Complete Great Wolf Lodge Packing List Free Printable
Trying to figure out how to pack for a trip to Great Wolf Lodge? With an indoor waterpark, hotel, and other fun activities, you might not know what to bring (and what to leave behind). Keep reading for a free Great Wolf Lodge packing list, including items to put in your waterpark day bag.
What Do You Need to Pack for a Great Wolf Lodge Vacation?
Great Wolf Lodge is a nationwide hotel chain that is known for indoor waterparks, unique activities, and family fun. It's unlike any other vacation destination, in that all entertainment happens under one roof.
A Great Wolf Lodge packing list is different from other travel packing lists, even those that include swimming pools or theme parks. There are certain things you'll want to bring and items you can leave at home.
Keep reading for the complete Great Wolf Lodge packing list. There are clickable shopping links to make purchasing items easier for the trip. Be sure to read through for the free printable to help you pack your suitcase and day bag.
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Packing for Great Wolf Lodge
Great Wolf Lodge is a vacation destination, so some of the same packing rules apply. You'll want to bring your usual toiletries, along with additional items for your trip.
How many swimsuits should I pack for a waterpark vacation?
Pack multiple swimsuits for each family member. Suits don't dry out well in-between waterpark sessions. It's more pleasant to put on a clean, dry suit than a damp, cold one. Have several suits for each person in your family to switch out.
Aim to pack colorful swimwear so that you can easily spot your children in the crowded waterpark. I like Primary for their unique designs and comfortable styles that my kids love.
Should I bring my own shampoo to Great Wolf Lodge?
Shampoo and conditioner for chlorinated hair can be important. A gentle swimmer's shampoo can remove chlorine without damaging hair. There are toiletries in the hotel rooms at Great Wolf Lodge, but they are pretty basic.
What kind of clothes do I bring to Great Wolf Lodge?
Bring cozy wear for the hotel room. After swimming sessions, we appreciated having comfortable sweats to put on when lounging, napping, and snacking in the room.
Consider packing additional clothing if you plan to dine at one of the full-service restaurants. Guests cannot wear swimwear into restaurants, so be sure to pack appropriate clothing for dining and other activities around the hotel.
Many kids wear their pajamas around the hotel in the morning and evening hours, so you may want to bring slippers or slip-on shoes as well.
Protecting hair from tangles at the waterpark
A hairbrush for wet hair, detangling spray, and hair elastics are essential for kids and adults with long hair. Take the time to brush and braid longer styles to keep them from tangling in the pools. You'll thank yourself later!
What to Put in a Great Wolf Lodge Day Bag
An awesome thing about Great Wolf Lodge is that your hotel is in the same building as the waterpark. Guests can simply take the elevator and be back in their hotel room within minutes.
Waterpark visitors can pack minimally for the waterpark. However, it's still a good idea to have a few things in a day bag to take to the pool area. There are locker rentals available within the Great Wolf Lodge waterpark to store bags.
Put all your waterpark essentials into a tote bag
No need to juggle essentials through the hotel. A water-resistant tote bag will keep all your items in a single place for a day at the waterpark.
Swim cover-ups are necessary when going from hotel room to waterpark
Bring a robe or swimsuit cover-up to wear when walking down to the water park. A pair of waterproof shoes, like Crocs or flip-flops are also a must for all ages.
Sensitive eyes need protection from chlorine at waterparks
Pack swim goggles if you or your kids have eye sensitivity to chlorinated water. These are also available for purchase in the Great Wolf Lodge waterpark gift shop. My kids received their swim goggles as part of the Paw Pass.
Is a waterproof phone case necessary at waterparks?
If you plan on taking photos or sending text messages in the waterpark, protect your device in a waterproof phone case. You'll still be able to access buttons and apps, while keeping water out.
Pack your own water bottles to use and refill
Refillable water bottles will keep the family hydrated, without resorting to purchasing sodas within the waterpark. There are water refill stations in the Great Wolf Lodge waterpark area.
Are water shoes a good idea at Great Wolf Lodge?
Water shoes are a great idea, especially for younger kids or those with sensitive feet. The ground around the water park is textured to prevent slipping, but can cause foot irritation when walking barefoot.
Slip-on water shoes can protect feet and also offer some traction in slippery areas.
Do babies need to wear swim diapers at Great Wolf Lodge?
