For a fun, family-friendly getaway in the Pacific Northwest, check out the First Annual Summer Camp-In at Great Wolf Lodge in Grand Mound, WA! We recently enjoyed a weekend at the ultimate indoor water park and resort, known for its MagiQuest adventures, the Howlin’ Tornado, and all-ages access to pure fun! In this post, I’ll share a detailed Great Wolf Lodge Review from the perspective of a mom (me!) and my daughters (ages 6 & 8).
Great Wolf Lodge Review
I love that the Great Wolf Lodge offers an entire stay-and-play experience, providing a variety of activities, dining, shopping, and accommodations. And the opportunity to tailor your vacation to fit your needs and interests! Enjoy the year-round 84-degree indoor water park, venture out to the Howlers Peak Ropes Course, or cozy up in your KidKamp themed suite. It’s all part of the Great Wolf Lodge, choose-your-own-adventure, experience.
Indoor Water Park
Day Passes
Looking to splash around for the day? Great Wolf Lodge has the perfect way to beat the heat. For the first time ever families can choose to howl for a single day with waterpark day passes starting at $50 per person, available at all of its U.S. resorts this summer.
Here’s everything you need to know:
- Buy your pass online and pick it up at the front desk. Passes are available online or through Customer Service at 800-905-9653.
- Little ones are welcome! Water park passes are not required for toddlers 2 or under.
- Guests are strongly encouraged to bring their own towels.
- Coolers and outside food are not permitted in the water park.
- Lockers are available at a nominal fee on a first-come, first-served basis.
- You are welcome to bring your own life jacket. Great Wolf provides Coast Guard-approved life jackets on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Please note that towels are not available for rent or checkout. Towels are available for sale.
You will need to bring the following to enter the water park after purchasing your passes online.
- A valid driver’s license or government-issued photo ID
- The credit card used to complete the transaction to receive your passes
Water park passes are nonrefundable and all sales are final.
Howlin’ Tornado
Take a super-fast thrill ride in a raft built for four. The swiftly tilting twists and turns of this water park favorite will have you howling even before you drop into the six-story funnel of fun. See how high you can ride up the walls before you shoot into the last tunnel for an unforgettable splashdown.
River Canyon Run
Gather your Wolf Pack together for the twisting, gliding, raft-riding adventure of your life! River Canyon Run sends you careening through the dipping, bending curves of a river of fun, and you’ll want to come back for more of this water slide action: guaranteed!
Fort Mackenzie
Explore all the levels of splash-crazy fun in the best water fort tree house you’ve ever seen. Delight in the interactive water toys and kid-activated splash features. Escape via the Totem Tower body slides to start all over again. And listen for the bell; when it rings, the gigantic bucket on top is ready to tip!
Alberta Falls
Four stories of exhilarating, fast-water fun take you through swiftly banking turns and steep pitches in our tandem tube ride. The perfect take on a trip for two, the Alberta Falls water slide takes you right outside the building and back in again before your final drop into the plunge pool.
Totem Towers
Quickly escape the Fort Mackenzie® treehouse on your choice of water slides! The action doesn’t stop when you get to the bottom; listen for the tipping bucket bell and get ready for a super duper soaking. Make your way through waterfalls and tons of kid-powered spray effects before heading back into Fort Mackenzie for another adventure, and maybe a few more trips down the slides.
Cool Cabana Rentals
Rest, retreat, re-hydrate, repeat! Everything’s easier for everyone with a cabana, and yours comes complete with plenty of refreshing beverages, towels, seating and other smart amenities. Book any cabana for your day of arrival, and get access to the water park from the moment it opens, as early as 10 a.m!
Reserve your cabana at 800.640.9653 between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. Central Standard Time.
Majestic Cabana
- Table with chairs and two lounge chairs
- 20-inch flat-screen Satellite TV
- Security safe
- Mini fridge with non-alcoholic beverages
- Fans
- Plenty of towels
- Accessible
Grizzly Cabana
- Room for 11
- Table with chairs and two lounge chairs
- 20-inch flat-screen Satellite TV
- Security safe
- Mini fridge with non-alcoholic beverages
- Fans
- Plenty of towels
- Accessible
South Hot Springs
Take a break to slow down and soak up a glow! You and your children will enjoy the luxuriously inviting heat that relaxes your every muscle. It’s an entirely soothing way to end a day of joy and play! South Hot Springs is open to guests of all ages. Please see cautions in the Safety Rules below.
