ROUND ROCK, Texas — It’s an interesting thought, to spend Thanksgiving at a waterpark, and is just what the new “World’s Coolest Indoor Waterpark” in Round Rock is offering as it opens in November after two years of construction. The project was first approved by the Round Rock Planning Commission in March 2018 after the company announced plans in June 2016 that it planned to build a facility in Round Rock.
Set to open on Thursday, November 12, holiday buffets will be offered for Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Eve this year at the new Kalahari Resorts & Conventions facility. Meals will be staged inside the Convention Center, according to information posted on its website. Turkey, prime rib, yams and green bean casserole, plus dessert, are all available. Reservations are required. Costs for the buffet range from $14.99 for children ages four to 12, adult tickets are $49.99 for ages 13 and older, and children ages three and younger are free. Of note is that a 24 percent service charge and sales tax are added.
There are twenty-two different amenities and water rides in 223,000 square feet that make up the vacation destination. It is located at 3001 Kalahari Blvd., across from the Dell Diamond on U.S. Highway 79. The Zambezi outdoor waterpark area features bungalows, basketball pool, swim-up bar, and outdoor waterpark dining. Having indoor amenities allows the facility to be open year-round.
Aside from food, Kalahari is selling passes for the season, with an offer to purchase thirty days in advance and save 25 percent. Kalahari is offering 30 percent off bookings for opening night stays at the hotel. Check-in time is 4 p.m. with check-out the next morning at 11 a.m. Waterpark use is included in the cost of a room.
The owners of Kalahari Resorts & Conventions, Wisconsin residents and high school sweethearts Todd and Shari Nelson, were inspired to create its waterparks based on exposure to the culture of Africa. The brand was created in 2000 and is a family adventure, with their children also involved as owning members. They created the Nelson Family Foundation in 2014. The company gives back to African craftsman and artists, supports the Mandela Poster Project, and partners with Ithateng Mokgoro of Gamatong Foundation via a design competition and exhibition that features winning designs of the competitions in the company’s various resort locations. The Nelsons donate to the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital, Clean the World, and also have an exchange program wherein African college graduates participate in a year-long cultural and work program at each of the resort locations.
Other facilities are in the Pocono Mountain, Pennsylvania; Sandusky, Ohio; and Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin. Each facility hosts private events, an arcade, restaurant, piano bar and lounge, Marrakesh Market Eatery inspired by the village shops in Morroco, the Last Bite where baked goods are available, and the Java Manjaro coffee stand.
The City of Round Rock has estimated the facility will generate $4.7 million in tax revenue and more than seven hundred jobs for the area.