Thanks to The Great Wolf Lodge for hosting us. As always, all opinions in the post are my own.
Our family of 3 was recently invited to the Great WolfLodge in Grand Mound, WA to preview their most awaited fun-filled spring
affair, Spring-A-Palooza (hosted at Great Wolf Lodge locations nationwide
between March 16 – April 28, 2019).
affair, Spring-A-Palooza (hosted at Great Wolf Lodge locations nationwide
between March 16 – April 28, 2019).
To say that we all had a howling great time is most
certainly an understatement. I am still not sure who had the most amount of
fun though, our kid or us parents?
certainly an understatement. I am still not sure who had the most amount of
fun though, our kid or us parents?
Wait, who am I kidding? We became kids ourselves and we
splished and we splashed alongside our kiddo in the 84-degree waterpark and
created some of the best memories that we will all cherish for a lifetime!
splished and we splashed alongside our kiddo in the 84-degree waterpark and
created some of the best memories that we will all cherish for a lifetime!
Great Wolf Lodge is surely a first-class, full service,
year-round family destination resort which extends far beyond the waterparks and
offers popular amenities all under one roof helping families like us create
family traditions, and everlasting family memories.
year-round family destination resort which extends far beyond the waterparks and
offers popular amenities all under one roof helping families like us create
family traditions, and everlasting family memories.
Spring-a-Palooza is a 6-week long party (for the lack of a
better word ;)) when the resort comes into full bloom and welcomes the new
season in style to celebrate all things spring!
better word ;)) when the resort comes into full bloom and welcomes the new
season in style to celebrate all things spring!
The Grand Lobby at the resort is Spring-A-Palooza central
with all kinds of vibrant and colorful spring decorations including a special
character-themed garden for the kids to explore. Other corners of the lodge and
guest suites are also decorated in the spirit of the spring season.
with all kinds of vibrant and colorful spring decorations including a special
character-themed garden for the kids to explore. Other corners of the lodge and
guest suites are also decorated in the spirit of the spring season.
During these 6 weeks, there are also additional entertainment
options and special spring-inspired activities and events for the guests to
partake in and enjoy. I mean, who could say no to a bubble dance party with
your kids to some upbeat music, or a special character-led tea party and cookie
decorating, amirite!?
options and special spring-inspired activities and events for the guests to
partake in and enjoy. I mean, who could say no to a bubble dance party with
your kids to some upbeat music, or a special character-led tea party and cookie
decorating, amirite!?
Aarush LOVES LOVES LOVES water (drinking water, playing in
the water, or just simply lazing in the water, takes after his mama after all
;)) so we could hardly wait to bring him to the oh-so-popular Great Wolf Lodge.
the water, or just simply lazing in the water, takes after his mama after all
;)) so we could hardly wait to bring him to the oh-so-popular Great Wolf Lodge.
And boy oh boy, our time at the resort not only confirmed
that he is a water baby through and through – he didn’t want to leave the water
park despite being uber tired from riding the waves, literally and
figuratively, sliding down slides, and going all ‘splash, splash, splash’
full-on energetically while in the water, but also made us realize just how
much he also loves the bazillion other (non-water related) activities that are
available in the resort for everyone to explore, play, and enjoy, kids and
adults alike!
that he is a water baby through and through – he didn’t want to leave the water
park despite being uber tired from riding the waves, literally and
figuratively, sliding down slides, and going all ‘splash, splash, splash’
full-on energetically while in the water, but also made us realize just how
much he also loves the bazillion other (non-water related) activities that are
available in the resort for everyone to explore, play, and enjoy, kids and
adults alike!
Nothing brings parents more joy than seeing that level of
intense excitement and happiness plastered on your kid’s face…
intense excitement and happiness plastered on your kid’s face…
Now that you have seen (if you have already watched my
Instagram story highlights) and heard me go on and on and on about The Great
Wolf Lodge and how amazing it is and why you must plan a visit with your
family, pronto.
Instagram story highlights) and heard me go on and on and on about The Great
Wolf Lodge and how amazing it is and why you must plan a visit with your
family, pronto.
One word of caution though – you could spend an entire
weekend at the resort and still not have done it all or seen it all given how
many activities are offered throughout the day and how much there is to
explore.
weekend at the resort and still not have done it all or seen it all given how
many activities are offered throughout the day and how much there is to
explore.
