We visited Great Wolf lodge at the end of our 2 week stay in the USA. We had spent time in New York City and visiting friends in Pennsylvania and this bit of the trip was just for Pip. As far as I know we have nothing like this in the UK and we really should as it was a fantastic way to treat Pip after she had done all the things that we had wanted to do.
Great Wolf lodge is a chain of hotel resorts throughout the US. We visited the one in the Pocono Mountains which is about 1 hours 30 minutes outside New York City. It’s a little bit like Center Parcs but all packed in to a hotel.
We visited in April 2019 when Pip was 6.
Accommodation
There is a wide variety of rooms to choose from which sleep from 4 up to 8. so great for larger families. We had a Kid Kamp suite on the ground floor with a small patio area. Our room had a large, comfortable Queen sized bed and Pip had camp themed bunk beds tucked away in their own space within the room. There was also a sofa bed so the room could have slept up to 6. We also had a tiny kitchen area with a microwave, fridge and coffee maker.
The Water Park
The hotel is based around a large indoor water park which was one of the best we have been to. We went during the Easter holidays so the outdoor swimming area wasn’t open but it did mean it was slightly quieter as the USA were not on school vacation.
The Water park has a wide variety of slides and activities for all ages. There wasn’t much that Pip couldn’t do which was great for a child that loves fast slides. We spent the afternoon on the slides and playing in the various areas.
Food and drink are available in the water park area, there is a snack bar as well as a drinks bar.
Activities at Great Wolf Lodge
There is so much to do at the hotel, if we’d realised how much then we would have probably booked an extra night.
MagiQuest
The hotel is actually a giant interactive game, you buy your interactive wand and game time and then follow the game round the hotel, opening treasure chests and completing quests. There is even a dragon to defeat. Pip actually chose to spend more time playing this rather than go back in the pool.
Gold Mining
There is an interactive gold mine experience where you can put on your mining helmet, explore a mirror maze and pan for actual gold and gem stones that you can take home with you.
Bowling, Crazy Golf and Arcades
The bowling alley has shorter lanes and smaller balls so is perfect for younger children and the crazy golf is glow in the dark, what’s not to like? There is also an arcade area with a variety of games.
Scoops Kids Spa
The hotel has an ice creamed themed spa where Pip got a pedicure. She was given a little robe to wear and had a full foot massage and pedicure.
Dining
There was a variety of dining options but the package we went for included dinner and breakfast in the buffet restaurant. The food was good and there was a good selection with a lot of child friendly food.
There are also other food options in the hotel if you just want a snack or need a Dunkin Donuts.
There are some great small touches as well, you can have milk and cookies delivered to your room at bedtime (or a bottle of wine). The fridge in the room does mean that you can take your own drinks for after the kids have gone to bed.
Entertainment
As if all the actvities weren’t enough there is also story time in the lobby, a forest friends show, character meets and a bedtime disco. These are aimed at younger kids but a lot of fun.
Although the hotel is aimed mainly at families with younger children (primary aged) the water park would be enjoyed by all ages. Everything about the hotel is family friendly and safe. All activities, except for the water park are charged extra so you have the option to do as little or as much as you like while you are there. Pip still talks about going back years later and would enthusiastically recommend it to anyone.
Go everywhere, Do everything 