This post is sponsored by Great Wolf Lodge.
Our family has enjoyed several staycations at our local New England Great Wolf Lodge in Fitchburg, Massachusetts. It is a perfect getaway in the heart of winter when we need a mini break.
Known for its impressive indoor water parks and family-friendly activities, Great Wolf Lodge is a destination unto itself, with hotel rooms themed for the resort, activities the whole family can enjoy, and dining on site so you never have to leave the resort.
At Great Wolf Lodge, we have found that there is something for all ages to enjoy. Here’s our list of the top things to do at Great Wolf Lodge: for babies and toddlers, school-aged kids, teens—and adults, too!
About Great Wolf Lodge
If you are new to Great Wolf Lodge or thinking of visiting for the first time, you are in for a treat. GWL is a popular and family-friendly resort chain known for its indoor water parks, themed rooms, and entertainment options for all ages.
Located in multiple locations across the United States–21 locations now, with two new ones coming soon–it’s the perfect destination for families looking for a fun and relaxing vacation.
But what sets Great Wolf Lodge apart from other water parks are the features and amenities that cater to different age groups and interests. My kids have visited when they were toddlers, preschool-aged, and as preteens; each age group had something for them to discover.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Just remember to pack your swimsuits; with its huge indoor water park, you will be spending plenty of time in the water.
Best Things to Do at Great Wolf Lodge By Age
While most of the activities listed here are available at most of the Great Wolf Lodge locations, there could be some newer attractions not covered here that are available at the resort nearest you. Check the individual resort’s website before you go so you’ll know exactly what you’ll find when you arrive.
Read More: Is Great Wolf Lodge Worth It?
Babies and Toddlers
Great Wolf Lodge understands the needs of families with young children.
Baby- and toddler-friendly daily activities include storytime, arts and crafts, and games for young kids to participate in with their parents. There’s also a water play area, called the Cub Paw Pool, specifically designed for babies and toddlers.
Plus, complimentary cribs and high chairs are available upon request for added convenience.
We also love that Great Wolf Lodge has complimentary onsite life vests for kids to wear in the water play areas. We always used these for our kids even if they were in the shallow pool areas. While there are lifeguards on duty, we always stay right with our kids, as the water areas can get busy.
For Babies
In addition to the variety of daily activities, from storytimes to crafts, designed to entertain babies and toddlers, you’ll find these areas inside the water park:
Cub Paw Pool: This cute and shallow pool is perfect for babies to splash around in. It features small slides, spray features, and mini waterfalls that delighted my kiddos when they were little.
Baby Bear Falls: We loved playing in this family-friendly activity pool with our kids. It features interactive elements like floating toys and mini slides that are perfect for introducing your baby to the water.
For Toddlers
Whooping Hollow: My kids loved getting a little taste of the fun in this pint-sized water play area. It has water slides and interactive features that are sure to keep them entertained for hours.
Slap Tail Pond: This wave pool with gentle waves is perfect for toddlers to experience the feeling of riding the waves in a safe environment. One thing to note is that it ranges from a zero-depth entry to five feet at the deepest end, so toddlers should stay with their parents on the shallow end.
Fort Mackenzie: This multi-level interactive treehouse is a must-visit for kids of all ages! It features suspension bridges, slides, and spray stations that will keep them entertained for hours. For younger kids, parental supervision is recommended as buckets of water pour over periodically.
Oliver’s Mining: Our kids loved treasure hunting for gemstones at Oliver’s Mining Co. It’s a great activity for the littlest ones in the pack. Children younger than 4 definitely will need some parental help.
For School-Age Children
This is a great age to visit Great Wolf Lodge. We visited a few times when my kids were in this age range. They are young enough to embrace wearing the wolf ears and enjoy the Character Appearances and shows but old enough to enjoy a few more activities.
Here are my picks of the best things to do at Great Wolf Lodge for this age group.
Howl in One Mini Golf: This is a fun family activity that works as well for preschool-aged kids as it does for older kids and adults, this mini-golf course has a fun and challenging wolf theme that adds an extra element of excitement to the game. We loved winding down after dinner with a round or two of mini golf.
