Great Wolf Lodge hotels are popular family destinations thanks to their activities like their waterpark, indoor climbing courses, and dance parties. There is always something to do!
It can be challenging to determine what to bring to Great Wolf Lodge because they have so many various activities to keep you and your family entertained. However, we’ve been to Great Wolf Lodge and other indoor water park resorts enough times to know what you need on your packing list.
We share everything you should bring to Great Wolf Lodge below. We even include a FREE printable packing list for Great Wolf Lodge, so you are ready for fun!
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, we may receive a commission if you click through and make a purchase.
Have You Booked Your Trip Yet?
If you are looking for a packing list for Great Wolf Lodge, chances are you’ve already booked your room.
However, if you’re still looking for a great deal, you can save up to 30% using code MOREFUNA at any of the Great Wolf Lodge Resorts across the country.
What to Bring to Great Wolf Lodge’s Waterpark
Being prepared makes any adventure better! There is a lot to know before you visit a Great Wolf Lodge, including what to pack.
Although the resort offers plenty of amenities to make your visit easy and comfortable, there are a few things that you’ll definitely need on your packing list for Great Wolf Lodge’s waterpark.
1. Bathing Suits
Swimsuits should be a no-brainer! But take it from someone who has traveled to the beach without one; this is your reminder to pack your swimsuit.
Also, bring at least two swimsuits per person. You’ll most likely be heading to the waterpark over two days, and there is nothing worse than putting on a wet bathing suit.
2. Swim Diapers
Also, if your child isn’t toilet trained, don’t forget your swim diapers! They are required within the waterpark and outdoor pools.
3. Water Shoes/ Flip Flops/ Sandals
Water shoes, sandals, flip flops, or crocs will keep your feet clean and comfortable as you make your way to the waterpark and even walk around inside the park itself.
They will also save your sneakers from getting too wet on the walk back. Plus, it’s always good hygiene to wear shoes in a bathroom and communal shower.
4. Cover-Ups
You’ll be glad to have something to throw over your swimsuit as you stand in line for food and drinks.
You’ll be even happier to have something to cover you for the walk back to the room. It can be cold in the hallways, especially compared to the warm water park. Cover-ups, t-shirts, and even a robe will make it more comfortable. We’ve even seen kids in these wearable blankets.
5. Extra Towels
Great Wolf Lodge has plenty of towels available inside the water park. But it is frowned upon to take them back to your room. On a recent stay, towels had to be checked out and checked back in, or you would incur a $15 charge. No one wants that!
We brought our own towels, which saved us from having to stand in line, and we didn’t have to turn them in before we walked back to our room, which was nice, especially when you might still be a little wet.
Visitor Tip: If you bring your own towels, hang them up in the closet using pant hangers to dry. It’ll save you hook space in the bathroom and they won’t be draped all over the chairs in your room.
6. Waterproof Phone and Money Holder
Waterproof phone holders are so practical for any environment where there is a chance of dropping your phone in the water. Great Wolf Lodge is no exception.
You’ll want to take pictures and videos of your adventures in the water park, so keep your phone dry and on your person while you do it.
Additionally, even though you can charge your purchases to your room at Great Wolf Lodge using your wristband, some people prefer credit cards with them at all times. These waterproof holders give you the ability to store those as well.
Visitor Tip: Great Wolf Lodge is a cashless facility. You must use a credit card or your wristband to pay for food, activities, and other purchases.
7. Floatation Vest
When you visit a Great Wolf Lodge, if your child is under 48 inches tall, they’ll have to check it with an official measurer to get a wristband indicating their height and whether or not they’ll have to wear a floatation vest.
Great Wolf Lodge provides these floatation vests for those guests. However, you can also bring your own from home. If you choose to bring one, make sure it says “Coast Guard Approved” on the inside of the jacket.
8. A Bag to Carry It All
You know you’ll have your hands full with the kids, so make it easy on yourself to bring everything you need to the waterpark.
A big tote, like a beach bag, will have enough room to hold everything, plus make it easy to quickly grab what you need.
9. Goggles and Ear Plugs
Goggle and ear plugs are not required or needed for everyone at Great Wolf Lodge. However, if your children don’t like getting water in their eyes or ears, they could be beneficial.
Packing List for Great Wolf Lodge For Other Activities
As much as we love the waterpark at Great Wolf Lodge, the resort offers so many dry activities that you’ll want to be prepared. Don’t forget to bring these items to Great Wolf Lodge on your next trip.
