In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, running from work, to school, to the endless schedule of activities, it becomes increasingly hard to find quality time together as a family. Woodloch is the perfect solution. This exceptional four-season Poconos family resort is about bringing people together, and they have been experts at doing so for over 60 years. Woodloch offers unique all-inclusive vacation experiences that embrace the spirit of spending quality time together, and offers its guests the perfect way to reconnect and create special memories as a family.
Nestled in a pristine mountain lake vacation setting, this Poconos Family Resort is only 95 miles from New York City, and is regarded as America’s “Best Inclusive Family Resorts” for families. It’s easy to see why. Read on as we take a closer look at Winters at Woodloch.
The Kiesendahl Family and Staff
Family Friendly Hospitality
Woodloch has been owned and operated with pride by the Kiesendahl family since 1958. Their signature hospitality and nurturing spirit of spending quality time with family and friends is truly what makes Woodloch so special. We felt so welcomed and greeted with the kindest and most heartfelt hospitality at every single meal, event, and activity. It truly really felt as if we were visiting old family and friends, then a resort for a weekend. It’s this that keeps guests returning year after year. During our visit, we met guests that had been coming to Woodloch for over 20 years and two other families who were visiting for their 6th time! Such a testament to the resort, and to their legacy of creating incredible family memories.
All-Inclusive Vacations
Woodloch is about bringing people together and having a ton of fun doing it. Each vacation includes over 30 scheduled activities daily, numerous amenities, and world-class nightly entertainment – for no extra fee! Every morning guests will receive the resort’s daily offerings on a page – complete with forecast on top and an easy-to-read activity listings for you to choose from. One column lists the dining options and locations, another the resort amenities – such as the ice rink, pool, bumper cars, and snow tube offerings. The back of the sheet shows all activities which Woodloch is known for – trivia contests, bakery wars, bingo, scavenger hunts, movies, and nightly entertainment options. All are child friendly and geared specifically towards teamwork and spending quality time together
Dinnertime with the Family
Dinnertime is one of the most important times of the week – gathering around a table together to is the ultimate way to connect after a busy day. Dinnertime is always a fun experience at Woodloch. Every Saturday dinner service there is a parade of characters for the kids, as well as a dining room full of themed decorations for the entertainment that will be on stage later that evening. During our visit Welcome to the 90s was the Broadway-style show and thus the fun theme, and the characters matched perfectly – including Belle, Woody, Urkel, and Judge Judy! The characters greeted us upon entry – and mid-way through dinner they all entered the dining room in a joyous parade. After, they each took lots of time to pose for pictures with the guests.
Costumed characters are always part of the Woodloch experience! Every breakfast, lunch, and dinner, there will be a costumed character to greet their littlest fans at the entry of the dining room. A super fun entrance and a special memory to kick off every meal with the family. (Don’t forget your camera!).
All inclusive American Plan Packages include meals. We had the 3 meal plan during our stay, and enjoyed 3 sit-down meals a day in the dining room. The meal plan included your choice of appetizer, entrée, and desert from a menu that included a wide range of options (including meals for vegetarians and all dietary restrictions). All sides – such as salads, potatoes and vegetables were served family style at the table. Aside from the main entrée choices, children’s favorites such as hotdogs, pizza and chicken fingers were available as well. The food was delicious! There are also quick bite ala carte options on-site at North Lodge Bar, Gigi’s Coffee Shop, the pool, and the deli.
Mountain Retreat
As each families needs are unique – so are the lodging options at Woodloch. We loved how they offer something to cater to any family need in a wide range of pricing options. From hotel style accommodations, to walk-up motel style units, and even large guest home retreats perfect for large family gatherings, there is something to cater to everyone.
Accommodations are offered with a variety of amenities, such as eat in kitchenettes, in-suite washer and dryers, multiple bedrooms, and suites that have separate bathrooms – the options are endless. Many of the accommodations have patios and are only steps from the pool or lakeside excitement. We stayed in the Springbrook Suite – and enjoyed a separate living room from the sleeping area, and gorgeous lake views from our bedroom. The room was perfect for our needs (and we couldn’t get enough of this gorgeous view!)
