See Why Zehnder’s Splash Village Is One Of The Best Waterpark Hotels In Michigan

Recently, I found myself searching for the best waterpark hotels in Michigan during a cold, snowy day. I don’t know about you, but here in Michigan when January hits, we are longing for sunny days and above freezing temps. The cabin fever has set in and the kids are begging to go somewhere, ANYWHERE. Desperate times call for desperate measures. Thankfully, I came across Zehnder’s Splash Village in Frankenmuth. Wait until you see this place!

❤️A huge thank you to Zehnder’s for our complimentary stay and water park passes. ❤️

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Welcome To One Of The Best Waterpark Hotels In Michigan

When you arrive to Zehnder’s, it’s no wonder why it is considered one of the best waterpark hotels in Michigan. Zehnder’s Splash Village is one of only a handful of water parks in the nation that has TWO separate water park areas! You will have no problem finding something to do, no matter what your age.

Upon entering, you feel like you have been swept off to an enchanted forest. The front desk looks like a cute fairy house complete with mushroom rooftop. To the right of the front desk is the gift shop that is filled with all sorts of souvenir items like t-shirts, toys, and even swimwear if you happen to have forgotten yours.

Behind you is a soaring 26-foot tree in the hotel lobby that had a gas fireplace built right into the trunk that you can gather in front of every evening for a complimentary movie night.

Splash Village Waterpark Hotels In Michigan

No need to worry about purchasing water park tickets in addition to booking your overnight stay; your water park passes are included! On the day of your arrival, you are allowed to arrive as early as noon for access to the water park. Then on the day of your departure, you can stay as late as 4:00 p.m. These are both great option for families, so you get a little more playtime out of both days.

Zehnder’s is home to two water park areas: the Splash Water Park and the Atrium Water Park. The Splash Park is home to the Crooked Brook Creek Lazy River, Splash Landing, Whimsical Whirland, and two water slides: the Giggling Gorge and Perilous Plunge (both are four stories high); and what indoor water park wouldn’t be complete without the Dumping Bucket?!

One of our favorite spots was the lazy river! It’s only 2′ 6″ deep, and the current was just powerful enough that park-goers can walk along if they choose.

Splash Landing Play Area is the perfect area where you can get the little ones used to the water. There is a zero entry activity pool with geysers, slides, and a swing for the littlest of visitors. At the end of the pool is the Whimsical Whirl hot tub that seats about 20 people and the perfect spot to relax.

Around the corner from the Splash Landing Play Area, is a separate pool with balance lily pads and basketball hoops.

What water park would be complete without the Dumping Bucket? It dumps almost 1,000 gallons of water every 10 minutes!

Zehnder’s has certified lifeguards that are throughout both parks. There are complimentary life jackets that are available on a first come, first served basis. When we arrived it was pretty busy, but there were still plenty of jackets available.

Atrium Park

Prepare to have your mind blown! Welcome to the Atrium, Michigan’s only water park with a retractable roof! Inside you will find two of their most popular rides: the Tantrum Twist and the Super Loop Speed Slide. The Tantrum Twist is a four-person family raft ride. The Super Loop Speed Slide is a 4-story straight drop through a 273 foot long, 360 degree loop, all the way to the bottom in less than 7 seconds.

There is also a zero entry activity pool, a not-so-lazy river with a little stronger current than in the Splash Park, a pool with water basketball and volleyball, and another Whimsical Whirl hot tub.

In the Atrium you can also rent a cabana for up to 10 people. The cabanas include seating, a mini-fridge, a safe, towels, flat screen TV, and food and beverage service (price depends on the day of the week, as well as if it is a holiday break).

If you happen to visit Zehnder’s Splash Village during the summer, there is also a seasonal outdoor pool for you to enjoy.

Our Home Away From Home

During our visit to one of the best waterpark hotels in Michigan, we stayed in the Family Suite. It includes two queen beds, and a queen-sized pullout sofa sleeper that is located in a “separate” sitting area with a fireplace.

The bathroom was pretty spacious with a whirlpool tub and shower combo. The vanity area was actually in the hotel room, across from the beds. At first, I thought it was strange that the sink wasn’t in the bathroom. But after spending the night in the suite with my family, it makes complete sense!

Let’s just say that if someone were getting ready, whether it was doing their hair or brushing their teeth, they didn’t have to leave the bathroom if someone had to use the bathroom or take a shower. It basically gave you two areas to get ready in, which is a big deal when you are traveling as a family.

Next up is the “mini kitchen,” complete with a microwave, mini refrigerator, and coffee maker. It’s the perfect spot for prepping snacks for the kids or making that morning cup of coffee to wake you up for your water fun filled day. And I can’t forget the flat screen TV which is perfect for parents if the kids are watching something on the other TV. Yes, there are two TV’s in the room!

One of the awesome things about the suite was that it has two rooms that are separated by a partition. On the other side of the sleeping area is a cozy sitting area with a queen sized sleeper sofa, a fireplace, a huge flat screen TV (with HBO and hotel pay-per-view). Our room also had a balcony with chairs to enjoy the view.

When you book an overnight stay in a Family Suite, you will receive up to six complimentary water park passes, which is a great deal!

If you are looking to venture outside of the hotel make sure you visit Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland, the Silent Night Chapel, or America’s Oldest Micro-Brewery.

Dining Options At One Of the Best Waterpark Hotels In Michigan

There are plenty of dining option inside of the hotel. Located in the Main Lobby of Zehnder’s Splash Village is the Elf Hollow Cafe, and The Mushroom Grille is located within the Atrium Park. Here you can find some of your favorites, such as pizza, hamburgers, fries, deli sandwiches, and so much more. The Elf Hollow Cafe also offers a full breakfast buffet that is available almost daily.

Our Experience

Our family had such a great time! It’s no wonder why Zehnder’s Splash Village is one of the best waterpark hotels in Michigan! The water was warm and the two parks allowed for ample space if it was a busy time. No matter what age your children are, they are sure to find something they will love at Zehnder’s. Our visit was just what we needed to help shake some of the winter blues. Therefore, we would absolutely book another stay. PERHAPS you should too!

Know Before You Go

• Website: https://www.zehnders.com/zehnders-splash-village
• Address: 1365 South Main Street, Frankenmuth, MI 48734
• Reservations: https://www.zehnders.com/zehnders-splash-village/#accommodations
• Check-in/Check-out: Check-in time is 4:00 p.m. and check-out is 11:00 a.m.
• Time of visit: We booked a Sunday to Monday stay at the beginning of January.
• Zehnder’s is also known for their family chicken dinners at their restaurant, Zehnder’s of Frankenmuth, golf at The Fortress Golf Course, and shopping at Zehnder’s Marketplace.

Check out our other adventures in Michigan:

• Legoland Discovery Center, Auburn Hills, MI
• SEA LIFE Aquarium, Auburn Hills, MI
• Tri-Cities Historical Museum (FREE), Grand Haven, MI
• Quality Inn & Suites Hotel, Muskegon, MI
• Top 10 Things to Do in Muskegon, MI
• Outdoor Discovery Center (FREE), Holland, MI
• Jubliee Cottage Visit, Grand Haven, MI