CoCo Key indoor waterpark resorts are springing up throughout the country and boast Key West style decor, waterslides, arcades, kid-friendly restaurants, and a kid's club. One of their latest installments took me to Cherry Valley Lodge in Newark, Ohio, located just 25 miles east of downtown Columbus. Though the lodge is well-known by kids for its waterpark, it also works hard to offer families, couples, and singles plenty of specialized activities.

On my drive from Columbus, I was somewhat skeptical about my visit. How could a lodge with an indoor waterpark cater to families, couples, businessmen, singles, weddings, and special events? It sounded like a pretty tall order with a recipe for chaos, especially for what I assumed was a small resort in a sleepy little town.

But upon enterting the lodge, I was warmly welcomed by rustic decor, hardwood floors, two-sided fireplaces, plush couches, chairs, chess boards, and stunning views of the courtyard complete with gazebo, pond, and ducks. And with the smell of chlorine absent and no waterpark or its wet guests to be found, I quickly forgot I wasn't there to relax in a cozy woodside lodge. My only reminder was an occasional sign pointing me to the 50,000-square-foot waterpark.

More Than Your Average Waterpark

The kids at the lodge had an easier time finding CoCo Key than I did and they eagerly raced to try the three slides: Shark Slam, Gator Gush, and Barracuda Blast. Kids will love seeing the outside of the resort where the waterslides, built like colorful tubes, zip in and out of the building. But there's lots more to do at CoCo Key than just the slides. Coral Reef Cavern features an activity pool with lily pads, water basketball and an animated coral reef backdrop that changes as you watch. The Palm Grotto Indoor/Outdoor Spa offers guests whirlpools for relaxing in a tropical setting. You can even get to the outdoor whirlpool via the special swim-through passage. Adults will want to get in on the fun, too, with Coconut Grove Adventure River where tube rides glide guests through the water island. But if you're worried younger kids might be too small for all the action, let them run wild at Parrot's Perch Play Structure while lifeguards keep a close eye on the entire park. This interactive adventure is perfect for younger children: expect slides, a zero depth entry area, water cannons, and a huge bucket that dumps hundreds of gallons of water every few minutes after a neat alarm sounds.

All that fun is sure to make kids hungry and there are plenty of options to make everyone happy. The Wet Rooster Bar and Duvall's features kid-friendly menus and meals adults will also like. But the most popular option is the Calalloo Grill with a Pizza Hut right on site and snack bar for a quick bite. There's also options for quieter and fine dining at Sunflowers Restaurant just off the lobby entrance or a pub snack at the Lodge Pub.

Parents will forget all about that "20-minute after eating" rule to get back in the water because kids can head to the Dip-in Theater, where guests can play while watching the latest Buckeye's Game, movie night, or special video projected on a giant screen. It's a lot of wet activity to take-in and I for one was relieved to find my way back to the lodge and leave it all behind until I was ready for more fun. But for some family alone time with the proximity of the water, private poolside cabanas (rentable for the day) offer TV, private fridge, lockable safe, and private butler service.

Resort-Based Family Fun

Water-weary kids can hit the arcade or CoCo's Club where activities range from scavenger hunts, jewelry making, arts n'crafts, story time, and more. Infants through teenagers to adults can all participate in the club activities to foster family bonding. However, the hotel can provide a list of the current day's club activities to determine what's age-appropriate for your child. The club really caters more to younger children, as teenagers are usually hitting the waterpark.

Adults wanting to get away from all the excitement can relax at the separate private pool and hot tub with courtyard views. While kids are busy at CoCo's Club, parents can visit the Banyan Leaf Spa where services range from facials, beauty treatments or make-up applications to massages and more. I enjoyed a luxurious deep-tissue massage in a quiet and serene room, amazed I couldn't hear the excited kids on the waterslides. Kids can also enjoy a massage of their own, but parents must be present during the treatment.

Whether guests pre-purchase CoCo Key packages or opt to enjoy down-time away from all the wet-and-wild fun, Cherry Valley offers cozy options and family activities. Two hundred comfortable guest rooms and suites feature a plasma TV, refrigerator and coffee maker; 18 of their rooms offer Jacuzzi tubs. With modern touches and appeal, the rooms retain a homey "living room" feel. Their guestrooms feature a unique 'U' shape design so parents can tuck in the kids and have their own element of privacy without ever leaving the room. I enjoyed a roomy suite with a private bedroom, balcony and hide-a-bed in the living area. While I didn't see any pets on the premises, families will delight in knowing that Cherry Valley Lodge is very animal-friendly.

Family activities include "bond-fires," special holiday events, and packages with waterpark passes, tickets to The Works family museum, Divine Farms pumpkin patch (seasonal), bowling or miniature golf, Frisbee golf, and souvenir family photo. There's even a special tuck-in package where kids can receive a nighttime visit from one of three mascots: Berry Bear, Cherry Bear or CoCo. I was startled to answer my door one evening to find the giant red bird, CoCo, greeting me with nighttime milk and cookies. Though I declined to have a story read (or be tucked-in), I did keep the tasty snack for myself.

But perhaps even more impressive than the 50,000-square-foot water park and comfortable accommodations are the 18 acres the lodge rests on. Cherry Valley is actually the only hotel in the country that's also a fully sanctioned arboretum and botanical garden. My visit in the Fall was complete with brilliant turning leaves, pumpkins, and manicured grounds. Kids seemed eager to play and enjoy the outdoors without having to venture far -- that's not something you can find at your usual run-of-the-mill hotel chains.

By the end of my visit I have to admit I was won over on the idea that a lodge could cater to so many diverse groups in one, small setting. But be sure to let the reservation desk know what your interests are -- whether a romantic getaway, waterpark fun, business, outdoors, spa day, or just to relax so the staff can help you plan activities and choose a room that's as quiet or lively as you like.

Cherry Valley Lodge & Coco Key Resort

Newark, Ohio 43055

www.cherryvalleylodge.com 800/788-8008

$ - $$

A

A

A

B+

Extra Credit: The lodge works hard to accomodate all interests and the staff is helpful and attentive.
Comments: Coco Key has separate admission ($30 pp) and is one of the few things to do till you hit Columbus.