Let’s face it, if there’s one thing kids love, it’s water parks. And Great Wolf Lodge located in the Pocono Mountains, PA is expanding its already-massive offering. This tri-state family-friendly resort is a year-round destination and with the latest bells and whistles slated to be added by Memorial Day, it’s sure to attract an even larger audience of both kids and adults.
So far, the resort has undergone a multi-million-dollar refurbishment (the largest in the property’s history) and by completion, the entire resort will have undergone a top-to-bottom overhaul. As if the kids weren’t already begging for a visit, here are some of the top reasons to book a stay this year.
Rooms, Glorious Rooms
There are more than 400 rooms at this massive resort—so quite literally, a room configuration for any family type. If you’re splurging, pick one of the 12 suite styles, which includes themed suites with bunk beds inside log cabins, wolf dens, or camping tent-designed alcoves. All the rooms have recently had a face-lift with new beds, flooring, and furnishings—all with the beloved Northwood’s great wolf theme.
Water Slides, Rides, and Pools
From water basketball, to wave pools, to kiddy pools, to roller coaster slides, family rafts, hot tubs and more, your family could literally stay at the water park area from opening to closing and not run out of things to do. There is a special area for little tykes while the older kids can enjoy a variety of slides, from heart-pounding to easy riding, and the parents even have a special adults-only section. Plenty of water fun during the day makes for wonderful sleeping at night.
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MagiQuest Adventure
If your kids love Harry Potter or any other fantasy adventures, they’ll love this. It’s a scavenger hunt/mystical adventure game in which players use interactive magic wands to open treasure chests and bring to life Charlock, the oversized elaborate red dragon, as well as get clues to figure out how to defeat goblins and dragons. It can take 1 hour…or 6, depending on how involved your kids want to make it. The kids each get their own book and wand and off they go.
Oliver’s Mining Company
Kids can find their own gold and gemstone treasures at this new attraction through a moonstone mine. Kids and adults will see what it feels like to be in a mine as they play and learn about life in the mine.
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Lots of Yummy Food
Sometimes on a family vacation you want a nice, sit-down, full-spread meal. Other times you want a quick, to-go burger and fries. Great Wolf gives options so you can mix and match during your stay. Food options include:
- Dunkin’: Great for a quick coffee refill (for mom and dad) or breakfast sandwiches, wraps, or doughnuts for kids. This place is packed in the morning, before families hit the water park. It’s a good option for a quick breakfast on the go, or a snack later in the day.
- Great Wolf Candy Company: The kids (and adults) will love this candy shop with a great variety of sweets ranging from gummies to sour patch and plenty more. It’s bulk candy so kids (and adults) can choose exactly how much—or little—they want of each variety.
- Loose Moose: This is the resort’s signature, upscale buffet restaurant, and it’s pretty full for breakfast, lunch, and dinner because it has so many food options—targeting little ones up through grandparents. Kids will love the pasta station (chefs will cook up fresh, custom dish for each person), nuggets, burgers, fruit, and the expansive dessert display. Parents will love the salad bar, carving station, fish options, and specialties of the day.
- Ben & Jerry’s: This place is one of the most popular spots and for good reason. With the ice cream selection, topping varieties, and service, it’s a crowd pleaser for both kids and adults.
- Hungry as a Wolf: Another favorite is this pizzeria. People can either eat it there or take pizza to go. Soon it will have expanded seating (to accommodate all the fans).
So whether you’re coming with your family for a long weekend or staying for a week, there’s plenty to do, see, eat, and play at this expanding water park.