You surely need a plan of action to make the most of your
time at the resort and get the most bang for your buck, so here goes my top
tips to help you do exactly that…
time at the resort and get the most bang for your buck, so here goes my top
tips to help you do exactly that…
CHECK-IN
& CHECK-OUT TIMES
& CHECK-OUT TIMES
Great Wolf Lodge has locations nationwide. Look up the one
closest to you and book your stay. Plan your trip such that you reach the
resort around 1pm on the day of your check-in.
closest to you and book your stay. Plan your trip such that you reach the
resort around 1pm on the day of your check-in.
Even though check-in time is at 3pm you are welcome to drop
off your bags at the lobby starting at 1pm and jump right into the middle of
the water park (or whatever you fancy ;)).
off your bags at the lobby starting at 1pm and jump right into the middle of
the water park (or whatever you fancy ;)).
Same goes on the day of check-out. Check-out is at 11am but
you are free to use the facility all day and take a quick shower in the common
bathrooms before you make your way back home.
you are free to use the facility all day and take a quick shower in the common
bathrooms before you make your way back home.
P.S: Dress the part as soon as you check-in, aka, grab your
wolf ears and have the best time of your life!
wolf ears and have the best time of your life!
PACKING
ESSENTIALS
ESSENTIALS
Bring summer clothes and comfortable shoes. The inside of the
resort always feels like summer no matter how cold it is outside (even if it is
snowing). Plus, there will be a lot of walking indoors as you make your way
from one activity to another. So along with swimsuits and flip-flops also carry
shorts, dresses, cover-ups, and walking shoes.
resort always feels like summer no matter how cold it is outside (even if it is
snowing). Plus, there will be a lot of walking indoors as you make your way
from one activity to another. So along with swimsuits and flip-flops also carry
shorts, dresses, cover-ups, and walking shoes.
Plus, a stroller for your kiddo (depending on their age),
trust me it comes in handy when they are super tired from playing in the water
and no longer want to walk/run (like they always otherwise do hehe). Also,
don’t forget to pack some fun PJs, trust me, you will thank me later!
trust me it comes in handy when they are super tired from playing in the water
and no longer want to walk/run (like they always otherwise do hehe). Also,
don’t forget to pack some fun PJs, trust me, you will thank me later!
WATER
PARK
PARK
Entry into the indoor water park is included with an
overnight stay at Great Wolf Lodge. The water park is maintained at 84 degrees
year round and hence the place to be no matter the time of the year, especially
during the cold and long winter months.
overnight stay at Great Wolf Lodge. The water park is maintained at 84 degrees
year round and hence the place to be no matter the time of the year, especially
during the cold and long winter months.
From wave pool to howlin’ tornado to everything in between
there is something for all ages.
there is something for all ages.
Pro Tip – plan your water activities such that one of the
parents’ plays in the water with the kids while the other gets their adrenaline
fix.
parents’ plays in the water with the kids while the other gets their adrenaline
fix.
Vinay and I spent time together with Aarush in the water
first and then took turns to go on a few rides by ourselves (and hence no pics.
Plus, we didn’t bring the camera with us for the most part). Our absolute
favorite ride was the howlin’ tornado, that adrenaline rush though!
first and then took turns to go on a few rides by ourselves (and hence no pics.
Plus, we didn’t bring the camera with us for the most part). Our absolute
favorite ride was the howlin’ tornado, that adrenaline rush though!
If you want to go on some of these popular rides then be
prepared to wait in long lines before you get your turn. The sooner in the day you get to these rides the shorter the lines will be.
prepared to wait in long lines before you get your turn. The sooner in the day you get to these rides the shorter the lines will be.
P.S: If you want to rest, refuel and rehydrate in-between
your water adventures then rent a cabana for the day and grab a bite at the
food joint on the same level as the water park.
your water adventures then rent a cabana for the day and grab a bite at the
food joint on the same level as the water park.
WOLF
PASS ACTIVITIES
PASS ACTIVITIES
Instead of spending money to buy individual activities, opt
to pay for the wolf pass package which gives you access to a variety of
activities at a good discounted price.
to pay for the wolf pass package which gives you access to a variety of
activities at a good discounted price.
It works best to alternate between spending time in the water
park and then explore other activities during some down time off of the water.
park and then explore other activities during some down time off of the water.
P.S: Each location includes different activities as part of
the pass so double check your location’s website for the latest before you
purchase. They also have a variety of other packages available, check out more
details here.
the pass so double check your location’s website for the latest before you
purchase. They also have a variety of other packages available, check out more
details here.
