The Gaylord Texan Resort in Grapevine, Texas, features a stunning 10-acre Paradise Springs Water Park with a winding lazy river, waterslides, private cabanas for rent, plus much more. Photo courtesy of Aquatic Development Group.
What makes a resort a resort rather than a hotel? I would say that a resort is somewhere you go to enjoy the stay, while a hotel is somewhere you stay when going elsewhere. That’s why resorts are usually in destinations with natural beauty, such as beaches or mountains. Resorts also aim to provide a comprehensive vacation experience, with a focus on relaxation and entertainment. Key to that entertainment are the extras that resorts provide – pools, spas, playgrounds, games and more.
The search for bigger and better offerings to entertain guests varies can be endless. Here, Resort Trades has done the research for you, as we turn the spotlight on leaders in recreational amenities for resorts.
iPlayCO designs, manufactures and installs indoor and outdoor play structures, including interactive and gamified attractions. In 2024, they have introduced “Angry Birds”-themed amenities that translate the popular mobile app to tangible experiences, such as an inflatable bounce park or their Tag Active Adrenaline Park where players collect points by tagging illuminated sensors with their wristbands. Their complete product line of safe, customizable play structures includes trampolines, toddler play soft play, and more. For more information, visit https://www.iplayco.com.
Kay Park Recreation Corp.’s canoes and pedal boats combine fun and exercise on water, while their complete line of outdoor games equipment does the same on land. From outdoor ping pong tables to corn hole to Disc 4 Connect, resorts can activate their outdoor spaces with popular games. Speaking of popular, Kay Park even offers portable pickleball sets so your guests won’t have to spend a week away from their new favorite sport. Visit https://www.kaypark.com to learn more.
The Queen’s Gambit television series may be taking credit for introducing a new generation to the joys of chess, but in reality the sport has never gone away. According to YouGov, a stable 70% of the adult population has played chess at some point during their lives. From The Wire and The West Wing to Harry Potter and Guy Ritchie’s Revolver, chess remains ubiquitous in popular culture as a metaphor for strategic plays. A giant chess game from the Chess House, whether permanent or event based, can rekindle a family’s love for the game and allow guests of all physical abilities to enjoy an activity together. And for those who don’t play, it’s more fun to watch players move their 25” tall chess men on a 9-foot square board than an every-day small board. To learn more about how chess can be part of your resort’s experience, visit http://www.chesshouse.com/resorts
Aqua-Cycle Water Trikes, which feature three large, colorful wheels and work on virtually any body of water, are a premier resort water toy, proudly made in the United States with a robust warranty. They represent an exceptional addition to any resort’s entertainment options, providing fun for a wide range of guests with no lessons or special equipment necessary. The trikes’ pedal-powered design means Aqua-Cycles require minimal maintenance, ensuring a tranquil environment free of fumes or noise—just laughter and joy! Aqua-Cycles often pay for themselves in one season, making them a great water toy solution for resorts. To learn more, visit https://aquacycles.com.
Mateflex manufactures modular tile for both sport and residential applications. Since 1974, Mateflex has been a leader in the athletic surfaces industry, producing a number of tiles that cater specifically to a wide variety of applications such as pickleball, Tennis, Basketball, Inline Hockey, Volleyball, indoor living spaces and more. Mateflex manufactures their materials in the United States with a focus on durability, cost effectiveness, ease of installation and player comfort. For more information, visit www.mateflex.com.
Since 1986, Empex Watertoys has been providing innovative water toys and aquatic playground equipment for hotels and resorts, municipal parks and recreation facilities, amusement parks and other facilities around the world. Their high-quality water park toys, including dunk buckets, water cannons and slides, are built to withstand rigorous usage and changing weather, so they deliver long-lasting performance and value. The installations can be modified from year to year and customized to meet client themes. Learn more at http://www.watertoys.com
Aquatic Development Group (ADG) specializes in designing and building waterparks and resort aquatic destinations, as well as manufacturing wave and surf systems. With services and products being utilized in over 4,000 facilities worldwide, including top resorts such as Hilton, Gaylord Resorts, Marriott, Hyatt, and more. ADG designs and builds aquatic venues that enhance guest appeal, set resorts apart from the competition, and increase ROI, capacity, ADR, F&B sales, length of stay, repeat visitation, and more! Visit www.aquaticgroup.com to learn more.
Harris Miniature Golf Courses Inc., founded in 1958, quickly earned a reputation as a leader in miniature golf course construction. The company designs and builds custom miniature golf courses throughout the United States.
Their courses are known for being beautifully landscaped with lots of challenges, dramatic features and plenty of curb appeal causing profits to soar. To learn more, visit http://www.harrisminigolf.com.
After seeing children play in the fountain at the Expo ‘86 World’s Fair in Vancouver, Canada, Waterplay’s founders were inspired to create aquatic play features that would connect people through the joy of water. Today, the firm supplies clients across the globe with innovative and inclusive splash play solutions. Their products include freestanding features, Activity Towers, and playable fountains that can be found at top resort destinations around the world. They’ve never stopped imagining more outrageous ways to play in the water. Learn more at http://www.waterplay.com.
Worldwide, WhiteWater West Industries has worked with the most recognized brands in hospitality to design and supply water slides, aquatic play structures, and stationary surf machines that help properties attract families, extend their length of stay, and raise occupancy and RevPAR. With an emphasis on safety, resorts choose WhiteWater to create water park attractions made of high-quality materials that provide the most entertainment in a limited footprint while matching the elegant look and feel of their properties. Visit http://www.whitewaterwest.com to learn more.
PlayCore uniquely serves as a “one stop shop” for resorts looking to differentiate from the pack. Need decorative fountains, splash parks, or aquatic accessories like lifeguard chairs? Maybe an indoor and outdoor gym or play area to encourage fitness? What about comfort amenities like shade, tables, benches, trash receptacles or even a dog park? PlayCore has all that and more. Discover your newest attractions at playcore.com or reach out to info@playcore.com for more information.
Judy Kenninger is principal of Kenninger Communications and has been covering the vacation real estate industry for nearly two decades.
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