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Splish Splash, this is WAY better than a bath! Take a quick read of this Busy Mom's Guide to kid-friendly fun and amenities at The Great Wolf Lodge in Gurnee, Illinois - just about an hour’s ride north of downtown Chicago. Great Wolf Lodge is Also a Respite for Me!

A Tired Mom's Review

Being a mom of two young children can be challenging at times, especially when it comes to finding activities that the whole family can enjoy. That's why I was delighted to discover Great Wolf Lodge, a family-friendly resort that caters to kids of all age groups. In this blog post, I'll be sharing my experience at the Great Wolf Lodge and why I believe it's the ultimate destination for moms and caregivers of toddlers, kids, and preteens. With its twenty convenient locations across the country, a Great Wolf Lodge isn’t all that far away!

A Magical World for Kids

As soon as we stepped into the Great Wolf Lodge, I knew my kids were in for a treat. The lobby was decorated like a winter wonderland, with snow-covered trees, twinkling lights, and a grand fireplace. My kids' eyes widened at the sight of the giant indoor water park, complete with water slides, pools, and a lazy river. There were also several other attractions such as a ropes course, mini-golf, and arcade games. My 9 and 10 year old children were so happy and entertained that I could finally relax and enjoy my vacation too.

Family-Friendly Accommodations

 We stayed in a family suite that had two separate sleeping areas for parents and kids. The room had all the amenities we needed, including a fridge, microwave, and TV. What I appreciated most was the free Wi-Fi, which kept my kids occupied while I unpacked. The resort also offers themed suites such as the Wolf Den or Kid's Cabin, which I wished I had booked for my kids. They would've loved sleeping in a cabin-themed room complete with bunk beds and their own TV.

Endless Dining Options

 As a mom, I know how hard it can be to find a restaurant that caters to everyone's taste buds. The Great Wolf Lodge offers a variety of dining options, ranging from casual to fine dining. We tried the Pizza Hut Express, which had some of the best pizza I've had in a long time. We also dined at the Loose Moose Cottage, which offered a buffet-style breakfast that my kids loved. There was also a Starbucks on site, which was convenient for busy mornings.

Non-Stop Entertainment

 One of the reasons we chose the Great Wolf Lodge was because of its daily programming. From character meet and greets to story time, my kids were always excited to see what was happening next. They even got to dance with the Great Wolf Lodge mascots, Wiley and Violet. The resort also offers a kids' spa, where my daughter got to experience a mini-manicure and facial. We also spent some time at the Creation Station, where my kids made their own stuffed animals as souvenirs. If you live close enough to a GWL and not want to spend the night, you are able to purchase a day-only guest pass and enjoy all of the attractions they have to offer. There is so much more to Great Wolf Lodge than just water slides and water play.

A Safe and Secure Environment

 Last but not least, I appreciated how safe and secure the Great Wolf Lodge felt. There were kid-friendly and attentive lifeguards stationed at every water attraction and staff members were always around to answer our questions. The resort also provides wristbands for kids, which are linked to their parents' contact information in case they get lost. I felt confident that my kids were in good hands and could enjoy themselves without any worries.

Overall, my family and I had a fantastic time at the Great Wolf Lodge. The resort truly caters to families, and I appreciate how they offer something for everyone. As a mom, I loved that I could relax and enjoy my vacation while my kids were having a great time. I highly recommend the Great Wolf Lodge for anyone looking for a family-friendly vacation that's fun, safe, and full of memories. We enjoy trips to the Lodge during the late fall and early winter, or on those rainy summer days. Activities are limited to indoors, so we take advantage of the site when the weather isn’t optimal. 

Amenities at the Great Wolf Lodge in Gurnee, Illinois

• Kid-friendly programming
• Kid-friendly staff
• Kid-friendly entertainment
• Kid-friendly, age-appropriate water slides and activities
• Kid-friendly pricing
• Kid-friendly environment
• Kid-friendly special events
• Kid-friendly accessibility
• On-site and kid-friendly concessions, cuisines and snacks
• Kid-approved dining and cafe
• Kid-approved memories
• Kid Approved by KFV
• Ample parking
• Overnight stay and day-pass only options
• Clean family-friendly restrooms and Nursing Rooms

Dana H