Wolf Pass includes the below activities and attractions…
- One MagiQuest or ShadowQuest game
- Choice
of a classic wand, standard topper or Magi belt - One
round of Howl at the Moon Glow Golf - One
entry into Oliver’s Moonstone Maze - One
climb at Howlers Peak Ropes Course - One
Paw Points arcade / attractions card (20 points) - One
12 oz. candy cup - Great
Wolf Lodge goggles from Bear Essentials Swim Shop - One single scoop ice cream from Bear Paw Sweets
CHECK
OUT ACTIVITIES AHEAD OF TIME AND PLAN ACCORDINGLY
OUT ACTIVITIES AHEAD OF TIME AND PLAN ACCORDINGLY
Between the water park activities, wolf pass activities, and
other complimentary activities planned by the resort throughout the day there
is plenty to do, and trust me, you will want to do them all!
other complimentary activities planned by the resort throughout the day there
is plenty to do, and trust me, you will want to do them all!
A complete listing of daily activities and times can be found
in the Lodge Life event schedule provided to guests during check-in. Or, check
out the lobby and make note of all the activities for the day and create your
plan of action and agenda based on your kid’s interests.
in the Lodge Life event schedule provided to guests during check-in. Or, check
out the lobby and make note of all the activities for the day and create your
plan of action and agenda based on your kid’s interests.
Also, leave enough time to change clothes as necessary when
going from water to dry activities or vice versa.
going from water to dry activities or vice versa.
Below is a glimpse at a variety of activities…
- Character Appearances – Daily
appearances from Wiley the Wolf®, Violet the Wolf, Oliver Raccoon and
Brinley Bear - Great Clock Tower – Features an
8-minute animate amusement show - Cub Club on Wheels – Daily
activities around the lodge - Wolf Walk – Morning walk around
our Grand Lobby to learn about the many animals of the north woods - Story Time – Nightly Story Time in
the Grand Lobby - Creation Station – Choose one of
the Great Wolf Kids characters, or another furry friend, to bring to life - Northern Lights Arcade – More than
100 interactive games that allow you to redeem tickets for prizes - MagiQuest® – Interactive,
live-action adventure game - Compass Quest – Interactive,
scavenger hunt adventure game - Howl at the Moon Glow Golf –
Indoor miniature glow golf course - Great Forest Challenge – Complete
unique challenges, collect points and compete against other teams in this
physical forest adventure. - ShadowQuest® – Action-adventure
entertainment game - Misc – Dance Parties, Face
Painting, Wiley Bingo, Kids Yoga Time, Character Floor Memory, Character
Trivia
FOOD
Did I mention you don’t ever have to step outside the resort
once you check-in, even for food! Yep, that’s true… Food is a huge part of your
time at the Great Wolf Lodge and the chef takes great pride in the dishes they
create (some items on the menu are apparently created by kids during a competition
in the past, how fun!).
once you check-in, even for food! Yep, that’s true… Food is a huge part of your
time at the Great Wolf Lodge and the chef takes great pride in the dishes they
create (some items on the menu are apparently created by kids during a competition
in the past, how fun!).
Inside the resort, they have plenty of selections
from gourmet buffet breakfast to pizza to ice
cream to fine dining to freshly baked pastries to other sweet and savory treats to
please both the kids and adults palates. My only gripe was that they have
limited vegetarian options and I would definitely love for them to include more
choices for people with dietary restrictions.
from gourmet buffet breakfast to pizza to ice
cream to fine dining to freshly baked pastries to other sweet and savory treats to
please both the kids and adults palates. My only gripe was that they have
limited vegetarian options and I would definitely love for them to include more
choices for people with dietary restrictions.
SEASONAL
EVENTS
EVENTS
The Great Wolf Lodge hosts seasonal events a few times a
year based on the time of the year, so plan your visit such that you stay at
the resort during one of those events to have even more fun.
year based on the time of the year, so plan your visit such that you stay at
the resort during one of those events to have even more fun.
Right now they are hosting the Spring-A-Palooza event, and
later in the year, they host Howl-O-Ween (during Halloween), Snowland (during
Christmas) etc.
later in the year, they host Howl-O-Ween (during Halloween), Snowland (during
Christmas) etc.
They always have plenty of special activities planned during
these seasonal events.
these seasonal events.
