Looking for a vacation that can withstand bad weather? Do you miss going to the water park in winter? Living in Tohoku, I think so. A great solution to both problems is to spend your vacation in an indoor water park. You are guaranteed to have fun without worrying about rain or snow.
Check it out if it looks like a vacation for you and your family Cartwright Resort & Indoor Waterpark in Monticello, New York. The Catskill Mountains are just a 90-minute drive north of New York City. Recently, I enjoyed a weekend getaway with my daughter, Samantha, and had the opportunity to try out many of the rides and amenities this resort has to offer.
Editor’s Note: Hosted by our writer.
Cartwright Resort & Indoor Waterpark Accommodation
If you are planning a one night visit, there are quite a few room options. We stayed in a junior suite double queen room which the resort advertises as being the most economical. It had two queen beds and a queen sofa bed. It was spacious enough for 2 people, but could sleep up to 6 people.
The resort has 324 guest rooms, including junior suites, double king suites, two-bedroom grand corner suites, deluxe two-bedroom suites, and family king bank suites, sleeping from 2 to 12 people. Our room was clean, the bed was comfortable and we had a small porch to relax on. The room had a refrigerator, coffee maker, safe and microwave. Save a few bucks and stock up on snacks like microwaveable popcorn and fruit cups to enjoy at night after an adventurous day. And if you want to enjoy an adults-only vacation, remember that the resort has designated quiet hours, but they are packed with excited kids.
Please note that the resort will temporarily hold $150. per day Incidentals are charged for the length of stay (i.e. $150 x 6 for a 6 night stay). That’s a lot more than most hotels that charge a one-time fee of $100-$200 for the entire stay, and if you’re on a tight budget, this can be a surprising hit. Room rates start at around $240 per night. Prices are often higher on Saturdays.
water park
It’s important to note that you don’t have to stay overnight to enjoy the water park. Cartwright offers day passes (family 4-pack, $360, 1 day per person, $99, half day, $65) if you live nearby or just passing through.
After checking in, it’s time to play in the water! We used the lower tier cabana on day 1 and the upper tier cabana on day 2. Cabana is a great place to call your own place. Tents can be closed if desired to drown out the noise of a very crowded water park.
Cabana rentals include cold drinks and crisps, TV, sofa, and chairs. The upper cabana also includes food and beverage service (anyone can order) from Bar Mez next door. I enjoyed the lower floor cabana ($299) more than the upper floor ($349) because the upper floor was too humid for me. But whichever you choose, enjoy a drink at Bar Mezz. Enjoyed a delicious pina colada.
I wish the cabanas had personal lockers for valuables. The park has lockers for rent (small: $15, medium: $20, large: $25), but I wish I had packed everything.
Empire Bay
Next on our fun list is the lazy river. Kartrite’s website even describes his bay as a “not-so-lazy river,” and we agree. First, if the park is busy, you may have to wait until the tubes are empty and the rides can get quite busy. Also, don’t get too restless when you’re going down the river as you may hit other floats or fall under a waterfall. Still, it was a great adventure to start the weekend with.
cartwright island
At just over a foot deep, Cartwright Island is fun for young children and parents alike. He has two slides that older children can access on their own. Look up though, as huge buckets filled with water will be dropped at regular intervals depending on where you’re standing. It’s fun to get wet – at least when you expect it.
affinity spring
Getting into a warm pool on a hot day might sound wild, but Affinity Springs was the most relaxing place of my entire stay. Indoor and outdoor heated pool. The indoor part is hotter than the outdoor part and has water jets that can be placed in the back.
slide
Next is the waterslide. The Nor’easter was out of service during my stay, so I tried thrilling attractions such as the thrilling “Cracken” that makes you flip over and the “Zigati Jagati” that makes a lot of splashes. When you lie on your stomach and slide down the slide, you get water on your face. And here’s a kind warning about the most intense time warp of the weekend’s open rides (we couldn’t figure it out). There are sections that can fall unexpectedly and turn and end up backwards (it happened to us), so beware if you are prone to motion sickness or dizziness.
We didn’t ride the Endless Summer Flowrider, the closest bodysurfing experience you can get there, but it looks like it’s going to be a tough ride if you’re not firm.
Tip: Each slide has height restrictions, so check the website before heading out to see what your child can ride separately or with.
ADD MORE WATER PARK ATTRACTIONS + 2ND DAY FREE
Rounding out the water park’s attractions are the Rater Gator Crossing, where kids can pretend to cross the treacherous waters, paddle ducks, shallow tike pools, and the Cannon Bowler. Samantha and I enjoyed playing hoops in the Cannonballers’ pool area, but don’t turn your back on the basketball as it can come from any direction.