Slap Tail Pond
Surf’s up! Catch a wave and splash and play as the swells sweep in from the five-foot deep end to the zero-depth-entry shallows. Wave pools are a fun family vacation favorite for kids of all ages. The rollers flow in every five minutes to lift and transport you on the surge of the ocean’s tide.
Big Foot Pass
Balance and sway as you get under way! Giant, floating lily pads and cargo nets invite your wolf pups to a sweet aqua adventure that builds dexterity and strength while offering soft, warm water landings.
Cub Paw Pool
Geysers and a zero-depth entry welcome you to a terrific territory for tykes and toddlers. The perfect water park splash for your kids, Cub Paw Pool offers tiny kiddie slides and rainbow colored jet skis with water cannons on your way to the 18-inch “deep” end.
Chinook Cove
Swim, laugh and splash all day with basketball and balancing play. Let your imagination run wild as you balance and ride on the friendly floats, or practice your hook shots, free throws and rebounds. Everybody loves water basketball, so you’re sure to go into overtime in this pool of family fun.
Tadpole Pond
Take some time for fun in the sun! Tadpole Pond offers splashing fun for everyone. Grab your sun screen for all-day excitement with geysers and silly sprays and water, water everywhere! Lounge chairs and tables complete the picture for your poolside pleasure.
Activities
Character Appearances
The Great Wolf Kids can often be spotted hanging out around the lodge. Be in the right place at the right time and you may get the chance to get a high-paw from Wiley, a hug from Violet or snap a picture with Sammy!
Wake Up with Wiley and Friends
Enjoy Yoga Tails where you can find your inner zen, watch The Great Clock Tower Show as it comes to life or become an expert on Northwood’s animals during Wolf Walk. Be sure to have your camera ready, a Great Wolf Kid might join in on the fun at any time!
Lunchtime Lineup
Have a balloon twisted into the shape of your favorite little critter, let your face be transformed during face painting or create a one of a kind masterpiece during Paws-On Projects. Make sure to stay picture perfect, a Great Wolf Kid may want a selfie with you!
A PJ Party with the Great Wolf Kids
An evening at Great Wolf Lodge is always full of excitement. You’ll have the chance to play games, let loose at a dance party and listen to a bedtime story, a nightly tradition for us at Great Wolf Lodge. Stick around afterwards to say hi to our special guest of honor- one of the Great Wolf Kids!
Attractions
Oliver’s Mining Co.
Begin your adventure as you enter the mine, uncovering challenges and finding the moonstone with a little help from Oliver. Once you’ve mastered the mine, head to the sluice to discover what is hidden in your paydirt. Take home the gemstones and minerals you unearth in keepsake collection bag, complete with a gemstone identification card and personalized labels.
Moonstone Mine
Explore an interactive mining experience complete with a challenging mirror maze you’ll remember long after you’ve found the exit. Afterward, pan for beautiful rocks in a sluice at Oliver’s Mining Co.
Howlers Peak Ropes Course
Take your family on an invigorating aerial adventure that will have you balancing on ropes, crossing bridges and climbing through obstacles: all from the safety of a climbing harness! Our Ropes Course offers high-flying fun that will elevate your family vacation to a whole new level.
Howlers Peak Ropes Course Tips:
Be sure to bring shoes for climbing. For your safety, your shoes must be closed-toe and closed heel with rubber soles. Athletic shoes are ideal. No flip-flops are permitted.
Guests must be 48 inches tall or be accompanied by a responsible adult to participate on the main ropes course.
MagiQuest
Explore the lodge and take part in the adventure of a lifetime! MagiQuest turns Great Wolf Lodge into your own personal playground. You’ll choose a special magic wand, top it with extra powers, and set off on a quest. Immerse yourself in Vellara, a realm of enchantment, as you befriend the Treetop Pixies, battle Charlock, the evil dragon and fight to defeat the Goblin King.
MagiQuest Tips
You can take your wand home as a souvenir and bring it back to use over and over again with the purchase of new adventures.
