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<\/a><\/figure>\nEvery time I drove around the Great Wolf Lodge in Grapevine, here in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, I knew I wanted to take my daughters on a staycation there. I am happy to report that we spent a few days at this family-friendly indoor water park resort, and I have all the tea!<\/p>\n
Great Wolf Lodge is the perfect location to make meaningful memories with toddlers, teens, and every age in between, and without stressing too much. That\u2019s what our nervous systems are looking for!<\/p>\n
In this easy guide, I\u2019ll be sharing our experience so that you can plan the best Great Wolf Lodge trip with your family, so you can make the most of your family vacation. I\u2019ll share all you need to know about Great Wolf Lodge to make your stay as smooth and enjoyable as possible.<\/p>\n
Why Choose Great Wolf Lodge and What to Expect<\/h2>\n
As positive moms, we know that experiences are better than material gifts, but it\u2019s no secret that it can be a challenge to find a place that works for children of different ages. Thankfully, Great Wolf Lodge did not disappoint \u2013 both my pre-teen and my toddler had plenty to enjoy and are still raving about all the fun they had.<\/p>\n What I loved most about Great Wolf Lodge \u2013 besides how clean and spotless everything is \u2013 is that all you need is right there at the resort \u2013 the water park, guest rooms, amenities, and entertainment, all under one roof and all included in your stay. And there are places to shop, get food, and enjoy additional activities, so we did not have to leave the resort until it was time to check out.\u00a0<\/p>\n And the experience was magical \u2013 as soon as you walk into the majestic building, you are in a land of wolves, and your kids can haul, have fun, and be kids.<\/p>\n On arrival day, just as we checked in, they were just about to get ready for story time right at the hotel\u2019s main area, and that very same night, we attended a dance party and played bingo together during family game night. These activities are all included in your stay and at no additional cost.<\/p>\n Planning your Great Wolf Lodge stay is easy, but there are a few things you should know to maximize the fun for everyone.\u00a0<\/p>\n The youngest pack members will appreciate you staying overnight because you\u2019ll have a place to camp if they get overstimulated or need a mid-day nap.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s what to consider packing:<\/p>\n It\u2019s wise to allow your pre-teen or teen to do their own packing for your family getaway. They appreciate autonomy, and you can always lovingly supervise.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s what I recommend:<\/p>\n Of course, if someone forgets any essential water park needs, you can buy them right outside the water park entrance. The Great Wolf Lodge also has a gift shop in the resort\u2019s main area. They\u2019ll even give you free wolf ears if you just howl. I certainly got mine!<\/p>\n If you\u2019re wondering What\u2019s the best age to visit Great Wolf Lodge?<\/em> There\u2019s no right age or age limit. The resort is built to welcome everyone from infants to grandparents and offers great value for family vacations. If you\u2019re traveling with both toddlers and teens, look for a Great Wolf Lodge with the widest variety of slides and dry activities.<\/p>\n I was impressed with the variety of activities at Great Wolf Lodge for children of all ages. Although it\u2019s known for its massive indoor water park, Great Wolf Lodge has safe kiddie play areas perfect for kids under 4 years old and offers complimentary family activities that toddlers, teens, and every age in between can enjoy.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n My 6-year-old is short (like her mama) and is water shy, and she had so much fun in the splash pads, water play features, and slides for little ones. She also tried the shallow end of the wave pool with other toddlers even younger than her. And we enjoyed floating on a tube along the warm, gentle current of Lazy River together \u2013 it\u2019s fun for your entire pack! You grab a tube and float along in a gentle current. This is a great one for people who want to enjoy the water but don\u2019t want the intensity of the slides.<\/p>\n Even though I\u2019m not a swimmer, I always felt confident because the Great Wolf Lodge water park is staffed by on-site lifeguards, making sure the children are safe among the thrills and the climbing.\u00a0<\/p>\n And there are features that older children and teens can enjoy. My 12-year-old daughter loved playing water basketball and going on the thrilling big slides. Wristbands are programmed so that kids and teens get tailored access to the water park. And the best part? Not one single long line or boring wait (at least when we were there)!<\/p>\n There is even yoga in the morning, which was calling my name, but I opted for sleeping in this time. I always recommend planning vacations that can feel like a vacation for you and that you can also enjoy, because you matter, too, mama.<\/p>\n Great Wolf Lodge caters to both toddlers and teens with different but complementary activities. There were guests of all ages visiting the park, and it was a drama-free, chaos-free, and fun-filled environment. Plus, there\u2019s no sunburn, and the water is always at a controlled temperature.<\/p>\n Let\u2019s start with what\u2019s available for toddlers and \u201cyoung cubs\u201d at Great Wolf Lodge parks:<\/p>\n Build-A-Bear Workshop:<\/strong> This was a hit with both of my daughters, and it is perfect for little ones. Your kids can create and customize the most memorable Great Wolf Lodge souvenir: their own stuffed animals.<\/p>\n Elydia chose a she-wolf, which she called \u201cViolet,\u201d inspired by a character in the Story of Luna that played in the lobby. She loved dressing her and being part of her story. Eliana chose a Cinnamoroll, which she calls \u201cCinndi.\u201d They\u2019ve all been inseparable ever since!<\/p>\n Ten Paw Alley:<\/strong> Ten Paw Alley offers a unique mini-bowling experience that is perfect for families. It has shorter bowling lanes and lighter bowling balls, making it accessible and enjoyable for kids of all ages. The atmosphere features a whimsical style that aligns with the Great Wolf Lodge theme, creating a fun environment for both kids and adults.