10. Sneakers
Great Wolf Lodge offers so much more to do than the waterpark! Between bowling, the ropes course, and activities scheduled throughout the day, there will be opportunities for you to wear shoes that stay secure on your feet.
11. Activewear
To go with the sneakers above, don’t forget to pack clothing that you can easily move around in. Activewear like sweatpants, shorts, and t-shirts will be ideal for the ropes course, bowling, and morning yoga.
12. Cute Pajamas and Slippers
Something that should definitely be on your Great Wolf Lodge packing list is cute pajamas! One of the fun activities at Great Wolf Lodge is their nighttime dance party.
Guests of all ages can show up in their finest pajamas to participate. Don’t forget a cute pair of slippers to top off your outfit. No cute PJs? No problem. Many guests wear daytime clothes, too.
What to Pack for Check-Out Day at Great Wolf Lodge
Did you know you have full access to the waterpark at Great Wolf Lodge on your check-out day? That means you can enjoy splashing well past check-out time. If you choose to stay, you’ll want to have the following items on your packing list/
Visitor Tip: Although Great Wolf Lodge have lockers to rent in the waterpark, you’ll want to put your luggage in the car after you check out or store it with Bell Services. The lockers are large enough for a backpack, but you won’t fit a full-size suitcase.
13. Small Bag for Change of Clothes
You won’t want to bring your full-size suitcase into the waterpark area. There are lockers available to rent, but they won’t fit a big suitcase.
Instead, bring a small bag to put your “ride home” clothes in. Don’t forget underwear and socks! You may even want to put a brush, comb, and hairdryer in the bag as well.
14. Shower Toiletries
It varies whether a Great Wolf Lodge has toiletries in their waterpark showers, so it’s best to be prepared with what you need to wash off before you leave. Pack some shampoo, conditioner, and body wash or soap to clean off before you head out. These sets that have everything already together are super easy to throw in your bag.
15. A “Wet” Bag
After a morning at the park, what will you do with your wet swimsuit and towel? A wet bag, of course!
Place your suits and personal towels in the wet bag to keep them from getting your other belongings soaked on the trip home. You can also use a plastic bag or the plastic “laundry” bag that sometimes comes in your room.
Other Items For Your Great Wolf Lodge Packing List
15. Travel Laundry Clips/Hanger
Although the rooms at Great Wolf Lodge have more places to hang your wet clothes than typical hotel rooms, it never feels like enough! Having a travel laundry hanger with clips gives you more space to hang your wet swimsuits.
16. Snacks
While there are plenty of food options at a Great Wolf Lodge, kids seem to be extra hungry after spending all day at a waterpark.
Your Great Wolf Lodge room has a refrigerator and sometimes a microwave, so you have the option to bring drinks and snacks to indulge in before you go to bed or head back to the waterpark after a rest break.
You might even consider bringing food to eat breakfast in your hotel room to save some time and money.
17. Refillable Water Bottles
Like many places, bottles of water are expensive at Great Wolf Lodge. We recommend bringing your own or even bringing refillable bottles.
There are water fountains inside the waterpark and outside near the restrooms where you can refill them.
Visitor’s Tip: Although it’s Great Wolf Lodge’s officialy policy that no outside food is allowed in the waterpark area, we’ve never had our bag checked and have been able to bring in our water bottles and small snacks.
18. Sunscreen
Some Great Wolf Lodge properties have outdoor pools. If you’re visiting in the summertime, you don’t want to forget to bring sunscreen!
Free Packing List for Great Wolf Lodge
For easy reference, click here to create a copy of our free printable packing list for your next Great Wolf Lodge trip!
Common Questions About Packing For Great Wolf Lodge
Do you need towels at the Great Wolf Lodge?
You don’t need to bring towels to Great Wolf Lodge since they provide them at the waterpark. However, it’s nice to bring your own towels so you can have a warm walk back to your room.
What do moms wear to Great Wolf Lodge?
Great Wolf Lodge is a casual family resort. You’ll typically see moms wearing athleisure wear, like leggings, shorts, and sweatshirts, or casual clothing like jeans and t-shirts.
Do you get wolf ears when you go to Great Wolf Lodge?
Every guest will receive wolf ears when you check in at Great Wolf Lodge. Either they will hand them to you at the front desk, or you can grab a pair at the gift shop free of charge.
Can I take a water bottle to Great Wolf Lodge?
You can bring a water bottle to Great Wolf Lodge. They even have water bottle filling stations located throughout the hotel.
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