Of course, we know that adventure can be found all over our community, but at least once a year our family likes to plan a road trip to somewhere new. This summer, there was a bump in the road.... a baby bump to be exact! Our family is eagerly awaiting our newest addition (very soon!), and that meant we needed to keep our summer kick-off adventure a bit closer to home (and my OB/GYN).
Our search for the perfect destination had a few requirements:
- Close to home
- Some fun things to do, including an indoor pool (this is always a must on our list!)
- Nearby dining options
- Comfortable sleeping space for us all (we are a family of five... almost 6!)
With our compass pointed north, we found ourselves at Grizzly Jack's Grand Bear Resort & Waterpark -- just a one hour drive from Bloomington-Normal.
Finding Our Family Fun
Sometimes I believe our kids would be happy anywhere as long as there is an indoor pool. So they were ecstatic to learn that Grizzly Jack's is home to Grand Bear Falls Waterpark complete with play areas, slides (for toddlers on up to bigger kids and adults), wave pool, lazy river and more. Here's what I loved - the pool area was nice and clean, the water was a comfortable temperature, and the lifeguards were plentiful and focused on safety. Rules were posted and enforced which gave me peace of mind during our time in the waterpark. Even better: waterpark access is included with your stay at Grizzly Jack's Grand Bear Resort. Not staying overnight? Day passes are also available.
Steps away from the front doors of Grizzly Jack's is Canyon Creek Mini Golf. Set along a gorgeous tree line, the 18-hole course was challenging, but fun. We especially enjoyed the water features throughout the course and nearby park for our youngest. The cost for golf is $6 for every registered resort guest and $7 for every non-registered guest, children 3 & under golf free!
On the lower level of the resort is the property's arcade, Cave Arcade. Offering 60 different arcades with games for all ages, our kids could have spent hours here winning tickets to trade in for prizes. I was happy to see that game prices were reasonable and that there was plenty of prize options for even low ticket amounts.
For families looking for more relaxing activities, the resort offers Family Craft Time, Family Movie Time on Fridays and Saturdays, and Story Time around the resort fireplace by Grizzly Jack & Grand Bear!
Family fun: check, check, and double check.
Let No Family Member Get Hangry
Like all kids, our usually happy trio tends to become bickering siblings when hunger strikes. One of the best parts of our stay at Grizzly Jack's Grand Bear Resort was poolside pizza! Ordered from on-site Jack's Place Restaurant & Bar and delivered to our wave pool-side table. Delish! For dessert, we picked up ice cream cones from the Honey Pot Sweet Shop near the lobby. For breakfast the next morning, Grand Express Breakfast Buffet had plenty of options for even our pickiest eater and satisfied every one of my pregnancy cravings.
A Good Night's Sleep
With Grizzly Jack's Grand Bear Resort's location of just one hour from Bloomington-Normal, you could absolutely make a day trip of your visit. But the Specials and Packages offered by the resort make it well worth staying and to make it a nice weekend getaway. Waterpark access is included for registered guests and this can be big cost savings for families. There's plenty of room types to accommodate families of all sizes as well.
Bonus perk: after a day of splashing around the waterpark, mini golfing, and games at the arcade, you can get a restful night's sleep and do it all again the next day.... or venture out to nearby (just across the street!) Starved Rock for a day of nature hiking and fun.
That's what we call a perfect not-too-far road trip adventure.
We were given complimentary overnight accommodations for the purpose of writing this review. As always, opinions are always 100% my own.
