Are you searching for a detailed packing list for your trip to Great Wolf Lodge? Feeling overwhelmed about what to pack for your upcoming family vacation? You’re not alone!
This post provides a thorough packing list for Great Wolf Lodge, along with essential tips to ensure your visit—whether it’s your first or a return trip—is well-prepared! You’ll discover what to bring (including food recommendations), what to leave behind, and what to expect during your stay.
Family travel can be tiring, so don’t get discouraged if the idea of packing feels daunting. Soon, I plan to add a quick printable checklist to this post to help you tick off everything you need!
If you’re still in the planning phase, CLICK HERE for discounted rates! Use Promo Code: MOREFUNA to save 30% off your stay!
Tips for Visiting Great Wolf Lodge
Below, you’ll find my top tips for a successful visit to Great Wolf Lodge, along with common rookie mistakes to avoid. Following these guidelines will help make your vacation as smooth as possible!
1. Grab a Luggage Cart from the Lobby
Great Wolf Lodge provides luggage carts at the main entrance, similar to those you’d find at the airport. Make sure to use one when you arrive, especially if you’ve packed your own food. I’ve seen carts stacked with coolers, cases of water, and snacks, all on top of luggage! Save yourself some trips to the car by grabbing one before you unload. (If you’re looking for snack ideas, keep reading!)
2. Pack Extra Coffee
If you typically start your day with multiple cups of coffee, consider bringing your own coffee and a small basket filter. The lines at Starbucks in the lobby can be quite long in the mornings.
As a busy parent who needs coffee before fully waking up, I can attest to the importance of having some on hand. Your room may have a small 4-cup coffee maker or a single-serve machine, and they do provide prepackaged coffee in filters.
If you’re a coffee enthusiast like me, consider bringing your own Nespresso machine from home—I never regret having mine!
3. Explore the Great Wolf Lodge Paw Pass
Pup Passes, Wolf Passes, and Paw Passes are available for purchase and can save you up to 30% compared to buying activities individually.
The MagiQuest game is especially popular (as is the ShadowQuest game for those who’ve completed MagiQuest), but it does require purchasing a wand and game. The PAW PASS and WOLF PASS come with the wand and game, plus arcade credits, a creation at the Great Wolf Kid station, and more!
If the passes don’t fit your budget, discuss the options with your kids beforehand to make sure everyone knows where you’ll be spending money. Clear expectations can help prevent meltdowns!
Check out: Is the Great Wolf Lodge Paw Pass Worth It?
Read more reviews on TripAdvisor about Great Wolf Lodge!
4. Bring Your Own Snacks, Food, and Beverages
At the Grand Mound, WA location, there’s not much within walking distance—a gas station and a burger restaurant are about it. While there are plenty of on-site dining options, our family tends to graze. If you’re planning to spend most of your time on-site, you’ll definitely want to bring some snacks. Here’s a list of popular, packable snacks:
Snacks to Bring to Great Wolf Lodge:
- Veggie tray
- Watermelon (cut-up to fit 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. Don’t Forget Your SHARPIE!
A sharpie is a must on my packing list for Great Wolf Lodge. It helps label all the various goodies like wands and arcade cards to avoid mix-ups. I also recommend writing your kids’ room number on their waterpark wristbands so they can easily find you if needed.
6. Important Tip: DON’T Try to Do Everything!
One of my top suggestions is to NOT try to do everything!
Great Wolf Lodge offers a plethora of activities, and if it’s your first visit, resist the pressure to experience it all. Since it is primarily a waterpark, focus on enjoying that during your first visit and consider skipping the arcade, spa, or MagiQuest (if possible).
If you visit during seasonal festivities like Howl-O-Ween or Snowland, there will be even more exciting activities. Keep an eye on the schedule provided at check-in!
Related: Be sure to check out these family travel quotes perfect for your Instagram captions!
7. MagiQuest is BUSY in the Evenings
As expected, after a full day of swimming and dining, many kids flock to the hotel areas, particularly around the arcade and MagiQuest game.
Prepare for lines when checking missions or battling foes. If you tackle MagiQuest activities in the morning, you’ll find them less crowded!
8. Check the GUIDE for Free Activities
Another helpful tip is to review the guide you receive at check-in. With all the excitement of arrival, it’s easy to overlook it. I recommend taking a moment to read through it!
Your stay includes your waterpark pass along with various daily activities. You can also check online for a timetable of activities happening during your visit to plan accordingly.
From storytime to dance parties and even kids’ yoga, there’s lots to do. Organize your schedule around these activities. The pool is typically less crowded during mealtime and storytime. If you’re eager to get the most out of your trip, aim to visit the pool during off-peak hours!
9. Bring Your Own Towels
While pool towels are available, they are restricted to the pool area. On chilly days, our little ones felt cold after leaving the pool, and many parents brought their own towels for extra warmth. I’ll be bringing my own on future trips!
Some suggest it’s unnecessary, but for our family, it was a welcomed addition. Kid-sized hooded towels are also a great alternative, and I recommend sizing up so they can grow into them!
10. Choose Your Vantage Point
Your seating choice at the pool may depend on your children’s ages. As a protective parent, I prefer a spot where I can easily keep an eye on my 5-year-old.
