If you’re scratching your head trying to plan that perfect family getaway where everyone (yes, even you!) actually gets to enjoy themselves, I’ve got a place you need to hear about – Woodloch Pines in the Pocono Mountains.
My husband and I recently visited with my sister and her two kiddos, and I’m still smiling thinking about our time there. I wanted to share our experience and throw in some tips that might help you decide if it’s right for your crew.
What’s the Deal with Woodloch?
Woodloch Pines is an all-inclusive family resort that’s been around for ages (family-owned since 1958!). Think of it as summer camp meets resort meets cruise ship on land, with activities scheduled throughout the day and plenty of food to keep everyone fueled up.
The best part? Everything is designed to allow parents to actually relax instead of constantly planning the next activity or meal. Hallelujah!
The Food Situation (Because Let’s Be Real, It Matters)
Let me tell you, nobody’s going hungry at Woodloch. The meals are served family-style, and they are PLENTIFUL. We’re talking multiple courses with options for even the pickiest eaters. They offer a 2-meal or 3-meal option when you reserve your room, and after trying to eat 3 meals, I can confidently say that you only need the 2-meal option. Bring a few snacks, and you will be just fine.
Mom tip: If you have kids with specific food preferences, don’t stress. The kids’ menu has pasta with butter and parmesan cheese, nuggets, pbj, and pizza. The staff is super accommodating, and there’s always something everyone will eat. My nephew, who practically lives on Dino Nuggets, was happy, and so was my foodie husband.
You can order as much as you want, but portion sizes are large.
Activities Galore (But With a Caveat)
This place seriously doesn’t stop. From morning till night, there’s always something happening. We tried:
- Bumper boats (total hit with everyone!)
- Archery (I am truly terrible)
- Trap shooting (my husband’s new favorite hobby)
- Trivia contests (highly competitive but super fun)
- Swimming (indoor and outdoor options)
- Go-karts
- Scavenger hunts
Here’s my honest take: While there truly is something for everyone, the activities do skew toward younger kids – I’d say 12 and under get the most mileage. My niece and nephew (ages 9 and 13) were in absolute heaven, but I could see older teens potentially getting bored after a few days.
Mom tip: Check the schedule when you arrive and plan your must-dos. Some activities require sign-ups, and popular ones fill up quickly!
The Rooms
It depends on where you stay. We stayed in a 3-bedroom condo, and it was beautiful, clean, comfortable, and spacious enough for families. There are lots of options at Woodloch Pines; you can stay in the inn, at the lodge, or in one of the condos. I peeked into a lodge room that was being cleaned, and while it wasn’t brand new, it was spacious.
Mom tip: Request a room close to the main lodge if you have little ones. Some rooms require a bit of a walk, which isn’t fun when you’re carting tired kiddos back after a full day.
What Made It Special
The staff at Woodloch deserves a standing ovation. These folks genuinely seem to love their jobs, and it shows. From remembering our names to going out of their way to make sure everyone was having fun, they added that special touch that elevates a good vacation to a great one.
The trivia competitions were surprisingly epic! Don’t miss them – even if you think you’re not “trivia people.” Our family got way more competitive than I’d like to admit, but it created some of our favorite memories.
The not so great
While I appreciate the woodsiness of Woodloch pines, I feel like it could use a little updating in the hallways and meeting areas. I can get past it, but it would be an even better experience with a little sprucing up.
I hated the big show that is done every week. The musical review show was not “Broadway quality” as it was billed. It wasn’t as good as most high school musicals. The content is rambling, and the talent is not great. So don’t be frustrated if you miss the show.
Is It Worth It?
Let’s talk money because family vacations aren’t cheap. Woodloch is all-inclusive, so while the upfront cost might make you gulp, remember it covers your lodging, meals, and most activities.
For what we got – great food, endless activities, and genuine family bonding time where I wasn’t constantly cooking or planning – I personally found it worth every penny.
Mom tip: Look for midweek packages during shoulder seasons (like early fall or late spring). The savings can be significant, and the resort is less crowded.
Final Thoughts
Woodloch Pines isn’t trying to be a luxury resort with spa treatments and gourmet dining (though they do have a sister property for that!). What they offer is something increasingly rare: a place where families spend time together, doing things together, and creating memories together.
I loved the time I had with my niece and nephew, and they are already begging to go back.
If you’re looking for a vacation where you’ll actually come home feeling like you had one too, give Woodloch a look. Just be prepared for your kids to ask “when are we going back?” approximately 500 times on the drive home.
Have you been to Woodloch or somewhere similar? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments! And if you have questions about our stay that I didn’t cover, ask away!
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