How to Pack for Great Wolf Lodge

Great Wolf Lodge is a chain of resorts with 17 locations throughout the United States and Canada https://www.greatwolf.com/. It's a popular family destination, given the fact that it contains a water park, arcade, and a host of other...

Method 1 of 3:

Before Starting to Pack

How to Pack for Great Wolf Lodge Picture 1
Make sure your luggage complies with travel restrictions if you'll be flying. This can likely be found on the company website of the airline you're using. Many airlines have a maximum weight/number of bags listed, so this is important information.
1. If your bag exceeds the minimum weight, you will likely still be allowed to fly with it, however you'll likely incur an extra fee.
How to Pack for Great Wolf Lodge Picture 2
Figure out what time of year you're going. As Great Wolf Lodge has several resorts located all throughout the USA, the weather you'll be dealing with can vary greatly. The best way to find this ahead of time is to look up 'Typical weather in ______ (name of city) in ______ (the month you'll be going)'.
1. If it is close to your trip (around 1 week before), you can simply search up a 7-day weather forecast for the city that your Great Wolf Lodge is in.
2. Keep in mind that you'll be spending a lot of time in the resort, so packing clothing for the weather likely won't matter as much, unless you plan on partaking in a lot of the activities in the areas surrounding your resort.
How to Pack for Great Wolf Lodge Picture 3

Know how many people will be going in your group. This way, you can plan ahead for how much luggage you'll need, so that everyone can have all of their essentials.

Method 2 of 3:

Packing Clothing and Accesories

How to Pack for Great Wolf Lodge Picture 4
Bring at least 2 bathing suits, and a pair of water shoes. Every Great Wolf Lodge contains a decent sized water park for all ages, so having a bathing suit and water shoes with you is essential if you and/or your children intend on frequenting it. A second bathing suit will help if there is an issue with your first one.
1. No need to worry about bringing towels or life jackets with you, as Great Wolf Lodge provides them.^{[2] X Research source} However, keep in mind that they must remain in the pool area.
  1. In some attractions, children are required to wear life jackets. ^{[3] X Research source}
How to Pack for Great Wolf Lodge Picture 5
Include any typical clothing you'd wear at home. This includes comfy pajamas, undergarments and socks.
1. Your kids can wear their pajamas to the story hour offered, along with some comfy slippers. Check the website of the Great Wolf Lodge you'll be going to for info on what time their story hour occurs.^{[4] X Research source}
How to Pack for Great Wolf Lodge Picture 6

Be sure to include a pair closed-toed sneakers for the more adventurous members of your group. This is because included with your Great Wolf Lodge admission is a ropes course that requires closed-toed, rubber soled footwear in order to participate. ^{[5] X Research source}
How to Pack for Great Wolf Lodge Picture 7

Pack a few casual outfits. These don't have to be anything fancy, just a simple t-shirt and jeans, in case you'd like to go explore the surrounding area or head out to a local restaurant.
How to Pack for Great Wolf Lodge Picture 8

Include a hat and sunglasses. This is in case you or your kids check out the outdoor activities, or you want to simply relax outside.
How to Pack for Great Wolf Lodge Picture 9
Consider a costume of some sort if you intend on partaking in 'Magiquest'. This could be anything from a cape to a full blown wizard outfit, but either form is perfect to have if you're a fan of MagiQuest.
1. These costumes are sold in the Magiquest store, but you'll be able to save money if you bring a costume from home. ^{[6] X Research source}
How to Pack for Great Wolf Lodge Picture 10

Grab a 'dressy' type outfit if you plan on dining at a fancy restaurant in the area. Do research on this beforehand, and if a particular restaurant piques your interest, you'll want to bring along the fancy clothes.

Method 3 of 3:

Packing Other Essentials

How to Pack for Great Wolf Lodge Picture 11

Include any essential toiletries. This includes a toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, along with anything else you typically bring along bathroom-wise on vacations.
How to Pack for Great Wolf Lodge Picture 12

Bring sunblock, but not a lot. This is because the majority of Great Wolf Lodge is inside, and you might find a small splash pad outside at most. However, if you know that you will be frequenting the splash pad, then bringing sunblock is a good decision.
How to Pack for Great Wolf Lodge Picture 13
Consider bringing your own snacks and drinks. Each room at Great Wolf Lodge comes equipped with a coffee maker (plus coffee), a mini refrigerator and a microwave, so you can easily store your food. It will also save you money, as food can get expensive at Great Wolf Lodge. ^{[7] X Research source}
1. Some good ideas to consider for food are premade sandwiches/materials to make them, vegetables such as carrots, celery and tomatoes, along with dip to go with them, and fruits such as apples, oranges and bananas. For breakfast, you can simply bring along granola bars for a quick fix that is perfect for kids who want to get in the waterpark right away.
How to Pack for Great Wolf Lodge Picture 14

Include a waterproof bag of some sort. This way, you can store your wet swim clothes after a fun day at the waterpark without worrying about getting any of your other belongings soaked.
How to Pack for Great Wolf Lodge Picture 15

Bring along spending money. As said above, you can buy food and drinks at the Great Wolf Lodge. You can also purchase souvenirs. Therefore, having spending money (in the proper currency) will be extremely helpful.
How to Pack for Great Wolf Lodge Picture 16

Skip the hairdryer, shampoo, lotion and soap. These amenities are all generously provided in your hotel room, so you won't need to worry about bringing these things with you on your trip.^{[8] X Research source}
How to Pack for Great Wolf Lodge Picture 17
Place a few entertainment items in last. This could include stories, movies or even personal gaming devices. These will be for the times when you've exhausted the activities in the lodge, and you have no other place to go except your hotel room.
1. Consider purchasing a few new toys or books for your kids, and giving them to the kids when they say they're bored and have nothing else to do in the resort.

Jessica Tanner

Update 24 March 2020

You should read it