Great Wolf Lodge Resorts are more than just hotels; they are destinations in their own right. With indoor waterparks, rope courses, miniature golf, interactive games and more, these 18 resorts — with more on the way — have something for everyone.
The Details
The first Great Wolf Lodge opened in 1997 in Wisconsin Dells. Today, there are properties in Sandusky, Ohio; Traverse City, Michigan; Kansas City; Williamsburg, Virginia; Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania; Grapevine, Texas; Ground Mound, Washington; Charlotte/Concord, North Carolina; Boston; Anaheim, California; Colorado Springs; Atlanta; Bloomington, Minnesota; Chicago; Cincinnati; Niagara Falls, Ontario; and Scottsdale, Arizona. Another is scheduled to open near Stockton, California, in mid-2020.

Great Wolf Family Suite. Photo: Great Wolf Lodge
Each location features an indoor waterpark, outdoor swimming pool and dry activities. Access to the waterpark, swimming pool, story time with character appearances and kids’ yoga are included with your stay while others come at an additional cost. When you check in, each family member will be given a bracelet so staff knows which activities are included in your stay.
The Waterpark
Kids will want to spend the day at the indoor waterpark. All Great Wolf Lodge waterparks feature slides, a water fort tree house, lazy river, wave pool and activity pool. Some also have “hot springs” for families and adults. For an extra charge, you can rent a cabana with seating for six, lounge chairs, a 20-inch flat-screen TV and non-alcoholic beverages.

Great Wolf River Canyon Run. Photo: Great Wolf Lodge
Can’t wait to jump into the pool? Great Wolf Lodge allows guests access to the waterpark before their room is ready, so you can arrive first thing in the morning, change in the waterpark’s dressing area and begin having fun. Restaurants and dining options attached to the waterpark make it possible to spend the entire day there.
If you want to experience the waterpark fun without booking a room, many of the locations offer a limited number of day passes. Check online for availability.
Dry activities
For a change of pace, purchase a package that includes access to dry activities such as the arcade, ropes course, rock wall climbing, miniature golf, bowling alley and MagiQuest, the lodge’s in-house interactive game. You can also make a new friend, based on Great Wolf Kids characters, at the on-site Build-A-Bar Workshop for a fee. (Activities vary from property to property.)

Great Wolf Camp. Photo: Great Wolf Lodge
Story time, yoga for kids and Camp Yowl are all complimentary. The Camp Yowl program entertains kids with crafts, puppet shows, dress up and other creative activities as well as an outdoor play yard. Several locations also offer parent-free programming, giving you the opportunity to enjoy some adult time in one of the more upscale dining options or the bars.
Read This Next
5 Family-Friendly Museums in Charleston
Destinations / North America
Aug 22, 2024#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedDestinations / North America
Jul 17, 20255 Wild West Destinations to Visit Across United States
Family travelers looking for the ultimate Wild West and cowboy adventure might want to pay attention! Thanks to its opportunities to connect with nature, learn about the region’s history and chance to discover a new way of life, it’s clear the Wild West is the place to visit.
Sponsored Content
Discover the Azores & Madeira: Portugal’s Island Paradises Await
Embrace the Portugal’s Magical Islands of the Azores and Madeira
Hotels
Jul 17, 2025Tiny Travelers, Big Fun at Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek
This summer, Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek, located only 5 miles from Walt Disney World Resort, allows family travelers to make magical memories with the newest kid-friendly offer: Tiny Travelers, Big Fun. Especially suited to families with young children, the offer takes the stress out of vacation planning while creating joyful moments for little adventurers.
Slideshow
Jul 17, 20257 U.S. Hot Springs to Visit
It’s time to start dreaming of your next family trip. Here’s some destination inspiration for you. Take a visual journey through these U.S. hot springs with us.
Hotels
Jul 16, 2025Six Senses Crans-Montana Welcomes Families with Wellness Experiences Just for Kids
Six Senses Crans-Montana is giving families a new reason to plan their next family vacation in Switzerland. The property recently launched a kids club that includes 50 different activities, all designed to let kids have fun and learn new skills while connecting with nature.
Destinations / North America
Jul 16, 20253 New Can’t-Miss Attractions in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, a family-friendly mountain town, offers year-round outdoor fun, unbeatable views of the Smoky Mountains and exciting nightlife. This summer, the town welcomes travelers with new attractions.
ShareThis