Are you searching for a detailed packing list for your visit to Great Wolf Lodge? Feeling overwhelmed by the thought of preparing for your family vacation and unsure of what to bring?
This comprehensive Great Wolf Lodge packing guide, along with essential tips, will help you gear up for your first or next trip! It includes a thorough list of items to pack (including food suggestions), things to leave behind, and what to expect during your stay!
Family travel can be tiring, so don’t feel discouraged if the packing list feels overwhelming. I plan to add a printable version of this list soon to make it even easier for you to check off items as you prepare!
If you’re still in the planning stages of your trip, CLICK HERE to find discounted rates! Use Promo Code: MOREFUNA to save 30% on your stay!
Great Wolf Lodge Tips
Here, you’ll find my top Great Wolf Lodge tips, including common mistakes first-timers make. Following these recommendations will help ensure your vacation runs as smoothly as possible!
1. Grab a Luggage Cart from the Lobby
Great Wolf Lodge offers airport-style luggage carts at the main entrance. Be sure to take advantage of these, especially if you’re bringing your own food! I’ve seen families load these carts with coolers, packs of water, and bags of snacks on top of their luggage. It’s a great way to reduce multiple trips to the car – grab one before you unload! (If you’re looking for snack ideas, keep reading!)
2. Bring Extra Coffee
If you’re someone who needs more than one cup of coffee to start your day, consider bringing your own coffee and a small basket filter. The lines at the Starbucks in the lobby can be quite long in the mornings!
As a mom who needs coffee before I even find my glasses, I highly recommend it! Each room has a small four-cup coffee maker or a single-serve machine, and they do provide pre-packaged coffee in filters.
If you’re a coffee snob like I am, pack your own Nespresso machine—I take mine everywhere and never regret it!
3. Consider the Great Wolf Lodge Paw Pass
Great Wolf Lodge offers Pup Passes, Wolf Passes, and Paw Passes that can provide savings of up to 30% when compared to purchasing activities separately.
The MagiQuest game is a favorite (along with the ShadowQuest for those who’ve already completed the MagiQuest), but it does require purchasing a wand and the game itself. The PAW PASS and WOLF PASS include the wand and the game, along with arcade credits, access to the Great Wolf Kid at the Creation Station, and more!
If the passes aren’t in your budget, have a conversation with your kids ahead of time to discuss where you’ll spend money. Setting clear expectations can help avoid meltdowns!
Read more: Is the Great Wolf Lodge Paw Pass Worth it?
Check out Great Wolf Lodge reviews on Trip Advisor!
4. Pack Your Own Snacks, Food, and Beverages
At the Grand Mound, WA location, there isn’t much within walking distance: only a gas station and a burger restaurant. Although there are many dining options on-site, our family tends to graze. If yours is similar and plans to spend most of the time on-site, you’ll want to pack some snacks. Here’s a list of popular, packable snacks:
Food to Bring to Great Wolf Lodge:
- Veggie tray
- Cut watermelon (fits in the fridge)
- Crackers and cheese
- Strawberries
- Juice boxes
- Cookies
- Chips and dip
- Water bottles
- Cereal and milk
- Bagels and cream cheese
- Extra coffee and a filter (or instant coffee, sugar, and creamer)
5. Pack Your SHARPIE!
Among the items I recommend bringing to Great Wolf Lodge, a Sharpie is a must. I always pack one—it helps keep track of the kids’ various goodies, from wands to arcade cards. Marking who owns what can prevent arguments. Trust me on this. I also write our kids’ room number on their waterpark wristbands to easily locate them if needed.
6. Important Great Wolf Lodge Tip: DO NOT TRY TO DO EVERYTHING!
One of my best tips for Great Wolf Lodge is to avoid the temptation to do it all!
There is a plethora of activities offered at the Great Wolf Lodge, and if it’s your first visit, don’t feel pressured to experience every single thing! Prioritize enjoying the water park on your first trip, and perhaps save the arcade, spa, or MagiQuest for another time.
If you’re visiting during seasonal events like Howl-O-Ween or Snowland, there will be additional activities, so be sure to check the calendar provided at check-in!
Related: You’ll likely take plenty of photos, so explore these family travel quotes for Instagram captions!
7. MagiQuest is BUSY in the EVENINGS
After spending the day swimming, most kids tend to migrate from the water park to their hotel rooms after dinner.
You’ll find them primarily around the arcade and engaging in the MagiQuest game.
Expect long lines when checking missions or defeating foes. If you plan to do MagiQuest, aim to tackle activities in the morning when it’s much less crowded.
8. Check the GUIDE for FREE activities
Upon check-in, review the guide provided. In the excitement of your arrival, it can be easy to forget about it. Take a moment to read it thoroughly early on!
Your stay will include your water park passes and various activities happening throughout the day. Consider printing out the schedule before your visit so you can plan ahead.
There’s a range of activities, from storytime to dance parties and even kid’s yoga! To maximize your experience, plan your time around these activities, and remember that the pool tends to be quieter during dinner and storytime when most guests are out exploring.
9. Bring Your Own Towel or Two
Pool towels are meant to remain at the pool. Our little ones were chilly after leaving, which is why I understand why many parents bring their own towels. With your own, you can wrap the kids up and head back to your room comfortably. I will definitely pack one next time.
While some suggest it’s unnecessary, for our family, it made a difference. Consider kid-friendly hooded towels as a fun alternative. I always buy larger sizes to ensure they last through the years!
10. Choose Your Vantage Point
Your choice of where to set up your home base might depend on your children’s ages. I tend to be quite watchful and prefer that my 5-year-old can see me easily and locate me if needed without wandering too far.
