The Ultimate Staycation at Gaylord National

If you’re looking for a staycation spot for the whole family, then heading to SummerFest at Gaylord National should be high on your summer to-do list. Recently Our-Kids visited their kid-friendly, summer events at, and needless to say, it was one of the best hotel stays we’ve had in years!

From the amazing balcony views of the courtyard from our room, to the host of activities to do every day for all ages, to the family favorite Capital Wheel – there was something to do for everyone! Whether you’re a swimmer, leisure pool lounger, or have a high octane “always on the go” little one the lower level pool area should be one of your first spots for their Summer Jams Poolside. My son loved the outdoor sprinkler park and enjoyed playing a quick game of Marco Polo in the spacious indoor pool!

The great thing about SummerFest is the wide variety of activities always going on, no matter the time. After a delicious dinner at the National Pastime Sports Bar & Grill, we were ready for some ghostly frights with the National Haunting Ghost Tour! For an hour, during sunset, we were taken throughout the hotel grounds and heard scary (yet age appropriate) tales of haunts that occurred around the harbor.

To continue the fun through the night, we headed to get a good spot to see the Great-American Road Trip Atrium Show in the lower level. I’ve never seen my son so happy to dance (in public) than when he bust out his inventive dance moves as the Gaylord National’s iconic laser light fountain show took place.

The highlight of the night was the Movie Under the Stars, in the lower atrium, where we kicked back in large bean bag chairs and thoroughly enjoyed Despicable Me 3.

But, the fun at SummerFest doesn’t end there! For night owls, there are rotating entertainment options to choose from including a Silent Disco at the Lobby Bar, where you can grab a set of headphones and jam out to some of your favorite music, picked by their DJ.

And, if you’re like most, eating healthy while on any vacation can be a challenge. Not at SummerFest!

The healthy, buffet-style breakfast at Pienza Marketplace is one of the best I’ve had! Even my picky eater was pleasantly surprised to find lots of fresh fruits and some of his favorite breakfast treats to choose from.

When you book the SummerFest Family Escape package, kids ages 4-11 eat free with each paying adult. Talk about a way to make your summer vacation dollars go further!

If you want a getaway without having to spend hours in the car, or brave large crowds in the scorching summer heat, then Our-Kids would highly recommend heading to the SummerFest at Gaylord National!

SummerFest runs now through Labor Day, September 3rd. To book your SummerFest Family Escape package, click here.

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OK Editorial Team

Our Kids has been bringing you more family fun, experiences & adventure since 1999.