Northern Lights Arcade: With a variety of arcade games and prizes, this is a great place for preschool-aged kids and older kids to hang out and have some fun. My kids love cashing in their points for a prize at the end of the evening.
Build-A-Bear Workshop: There are a few stuffed animals here that are unique to the resort. There is also a gift shop on site, but dressing up their own stuffed wolf was a favorite of my kids.
Otter Run Waterslide: This waterslide is my speed and the speed of school-aged kids. It’s a gentle but fun ride that offers some twists and turns but isn’t too scary.
Howler’s Peak Adventure Trail: Kids 32 inches to 42 inches tall can participate in this high-flying adventure trail with an adult, but those taller than 42 inches can enjoy it independently. My adventure-loving kids had a great time scaling this high above-ground obstacle course. It works really well for kids who love a challenging course and aren’t afraid of heights.
Ten Paw Alley: Most Great Wolf Lodge locations have this fun, family-friendly bowling option. It’s a great activity for kids of this age.
For Tweens and Teens
Teenagers can be one of the hardest age groups to entertain on family vacations, but Great Wolf Lodge has something exciting to offer teens as well.
With adventurous activities, including the Howlers Peak Ropes Course and MagiQuest game, as well as thrilling waterslides, your teen will stay busy and entertained. And the Arcade is a great place for older kids to socialize and play games on their own for a bit.
MagiQuest: This interactive live-action adventure game lets teens explore the lodge while using magic wands to solve quests and defeat mythical creatures.
Adventure Park: This hangout spot features a variety of challenging teen-friendly activities, including rock climbing, mini-golf, and virtual reality experiences.
Bear Paw Sweets & Eats: From delicious ice cream to homemade fudge, this sweet shop is the place for teens to satisfy their cravings.
Hustle & Howl Dance Party: The lodge hosts teen-friendly events in the evening for a chance to socialize with other teens, and if your teen is into fitness, there is a fitness workout called Adventure Training. My sports-loving son would enjoy this before the day’s activities.
Wolf Tail: This is not my cup of tea, but if your teen is up for a stomach-dropping, thrill-seeking waterslide, this is the one for them. Almost a complete vertical drop, it’s sure to get their adrenaline pumping!
Chinook Cove: My preteens loved this water sports area. It’s great for throwing basketballs and balls (my kids’ favorite thing to do in the pool) while splashing in the pool.
For Adults
Believe it or not, there are even fun activities for parents at Great Wolf Lodge! Relax and unwind at the Watering Hole Bar or hit the fitness center to stay in shape while enjoying your family vacation.
This resort also has a lounge, Buckets Incredible Craveables, and a coffee shop, full of fresh and aromatic coffee for adults to enjoy. In New England, it’s Dunkin’, which is always popular with the local crowd. Another fun option is to share a bottle of wine with your partner at the outdoor fire pit.
Yoga Tails: Join the kids at a yoga class and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and let go of any stress or tension.
Family Water Slides: Join in the fun with your kids and enjoy one of the family water slides! There are several that will fit family-sized rafts, and we love joining in the fun with our kids. These vary at the different Great Wolf Lodge locations.
North Hot Springs: While our kids were running around in the water park, we loved relaxing in the hot tub located in the pool area. It’s a nice thing for adults to do at Great Wolf Lodge
Fitness Center: Every location has a fitness center for adults and teens. It’s a great way to take a break from the activities and stretch and strengthen your paws.
Dining
Dining at Great Wolf Lodge is also a family affair, with various restaurants and dining options to cater to all tastes and preferences. From casual snacks and meals to fine dining experiences, there’s something for everyone in the family. And if you have picky eaters or dietary restrictions, don’t worry – most restaurants offer kid-friendly and allergy-friendly options.
Accommodations
Great Wolf Lodge offers various room types to fit the needs of different families. Whether you are looking for standard accommodations or want to upgrade to a unique themed room to feel like you are sleeping in a wolf den or have a spacious suite, there is an option for everyone.
