Tired of hearing “I’m bored” during summer breaks? Do you find yourself trying to separate your child from their trusty tablet or phone? If this rings a bell, then Jellystone Park Camp-Resort is for you! Located in Caledonia, Wisconsin, a short drive from Chicagoland, the resort park has activities and adventures for all ages. It’s the ideal family getaway.
“We provide a safe, clean, convenient experience in a beautiful natural setting. Because we aren’t just a campground, we are also a resort, we plan all the activities. All you have to do is enjoy being with your family,” says Bridget Bender, Brand Strategy Manager and resort owner.
‘Unplug’ and escape into the outdoors
Bender says that one of the draws of Jellystone Park is that even though it’s close to large metropolitan areas, guests feel like they have reached a true escape.
“People tell us that they can’t believe how they didn’t know that our resort was in their own backyard, and how far away from it all they feel, even though they are relatively close to home. That’s exactly what we love to hear!” she says.
Bender points out that the Caledonia resort has features not found at any other Jellystone Park location. “We’ve got the biggest inflatable obstacle course in the U.S., as well as the only drone show,” she says. “Besides being unique, these are activities that all ages can enjoy together, even parents. We love to provide ways for families to truly disconnect. It’s hard to be attached to a phone when you’re on an inflatable obstacle course!”
Day trips to the resort are common, but Bender says that most people who visit for a day make plans for an extended stay next time. “People can’t believe how much there is to do. We get a lot of repeat guests because there’s so much to do, they can’t get to everything. A day usually isn’t enough,” she says.
To maximize your family’s fun, plan to stay a few days. Jellystone Park has several lodging options to fit your needs. Choose RV or tent camping or treat your family to a luxury Glamping Cabin. “No matter what lodging you choose, it never feels like you are far away from modern conveniences,” Bender explains. “We’ve got Wi-Fi if you need it and a grocery store just a few minutes away.”
Outdoor experiences abound at Jellystone Park. The Jellystone Park campground offers pools and waterslides for plenty of family cool-off fun. Plus Bear Paw Beach, which is connected to the resort, is free for all campers staying at the resort, and Bear Paw Beach welcomes day trippers, too.
At Bear Paw Beach, you’ll find a gorgeous sandy beach, plus a ropes course and a drone show. Resort campers get discounts on the inflatable obstacle course and ropes course at Bear Paw Beach.
All activities are designed to get your kids moving and having fun. “We have so much going on, kids don’t have a chance to be bored,” says Bender.
Each day has a multitude of activities that change every hour. Older kids might want to try laser tag, mini golf, just to name a few. Younger kids will enjoy crafts, character events and daily activities with Yogi Bear himself. Theme weekends are a regular event, and camp-wide activities include DJ Dances, trivia nights and evening golf cart parades.
Start your day with Yogi Bear, end it with a drone show
“It’s really important to us that we offer families experiences that turn into great shared memories,” says Bender.
Some Jellystone Park experiences have become family favorites. Each morning, the Recreation staff members take kids to wake up Yogi Bear in his den. If your campers were sleepy and didn’t have a chance to wake up Yogi Bear, no worries. He also gets tucked in each night.
Donuts with Cindy Bear is another all-ages favorite where campers frost and decorate hot-from-the-oven doughnuts. “This used to be an occasional thing, but families asked for it so much we made it a regular feature,” Bender explains.
Families also love to bond at their one-of-a-kind Northern Lights Drone Show which lights up the sky over Bear Paw Beach, complete with music. “It’s great to hear the older kids singing along to the music along with the younger ones,” she says.
Bender sums up the camp philosophy this way: “If the kids are busy and happy, the parents are happy. And we make that happen.”
Find out more about Jellystone Park Camp-Resort in Caledonia, Wisconsin. Visit jellystone-caledonia.com.
