Howling with Fun: Our Incredible Family Weekend at Great Wolf Lodge
Looking for a perfect family getaway close to home, especially if you live in NJ, PA, MD, or DE? Look no further than the new Great Wolf Lodge Waterpark in Perryville, MD! We recently had the pleasure of staying at the Lodge, and it was an absolute blast for everyone, from the youngest to the oldest.
Photo: Naples Daily News
Checking In:
We arrived on Sunday around 11:15am, and the line must have been 50 families deep. However, the line moved very fast and there was plenty of stimulation for my 4 and 5 year-old so they didn’t get bored, including their 11:30am story time in the lobby! We were not able to check into our room at that time, but we received our wrist bracelets for the water park and once our room was ready, Willow, their live agent concierge texted us. We were able to go right up to our room as our bracelet acted as our room key. Willow was the best helper for the stay. There was no calling down to the front desk, you would simply text willow for additional towels, pillows, blankets etc. I was also able to text Willow at anytime to ask questions about reservations, openings times etc. and they would respond in real time with an answer!
Spacious Rooms for Family Fun:
Right from the start, we were impressed with our room. It was clean and spacious, perfect for our family of four. What truly blew us away was the separate sleeping area for the kids, complete with bunk beds and wall decals for fun. This allowed the adults to relax and unwind after a long day of fun, while the kids enjoyed their own little haven. I wish this set up were available in other hotels!
Photo: Arlington Magazine
Endless Entertainment:
One of the biggest highlights of our stay was the abundance of free activities offered in the lobby throughout the day. From story time and dance parties to character meet-and-greets and arts and crafts, there was always something to keep the kids entertained. We especially loved the morning yoga after breakfast, where the whole family got to stretch out our bodies and prepare for a day at the water park. The staff were always fun and great with the kids, keeping them entertained and also having fun.
Photo: Great Wolf Lodge
A Delicious Start to the Day:
No family getaway is complete without delicious food, and The Great Wolf Lodge did not disappoint. We were particularly impressed with the breakfast at Barnwood. We pre-purchased this option as it was cheaper to do from the start. With a wide variety of options to choose from, there was something to satisfy everyone's taste buds. From fluffy pancakes and crispy bacon to their signature hash-brown casserole and cheesy eggs, it was the perfect way to fuel up for a day of adventure. In addition to Barnwood, they had a Dunkin Donuts on site, and you can pre-order your food from the Great Wolf Lodge App. Every eating spot allowed you to use a kiosk for ordering and would text you when your food/drink was done. Some of the kiosks were not functionaing properly, but there were so many kiosks that there was never a wait. You’re also able to order food from the Great Wolf Lodge App, making it easier for feeding hungry little wolves! A meal of chicken fingers and fries, and pizza satisfied the hungry bellies of both parents and children.
Photo: Arlington Magazine
More Than Just Water Slides:
While the water park is undoubtedly the main attraction at Great Wolf Lodge, we were pleasantly surprised by all the other activities offered. Some families spent the afternoon bowling and exploring MagiQuest, an interactive scavenger hunt that combines storytelling with technology. My 4 and 5-year-old were a little too young for MagiQuest, but they throughly enjoyed miniature golf, the arcade and Oliver’s mining Co. There was a bar inside of the water park for adults to enjoy delicious daiquiris, beer and tropical drinks. The line for the bar was fairly long on the weekend, but the wait was worth it.
Photo: Great Wolf Lodge
Memories Made to Last:
Our 1-night stay at The Great Wolf Lodge was filled with laughter, excitement, and unforgettable memories. A 1-night stay was perfect for us, as we live just an hour away. With arriving on a Sunday, that gave us Sunday and Monday to enjoy the water attractions, with Monday being much less busy than Sunday. When you go to any amusement park or family attraction you’re exposed to inflated prices and cash grabs, so it’s important to have a plan and budget before you arrive. Our family spent an additional $300 while we were there between lunches, coffee and snacks to the arcade mini golfing and dinner off-site. One great aspect about the Great Wolf Lodge is that they give the kids free wolf ear head bands (which are worth $10), so we told the kids that was their take home gift. With a grand total of $620 for the 1-night and 2 day visit, we will certainly be returning!
It's the perfect place to escape the everyday hustle and bustle and create lasting bonds with your loved ones. We highly recommend it to any family looking for a fun-filled getaway close to home!
Article written by Jessica Buswell founder and CEO M.OTHERS Magazine