We have stayed in both the standard suites and a Grizzly Wolf Den Themed Suite, which was a lot of fun. The uniquely themed rooms immersed us in the Great Wolf Lodge experience.
Room Types
Standard Suites: These rooms come with two queen beds, a full-size sleeper sofa, and a semi-private living area. They can accommodate up to six guests comfortably. Water park passes and events are included with the overnight stay.
Themed Suites: Choose from various themes such as Wolf Den, Kid Cabin, or Grizzly Bear Suite that offer unique sleeping arrangements for kids in addition to the standard amenities. It also had bunk beds which was great for our family of five. Water park passes and events are included with the overnight stay.
Premium Suites: These spacious rooms come with additional features such as spacious rooms and a whirlpool tub for added comfort and relaxation. As with the other bookings, water park passes and events are included in the room cost.
Tips For Visiting
Here are some of my top tips for visiting Great Wolf Lodge resorts.
Wolf Ears at check-in: Start your vacation off right by receiving a pair of complimentary wolf ears to wear during your stay at Great Wolf Lodge. It’s the perfect accessory for family photos and adds to the overall fun and immersive experience.
Seasonal Events: Great Wolf Lodge resorts know how to celebrate! Seasonal events such as Snowland in the wintertime and Howl-O-Ween in the fall include special treats and storytimes, over-the-top resort decorations, and special activities. We visited for breakfast with Santa and won the raffle for a free stay at Great Wolf Lodge!
GWL Voyagers Club: Become a part of this GWL loyalty program and receive exclusive benefits, discounts, and rewards for your visits to Great Wolf Lodge. It’s free to join and can save you money on future trips.
Splash Early and Late: One of my favorite things about a GWL stay: You can arrive the minute the waterpark opens on your check-in day and start splashing around immediately. It’s a great way to keep the kids busy and happy until your room is ready for check-in! The same happens on your check-out day. You can check out of your room then stay and play until the water park closes that night.
Pack light: The rooms at Great Wolf Lodge are equipped with towels, linens, and toiletries, and the water park has towels and life jackets so there’s no need to bring any of that unless, like us, you prefer to have your own beach towels. We love that you can save space in your luggage. Plus, there is an onsite laundry facility. Pack swimsuits, cover-ups and flip flops as you have to walk through the hotel quite a ways to get to the water park area.
Plan Ahead for Popular Activities: Some of the activities at Great Wolf Lodge, such as MagiQuest, MegaVenture VR, and the ropes course can get busy during peak times. To ensure your spot, make reservations or participate in these activities during off-peak hours.
Wolf Pass, Paw Pass, and Pup Pass: For families looking to save money while still experiencing all the fun activities Great Wolf Lodge has to offer, consider purchasing a Wolf Pass, Pup Pass, or Paw Pass. These passes include activities like MagiQuest or Northern Lights arcade, as well as some extra treats. Each pass is a value add, depending on the ages of your party.
Dining Deals: Great Wolf Lodge also has prepaid dining packages as well. If you aren’t planning on bringing any of your own food, this is a great way to save money on dining costs during your visit.
Keep Your Swimsuit Handy on Check-In: Because your room may not be ready when you arrive, have your swimsuit and water accessories handy. You will be able to use the water park on check-in day with a wristband, so make the most of your visit by being ready to jump right into the fun!
Great Wolf Lodge Locations
Great Wolf Lodge has lots of locations across the United States, making it a convenient destination for many families. Popular locations include Anaheim, CA; Atlanta, GA; Kansas City, KS; and Pocono Mountains, PA. Each location offers unique activities and amenities, so be sure to check them out before planning your trip.
The Bottom Line
Great Wolf Lodge is an ideal vacation spot for families with kids of all ages. With a wide range of activities and amenities, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you want to relax and unwind or have a fun-filled adventure, your family will not get bored at Great Wolf Lodge. Use these tips and plan your next trip to enjoy a unique indoor water park experience that guarantees a memorable family vacation!
