Beetcafe.com
rockford illinois entertainment guide
Date: 02/01/2007
CoCo Key - A Tropical Destination in Rockford, IL
by Gary Hill
gary@beetcafe.com
www.musicstreetjournal.com

With some of the coldest weather this year upon us, here's an audience participation question. If you are looking for a tropical getaway from wind-chills and snow shoveling, raise your hands - who is thinking of Rockford? Those of you with your hands in the air are probably thinking of CoCo Key Water Resort at The Clock Tower Resort, which just opened on January 18th.

Designed after Key West Florida, CoCo Key has a 60,000 square foot water park. From water-slides to body flumes, an adventure river and more, there is something for everyone. They even have a "Dip-in Theatre" where you can watch movies, sporting events and more on a movie size projection screen while enjoying the water.  Don't forget the Parrot's Perch interactive play area, Palm Grotto Spa, Cabanas and party rooms. If that weren't enough the resort also includes the Key West Arcade and restaurants.

So, are you wondering what some of those places mentioned in the last paragraph are all about? Let's take a more detailed look at a few of them. First, what exactly is the Parrot's Perch play area? It is a perfect adventure for children of all ages. It features slides for younger children, water cannons a zero depth entry area and a gigantic bucket that dumps hundreds of gallons of water every few minutes.

The Coconut Grove Adventure River is "a tube ride through the water island with splashy coconut surprises along the way." For fun in the waves you can look to Loco's Lagoon Wave Beach, which features a zero-depth entry and a pool full of waves. CoCo Key features not just one, but three separate water-slides (Shark Slam, Gator Gush and Barracuda Blast). The Coral Reef Cavern is an exciting activity pool with lily pads, water basketball and a coral reef backdrop that is constantly changing.

With the way the weather is right now, it doesn't seem likely you'd be thinking about outdoor water fun (except if you count snow as water), but when things warm up, CoCo Keys has you covered there, too. Their Outdoor Splash Pad features cascading towers of water that serve as a nice complement to the outdoor tanning deck. . They also have the Palm Grotto Indoor / Outdoor Spa. This boasts giant whirlpools and there is even access to the outdoor whirlpool from a swim-through passage.

While all of that may sound like plenty to keep you entertained for your tropical excursion, the fine folks at CoCo Key have more in store for you. They've got five luxury cabanas that can be reserved. These allow you to take a break from the pools while still enjoying the atmosphere of the resort as they overlook the whole park. Each cabana has a refrigerator, TV and lockable safe. Besides the cabanas, CoCo Key also provides a large gaming area as another way to take some time away from the water. There is even a bar right in the park, meaning you don't have to go far to quench your thirst.

Probably the best way to experience this tropical adventure is to get one of the packages that includes a room at the hotel and full access to the park, but they also have day passes. Those passes, though, are subject to availability and black out dates, so it's a good idea to plan ahead on that approach. The park is also available for birthday parties and group events. For more information (or to make reservations) give them a call at 398.6000. You can also find out a lot more about the facility by visiting their website at http://www.cocokeyresort.com.

Contact Information
CoCo Key Water Resort
7801 E. State Street
Rockford, IL, 61108
815-398-6000
www.cocokeyresort.com
Hours
varies
Cost
varies
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