ARRIVAL/CHECK-IN: With our daughter just 18 months old, this was our first visit to a waterpark resort geared primarily toward children rather than adults. We found it easy to manage at Great Wolf Lodge: the resort clearly knows how to keep kids entertained. We arrived early knowing our room might not be ready and checked in during the turnover period. The lobby was calm rather than chaotic. Self-parking is straightforward, though finding a space can depend on the time of day, and luggage carts are available for unloading. Our room wasn’t ready immediately, so we grabbed lunch and explored the resort; before long we received a text that the room was ready.
© Great Wolf Lodge
GUEST QUARTERS: We stayed in a one-bedroom Family Suite that sleeps up to six guests. It features two queen beds, a full sleeper sofa, one bathroom, a TV and a mini-fridge. We requested a Pack ’n Play for our daughter and placed it between the dresser and a small round table in the corner. The suite offered plenty of space for the three of us, though most families don’t spend much time inside the room when there’s a waterpark and activities to enjoy.
SERVICES/AMENITIES: The resort’s primary draw is the 126,000-square-foot indoor water park, which is kept at a comfortable 84 degrees year-round — ideal for our March stay. Although our daughter is still young, she loved riding her first water slide with her dad and splashing around in the pools, splash pads and lazy river. The facility balances excitement and safety for little ones.
Beyond the water park, Great Wolf Lodge offers many additional activities. Highlights include the interactive MagiQuest game, a bowling alley, a ropes course, an arcade and mini golf. These options kept our child entertained throughout our stay while the resort’s layout made it easy to return to the room for naps and quiet time. Check the daily schedule of events to plan your days around character appearances and family-friendly programming.
© Great Wolf Lodge
Dining options on site range from quick-service outlets like Dunkin’ to sit-down restaurants such as Barnwood, where we enjoyed dinner on our second night. The resort app is convenient for ordering ahead — we used it to get pizza from Hungry As a Wolf and ate in our room. Freshwoods Market was handy for essentials like milk, snacks and drinks. Alcoholic beverages are available at certain outlets for adults.
TOP TAKEAWAYS:
- Our reservation included a Wolf Pass, which bundles extras such as the MagiQuest game (with a wand), a candy cup, a bowling game and other perks.
- We used the Silver Dining Credit, which provided $150 in dining credit usable at the resort’s dining outlets.
- Great Wolf Lodge in Perryville, Maryland, is an easy drive from nearby towns, but outside the property the closest convenience stop is Wawa. Many families use delivery services like DoorDash or Uber Eats for additional options.
GREAT WOLF LODGE WATER PARK | PERRYVILLE
1240 Chesapeake Overlook Parkway
Perryville, MD 21903
tel 888 983 9653