\u00a0<\/p>\n Northern Lights Arcade: <\/strong>This amazing arcade is both kid-friendly and teen-friendly. It opens early and stays open late, and has a wide range of games with great prizes.<\/p>\n Oliver\u2019s Mining Co.: <\/strong>This was enjoyable for both my toddler and pre-teen. Essentially, they can pan for gemstones using a traditional pan and mining bag, and add to their rock collection.<\/p>\n Great Wolf Lodge was packed with teens during our visit, and they all looked like they were having fun! These are the activities my 12-year-old tween daughter most enjoyed:<\/p>\n And in addition to these, you can also opt to add some dry-land adventures, based on your budget<\/a>, like the Howler\u2019s Peak ropes course, a MagiQuest adventure, teen-friendly arcade games, mini golf, laser tag, and even virtual reality.<\/p>\n MagiQuest <\/strong>is like a scavenger hunt with a wand. They keep active, completing 30-45 minute quests, like they would on a video game. They get to keep the wand as a Great Wolf Lodge souvenir.<\/p>\n Ropes Course: <\/strong>The ropes course at Great Wolf Lodge has different skill levels and comes with a briefing session and harnesses to ensure safety and confidence.<\/p>\n With all the exciting attractions and an entire indoor water park, you may think you have to stay a whole week to enjoy Great Wolf Lodge. However, though check-in is not usually until 4:00 PM, Great Wolf Lodge guests may start using the water park as soon as it opens on the day of arrival. As you check in, you\u2019ll be issued your water park wrist bands, and you can start enjoying the park before your room is ready!\u00a0<\/p>\n In addition, though check-out is at 11:00 AM, guests may continue to use the Great Wolf Lodge water park for the entire day until close. We took our luggage to the car in the parking lot and stayed at the water park until it was time for the winter activities in the lobby. They provide free luggage carts that you can use.\u00a0<\/p>\n Did I tell you the water park has locker rooms and bathrooms for changing?\u00a0<\/p>\n We stayed for two nights, but even a single night can stretch to two full water-park days if you arrive early and stay late. Bottom line: you can use the park during any water park hours \u2013 and that\u2019s the Great Wolf Lodge main attraction.\u00a0<\/p>\n We opted for two nights because with a more spacious schedule, toddlers can have more downtime, and teens have more time to socialize and explore every attraction.<\/p>\n My daughters did not want to leave, and we\u2019re definitely coming back. They were never bored \u2013 there was always something different to do throughout the day, somewhere to go, or somewhere to explore. Great Wolf Lodge really does have the best activities for the family \u2013 and the kind, attentive staff is a plus!<\/p>\n What Great Wolf Lodge location<\/a> would you like to visit? <\/em><\/strong>Comment Anaheim, Atlanta, Baltimore, Charlotte, Chicago, Cincinnati, Colorado Springs, Dallas, Grand Mound, Houston, Kansas City, Mashantucket, Minneapolis, Naples, Boston, Niagara Falls, Pocono Mountains, San Francisco, Sandusky, Traverse City, Williamsburg, or Wisconsin Dells. And bonus points if you\u2019ve already booked your stay!<\/p>\n Founder of the Positive MOM\u00ae and creator of the S.T.O.R.Y. System: a blueprint to craft and share powerful stories that will transform your results and help others do the same. Dr. Elayna Fern\u00e1ndez <\/strong>is a single mom of 4, an award-winning Storyteller, Story Strategist, and Student of Pain. She\u2019s a bestselling author, internationally acclaimed keynote speaker, and 5x TEDx speaker. She has spoken at the United Nations, received the President\u2019s Volunteer Lifetime Achievement Award, and was selected as one of the Top Impactful Leaders<\/a>\u00a0and a\u00a0Woman of Influence<\/a> by SUCCESS Magazine. Connect with Elayna at thepositivemom.com\/ef <\/a>and follow @thepositivemom. To receive a gift from Elayna, click HERE<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n The mission of the Positive MOM blog is to help moms break trauma cycles, find peace, and feel emotionally whole, so they can practice supportive parenting and create a positive and healthy environment for their children. If you found Elayna\u2019s content valuable, please consider donating a love offering<\/a> <\/strong>to enable her to keep creating content and helping more moms worldwide. Donate HERE<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Every time I drove around the Great Wolf Lodge in Grapevine, here in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, I knew I wanted to take my daughters on a staycation there. I am happy to report that we spent a few days at this family-friendly indoor water park resort, and I have all the tea! Great Wolf […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":348485,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[148252],"tags":[281,730,1304,2059,10212,5952],"dealstore":[],"offerexpiration":[],"class_list":["post-348484","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-motherhood-2","tag-easy","tag-family","tag-fun","tag-guide","tag-meaningful","tag-memories"],"yoast_head":"\n<\/a><\/figure>\nHow to Plan A Great Wolf Lodge Family Trip<\/h2>\n
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Quick and easy packing list for toddlers going to Great Wolf Lodge<\/h3>\n
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Quick and easy packing list for pre-teens and teens going to Great Wolf Lodge<\/h3>\n
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What is the best age to visit Great Wolf Lodge?<\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/figure>\nThings to do at Great Wolf Lodge for all ages<\/h2>\n
What Makes Great Wolf Lodge Good for Toddlers?<\/h3>\n
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In addition to what\u2019s included in your Great Wolf Lodge stay, here are some optional and recommended activities:<\/h4>\n
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<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\nHow long should you stay at Great Wolf Lodge with toddlers and teens?<\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\nExtra Tips and Mom Hacks for Families With Toddlers and Teens Visiting Great Wolf Lodge<\/h2>\n
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10\/10 Def Recommend<\/h3>\n
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/a><\/figure>\nWant to support the Positive MOM blog?<\/strong><\/h6>\n