Sledding fun at Woodloch!
Snow Much Fun – Winters at Woodloch
Wintertime is the perfect time to visit Woodloch. From countless wintery outdoor activities in their gorgeous picture perfect Pocono mountain setting – there is no better place to celebrate the winter season. No snow? No problem! Woodloch fires up their snow-guns to create their own winter fun if snow isn’t in the forecast, sculpting the most gorgeous sledding hill you could imagine. Their signature sledding hill is directly on the waterfront, adjacent to the main-lodge, and has a breathtaking view of the lake. Even if sledding isn’t your cup of tea – a climb to the top of the sledding hill stairs awards the most gorgeous view of the picturesque surroundings,
Take a plunge on the sledding hill and enjoy this amazing view!
The massive ice rink can easy accommodate a hockey game
Cool as Ice
Two ice skating experiences are offered at Woodloch – one in a covered outdoor rink on a synthetic polymer, the other directly on the gorgeous lake (once it freezes over, of course). Not just ice skating – the resort organizes fun ice hockey games, ice fishing, and also offers training bars and skate aids for anyone who is still learning. There are also popular snowshoeing opportunities where guests can hike the property.
The Winter Olympics
A favorite family tradition – the Woodloch Winter Olympics transforms their lakefront resort every winter into a battleground of wintery fun. The games will have you tubing, sliding, and rolling through the snow completing fun teamwork tasks to win awards from the staff (such as the coveted Woodloch Medal!). Our favorite Olympic games were the mountain bowling and snow shovel passing. The Olympics are for all ages, and all skill levels.
Above: roasting marshmallows at the bonfire, Below Left to Right: Hot cocoa bar, Winterfest arts and crafts, meet and greet with friendly sled dogs. Carnival games and ice carvers below.
Winterfest Celebrations
Brand new for Winter 2019 is the Woodloch Winterfest event. Featured on non-holiday weekends through mid-March, the Winterfest in a fun event for all ages of guests. Activities include a hot chocolate bar, festive light display, marshmallow roasting, and plenty of winter carnival-themed games (with prizes!). During our visit, we were able to learn about and meet (adorable) sled dogs, and see live ice carving.
If you have a ski fan in the house who wants to hit the slopes – Woodloch is the official partner of Ski Big Bear at Masthope Mountain, located only eight miles away. Take advantage of the family resort’s “SKIHAUS” promotion, and enjoy a stay in a spacious Woodloch Springs guest home at a 15% discount plus an additional 15% off lift tickets.
Above: Basket ball court, Below Left to right: Arcade, Woodloch Forest playspace, and the arts and crafts room (that has an amazing lake view!).
Bump into fun with the fun indoor bumper cars!
Get Warm Indoors
Need to warm up from the winter fun? There are endless things to do in the heated lodge. From bumper cars, basketball court, arts and crafts room and a giant indoor waterpark complex complete with slide and splash zone, you’ll find it hard to decide on what to do next. There is also an arcade, miniature bowling, and a fun indoor playspace called the Woodloch Forest that is perfect for kids of all ages.
Splash into fun at the indoor pool complex, perfect for all ages!
Welcome to the 90’s! Broadway-style show. Below: Horseracing Fun
Nightly Entertainment
We especially loved the activities that were offered at Woodloch. During our stay, we participated in a Gingerbread Competition, Horseracing, and watched an incredible Broadway-style show called “Welcome to the 90s” which was complete with great R&B songs, a salute to TV Shows, tribute to grunge rock, and ended up a battle of the boy bands. After – a comedian took the stage and we laughed our way through the night.
Winter Wonderland at Woodloch
So many memories from our visit! Woodloch’s magic will definitely be part of our family tradition for years to come.
Woodloch Pines Resort. 731 Welcome Lake Rd, Hawley, PA
Winter weekends feature some of Woodloch’s lowest prices of the season with all-inclusive rates starting at $192 per adult, per night. For more information or to book a stay, visit the website HERE.
A huge thank you to Woodloch for hosting our visit. As always, all opinions are our own.
