Jellystone Parks are located all cross North America, they are a sort of campground/resort with a Yogi Bear theme. We had the kids watch the old cartoons so they would recognize the bears. Each of these locations offers different amenities.
We visited the Caledonia location which is just south of Milwaukee and north of Chicago by about 70 miles or so. They have different options for camping including tent sites, cabin rentals, and RV sites with either full hook up or just electric or electric and water which makes it friendly for a budget customizing stay. They also offer golf cart rentals but we had a campsite near the front of the park by the pool so we didn’t rent one this trip. We didn’t need it but they do have laundry on site and they have wifi in the park but I couldn’t get a reliable signal on the free version so I wouldn’t count on that if you needed a signal. There is a ranger station which is a small convenience store and gift shop which also has an ice cream and (the most important drink) coffee! Our doggie came with us as well, they have a dog park so it allows the pup to run off some energy, this park is dog friendly.
Theme weekends
The Theme Weekends with daily activities such as games and crafts, were a big hit with our kids. We were there for Heroes and Superheros theme week. The kids participated in the obstacle course, superhero themed games (pass the kryptonite), and the superhero mask craft.
Bears Bears Bears Oh My!
We did the very popular bear character activities in the park. You can have Cindy Bear or Boo Boo bear bring the kids a large cookie and milk to your campsite. Also most mornings you can decorate a donut with Cindy Bear. Basically the park makes fresh donuts, and the kids get sprinkles and choice of frosting to decorate it. Cindy Bear is present to take photos with. These activities had to be scheduled in advance and were a separate purchase but I could tell that it made the kids feel special to be able to spend a little time with the bears.
Activities
There are so many activities to fill the day at Jellystone my kids never mentioned being bored! The kids spent the most of their free time at the jumping pillow and playground at the front of the park. We also enjoyed the arcade (small but enough to occupy time for a few hours waiting for rain to pass), mini golf, laser tag, inflatables (like large bounce house/obstacle course things), RC car track, we purchased one bag for gem mining and a fishing pond, we didn’t make it over to. In the evenings they had dance parties, Hey rides, and a small outdoor theater (they played super hero movies keeping with the theme).
There are several water based activities as well, include a splash pad area for smaller kids, a couple long waterslides for older kids, a heated pool, and Bear Paw Beach with adventure island (inflatable water course). My oldest insisted on adventure island this trip and she enjoyed her experience on the course. Bear Paw Beach also has a sandy beach and swim area to enjoy as well has a nice shower house.
Food options
As mentioned previously the ranger station also has ice cream and coffee as well as some convenience style items like popcorn and candy. You can always cook around the fire or however you usually prepare meals at campgrounds. Other options include a little stand by the pool/arcade area with burger/hot dog style food. There is a another burger/hot dog style food by the bear paw beach and they also have a bar with some fancy drinks. I personally love the shark drink here!
Drone Light Show
They boast that they are the first and only Jellystone park to feature a nighttime Drone Show. We watched the 50 illuminated and synchronized drones at Bear Paw Beach in the Northern Lights Drone show which was very impressive. Definitely bring a chair or blanket to the beach to watch this show.
Check out the official Jellystone website here!
