Are you planning a trip to one of the sixteen locations of the Great Wolf Lodge? They are so much fun to visit, and kids absolutely love them. If you are planning to visit, you may be wondering what to bring to the Great Wolf Lodge. It’s always challenging to pack for a new place that you haven’t visited before. You may, for instance, be wondering if Great Wolf Lodge towels are provided, or if you need to bring your own food to the Great Wolf Lodge. Based upon our experience visiting several Great Wolf Lodge locations, we’ve developed some tips on what to bring with you on your trip.
Here is our Great Wolf Lodge packing list. If we forgot something, or you have a suggestion of something to add, leave us a comment!
Disclosure: In the past, I’ve received media rates/complimentary stays at the Great Wolf Lodge. Post may contain affiliate links. A purchase through one of these links may result in a commission paid to us. All opinions are our own.
Bathing Suits (bring two per person if you plan to visit the park more than once. No one likes getting in a wet bathing suit)
Water shoes for the water park
Regular clothes for each day (casual clothes are fine unless you plan to visit a more upscale place outside the resort). If you plan to spend much of your time at the Great Wolf Lodge indoor water park, you may be able to re-wear clothes.
Underwear
Regular shoes for daily wear
Pajamas
Toiletries (rooms include hairdryers)
Entertainment for the kids in the room (books, electronics, etc)
Personal electronics and chargers (this is my favorite portable charger)
Baby supplies (if traveling with a baby)
Sneakers/Closed-toe shoes for the ropes course (not at every location)
Large beach towels (The Great Wolf Lodge does provide towels in the water park, but you aren’t able to bring them to your room)
Cover ups (to go back and forth to your room)
A beach bag to fill with your stuff
Goggles for the pools
Snacks (there is food available at the Great Wolf Lodge, but it’s a good idea to have snacks anyway)
Glitter tattoos if your kids want them (some of the resorts sell them, but you may want to bring your own to save money)
Beverages that you may not want to purchase at the Great Wolf Lodge
MagiQuest wands if you already have them – otherwise you can purchase them at the Great Wolf Lodge
Workout clothes (for the gym)
A wet bag to carry your wet bathing suits home
All of the Great Wolf Lodge resorts offer loads of things to do for families. Although entry to the waterparks are included with your room stay, lots of things, like the spa, arcade, MagiQuest, stuffed animals, and bowling, are an additional fee. Be prepared before you go so that you know exactly what your budget is and how much you are willing to spend. Also know that while there are some restaurants right in the property, you may want to go outside if you are staying more than one night. We typically bring some breakfast bars for our breakfast
Check out our reviews of the Great Wolf Lodge Pennsylvania and the Great Wolf Lodge New England.
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Susan Easterday says
Jodi, We have taken several trips to the GWL – Cincinnati and loved it. Our most recent was last October. My suggestion–along the snack line–is breakfast. If you want to go with affordable and quick, then grabbing some fruit, pop tarts and maybe cereal for breakfast will get you in the water park earlier. There is always a fridge and a nice big counter to store your food, if necessary. Your other options are the buffet, which may not be worth it with young kids or the Dunkin’ Donuts. I waited a minimum of 25 minutes several mornings to get my coffee fix there.
Jodi Grundig says
Great tips! Bringing breakfast is a great idea.