We spent most of our time in the designated area for younger kids, which was perfect for our family with three children aged 5 and under. Arriving at night gives you the chance to scope out the best spots!
11. Arrive at the Pool at Opening for a Table
If you plan on spending the day at the waterpark or want access to a table for snacks, send one adult to grab a spot as soon as the park opens. Visitors often line up before the doors open, and tables fill up quickly. Alternatively, renting a cabana guarantees a reserved spot, though the location may not be ideal for your family.
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USE CODE: MOREFUNA when booking your stay.
12. Dine at the Water Park
Interestingly, dinnertime tends to be the least crowded time at the waterpark. Since many families leave after a long day starting at 9 AM, consider ordering pizza from the Hungry as a Wolf Pizza Shop. Prices start at just $14.99 for a large pizza, making it a cost-effective way to enjoy a snack while continuing to make the most of your day.
13. Expert Packing Tip: Keep Your Swimming Bag Separate from Your Suitcase
One key tip for packing is to keep your swim gear handy. You can access the waterpark at 1 PM on your check-in day, but your room may not be ready until later. If your swim bag is easily accessible, you can dive right into the fun!
On your departure day, you can do the same; check-out is at 11 AM, but you can still enjoy the pool until closing time! They also offer a late check-out option.
Consider using wet bags to prevent your swim gear from soaking everything else.
If you have toddlers, don’t forget to pack swim diapers, as they are required at the waterpark!
14. Look for Deals at Great Wolf Lodge
Great Wolf Lodge frequently offers promotions, so be sure to check for any available deals. If you’re still organizing your trip, THIS LINK can provide you with a 30% discount on your stay!
15. Great Wolf Lodge Prices Can Vary
To save on your family vacation, consider booking during the shoulder season. Avoid school holidays and choose midweek dates for the best rates. Check the pricing for your desired travel dates here.
16. Howl-o-Ween Fun in October
If you visit in October, be sure to plan for Howl-o-Ween festivities! It’s a fantastic time to attend, so pack a costume and treat bag for the kids, as there’s nighttime trick-or-treating!
What to Pack for Great Wolf Lodge
Here’s my list of essentials to bring for your Great Wolf Lodge adventure, covering clothing, accessories, and food!
Comprehensive Packing List for Great Wolf Lodge
Below is an extensive packing list for Great Wolf Lodge, which includes all sorts of items you might need, from clothing and food to, of course, bathing suits! We love using roller suitcases and packing cubes—one for each kid—for easy organization.
- 2 bathing suits per person (nobody likes putting on a wet suit)
- Bathing suit cover-ups or hooded towels for kids (robes can be nice too)
- Swim diapers for little ones
- Flip flops (ideal for walking to and from the pool)
- Goggles
- Cutting board, knife, utensils, and bowls for meals
- Running shoes (requirement for the ropes course)
- Waterproof camera
- Travel coffee mug (perfect for evening drinks)
- Pajamas and slippers
- Costumes (if attending during Howl-o-Ween)
- Closed-toed shoes (mandatory for the ropes course)
- Portable speaker (for music in your room)
Leave at Home:
- Life jackets – they provide puddle jumper styles for all ages
- Sunglasses
- Nicer clothes (GWL is a casual environment; you can wear your bathing suit cover-ups at dinner)
Food to Bring for Great Wolf Lodge
Make sure to have a cooler handy for your food supplies!
- Fresh fruit (like watermelon and strawberries)
- 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
- Alcoholic beverages
- Extra coffee or instant coffee (plus sugar and creamer, as the Starbucks line can be long)
Great Dinner Ideas for Your Stay
If you’re looking for easy dinner ideas to pack for Great Wolf Lodge, consider these options:
- Tacos: Pre-cook meat and put it in a container. Bring soft or hard taco shells and your favorite toppings. Heat the meat in your room, and enjoy! Typical toppings include meat, cheese, lettuce, tomato, sour cream, and salsa. (You can bring nacho chips to use up any leftover salsa the next day.)
- Instant Pot / Crock Pot Meals: If your family enjoys slow cooking, consider this for your trip. Pack all the ingredients for a complete meal! Don’t forget plates, bowls, and utensils!
- Microwavable soups and pastas: Quick meals for kids who need to refuel, such as Annie’s Mac and Cheese, are always a hit!
During our stay, we opted for pizza one night and a buffet the next. Pizza costs about the same as at a local pizza place and is budget-friendly. If you brought your own dinner, I’d love to hear your ideas!
Also, consider researching nearby restaurants if you’d like to eat off-site. We chose to enjoy the amenities without venturing elsewhere.
Have you booked your trip yet?
I suggest checking the TripAdvisor reviews and then BOOK HERE using the promo code MOREFUNA for 30% off!
Great Wolf Lodge Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, pool towels are provided, but they need to stay in the pool area. Be sure to bring a robe, hooded towel, or cover-up for the walk back to your room!
Yes, they provide a limited number of life jackets and puddle jumper floatation devices on the pool deck. They are offered on a first-come, first-served basis, so consider bringing your own for peace of mind.
Yes, you can bring food into the Great Wolf Lodge. However, keep in mind that cooking facilities are limited, so pack microwave-friendly meals!
For more information, you can read about our experience at Great Wolf Lodge Grand Mound here.