You get to decide how much time you want to spend with MagiQuest. Depending on how many quests you undertake at a time, play can last anywhere from 30 minutes to three hours. And you can always take a break and come back later.
ShadowQuest
Take your quest to the next level, young Magi! We need your help to battle the Shadowlord and collect runes in this challenging interactive adventure. The ShadowQuest guidebook provides secrets and clues to help you cast spells and complete your mission to save the light before it vanishes forever! When you succeed, you’ll receive a medal for your courage!
Howl At The Moon Glow Golf
Bring your whole pack to play Howl at the Moon Glow Golf and enjoy an immersive black light experience that brings a nature-themed forest to vibrant life. Nine creatively designed holes will challenge and entertain players of all ages. A family favorite!
Northern Lights Arcade
The Northern Lights Arcade is packed with incredible games to challenge and entertain the entire family. Lights, action, and energy fill the arcade with excitement as you’re surrounded by the newest and best games, and great prizes, too. The more you play, the more you can win! And it’s open 24-hours so the fun never ends. Remember, your Paw Points don’t expire. Bring your card back when you visit again for more dazzling arcade fun.
Build-A-Bear Workshop
Your favorite Great Wolf Kids character comes to life right before your eyes at Build-A-Bear Workshop. Choose a friend-for-life, take your pick of outfits, colorful costumes, and accessories, then watch in awe as your plush toy gets filled.
Compass Quest
Get swept up in the quest! Extend your live-action MagiQuest journey with CompassQuest, and discover untold layers of mystery, adventure and treasure. Players use high-tech compasses to unlock nine new adventures, unveiling maps and decoding endless secrets in the stars. A great group activity, this add-on encourages teamwork along with plenty of smiles and laughter for the ultimate Great Wolf Lodge immersion experience!
Scoops Kids Spa
What better time to indulge in a little girl time than when you’re on vacation? This sweet retreat comes complete with ice cream-themed fizzy soaks, sherbet scrubs and yummy nail colors. Your special girl will feel like a dazzling star as she rests on her banana split throne in her take-home tiara. Try a Mommy & Me Pedicure for extra fun!
Scooops Kid Spa Tip: To keep your mani/pedi fresh and bright, consider scheduling your Scooops appointment near the end of your stay, after you’ve had your fill of water park fun!
For appointments please contact the spa directly at 360.273.7718 ext 3.
Suites
Great Wolf Lodge offers a variety of accommodations from Standard to Themed and Premium suites.
Standard
- Family
- Queen
- King
Themed
- KidKamp
- Wolf Den
- KidCabin
Premium
- Majestic Bear
- Royal Bear
- Grand Bear
- Grizzly Bear
Included with your stay:
- Water Park Passes – All-Day Access
- Unlimited WiFi – Resort-Wide
- Fitness Center – Ope 24/7
- Kids Activities
- Story Time and Character Appearances
- Great Clock Tower Lobby Show
Summer Camp-In
For the first time ever, Great Wolf Lodge is hosting the Summer Camp-In from May 24 – September 2! Use code SMORES to save up to 15% off your stay!
This brand-new summer family vacation is the (mostly) indoor way to experience summer camp like never before. We’ve got pool parties that royally rock. Barbecue dinners with grilled grub. And join the Great Wolf Kids characters at breakfast for fun, food, and festivities.
- Campfire Ceremonies
- Pool Party
- BBQ
- Trailblazer Challenge
- Character Breakfast
- Seasonal Rooms
For a limited time, they’re also offering a Summer Pup Tent Suite which includes an indoor-friendly campfire light, festive pennant, bed scarves, and summer decor. Use code CAMPIN to book!
Great Wolf Lodge – Is It Worth It?
Yes! For the ultimate family-friendly getaway that’s only 2.5 hours South of Seattle, Great Wolf Lodge in Grand Mound, WA offers everything you need to stay and play! We loved the variety of activities for all ages, which kept our busy littles interested and excited.
The indoor water park is the obvious highlight but Great Wolf Lodge is definitely much more! Check it out for yourself and snag one of their summer deals!
Book Great Wolf Lodge
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Cheers!
XoXo Portia
Disclosure: This post is in collaboration with Great Wolf Lodge. The opinions expressed here represent my own, which I take great pride in providing pure honesty…because I’m OBSESSED with sharing the Good!