For a limited time, hop over to Groupon where you can get 60% off Great Wolf Lodge Resort stays! Rooms start at just $126.14 a night when you use a promo code PARKING on the way out. PLUS, you will get points up to six free waterpark passes!
Prices vary by resort, room type, and date. Some areas charge a daily visitor fee and taxes, covering services such as Wi-Fi, parking, fitness center, in-house coffee, bottled water, water park essentials, fitness center, and more. Select stays also include a limited number of waterpark wristbands, so be sure to double check before booking.
Before planning your stay, check these tips & tricks in our group:
- Check out Groupon first: A Groupon deal once helped me plan an unforgettable, budget-friendly birthday trip that became an annual tradition.
- Come in your swimsuit: Access to the water park begins at 1 PM (or earlier depending on location), although check-in is at 4 PM. You can also stay until the park closes on the day of departure.
- Towels & Coast Guard approved life jackets provided: Just bring some concealers; towels should stay in designated areas.
- Book activity and meal passes in advance: Buy passes online in advance to save even more. Lots of discounts on games, candy, ice cream, and more.
- Bring your own food and drinks: Rooms have mini fridges (some have microwaves). Bring snacks and food to avoid expensive resort meals. Coolers are allowed, just not in the water park.
- Check out local Groupon dining deals: Save money on off-resort dining with Groupon restaurant deals.
- Use coupons: Check online or print coupons for discounts at the gift shop, activities, and spa services.
- Military and First Responders appreciate more: Get up to 40% off with valid ID using promo code THE HEROESA by the Howling Heroes program. ID must be shown upon check-in.
- Visit during off-peak hours: Lines are shorter in the early morning and evening. Even at 85% volume, it rarely feels too crowded.
- Wristbands = keys + wallets: Wristbands act as room keys and charge cards. Children can get free bands to keep them safe.
- Food Allergies? No problem: The resort chef will work with you to provide safe, customized meals for allergy needs.
Wondering if the water park is suitable for a non-swimmer?
There is a play area for small children where parents can join. The indoor wave pool has three levels, but may be too sensitive for younger children. The outdoor pool is comfortable and suitable for all ages.
Hip Sidekick, Chelsey, also loves the River Canyon Run at Great Wolf Lodge in AZ. It’s a family-friendly ride with gentle curves and bright colors, and even her little one was able to join in the fun.
Hip Tip: On the day of check out, if you plan to stay at the water park until it closes, make sure to check out of your room by 11 AM and keep your luggage in front of the front desk or in your car.
Pack a small bag with a change of clothes that you can take to the water park and store inside their lockers (available for rent). You can also use their showers and dryers inside the water park.
And don’t miss out on freebies…
- Free wolf ears: Ask at the gift shop for wolf ear headbands – a fun souvenir for the whole family!
- Free local activities: Participate in dance parties, story time, crafts, and more. Board games are also available at the front desk.
- Shutterfly freebie: Check your room for a Shutterfly promo card that offers a free photo book of your trip.
Our sidekick Chelsey and her family absolutely love their annual Great Wolf trip (3 years and counting)…
I’m a Disney fanatic myself, so with countless childhood memories at Disneyland, I feel like I’m almost a master of magical things 😉 . So, I can say with confidence that Great Wolf Lodge offers families a true MAGICAL experience, on a small scale, budget-friendly, but unforgettable!
Our most recent trip was the best! It started with an amazing staff who were very efficient and helpful with one of our problems and ended with hours of fun (I think my kids are still retarded! LOL). While we don’t mind the waterpark itself, we won’t be going back without grabbing kids’ passes! MagiQuest kept them entertained and amazed for hours, and even with only 1 wand, all 3 of my kids were able to share and participate in the magic!
IDK how Great Wolf Lodge does it, but somehow even in a small hotel room, the layout was perfect for a young parent and child’s relaxation (and separation 😆). The kids had their own ‘room’ including a TV, but best of all, the ‘bunk bed suite’ included THREE beds – one for each of my kids!
I can’t say enough wonderful things about Great Wolf Lodge, but just know that the water is always the perfect temperature, the lines are never ‘too long’, and there is SO MUCH to do for kids of all ages! I recommend this trip at least once for the whole family! ❤️