The good news is that if you stay for one night, you can still enjoy the water park from 11am to 7pm on both days, even after you check out on the second day.
I can’t change this, but I felt this park lacked the usual deep non-heated pools.
Outdoor Fun at Cartwright
It may be an indoor water park, but The Cartwright also has outdoor activities for all ages. There are also life-size Connect Four, chess, cornhole and shuffleboards. We played Connect Four and cornhole, my favorite childhood games. I lost both games to my daughter, but I openly admit it was a lot of fun.
There is also a net for the kids to climb on, a balance beam and a fire pit for s’mores. If you still need to be active, hike one of her five trails with nearly nine miles of beautiful scenery.
Depending on the weekend you stay, you may choose from other activities such as Goat Yoga (8-12 years old, $30; 13+ years old, $40). Family Yoga (Adults 18+, $20; 8-17, $15) and Archery (10+, $35 for two).
food options
With so much to do, you’ll quickly have an appetite. There are several eateries to satisfy hunger, including Highline offering muffins, donuts, breakfast sandwiches, cereals and snacks.
First night we ate at Bixby’s Derby, which opens at 5pm. Reservations were recommended, but there was plenty of seating available. I ordered the Drunken Penne while her daughter had the Harvey Burger.
On the second night we ate at the resort’s buffet “Eat Eat Eat”. For $32.99 per adult, there were quite a few options to choose from, including lasagna, fried chicken, meatballs, fish, and seafood pasta (the meatballs were delicious). There was also a salad bar and a dessert bar.
food allergy
I have a shellfish allergy and the food at the Eat Eat Eat Buffet was not labeled. I explained the situation to the staff and the chef came out and told me what foods to watch out for.
Candy by the Pound and Sports Bar too
To satisfy our sweet tooth, we pampered ourselves at Pop’s Sweet Shoppe, which offers ice cream, cupcakes, and other pastries. There is also the option to purchase candy by the pound.
Harvey’s Wallbanger, near the arcade, is closer to a sports bar and has a menu similar to Bixby’s. Most eateries don’t open until after 2pm or 3pm, but Surfside Grill and Bar Me’s, located inside the waterpark, is open during the park’s opening hours.
Arcade and other attractions
If you get a little wet, dry off and head to the Pleiopolis arcade. Cards can be purchased for a minimum of $25 and 106 credits. There are also $50, $75, $120, $150 and $200 card intervals. At least 10 credits are required to play most games. These cards cannot be charged in the room. However, the resort offers a stay and play package where you get a $75 Playopolis Arcade Card for land-based fun when you book your stay.
There are 4D rides that you can enjoy using credits, but you can also pay separately. Enjoyed the Canyon Coaster, but be aware that the movie uses strobe lights. At Van Winkles Alley we did 10 frames of mini bowling. Escape Cube and Scrape Skier were also closed during our stay.
Carabiner rope course is not for the faint of heart
Samantha tried the Carabiner Rope Course and found it challenging, but recommends skipping if you are afraid of heights. The zipline portion of the course was closed for the day and the weight limit was 300 pounds.
If you want to try the ropes course, please adhere to the posted times and arrive in plenty of time. During our visit, posted signs said the attraction was open until 9pm, but climbers who arrived at 8:30pm were denied entry. Current climbers are expected to finish by 9:00.
Complimentary after-dinner movies and more
If you would like a free activity to enjoy with your children, enjoy a movie in the lobby after dinner. The lights are dimmed and the bonfire is lit for ambience. Sit together on the comfy sofa while watching a family movie. A magician was performing for free while we were there.
The resort also has additional projects that change regularly, such as creating teddy bears and scratch art, each at an additional cost.
I went to the neighborhood at the end of the three consecutive holidays. Resorts World Catskills Casino, just over a mile away. Also, nearby Bethel Woods Museum, the venue for the 1969 Woodstock concert. I’ve already seen it and it’s worth a visit.
Themed weekends and parties at Kartrite
Visit on Sundays through October 15 for goat yoga and pony rides. Additional charges apply to enjoy these activities. Check out the festivities taking place on these designated weekends. Please contact the resort directly for more information.
July 15th: Luau BBQ Bash
July 28: National Water Park Day – Party at the Water Park
August 12: Carnival BBQ Bash
August 20-26: Superhero Week
September 3: Labor Day Barbecue Party
September 14-18: Autumn Festival
October 26-30: Halloween Hulaballoo
November 22-27: Friendsgiving Week
December 21-27: Holly Jolly Holiday Week
December 31: New Year’s Eve Bash and Noon New Year’s Eve Party for Kids
