Jul 25, 2025
When it comes to family vacations that are easy, exciting, and totally kid-approved, Great Wolf Lodge is always at the top of our list. Our favorite location is in Wisconsin Dells, but we’ve also visited the Mason, Ohio lodge. We love that these resorts are scattered across the country because it means we can plan mini getaways or road trip breaks no matter where we’re headed. With 21 locations (and more to come), there is sure to be a Great Wolf in route to one of your future travel destinations.
Check out the full list of Great Wolf Lodge locations
No matter where we go, Great Wolf gives us a familiar, fun-filled experience with cozy lodge vibes, waterpark thrills, and nonstop activities for the kids.
Top Things to Do at Great Wolf Lodge with Kids
Indoor waterpark with slides, lazy river, wave pool & toddler areas that you can access anytime of the year, despite the weather outside.
Family-friendly suites with bunk beds and themed “Wolf Dens”
MagiQuest: an interactive adventure game with magic wands
Tip - Let your kids bring their wands from past visits - they still work!
Daily activities like yoga, story time, dance parties & crafts
On-site dining, arcade, and sweet treat spots
Tips for Visiting Great Wolf Lodge (Save Money & Avoid Crowds)
Book during the week or off-season for fewer crowds and better rates.
Sign up for text updates or use the GWL app to stay on top of events and activity times.
If you visit the Wisconsin Dells location, it is located right in the heart of Wisconsin Dells, making it easy to combine with other area attractions.
Note: If you are looking for other things to do in Wisconsin Dells other than the waterparks, make sure to check out my blog post called "What To Do In Wisconsin Dells Besides Waterparks"
Great Wolf Lodge Mason, Ohio Review (Near Cincinnati & Kings Island)
We also stayed at the Great Wolf Lodge in Mason, Ohio, and had a great experience! While it’s a bit smaller than the Dells location, it offered everything we’ve come to expect from Great Wolf:
All the signature water rides, slides, and splash zones - it even had a family slide all 5 of us could ride together which we loved.
Clean, well-organized layout and friendly staff
Bonus: It’s right next to Kings Island amusement park, making it a great two-in-one trip!
Is Great Wolf Lodge Worth It for Families? Our Honest Take
Would we go again? Absolutely, and we do! Great Wolf Lodge has become a tradition in our family. Whether we’re going back to Wisconsin Dells or checking out a new location, we know it’ll be clean, safe, fun, and full of memories waiting to be made.
Frequently Asked Questions About Great Wolf Lodge
What age is best for Great Wolf Lodge?
Great Wolf Lodge is designed for kids of all ages, but it’s especially fun for families with children between 3 and 12 years old. Toddlers can splash in the shallow water play zones, preschoolers love the smaller slides and character activities, and older kids enjoy the bigger water slides, MagiQuest, and arcades. Teens can still have fun, but the resort is best suited for younger kids.
How many days do you need at Great Wolf Lodge?
Our family has found that 2 days and 1 night is the perfect amount of time (both for fun and our wallet!). Check-in typically starts at 4 p.m., but you can use the waterpark as early as 1 p.m. on the day you arrive! On checkout day, you can stay and play until closing. If you want to experience everything at a slower pace (or add in nearby attractions like Wisconsin Dells or Kings Island in Ohio), consider 2 nights.
Can you bring outside food into Great Wolf Lodge?
Yes, you can bring your own food and drinks into your hotel room. Each room has a mini-fridge and microwave, which makes it easy to pack snacks, sandwiches, or breakfast items. However, outside food and drinks are not allowed inside the waterpark area. For meals, you can choose between on-site dining or nearby restaurants, depending on your location.
Is Great Wolf Lodge worth the money with kids?
For many families, the answer is yes – especially if your kids love waterparks and themed activities. The price includes unlimited access to the waterpark, daily events (story time, yoga, crafts, etc.), and the resort’s immersive atmosphere. To save money, visit during the week or off-season, bring your own snacks, and look for deals on package bundles. From our experience, the memories made are well worth the cost!