Toddler Trails: Great Wolf Lodge
Two Toddlers, One Water Park: Our Great Wolf Lodge Adventure
When we booked a stay at Great Wolf Lodge in Grand Mound, Washington with our two 2-year-olds, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Traveling with toddlers (especially my two sensitive boys) can feel like a gamble—will it be fun, or will we spend the entire time chasing gremlins? To be honest, after booking the stay I was certain I’d just made a huge mistake when I found out my mom wouldn’t be joining us like I had planned. But I’m happy to report: we all had a blast. The boys had the time of their lives, and thanks to the incredibly kind and helpful staff, so did we. We’re already planning our next visit.
Water, Anxiety, and Fun for the Whole Family
The water park was, of course, the main event. I loved that there were plenty of toddler-friendly areas—shallow pools, mini slides, and splash zones that kept our little ones entertained (and safe for the most part). The toddler area had a lifeguard that was constantly patrolling the area (I saw many head counts happen and their whistle was always at the ready). The area is only about a foot deep and is a big enough size that multiple families can enjoy the space. There’s an adorable 5-foot purple slide that became my oldest son’s favorite activity. This is where safety is harder to guarantee because for whatever reason children enjoy sitting at the bottom of the slide so that the ones coming down will bump into them. The lifeguard will try to correct this but there is no guarantee that the kid on the slide or the one at the bottom will be aware enough to move when the whistle is blown. As long as you keep your eye on your child, they should make it out of there safe and sound.
My in-laws came with us on the trip and had fun going down a few of the bigger slides. I unfortunately, have anxiety about water slides and did not manage to go down a slide. But I will say the hot tub is glorious and I want one in my home ASAP! Overall, there is something for the entire family to enjoy. My favorite part was experiencing the wave pool with my whole family. Was I terrified that they would drown despite the life jackets I forced them to wear? Yes. Would I happily go back? Also, yes.
Wolf Pack Service at Its Best
The staff was genuinely wonderful—friendly, helpful, and patient (which is everything when you’ve got two toddlers in tow). From check-in to navigating the water park, I felt like they were always ready to make things smoother for families. We got a lot of magic thrown our way during the visit. While waiting for Starbucks (yes there is one in the lobby and it was a staple during our time there) my oldest son was able to have his first character interaction! He gave Wiley Wolf a high five and grin while my youngest one screeched in terror of the huge balloon spider that was above us. Did I mention this was during the Halloween season? They had trick or treating available for the kids and even had events like arts and crafts, yoga, and a dance party! The staff working the arts and crafts event we went to spent extra time making our boys feel like real artists! And as we walked through the hall the staff in the candy shop offered us a free bag of cotton candy! It was a truly magical stay.
Digging into Fun: Oliver’s Mining Co.
One of the highlights of our trip was the Oliver’s Mining Co. activity. It does cost extra, but for us, it was worth every penny. We went with a single bag (3lbs) which cost $12.99. There is a family bag (10lbs) option but at $34.99 I was very hesitant. You can have this activity and others included in your stay with a Pup, Paw, or Wolf Pass but we chose not to get this. If our kids were older, it probably would’ve been worth the price. As it was the pass recommended for toddlers is a Pup Pass and that gets you an exclusive Build-A-Bear, which was an immediate no for us. Our house is filled to the brim with stuffed animals and we did not need more!
The boys loved “mining” for gems and treasures—it was hands-on, exciting, and gave them a break from the water park while still keeping the fun going. Especially since the water park didn’t open until 10am and our boys woke up bright and early at 5am! Since we got the smaller bag and split it between the two boys, the staff there was super generous and did a magic trick for the boys! He made another gem appear in their trays which completely fascinated them. It was just another instance of the stellar service the staff provide.
Tips and Tricks from an Experienced Mom
If you’re planning a stay with little ones, here are a few things I’d recommend:
Pack smart: Swimsuits, water shoes, snacks, and plenty of comfy clothes. Don’t forget bedtime comforts—favorite blankets, stuffed animals, we even packed travel beds for the boys that I highly recommend! Also pack robes! You can’t take the towels provided out of the waterpark. Bringing your own is optimal so you aren’t freezing in the hallways.
Arrive early (if you have older kids): Get the most out of your first day by hitting the water park as soon as you can. For us, getting there around 2pm was perfect because our boys were so overwhelmed by the new loud area that by the time our room was ready, they were ready to decompress.
Use toddler areas first: They’re less crowded earlier in the day. Make sure you snag a table! This makes it so much easier to have lunch and snacks instead of trekking all the way up to your room in the cold air.
Build in downtime: Naps or quiet breaks will save everyone’s sanity. Don’t skip nap just because you’re trying to get the most out of your stay. It will not go well for you, trust me. If your kid naps around noon everyday then keep that schedule.
Budget for an extra activity: The Oliver Mining (or another add-on) is worth it for the memories. The arcade is also a lot of fun and will be a beacon to your kids, making you lose at least $20 for enough tickets to win a $3 toy.
Spoiler: We’re Already Planning Round Two
You read that right. I was actually on the site earlier today figuring out when we could go again before we move! Great Wolf Lodge gave us a chance to make amazing memories as a family, and even with toddlers, it felt fun and surprisingly relaxing.
If you’re on the fence about taking young kids to Great Wolf Lodge, I say go for it. Pack well, pace yourselves, and say yes to an extra activity or two—you’ll leave with tired kids, happy hearts, and stories to tell.
