Are you planning a stay at one of the Great Wolf Lodge locations? Whether you have in the past or this will be your very first adventure, I think you’ll have an amazing time!
It’s a great resort destination and definitely a favorite of our family. Every time we return home, the kids are already asking when we can go back.
I am extremely excited today to bring you some secrets of the Great Wolf Lodge.
It seems like every destination has secrets, tips, and hints that can help your stay be even more amazing. And of course, the Great Wolf Lodge has them too. So keep reading so you know before you go!
Check For Discounts
Every time I’ve looked into booking at the Great Wolf Lodge, I’ve been able to do a simple google search and locate discounts.
Watch for new locations opening as well. Those tend to have really good grand opening sales! But if you plan early and book in advance, you can find savings of up to 50% off.
Book Your Room(s)
One thing that is so amazing about Great Wolf Lodge is that their rooms are HUGE! They have designed their resorts with families in mind. Even their most basic of rooms can easily fit 6 occupants.
But they offer suites and themed rooms that can accommodate up to 12. And comfortably at that! Plus, each room comes with wristband water park access for each registered guest.
Check out the video below to see our suite!
Themed Suites
To pair with the mention above, one of the secrets of the Great Wolf Lodge is that they have off-themed suites. Kids can enjoy sleeping in their very own “cubby cabin” right off the main room.
These log-cabin-themed sleeping coves are simply irresistible and allow kids to enjoy their own comfortable, decorated area that even offers their own tv.
The upgrade fee to reserve one of these rooms is well worth it.
Celebrate Special Occasions At The Great Wolf Lodge
Did you know that you can celebrate your special occasions at the Great Wolf Lodge? They offer a variety of birthday packages to make the event really special. There are special wolf ears, door signs, extra attention from staff, and more.
Plus, if you’re an adult celebrating an occasion, don’t forget to request wine-down service! After the kids are in bed, you won’t even have to leave the comfort of your room.
The card you fill out lets staff know what time to deliver your requested beverages and snacks.
Don’t Over-Pack
I’m usually guilty as charged. But I LOVE that I truly don’t have to pack a ton when we visit the Great Wolf Lodge.
I’ve made it simple for you so just head over to my What To Pack When Visiting The Great Wolf Lodge Post for the low-down on what you do and do NOT need.
You’ll be pleasantly surprised at how little you’ll need!
Resort Attire Is Mainly Swimwear & Pajamas!
Also, note that you’ll most likely be spending the majority of your time in your swimsuits or pajamas. Just pack a cover-up and feel free to dine and play in your suit and coverup.
Enjoy story time and yoga in your pajamas. The Great Wolf Lodge Resorts offer a relaxed dress code that lets guests be comfortable. So keep that in mind when packing!
Early Check In
While check-in officially begins at 4pm, be sure to head to the resort at 1. Guests are welcome to get in some extra water park time!
Just head to the front desk and, if your room isn’t ready yet, the great staff will get you all set up with wristbands. I just recommend that you pack a separate smaller “swim bag” with the water necessities so you can easily find your swim gear.
Use Water Park All Day On Check-Out Day
Another perk that is offered at Great Wolf Lodge is that your family is allowed to continue using the water park the entire day of checkout!
Simply check out of your room at 11 am as normal and just keep your wristbands on for all-day water park fun.
Locker Room And Storage
There are locker rooms and small lockers available for changing and storing valuables. The lockers are rented on a daily basis. But large luggage won’t fit so you’ll want to store those in your vehicle or room.
Your Room Is Packed With Amenities
Of the many Secrets Of The Great Wolf Lodge, I love that the rooms come packed with amenities. You can expect to find:
- TV
- Table & Chairs
- Microwave (Bring Popcorn!)
- Mini Refrigerator
- Coffee Maker
- 2 Bottles Of Water
- Hair Dryer
- Iron
- Ironing Board
- Pack ‘n Play Cribs (Can Be Requested On A First Come, First Serve Basis)
- Wireless Internet
- Shampoo, Lotion, & Soap
Follow The Animals
Lost or looking for an exit? A really cool design aspect of the Great Wolf Lodge is that you can follow the animals on the lights down the halls! They will always point toward the elevators!
Get To The Water Park And Grab A Spot
Throughout the entire water park, you’ll find tables, chairs, and loungers. Set up camp at one and have something recognizable so even your youngest of kids knows it’s “your spot”.
This makes for a great check-in spot if your family splits up. Also, try to get an area where you can see a clock as well as easily be seen by your youngest cubs. A place where it’s easy to spot each other or allows you to keep an eye on the youngest of kids while you take a break.