We spent most of our time in the small kids’ area, perfect for our group of three little ones under 5 years old. If you arrive in the evening, take a moment to explore the area and determine the best setup for your family.
11. Arrive at the Pool When It Opens if You Want a Table
If your plan includes a day at the water park and you hope for a table to enjoy snacks, designate one parent to secure a spot in the morning. People often line up before the doors open, so if a table is important, be proactive. Alternatively, you can rent a cabana to ensure a good location, although the advantage point may not be optimal for your family’s needs.
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12. Dine in the Water Park
Evenings tend to be the quietest times at the water park. With many families leaving after a long day starting at 9 am, consider ordering pizza from the Hungry as a Wolf pizza shop. Starting at just $14.99 for a large pizza, it’s an affordable way to continue enjoying the less crowded part of the day.
13. Top Great Wolf Lodge Packing Tips: Pack Your Swim Bag Separately from Your Suitcase
My top packing tip for Great Wolf Lodge is to keep your swim bag easily accessible. Though check-in starts at 1 pm, your room likely won’t be ready until 4 pm. With your swimming bag on hand, you can change and jump into the pool before your room is ready! On your departure day, do the same—check out is at 11 am, but you can enjoy the pool and facilities until closing time. There’s also an option to purchase late checkout.
For convenience, we use wet bags to keep our swim items separate and dry.
If you have little ones, don’t forget to bring swim diapers, as they are mandatory in the water park!
14. Look for Deals at Great Wolf Lodge
Great Wolf Lodge frequently offers promotions, so keep an eye out! If you’re still planning your trip, THIS LINK will give you 30% off your stay!
15. Great Wolf Lodge Prices Vary
To save money on your visit, consider booking during the off-peak season. Aim to avoid school holidays and travel midweek for the best rates. Check rates here for your desired booking times!
16. Plan for October Howl-o-ween Extras
If you’re visiting in October, prepare for Howl-o-ween! We’ve been fortunate enough to attend and had a fantastic time! Don’t forget to pack a costume and a treat bag for the kids, as there will be nightly trick-or-treating!
What to Pack for Great Wolf Lodge
Here is an overview of what to bring to Great Wolf Lodge. This includes clothing, accessories, and food!
Comprehensive Packing List for Great Wolf Lodge
Below is my extensive packing list for Great Wolf Lodge, covering everything from clothing to food to, of course, swimsuits. We love using rolling suitcases and packing cubes—one for each kid to keep their clothes organized.
- 2 bathing suits each (no one wants to wear a wet suit)
- Bathing suit cover-up or kids’ hooded towels (also consider robes)
- Swim diapers for babies and toddlers
- Flip-flops (for walking to and from the pool)
- Goggles
- Cutting board, knife, cutlery, and bowls (for food)
- Running shoes (required for the ropes course)
- Waterproof camera
- Travel coffee mug (for evening beverages)
- Pajamas and slippers
- Costumes (if visiting during Howl-o-ween)
- Closed-toed shoes (required for the ropes course)
- Portable speaker (for your room)
Leave at Home:
- Life jackets – they provide puddle jumper-style and life jackets for all ages
- Sunglasses
- Nice clothing (Great Wolf Lodge is very casual. Expect to dine in swimsuits or cover-ups, and kids may have breakfast in pajamas)
Food to Bring to Great Wolf Lodge
Make sure you have a cooler to pack all your food!
- Fresh fruit (such as watermelon, strawberries, and other munchies)
- Veggie tray
- Chips and dip
- Crackers and cheese
- Cereal and milk
- Bagels and cream cheese (note: there’s no toaster in the room)
- Juice boxes
- Water bottles
- Adult beverages
- Extra coffee or instant coffee (don’t forget sugar and creamer), as the line at Starbucks can be huge!
Dinner Ideas to Pack for Great Wolf Lodge
For easy dinner ideas that pack well for your stay, consider the following:
- Tacos: Precook your meat at home and pack it in a container. Bring soft or hard taco shells and your favorite toppings. Heat the meat in your room and serve! Common toppings include meat, cheese, lettuce, tomato, sour cream, and salsa (you can use leftover salsa with nacho chips the next day).
- Instant Pot/Crock Pot Meals: If your family enjoys these, consider taking all the ingredients to make a meal right in your room! Remember to pack plates and utensils!
- Microwavable soups and pastas are also great for quick meals. Annie’s Mac and Cheese is a quick fix for kids who don’t want to slow down!
We opted for pizza one night and the buffet another. The pizzas are comparable in price to those from a pizza parlor, making it an affordable option. If you pack your own dinner, I’d love to hear your suggestions!
Also, explore nearby restaurant options; sometimes, stepping out for lunch or dinner is just what you need. We chose to remain on-site to enjoy the experience fully without venturing elsewhere.
Have you finalized your trip details yet?
I recommend reading through these Trip Advisor Reviews and then BOOK HERE using the code MOREFUNA for 30% off!
Great Wolf Lodge Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, pool towels are provided, but they must remain in the pool area. Bring a robe, hooded towel, or cover-up to comfortably walk back to your room!
Yes, a limited number of life jackets and puddle jumper-style flotation devices are available by the pool deck on a first-come, first-served basis. While there are typically plenty available, you might want to bring your own for peace of mind.
Yes, you are allowed to bring as much food as you want into Great Wolf Lodge. However, note that cooking facilities are limited, so pack microwave-friendly meals!
For more information and to read about our experience at Great Wolf Lodge Grand Mound, click here.
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Lindsay Nieminen hails from Vancouver, Canada, and shares her love of travel on this website. She is passionate about showing others that they should not put off traveling the world just because they have young children or are single parents. She aims to encourage them to seek out adventure, whether it is at home or abroad by providing information on how just about everywhere can be a destination to explore as a family.
