My boys adore Great Wolf Lodge, the indoor waterpark and resort with a woodsy lodge theme, and when we heard that their largest resort opened in Perryville, Maryland, we were eager to check it out. We’re fans of the Pocono Great Wolf Lodge resort, and the Maryland location is supersized thanks to the bigger space with the largest twister slide in the state (and a huge draw for my boys, who consider themselves waterpark connoisseurs). Since it’s just two hours from our doorstep in New Jersey, it was a no-brainer to make a reservation and experience it ourselves. We (somehow) found a weekend without any commitments, booked our stay, and headed off to explore. And if you are looking for more family resorts to explore, we found them all. (featured photo credit: NJ MOM)
Great Wolf Lodge Waterpark and Resort
A smooth and fast check-in at this family resort
When we arrived at the lodge, it had the familiar chalet style like the other Great Wolf Lodge locations we’ve visited, but with a sleeker, modern look and design. Because we took advantage of mobile check-in, our water park wristbands (which also doubled as our room key) and arrival package were waiting for us in the lobby, making the process seamless and quick. Just past the reception area is the Grand Lobby, home to lots of fun, family-friendly activities we knew we’d be dropping into throughout our stay. We had the option of Yoga Tails, Family Dance Party, character visits, and viewings of the immersive story “Adventures of the Great Wolf Pack.” Beyond the lobby, my kids spotted the extensive gift shop, stocked with treats. They made a beeline for a pair of complimentary wolf ears and eyed the make-your-own candy bar and the exclusive build-a-bear characters, which we mentally noted for later. After the mini pit stop, we went to our room to change into our suits.
Stylish suites fit for families
With 700 family-friendly suites in various styles and themes, we found plenty of room in our standard suite, including two queen beds and a full-size sofa sleeper. We were thrilled with how clean and modern the room looked and how spacious it was, even when the couch was pulled into a bed. The room is stocked with a mini-fridge, a coffee maker, and a set of tables and chairs so that we can eat comfortably in the room. While the resort also offers multiple-bedroom suites that can sleep up to 13 people for large families or groups, the standard suite felt comfortable and large enough for our family of five.
Get ready to get wet at Great Wolf Lodge. Photo Credit: Great Wolf Lodge
Water, water, everywhere
After settling in, we went to the waterpark, bypassing the extensive family entertainment center known as the Great Wolf Adventure Park. There were a few restaurants and attractions—we were happy to see we could caffeinate at a Dunkin’ Donuts, and the kids were all about the ice cream shop and arcade. Walking into the impressive waterpark, we were immediately drawn to the inviting wave pool (kept at a warm 84 degrees year-round) and lots of comfortable seating. We checked out five towels and claimed chairs just in front of the wave pool, putting us in the center of the park. To the right of the wave pool is a four-story water fort treehouse with slides and toys. Thrilling slides within that area enticed my older boys, especially the racing slides where you can record your speed as you descend. But the biggest deal was the Forest Flume, the longest twister slide manufacturer ProSlide has installed in MD. The 275-foot body slide accelerates riders through open flumes into back-to-back turns, 360 loops, and high-banking loops—and after a run, my crew agreed it was well worth the hype.
Fun inside and out
Beyond the slides and wave pool, there’s a winding lazy river, a water play area for the littles, another set of thrill slides (including two family raft slides), an adventure area with basketball, an in-pool rock climbing wall, and obstacle courses. During spring and summer, there’s an outdoor space featuring a massive walk-in pool, a large hot tub, and a beautifully manicured grassy area with cornhole games. We ventured outdoors and were thankful to soak up the sun on the lounge chairs surrounding the pool and recharge in the hot tub. Overall, we found plenty of seating in the waterpark, though if we wanted more privacy, we could book a cabana. They offer families and groups the opportunity to rest and recharge with server services and comfortable amenities.
Hungry as a wolf
By the end of the day, we had worked up quite an appetite by going up and down 22 different slides multiple times. We returned to the room to change, then went to The Barnwood, Great Wolf’s a la carte restaurant featuring local wineries within a comfortably warm and elegant setting. We were happy with the options (plenty of healthy dishes) on the adult and children’s menus. We immediately decided on the Classic Cobb Salad and Roasted Tomato Soup as appetizers. Our food was delicious, and the service was friendly and helpful. We also noted there were plenty of fast-casual options, including Hungry As a Wolf for pizza and pasta, and the permanently parked, kitschy food truck Timbers for a quick, casual lunch or dinner.
Play all day (and night)
After dinner, we headed to the Adventure Park. Our kids wanted to do everything, so we decided a Wolf Pass—a bundle-and-save pass for the top attractions and treats—would be our best bet. With a Wolf Pass, we got to play at the arcade, conquer the multi-level ropes course, compete with each other in bowling and at the miniature golf course, explore the Moonstone Mine, and play MagiQuest, an interactive game with wands (wands are included, but you can upgrade to the premium wand if you little one wants). The pass also includes a scoop of ice cream from the charming Woods End Creamery and a cup of pick-your-own candy. My kids were thrilled to experience everything in this part of the resort, and we thought it was a great deal for all that was included.
FAQs
What’s included for my stay at Great Wolf Lodge?
When you stay at Great Wolf Lodge, you receive water park passes for each guest, and you’ll have park access every day of your stay. The rate also includes access to all kids’ activities. Mobile check-in is available to guests who have guaranteed their reservation with a credit card and have a deposit on file. The day before your arrival, you will receive an email invitation to complete your online check-in, making the check-in process super smooth when you arrive.
Are there add-ons?
There are options to add a cabana package to your waterpark pass for private seating, an HD flat-screen TV with cable access, and food service. And for easy grab-and-go, download The Great Wolf Lodge mobile app for food ordering so you can plan and have your food ready for pick-up exactly when you want it (order food from the comfort of your bed and avoid lines? Yes, please).
What if I still have my wand from another MagiQuest?
If you plan to do MagiQuest, it’s an investment in future visits—the wand is a keepsake, and it will work at any Great Wolf Lodge location you visit. And if you frequent Great Wolf Lodge (they have over 20 locations in the United States), join the Great Wolf Lodge Voyagers Club and earn points and perks for your next visit.
Any NJ MOM tips?
Shows can draw big crowds and if you want to skip a show it’s an ideal opportunity to check off items on your Wolf Pass during that time like hitting up popular treats or shops while everyone else is watching. If your kids get cold pack long sleeve rash guards for the water park and stand near the warm water jets while waiting in line for slides.
Visit Great Wolf Lodge in Perryville, MD, on their website, Instagram, and Facebook.
Great Wolf Lodge
1240 Chesapeake Overlook Parkway
Perryville, MD 21903
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