The Kartrite.
Tips for Visiting The Kartrite
- If you’re planning to visit the water park before your room is ready, pack a separate bag of swim wear.
- The fire pits are perfect for roasting marshmallows at night. S’mores kits are available in the main lobby.
- There are different activities for kids each day. From donut decorating in the morning, to a balloon twister (one of the best we’ve ever seen), to sand necklaces and scavenger hunts, there’s something for every age child.
- Try to arrive at the water park when it opens. This is the best time to ride the big slides and flow rider.
- Even though it’s an indoor water park, you may want to bring sunscreen if you plan to use the outdoor pool.
- Check out the games and movie night in the main lobby! My kids loved the gigantic Connect Four game and Jenga.
The Kartrite Resort hosted us. All opinions are my own.
