The Ultimate Family Guide to Great Wolf Lodge (Including What to Pack)
If you’ve been thinking about planning a trip to Great Wolf Lodge with your family, you’re in for a serious treat and a lot of water park fun. Whether it’s your first time visiting or you’re looking to make your next trip even smoother, this guide has you covered.
As a mom who’s personally stayed at the LaGrange, Georgia location (just a short drive from Atlanta), I’m sharing everything I wish I’d known before our first stay—including a complete Great Wolf Lodge packing list, tips for navigating the indoor water park, and how to make the most of your family getaway.
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Why Great Wolf Lodge is a Perfect Family Getaway
Let’s start with why Great Wolf Lodge has become one of our favorite family weekend trips. It’s more than just a hotel—it’s a full-blown indoor waterpark resort that blends adventure, convenience, and kid-approved fun all under one roof. Whether you’re soaking in the water park area, diving into the immersive MagiQuest game, or relaxing in your cozy hotel room, there’s something for every age and interest.
And bonus? With locations across the United States, you can find one close enough for an easy road trip in some relatively small town locations. For us in Georgia, the LaGrange location is just about an hour road trip from downtown Atlanta, making it an ideal spot for a quick weekend trip or spring break escape.
Whether you’re traveling with toddlers, grade schoolers, or even tweens and teens, the entire resort is built for families. With everything from story time and scavenger hunts to thrilling water slides and a lazy river, there are hours of fun for the whole family (even when the weather outside isn’t cooperating).
What to Pack for Great Wolf Lodge: The Ultimate Packing List
Packing for Great Wolf Lodge is about balancing comfort, convenience, and fun. Here are my top packing tips to help your family enjoy every moment:
Waterpark Gear and Essentials
- 2 bathing suits per person (because no one likes a wet bathing suit)
- Swim diapers for younger children
- Beach bag or pool bag to carry your own pool towels, sunscreen, and water toys
- Water shoes and flip flops
- Goggles
- Wet bag or plastic bag for wet swimsuits
- Water toys for extra poolside play
- Sunblock in case you decided to check out the outdoor pool
Towels are provided at the park; however, you might want to bring your own pool towels or beach towels if your children are picky. Life jackets are also provided, and we had no problems finding plenty in the sizes we needed. If you prefer, you can absolutely bring your own.
Clothing and Casual Wear
- Pajamas, including some cute PJs for story time or relaxing in the living room area of your room.
- Plenty of casual and interchangeable clothing items to mix and match easily. Don’t forget a jacket, as it can get chilly!
- Closed-toe shoes or comfortable shoes for walking around the resort and nearby areas when not enjoying the water park
Dining Tips and Food Options
Each Great Wolf Lodge location has on-site dining options, but they can get pricey and are limited if you have food sensitivities or just plain picky eaters. Consider also packing:
- Breakfast bars, cereal, and milk
- Sandwich fixings or heat-and-eat meals (microwave available in some rooms)
- Snacks and drinks (especially for late-night hunger)
- Snacks, foods and drinks for mom & dad to enjoy too
- Cash or card for sweet treats like ice cream
Entertainment & Extras
- Your kid’s favorite blanket or a perfect story time companion to help them feel cozy and relaxed.
- Portable charger for cell phones and other devices.
- Mini backpack for little ones to carry their Paw Pass or personal items.
Pro tip: Your kids will 100% beg you for items from the gift shop, because the gift shop is adorable and jam-packed with all kinds of fun toys and goodies. It’s also very pricey. Save $$ by ordering some things in advance, like glow bracelets and other glow in the dark items for the night time dance parties, or cute little wolf stuffies like these.
What You Can Expect at Great Wolf Lodge
Besides the famous indoor waterpark, Great Wolf Lodge offers a themed hotel room, indoor waterpark, kid-friendly dining, and a packed schedule of free activities.
Here’s what to look forward to:
- The interactive MagiQuest game, which kids absolutely love and is a great way to keep them engaged.