Or Splurge And Rent A Cabana
If you want to make it even easier, consider renting a cabana. Available on a daily rent basis, each cabana features seating for four along with a table, chairs, and 20″ flat screen TV with satellite access.
And there’s even a safe. You will also find a mini-fridge with an assortment of non-alcoholic beverages.
Bundle And Save With Pup, Paw, Or Wolf Passes
There are a LOT of fun activities available at the Great Wolf Lodge Resorts.
A great way to experience the best special attractions at a discount is by purchasing a Lanyard Pass for your kids. They currently offer three choices, based on your preferences of activities and cost.
The Pup Pass is really great for the youngest cubs as it offers a few fun activities. The Paw Pass adds in a bit more. And the Wolf Pass provides the most action.
Plan For MagiQuest Time
Kids of all ages, TEENS INCLUDED, will want to build in plenty of time to play MagiQuest. This live-action role-playing game is resort exclusive and irresistible.
Players embark on a magical quest that takes them throughout the resort. As they gather what they need for each quest, they build up to battle Charlock, who is the evil dragon, and then fight to defeat the Goblin King.
Along the way, they will enter a realm of enchantment and befriend Treetop Pixies. Play can last from 30 minutes up to hours of fun. Come and go as you please and play as time allows.
Plus, the kids get to take their wands home as a souvenir! And one of the secrets of the Great Wolf Lodge is that you can bring your wand back again for your next visit to reboot your game (for a fee).
That way, you can pick up where you left off! (And since this was our second time back playing MagiQuest, the older four kids knew exactly what they were doing. But since they were moving so fast with the game, I could only get a picture of Lucy!)
AND, when your kids complete the challenge, they get to become Master Magi Knights! There’s a crowning ceremony and everything.
Draws quite the crowd and is definitely an exciting end to the game. Then, they are given a button to commemorate the event as well.
So Many Fun On-Site Activities Available At TheGreat Wolf Adventure Park
Of the many Secrets Of The Great Wolf Lodge, one is that you never have to be bored! There is so much to do, see, and experience during your stay. Check out some of these great options:
Howlers Peak Ropes Course:
Harness up and start climbing. (Make sure you have sneakers as no sandals are allowed.) This ropes course offers high flying fun that catapults you above the main floor.
While guests must be at least 48″ to climb alone, younger children can be accompanied by an adult. With two different levels, the smaller course is a thrill for everyone but accommodates younger children while the upper level offers an intense course.
I’ve tried them both and they are both a thrill! The upper level is definitely a challenge for me though.
Ten Paw Alley
My favorite non-water activity, the Ten Paw Alley is a miniature bowling alley with half-sized lanes and balls. The self-scoring makes for easy play.
And there are two game options, with one being interactive where you take your photos before you start. Then, throughout the game, you’ll see your group dance, swing, and play across the screen between throws.
Rustic Ridge Climbing Wall
Every age and skill level can enjoy a climb up this fun 21-foot climbing wall. (Another closed-toe activity so make sure those sneakers are with you!) Staff will harness you up and let you go as the automatic harness runs right along with you.
Oliver’s Mining Co.
Time to hit pay-dirt! Kids can’t get enough of mining for hidden gems. Pan and sift on your hunt to discover a variety of gemstones, minerals, and more.
Then take your loot home in your collection bag along with an identification card about your treasures.
Northern Lights Arcade
This HUGE arcade offers a variety of play. Games of skill and chance can be found throughout and are enjoyed by kids and adults of all ages. TIP: Paw points never expire so be sure to keep your card from each visit and bring it back to finish playing next time!
Creation Station
Here’s the place where guests get to pick out their favorite Great Wolf Lodge Characters and bring them to life! Help stuff them, pick out an outfit, and then bring your new friend home with you. My kids adore this activity!
Make Time For Resort Included Free Activities
While there are extra activities that are super fun, you definitely don’t have to spend extra money if you prefer not to. Just join in on the resort-included free activities!
You should receive an itinerary upon check-in but request one if you don’t. That way, your children can take advantage of story time, games, crafts, yoga, and more.
We took part in decorating our wolf ears.
Bingo was a big hit with everyone too.
The kids caught the cup decorating activity too.
And there are even some free games available such as bean bags and giant 4-in-a-row.
There are actually SO many activities available that kids (about ages 8 and under depending on your kids’ personalities) could truly be kept busy the entire day without ever stepping foot in the water park!
Educational Activities Too
Our kids enjoyed the Wolf Walk immensely! I wasn’t sure what to expect but it was really neat. The pack members read a story, had the kids hunt for animals, shared fun facts, and then ended with doing a wolf origami project.
