Bryce’s 6th Birthday at the Ingleside Hotel and Springs Waterpark

Last weekend was Bryce’s 6th birthday (what?!) and since it was his second birthday under the pandemic, we wanted to really make it special. At this point, we felt comfortable going somewhere and opted for the incredible Ingleside Hotel and Springs Waterpark in Pewaukee, WI– just an hour or so from the northern Chicago burbs.

It has 194 newly renovated rooms and suites, as well as a 45,000 sq ft indoor water park, and on-site dining and room service. Plus, it’s dog friendly! I wanted to share our experience here on the blog for those of you looking for a nice getaway that’s just a short drive away.



The property was very nicely maintained, and the rooms were clean and special accommodations were put in place for COVID-19, which was reassuring. We had an Executive Queen Room, and it was so spacious. Besides two queen beds, there was a sitting area and a sofa sleeper. We had a great view of the neighboring golf course. 





The bathroom was probably my favorite part– the shower to be specific. So spa like! Love the modern design and clean lines. And all that space!



The boys certainly enjoyed themselves in the room, from a surprise visit with cake from their aunt and uncle, to a movie night with popcorn (the Dinosaur Train movie premiered that night). I asked what some of their favorite parts of the weekend were and both of them said “that hotel room!”




The Springs Waterpark was equally as fun. You are able to check into the pool 2 hours before check in so you can maximize your time in the waterpark, which I really like (and make use of their locker rooms). 

Parent hack: pack along robes for your kiddos, that way you can walk to and from the hotel room and stay cozy and warm!


There was a lazy river, several large slides that curved outside the building before shooting inside, a massive kiddie area with TONS of water features and zero depth entry, indoor/outdoor hot tub (Bryce thought that was SO cool), basketball/open pools and balance pads with overhead netting, etc. There was also an arcade and on-site food with snacks and drinks available too.





We enjoyed a delicious breakfast buffet at their on-site before we hit the pool on Sunday again. We filled up on eggs, French toast, fresh fruit, bacon, potatoes and lots of chocolate milk (and the most delicious coffee for T and I.)



Their Didi’s Supper Club features fresh Wisconsin ingredients, a full bar and their infamous Friday Fish Fry, too! They have kids menus, and offer room service through it as well.

Overall, we definitely enjoyed our stay, and Bryce said it was the “best birthday of his life!” Everything from a fun hotel stay in an amazing room, water fun galore and great food made it the perfect little birthday weekend not too far from home.

If you are interested in checking out The Ingleside Hotel, they have great packages and LOTS of things to do in the area!


For Bryce’s other birthday party ideas, click here.

This post is in collaboration with the Ingleside Hotel and Waterpark.