Great Wolf Lodge is a fun family destination with many locations across North America (we go to the Niagara Falls location). My family of 5 has enjoyed a few staycations at Great Wolf Lodge and we have learned some important tips for making the most of the rooms, activities, water park, and food. Here are a few Tips For Visiting Great Wolf Lodge…
Tips For Visiting Great Wolf Lodge
Read my series on our Great Wolf Lodge visit (which includes what to see, do, and more!)
Reservations: Your reservation books your room, water park passes and also includes…
- Access to the water park from 1:00 p.m., the day you check-in until closing time the day you depart
- The Forest Friends Show (no extra cost)
- Nightly Story Time in the Grand Living Room (no extra cost)
- Wolf Walk (no extra cost)
CHECK-IN -> Though you cannot check in until 4pm you can pre-register at 1pm. This means you can do your paperwork and get your wristbands (thus enter water park) straight away. The lockers in the change rooms are big enough to hold a backpack for your change of clothes. Great Wolf Lodge takes down your cell phone and calls when your room is available thus allowing you to play and not have to check back with front desk.
WRISTBANDS -> your wristband is your room key, lock, wallet, kid keeper. Your wristband is micro-chip-connected to your room – so you or your child can open the room door just by pressing the wristband against the doorknob. If your child becomes separated Great Wolf Lodge staff can check the child’s wristband to see his/her room and thus family name, contact information. The wristband also locks the lockers in the change rooms. You can also use your wristband at the restaurants to have bills put on your final bill.
ACTVITIES OUTSIDE THE WATER PARK -> Story time is at 8pm – yes, your kids can wear pjs. (FREE). Check out the Kids Club art area – lots of great activities and toys (some FREE).
There is an on-site spa, mini golf, arcade, and magiquest which are fun for the whole family but do note they come at extra charges. Before you book you should check the Great Wolf Lodge website for special events during the month (there are often special free events around holidays and special days – like Father’s Day, Mother’s Day, New Year’s Eve).
FOOD -> the all-you-can-eat buffet has everything…but if you have kids like mine – they eat two things and want to go back to the water park. For smaller eaters there is a snack bar downstairs (at the water park level) which has lighter food choices (BLTs, Bagels & cheese, pre-packaged salads). The rooms have a mini fridge and microwave (in case you choose to bring some snacks or baby food).
And one of my most tops pics for Tips For Visiting Great Wolf Lodge…pack snacks for the drive home. Kids will be tired and hungry after all their fun!
I agree Eric…if I were to go again – I would take snacks (popcorn was $3.99!).
Great tips! We took our kids there last summer and can't wait to go again!
in what city is that GWL my family going so I was just wondering what city it was in
It’s in Niagara Falls Canada.
Niagara Falls, Canada.
We have always gone with another family or relatives and shared the large rooms that have the loft or the king-sized bed in a separate room! This gives us lots of space to eat in the room (we had Swiss Chalet delivered to GWL) and there was plenty of room for everyone to stay comfortably, especially since we spent most of our time in the arcade or water park!
A friend of mine shares a big room with family as well. It’s a great idea to cut costs yet be comfortable.
I remember going here as a child/teen, and loved it! I had forgotten this place exists so thanks for the reminder! It really is a blast for children and adults alike.
Is it horrible to say – tho I love the family getaway – I would go for a date weekend without kids too 😉
I have never been here, something to check out I think
Sounds like a blast! Isn’t it always the way that the healthier food options are the more expensive ones?
I must say – Great Wolf Lodge needs to be commended for offering an assortment of healthy foods – you can easily choose something for any dietary plan.
I’d love for my daughter to enjoy the kid ativities
My kids’ liked different activities at different ages. When they were little: craft room & story time. As they get older: wave pool & water slides.
Such a fun place – my kids love it – hope to go again soon! 🙂
We’ve been in Winter and in Summer – and it’s great in any season.
My kids love it there – hopefully we’ll go again next year.
Sounds like a great place to take the kids. I especially like the Nightly Story Time in the Grand Living Room.
It is fun for all ages.
I have never been there but it sure sounds like fun
I would have never thought of any tips, but after reading your post I am more aware now, I love the use of the bracelet, that is one great bonus!!