It was so cool! And the origami was something that even our 10 and 13-year-old kids enjoyed.
Catch The North Woods Wall Show At The MN Great Wolf Lodge!
If you visit the MN Great Wolf Lodge, you have to make it to the North Woods Wall Show! This interactive, one-of-a-kind wall features digital projection and moving parts. It’s so cool to see! Even adults gather to check it out.
On-Site Food & Beverages
There is plenty of on-site food available if you’d prefer to make your getaway as relaxing as possible. Great Wolf Lodge Bloomington, MN has a full spectrum of choices including:
- Campfire Kitchen: Amazing breakfast and supper buffets!
- Hungry As A Wolf: Delicious pizzas, salads, sodas, and pasta dishes.
- Buckets Incredible Craveables: Offering those all-time favorites right inside the water park.
- Barnwood: co*cktails, libations, and shareable plates.
- Ben & Jerry’s: Favorite ice cream flavors and unique exciting options too.
- Dunkin’ Donuts: Hot and cold coffee as well as an array of donuts.
- The Watering Hole: Perfect place to grab a drink without ever having to dry off as it’s located at the center of the water park.
- The Outpost: co*cktails and craft beers galore.
We enjoyed a buffet breakfast at the Campfire Kitchen this time and it was amazing! There are so many great choices. Fresh fruits and yogurt. A variety of meats like sausage and bacon. Pancakes, french toast, waffles, potatoes, scrambled eggs, and even biscuits and gravy. Plus, there were muffins and pastries, dry cereal and milk, and even oatmeal with toppings. And more! It was very good and we all left quite satisfied.
For our other meals, we enjoyed pizza, salad, and soda from Hungry As A Wolf as well as chicken strips and fries from Buckets. Again, everything tasted great.
Vending Machines
And for those quick snacks, you will find a vending machine and ice machine on each floor.
Great Wolf Lodge Is AMAZING With Food Allergies
While our family doesn’t have any food allergies, I’ve witnessed how amazing the Great Wolf Lodge is about them. I’ve seen the staff be diligent about details and the chef even spoke with a family before creating a meal for their child. They take both food allergies as well as diet restrictions very seriously. As a matter of fact, the entire resort’s offerings is NUT FREE even!
Or Pack Your Own Food & Snacks
While there is no outside food or beverages allowed in the water park, guests are encouraged to bring what they’d like to the lodge and leave it in their room. That way, you can easily grab snacks and drinks whenever you take a break.
Great Wolf Lodge Offers Water Fun For All Ages
One of the big secrets of The Great Wolf Lodge is that they truly offer fun for all ages. Children through adults can find plenty to do. From the big thrill of the River Cannon Run interactive slide to gently floating the lazy river. The Indoor Water Park can keep you busy for days at a time!
- River Cannon Run: Speed tube slide that twists, dips, and splashes you through an interactive experience.
- Wolf Rider Wipeout: A super fun indoor simulator that lets you ride the waves.
- Alberta Falls: Fun enough for thrill seekers and gentle enough for younger riders to go double. This four story ride down if full of twists and turns before riding you out into the bottom pool.
- Fort Mackenzie: This water tree fort is a perfect hang out for the kids. Pint sized slide, water shooters, giant bucket that pours out, and more.
- Totem Towers: Short zippy body slide for those little ones who love the fast action fun.
- Otter Run: A family-friendly body slide that riders young and old alike enjoy.
- Big Foot Pass: A large floating lily pad and cargo net course that kids love.
- Chinook Cove: This fun activity pool lets guests enjoy water basketball and more.
- Crooked Creek: Float your way around the Crooked Creek Lazy River. This gentle stream carries you around the entire water park!
- Cub Paw Pool: With an 18″ depth, it’s the perfect place for the smallest of cubs to play.
- Slap Tail Pond: This wave pool actually lets you enjoy the feel of the surf! Starting with a zero-depth entry, this area feels the waves come in increments of five minutes. Once the howl is heard, get ready to surf the waves!
Fitness Center Is Available
The Iron Horse Fitness Room features treadmills, recumbent bike, stretching mats, and TVs so take a break from the water park and get in your daily work out. Honestly, we didn’t even make it to the Fitness Center because we all got a great workout in the water park!
The Great Wolf Lodge is basically a cruise on dry land. It’s packed full of energy, entertainment, and fun. You can find so much to do, see, explore, and enjoy.
And one of the great secrets of the Great Wolf Lodge is that you will want to come back again and again! The magic never goes away!
So whether it’s your first visit or your fifteenth, know that you are in for loads of fun!
