Great Wolf Lodge Packing List Everything You Need to Know

Are you planning a trip to one of the over 20 locations of the Great Wolf Lodge? They are so much fun to visit, and kids absolutely love them. While most people visit for the iconic indoor water park, there are other great activities as well.

A trip to the Great Wolf Lodge is a great way to enjoy some family time. It can be an intimidating trip, however, because they are all such big hotels, and you won’t want to leave to shop for things that you’ve forgotten. A little advance planning definitely goes a long way.

If you are planning to visit, you may be wondering what to bring to the Great Wolf Lodge. Because it’s always challenging to pack for a new place that you haven’t visited before, this Great Wolf Lodge packing list can help.

You may, for instance, be wondering if Great Wolf Lodge towels are provided, or if you need to bring your own food to the Great Wolf Lodge. Based upon our experience visiting several Great Wolf Lodge locations, we’ve developed some tips on what to bring with you on your trip.

Keep in mind that the resorts do have stores on property, so if you forget something, you may be able to purchase it there. You may also want to read our guide to visiting the Great Wolf Lodge, which provides additional information about how to prepare for your vacation.

Here is our Great Wolf Lodge packing list. If we forgot something, or you have a suggestion of something to add, leave us a comment! We’ll update this post as we get feedback on things to include.

Disclosure: In the past, I’ve received media rates/complimentary stays at the Great Wolf Lodge. Post may contain affiliate links. A purchase through one of these links may result in a commission paid to us. All opinions are our own.

Great Wolf Lodge Packing List

What to Bring to the Great Wolf Lodge

Rooms at the Great Wolf Lodge are a nice size, so you’ll have plenty of space to store your bags and belongings. When I drive to a destination, I tend to bring more than I need, just because I can.

You may want to do the same. In addition to your suitcases, you’ll probably want to bring a beach/pool bag that you can carry to the water park with anything you may need, so you don’t have to go back to the room.

Bathing Suits (bring two per person if you plan to visit the park more than once. No one likes getting in a wet bathing suit)

Water shoes for the water park. Depending on the type of shoe, you can wear these to the indoor water park or change into them.

Regular clothes for each day (casual clothes are fine unless you plan to visit a more upscale place outside the resort). If you plan to spend much of your time at the Great Wolf Lodge indoor water park, you may be able to re-wear clothes since you’ll be in your bathing suit for much of the day.

Underwear

Regular shoes for daily wear. I’d recommend comfortable shoes like sneakers since you’ll be doing a lot of walking around the hotel. If you are going outside the resort for a nicer dinner you may also want dressier shoes.

Some of the hotels host kids’ yoga events, while others have arts and crafts. Look at the details of your specific Great Wolf Lodge to make sure you pack the appropriate clothes if you want to attend these types of events.

Pajamas – Some of the Great Wolf Lodge locations have a PJ story time, so make sure you pack something your kids will want to walk around in.

Toiletries (rooms include hair dryers). You may want to bring extra conditioner if you need extra conditioning after being in a pool for a while.

Entertainment for the kids in the room (books, electronics, etc)

Personal electronics and chargers (this is my favorite portable charger)

Baby supplies (if traveling with a baby)

Sneakers/Closed-toe shoes for the ropes course (not at every location)

Large beach towels (The Great Wolf Lodge does provide towels in the water park, but you aren’t able to bring them to your room)

Cover ups (to go back and forth to your room)

A beach bag to fill with your stuff and bring back and forth to the water park

Goggles for the pools

Snacks (there is food available at the Great Wolf Lodge, but it’s a good idea to have snacks anyway). I’d recommend packaged snacks which can be the easiest to pack.

Glitter tattoos if your kids want them (some of the resorts sell them, but you may want to bring your own to save money)

Beverages that you may not want to purchase at the Great Wolf Lodge

MagiQuest wands if you already have them – otherwise, you can purchase them at the Great Wolf Lodge. These can be expensive and you’ll be able to use the same ones over and over again with paid activation.

Workout clothes (for the gym, if you want to go)

A wet bag to carry your wet bathing suits home

Waterproof phone case – always a good idea, just in case

Refillable water bottles to save money on drinks.

Things You May Do at the Great Wolf Lodge

All of the Great Wolf Lodge resorts offer loads of things to do for families. Although entry to the water parks are included with your room stay, lots of things, like the spa, arcade, MagiQuest, stuffed animals, and bowling, are an additional fee.

Be prepared before you go so that you know exactly what your budget is and how much you are willing to spend. It can all add up if you don’t have a plan.

There’s also the opportunity to purchase a Paw Pass, which can help you save money. The passes vary by location, but may include things like MagiQuest games and standard wands, ice cream, game cards for the arcade, and a Creation Station stuffed animal.

Prices are different for the Paw Passes at each Great Wolf Lodge location because different activities and merchandise are included.

Also know that while there are some restaurants right in the property, you may want to go outside if you are staying more than one night. We typically bring some breakfast bars for our breakfast, because we don’t like eating a big meal early. Eating breakfast in your room is a great way to save some money.

Restaurant types vary by location, so this is another place where advanced research can really help you plan. That way, you’ll know what to expect.

Frequently Asked Questions

Check out our reviews of the Great Wolf Lodge Pennsylvania and the Great Wolf Lodge New England.