- On-site arcade and mini golf putt putt
- Adventure park with a ropes course, bowling area, climbing wall and panning for gold (this is an extra charge)
- Seasonal outdoor pools and cold weather action activities depending on the time of year and park location.
- Free life jackets to use while enjoying the water.
- Putt putt, a rock climbing wall and panning for gold
- Locker rooms with amenities to help you stay comfortable during your visit.
- Delicious options for ice cream and snacks, perfect for a mid-day treat.
- Cute family activities at night, like a dance party and story time.
- Complimentary wolf ears if you’re staying the night! Just stop by the gift shop to grab yours on your arrival day.
Pro tip: Review the hotel’s website and app before booking to check check-in time, available packages, and Great Wolf Lodge rooms.
Common Questions About Great Wolf Lodge
Can you wear water shoes at Great Wolf Lodge?
Yes! Wearing comfortable wearing water shoes or aqua socks is a good idea to protect feet in the water park and on slippery surfaces. Be sure to wear them in the locker room, too. They’re a must for young children, as the entire waterpark area is slick!
What is the Paw Pass?
The Paw Pass is a fun add-on that gives your kids access to games, activities, and special experiences around the resort — a great way to add much fun without waiting in long lines.
Is Great Wolf Lodge Worth It?
Absolutely. For a one-stop-shop of family fun with easy access to amenities, comfy accommodations, and nonstop activities, Great Wolf Lodge makes a fantastic destination for kids of all ages. Whether you’re planning your first visit or returning for another round of splashy fun, it’s the kind of place that makes memories that last long after the swimsuits have dried.
Planning Tips for a Smooth, Stress-Free Stay at Great Wolf Lodge
- Check in early: You can use the water park starting when the park opens the day of your check in. even if your room’s not ready until 4 p.m. Arrive early or plan around check-in time to avoid crowds.
- Download the app: It includes a schedule of daily activities, maps, water park hours and even mobile ordering for food.
- Plan your meals: Eating onsite can add up fast. Consider packing breakfast items or snacks to keep in your room fridge.
- Book a themed suite: If your kids love the idea of sleeping in a “Kid Cabin” or “Wolf Den,” the themed rooms are 100% worth it. We did the Wolf Den Suite and it was perfect for our family.
- Bring a portable charger: Your phone battery will drain quickly at the waterpark with all of the photos and videos you’re taking! Keep your cell phones or other devices ready for photos and TikTok to make your own family memories.
- Pack a few plastic bags for dirty or wet clothes to keep your hotel room tidy or an extra clothing line.
- Prepare for worst cases like sudden weather changes or minor mishaps with extra clothes and essentials.
Restaurants Near Great Wolf Lodge Atlanta (LaGrange)
Are there restaurants near Great Wolf Lodge Atlanta? Yes! The LaGrange location is near several great restaurants offering a mix of cuisines, making it easy to plan meals outside the resort if you want to venture out.
While Great Wolf Lodge LaGrange has plenty of dining options onsite, including a buffet, pizza spot, Dunkin’, and even a full-service restaurant, it can be fun to explore nearby, especially if you’re staying more than a night or two.
When we were there last, there were a Chick-fil-A, Wendy’s, Cracker Barrel, and Mexican spots just a few minutes away.
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Final Thoughts: Why Great Wolf Lodge is a Great Place for Your Family Vacation
Great Wolf Lodge combines natural beauty, a great time in the waterpark, and family fun across its many amenities, making it a perfect vacation spot for families of all ages. Whether you’re visiting the LaGrange location near Atlanta or one of the other resorts like Great Wolf Lodge New England, you’ll find good vacation vibes and plenty of activities to keep the wolf pack’s unencumbered excitement alive.
By planning ahead with this ultimate packing list and insider tips, your family is sure to have an amazing, stress-free trip filled with memories that will last long after the last splash.
If you’re craving a perfect getaway where your kids are entertained and everything’s under one roof, Great Wolf Lodge is a great place to land. Whether it’s spring break, a birthday surprise, or your next perfect story time companion moment, you’ll make memories worth repeating at this family resort.
So grab your favorite gear, bring the entire family, and let the good vacation vibes begin.