Below is a peek at their Spring-A-Palooza line up…
- Northwood’s Tea Party with Violet & Friends: new for 2019, beloved wolf
Violet will host a tea party. Violet and friends’ tea party will feature songs,
dances, cookie decorating, crafts and games, and a special character meet and
greet. - Bubble Dance Party: This special event fills the Grand Lobby with
cascading bubbles while Great Wolf Lodge’s Ambassadors of Fun keep
energy-levels high with a family-friendly dance party. Don’t forget to wear
your jammies. - Spring-a-Palooza Story Time: Great Wolf Lodge’s nightly Story Time takes on
a spring theme with a new tale featuring the Great Wolf Lodge characters called
“Natural Wonders.” Also meet one of the Great Wolf Lodge characters in
person. - Jelly Bean Guessing Game: A gigantic jar filled to the brim with jelly
bean candies sits in the Grand Lobby and guests can enter a contest guessing
how many delicious treats are within the jar for a chance to win a Great Wolf
Lodge Gift Card. - Spring Themed Crafts: The resort’s Ambassadors of Fun will host
several spring-inspired craft-making events for kids of all ages.
Character-themed crafting projects include Oliver’s Crazy About Bugs Jar,
Violet’s Springtime Noodle Doodle, Brinley’s Don’t Blow Away Kite and Wiley’s
Can You Spot It Binoculars.
SHOPPING
In case you forgot something (say swimsuit or other swim
essentials), or even if you just want to buy gifts or souvenirs (tees, toys,
apparel, etc) there are shops located inside the resort to make your shopping
easy.
essentials), or even if you just want to buy gifts or souvenirs (tees, toys,
apparel, etc) there are shops located inside the resort to make your shopping
easy.
I mean, which kid would not go all ‘waaa, waaa, waaaah’
while pointing at a toy indicating ‘I want this, NOW’!?
while pointing at a toy indicating ‘I want this, NOW’!?
SPA
& FITNESS
& FITNESS
They not only have a dedicated adult’s spa and salon, they
also have one for the kids too (see below, I mean, can I pretty plz go to the
kids spa instead of the adult’s spa for some ice-cream themed facial, please!).
also have one for the kids too (see below, I mean, can I pretty plz go to the
kids spa instead of the adult’s spa for some ice-cream themed facial, please!).
They also have a fitness center in case you are not
satisfied with how many calories you burnt by playing in the water and all the
running around, go you!
satisfied with how many calories you burnt by playing in the water and all the
running around, go you!
- ElementsTM Spa Salon – Zen-like
adult spa features massages, facial and body therapies, manicures,
pedicures, waxing services and more. - Scooops® Kid Spa – Kids can be
spoiled with ice cream-themed manicures, pedicures, facials and more.
There
you have it, if this doesn’t compel you to book your stay at your nearest GreatWolf Lodge pronto then I don’t know what will. Actually,
there might be something else too, go catch more action from our stay at the
resort on my Instagram Story Highlights and I bet that there will be no
stopping you.
you have it, if this doesn’t compel you to book your stay at your nearest GreatWolf Lodge pronto then I don’t know what will. Actually,
there might be something else too, go catch more action from our stay at the
resort on my Instagram Story Highlights and I bet that there will be no
stopping you.
We
for one can’t wait to go back, next time with a group of friends maybe, that
should be even more fun!!!
for one can’t wait to go back, next time with a group of friends maybe, that
should be even more fun!!!
For more information on Great Wolf Resorts and its brands of
indoor water park resorts, check out Greatwolf.com.
indoor water park resorts, check out Greatwolf.com.
P.S: From time to time they also have great
discounts on some packages so be sure to check it out before you book your next
adventure at the Great Wolf Lodge.
discounts on some packages so be sure to check it out before you book your next
adventure at the Great Wolf Lodge.
P.P.S:
April is World Autism Month, and Great Wolf Lodge is teaming up with
Autism Speaks by pledging to “go blue” in
support of a more inclusive world for people with autism and their families
through a month-long Blue Wolf Ears fundraising campaign.
April is World Autism Month, and Great Wolf Lodge is teaming up with
Autism Speaks by pledging to “go blue” in
support of a more inclusive world for people with autism and their families
through a month-long Blue Wolf Ears fundraising campaign.
Throughout April, the family-friendly indoor water park resort will
offer a blue version of the brand’s signature wolf ears, available to guests
for a minimum $5 donation to Autism Speaks.
offer a blue version of the brand’s signature wolf ears, available to guests
for a minimum $5 donation to Autism Speaks.
A limited-edition collection of 10,000 blue wolf ears were made for this
event and will be available for purchase at all 16 of the company’s U.S.-based
resorts.
event and will be available for purchase at all 16 of the company’s U.S.-based
resorts.
“The only thing bigger than my future is this water slide.”
xoxo,
Kusum
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