Could someone give me a quick run down on which amenities are free and what I should expect to pay for, if I use them? Extra fees for mini golf? I know there's a kids club with crafts; are they free or extra fees to do them? Can we just borrow a basketball? What other game-type amenities are there - ping pong, foosball, etc? Approximate costs of arcade games?
Also what can I expect for pool party type of activities? Things to keep kids interested (think 10-year-olds)?
Mini golf is an extra fee, but they have specials throughout the week where whole families can golf for $10 total. Those are clearly marked on the activity guide that they will provide you with at check-in.
Basketballs, yes you just borrow those from one of the activity centers. They will only charge you if you don't return it when you are finished.
I've never played tennis, but I think its the same premise as basketball (you can borrow rackets and balls and return them once done).
There are 2 sand volleyball courts, one on each side of the resort (next to the Super Pool and next to the Fountains pool). Balls can be borrowed from the activity centers.
There is a shuffleboard court in the Fountains section. Not sure if there is one on the other side as well.
The Falls pool has a slide. The Cascades pool has a waterfall and sprinklers. The Fountains pool has an in-water volleyball net and a waterfall.
There is an Escape Game in the Fountains Recreation Center (extra fee).
Surrey bikes can be rented (for a fee) from the Cascades Recreation Center.
Dive-in Movies are free. Tubes can be purchased or you can bring your own.
Gatorland comes once a week and offers a poolside session (no charge).
Pool activities.....we have seen snow cone making, create-your-own ice cream sundaes, tie-dye t-shirts, and s'mores/popcorn next poolside at the Fountains pool. Shirts I *know* there is a fee for, food I would suspect also has a small charge.
Other poolside events.....Karaoke, the weekly Vacation Celebration (Mondays, I think), family game shows (with small prizes like free snow cones to the winners) .... all free.
Bingo is offered several times a week, but that is a small fee to play (prizes are awarded to winners).
There is a magic show once per week at the Fountains Recreation Center (buffet dinner + the show for about $20 per person).
Depending on the time of year that you visit, there could be other events going on. For example, there was a Halloween Party (two, actually....one early in the evening "just for kids" which included a costume parade and a later one that was adult-friendly) when we were there on October 31st. Free to attend with prizes for costumes.
The FUN Team also offers indoor activities for kids and families when their outdoor events are cancelled due to weather.
There are multiple AWESOME playgrounds around the resort, and they are all quite different from each other.
You can have your family photos taken for free by the resort photography staff. You get a complimentary 5 x 7 with no obligation to purchase more.
There are a few different arcades but I have no idea how much the games cost (we have never spent time there).
When I think of more, I will post them!