Looking for classic family fun for active families? Visit Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Camp-Resort in Tyler, Texas for unforgettable memories for the whole family.
Before this place was called Jellystone, it was called "Whispering Pines"- one of the best family campgrounds there was. Now, it's a campground UPGRADED. This place seriously has everything. Let's jump in.
Waterpark
Located just north of Tyler, you'll drive up to the resort through the beautiful pines. Upon entering the park, you'll first stop inside the ranger's station (registration station) to check in. They'll give you wristbands for the whole family and a tag for your car. Then you'll immediately notice the huge water zone. This water park is completely fenced in on all sides.
There is a sprayground/ splash pad where younger visitors will spend most of their time. Prepare to be sprayed! With slides, water guns, and even a toddler slide, there is much to occupy your little ones. Parents watch nearby while sitting in the water (about 4 inches high) and working on their tan, or some reserve a special cabana for their crew. There are umbrella tables and chairs all around. There were a couple of lifeguards around, mainly making sure things didn't get out of hand on the taller water slides. In the winter months, this becomes an interactive heated water playground.
Pass through a gate and you're on the side with the deeper, spacious swimming pool and spa tub. This is the family pool with chairs and umbrella tables around, plus a basketball net on one side of the pool.
Themed Events
Pay attention to the papers they give you when you check in. You'll find some special offers, but most importantly you obtain a link to the online schedule of events. Each day in the summer (and probably in other seasons as well) there is a line-up of different ways to keep everyone having fun and staying active!
Some of the things you'll find:
- Gem Mining- you can purchase different sizes of gem buckets at the activity building. This is a paid activity.
- Laser Tag- there is a station set up with wooden walls to hide behind. This is a paid acitivity.
- Wagon Ride- and in the summer the wagon ride during the daytime was a water ride. They provided a bucket of water and various water blasters and we sprayed each other or other campers we encountered along the ride. The campground also encourages campers with full hook-up RV sites to prepare their hoses to spray the wagon riders as they pass by. Everyone was in their swim wear or was prepared to get wet. On the evening ride, everyone wore their glow in the dark accessories (available at the gift shop or bring your own) and sang along to the music provided by the staff via a speaker on the wagon. The nighttime ride was my favorite thing. This activity isn't an additional expense.
- Gaga Ball- free!
- 9-hole mini golf course. This is a paid activity.
- Foam party- this is for the younger campers. They go (in swimsuits mostly) to this concrete slab and the staff releases tons of foam all over the place from the ceiling. It's amazing and included in your pass.
- Tye-dye shirts- a paid activity, but a fun take-home souvenir.
- Coloring- free!
- Glow in the dark dance parties- free!
- Painting ceramics- This is a paid activity. We painted Christmas ornaments to take home as our souvenirs
- Bouncing pillow- free!
- Arcade- This is a small building with a few arcade games (maybe 10?). I didn't look to see how much it cost per game, but it is a paid activity.
- Variety of sports courts- free!
- Hike the nature trails- free!
- Outdoor movies- These happen at night up by the playground and are free!
Food
The food available for purchase at the Campfire Canteen was 99% junk food. (Pizza, burgers, popcorn, ice cream, etc.) If you're staying in one of the luxury cabins, you'll have a full kitchen to prepare your own healthier meals to keep everyone fueled well for the fun. Then maybe go to the canteen for a special treat.
Characters
I would suggest showing your family a couple of episodes of Yogi Bear from YouTube before you head to the park. This will help them enjoy the decorations and special visits from characters like Boo Boo, Yogi, and Cindy Bear. Cindy surprised us at the water park one day, and we saw Yogi on a golf cart. Oh, you can rent golf carts, too!
Various Ways to Stay
This place used to have many tent sites, but now you'll see mostly cozy glamping cabins. They come with dishes, a fridge, stove, tv, wi-fi. You bring your own towels, linens, soap, etc. There are also plenty of Deluxe RV sites.
For a great place to vacation as a family that will keep everyone walking and playing, this is the right place. Maybe it will become your new family tradition!
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