Woodloch Resort Review: An All-Inclusive Family Vacation in the Poconos

Woodloch Pines Resort offers a beautiful setting for an activity-packed, all-inclusive getaway in the Pocono Mountains. Photo courtesy of the resort
Woodloch Pines Resort offers a beautiful setting for an activity-packed, all-inclusive getaway in the Pocono Mountains. Photo courtesy of the resort
8/17/23 - By Diana Kim

Woodloch Resort's Woodloch Pines is a perfect destination for a family getaway any time of the year. Located in the heart of Pennsylvania's Poconos Mountains, Woodloch Resort is an all-inclusive resort made for families, with tons of all-seasons activities, an on-site kids' club, pool, lake, water activities, spacious accommodations, entertainment, and delicious meals.

Read on for our top picks for fun things to do at Woodloch Resort, and our tips for planning your own Woodloch Pines getaway. While you're in the area, we've got 70 fun things to do in the Poconos with kids, plus you can find more fun family resorts in our Guide to Day Trips and Weekend Getaways.

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Bumper Boats at Woodloch Resort
Family-friendly activities—like bumper boats—abound during the summer months.

Woodloch Pines Resort is part of the Woodloch Resort Properties family, which also includes the golf resort Woodloch Springs and the Lodge at Woodloch, an adults-only spa resort, which made our list of picks for the top spa resorts near NYC. However, only the Woodloch Pines Resort caters specifically to families.

During our stay at Woodloch Resort's Woodloch Pines, we were impressed with the friendly staff, who was ever-attentive at check-in, mealtimes, and in helping us navigate the myriad activities. A daily calendar lays out all the day's activities, while a handy app helps visitors keep track of everything. You can participate in any of the scheduled activities like games, scavenger hunts, races, and Olympic-style competitions, or enjoy the resort's amenities at your own pace. The resort almost feels like a sleepaway camp for families.

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Woodloch Resorts: Swimming in the pool at Woodloch Pines
Cool off in Woodloch's beautiful outdoor pool or hit the lake for some watersports during the summer. 

Top Summer Activities at Woodloch Pines Resort

The summer is all about the pool and the lake at Woodloch. Kids love cooling off in the outdoor pool and the splash play area. There's more swimming to be had in the pristine lake, where there's also a beach and a waterslide that my kids went down at least 100 times each day.

Woodloch Resort offers a slew of water activities including water skiing, paddle boats, kayaks, boat tours, fishing, and bumper boats. For outdoor activities that don't involve water, play in the adventure playground, ride go-karts, play miniature golf or tennis, try the climbing wall, hit some balls at the cages, or hike one of several nearby nature trails.

The whole family activities are well organized and can get pretty creative, like double-dare, family field day, water slide races, and a trapshooting contest. In short, you won't hear "I'm bored," during your stay!

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Snow tubing at Woodloch Pines
Hit the slopes—at Woodloch Resort—or nearby for fun sports once the flakes fly. Photo courtesy of the resort

Winter Activities at Woodloch Pines

During the colder months, you can still swim in the indoor pool complex where there's a huge indoor splash zone with a twisty slide. The lakefront is transformed into a winter wonderland, perfect for snow tubing. Practice ice skating on the frozen lake or on the covered, synthetic rink.

Even in the winter, Woodloch offers many scheduled daily activities to keep the whole family busy and entertained. From snow tubing races to baking contests, Woodloch has an activity for everyone. Enjoy the indoor amenities like an indoor playground, arcade room, gym, indoor bumper cars, go-karts, and crafts room.

Woodloch Pines is also in close proximity to the Poconos-area ski resorts, including Ski Big Bear, which is just a 15-minute drive away and offers 18 trails and 650 feet of vertical drops.

RELATED: The Best Poconos Resorts for a Family Vacation

Woodloch Resort: Roasting marshmallows at Woodloch Pines
Nightly entertainment includes a big, old-fashioned bonfire complete with s'mores. Photo courtesy of the resort

Kids' Club and Family Entertainment at Woodloch Pines Resort

The Kids' Club at Woodloch is specifically designed for kids ages 10 and younger. Year-round amenities include the Woodloch Forest, bumper cards, junior go-karts, playgrounds, a petting zoo and pony rides, and the kids' club room. Kids can choose from projects and activities in the Kids' Club like story time, clay building, painting classes, and jewelry making. Because Woodloch Pines is a family resort, families are expected to participate in kids' club activities together.

The fun continues at night in the North Lodge with musical acts, variety shows, dancing, and comedians. The acts are family-friendly and Woodloch also hosts magicians and other acts for kids like balloon artists. You won't want to miss out on the nightly marshmallow roasts around the fire pit, either.

Parents should take advantage of the world-class spa at The Lodge at Woodloch which offers an array of spa services, but remember to book ahead.

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Woodloch Resort: Accommodations at Woodloch Pines
Photo courtesy of the resort

Accommodations and Pricing at Woodloch Resort

With all the amenities that Woodloch Pines Resort offers, the cost can be a little pricier than your average hotel room. But the cost, charged per person, covers accommodations, two or three meals daily, and all activities (with a few exceptions, which are always noted). Prices fluctuate depending on the season. Check its website for various packages and money-saving deals.

Accommodations range from single rooms with two queen beds to two-bedroom suites. Some suites come fully equipped with kitchens, washers and dryers, and pull-out couches. For large groups or families, choose from a vacation rental with 2-3 bedrooms. The rooms are very cozy and have a charming, rustic feel.

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Woodloch Resort: Dining at Woodloch Pines
Families are assigned a dining room table for the duration of their stay at Woodloch Pines resort. 

All the meals are served family-style in the main dining room and are very filling. There are always several appetizers and entrees to choose from, and each includes vegetarian and kid-friendly options. Reservations aren't necessary because each family or group is assigned a table they use exclusively for their stay. All drinks are included but premium alcohol is extra. Kids love the dessert options. If you want to mix it up, there are several other dining options at the resort and you can also drive to the nearby Springs Resort to try out its restaurants.

Woodloch Pines Resort is a beloved tradition for many families, so make sure to book your stay way in advance.

A version of this piece was originally posted in 2012. Unless noted, photos by the author

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