Yes, any child that is not yet toilet trained must wear swim-specific diapers in the waterpark. Don't be that family that shuts down the pool if your toddler has an accident! Make sure you pack plenty of swim diapers and change your child in the restroom diaper changing facilities frequently.
Can you visit waterparks if you get ear infections after swimming?
Ear plugs are imperative for anyone prone to infections if they plan to take a plunge. Splashing around in the lazy river should be fine.
Water slides and the wave pool can cause water to enter the ear canal. If you tend to get ear infections after being submerged, consider packing ear plugs in a Great Wolf Lodge day bag.
Extra Items to Consider Packing for Great Wolf Lodge
Where can you put wet swimsuits in a hotel room?
Consider packing a collapsible drying rack or hanger. Rooms at the Garden Grove location do not have a dedicated place to hang wet bathing suits.
If you have a rack or hanger with clips, you'll be able to set up near the air conditioning/heating unit to dry suits overnight.
Don't rely on the hotel room mini-fridge to be cold
On our last Great Wolf Lodge vacation, we purchased yogurt and cream cheese with bagels to have for breakfast (there's a Target nearby). Unfortunately the hotel fridge just wasn't very cool.
Hotel mini-fridges aren't always as cold as you'd like them to be. Bring an insulated cooler to chill items using ice from the machines located on each floor.
Keep in mind that you're unable to take your own food into the waterpark. You can, of course, have snacks and beverages in your hotel room. Save money by purchasing snack items at the grocery and storing them in your room to eat between waterpark sessions.
Additional safety measures for kids at the Great Wolf Lodge waterpark
Waterproof Safety Tattoos are ideal for young children who may wander off within waterparks, swimming pools, or at the beach. SafetyTats can be personalized with your information, so you can be contacted in case of emergency.
Are there adequate charging areas in the hotel rooms at Great Wolf Lodge?
Pack an electronics charger with a plug. The Garden Grove/Anaheim location did not have USB ports, only plugs.
What can I do with wet swimsuits before packing?
Bring a waterproof bag to store wet bathing suits in your luggage on your final swim day.
Great Wolf Lodge waterpark essentials
For convenience, I've added all my favorite waterpark essentials in an easy shopping list. Click below to shop for everything you'll need when visiting Great Wolf Lodge or another water park.
Leave These Items at Home When Packing for Great Wolf Lodge
Great Wolf Lodge is a unique hotel/waterpark/entertainment destination. There are some items you won't need during your trip. These specific items are either already provided or they aren't permitted within the waterpark.
Are towels available to use at Great Wolf Lodge waterpark?
There's no need to pack your own towels. Guests may check out pool towels for complimentary use at the waterpark. Simply visit the Splash Service kiosk, scan your wristband, and request a number of towels. Return them before exiting the park.
Will I need to pack sunscreen for a Great Wolf Lodge vacation?
Sunscreen is optional at Great Wolf Lodge. Most of the activities are within the indoor resort. The Garden Grove location has an outdoor swimming pool area, Raccoon Lagoon. Pack sun protection if you plan to swim outside.
Can we bring pool toys into the waterpark?
Pool toys and floats are not permitted within the waterpark area at Great Wolf Lodge.
Are you able to bring food and drinks into the Great Wolf Lodge waterpark?
Unfortunately, no outside food or beverages are permitted within the waterpark at Great Wolf Lodge. That includes large coolers. Guests may bring refillable water bottles and purchase food at the quick service dining location within the waterpark.
What items are in the Great Wolf Lodge hotel room?
Some typical hotel room items are available at Great Wolf Lodge, including a hair dryer and coffee maker. Each floor also has a shared microwave and ice machine.
Should we bring floatation devices to Great Wolf Lodge?
Keep the "floaties" at home, as lifejackets are available for all sizes. Life vests can be found in the waterpark, for complimentary use during your visit.
Forgot to Bring Something to Great Wolf Lodge?
There are several convenient shops at Great Wolf Lodge that will likely stock the items you need. The gift shops offer swimwear in a variety of styles and sizes, along with clothing and swimsuit cover-ups. If you forgot essentials you'll be able to shop for swim diapers and basic toiletries, too.
Free Printable Great Wolf Lodge Packing List
Print out your free Great Wolf Lodge Packing List to use for vacation planning!
Are there other waterparks in the Southern California area?
Great Wolf Lodge is unique in that the hotel, waterpark, dining, and activities are all under a single roof. Read more about it in the article, 50 Best Reasons to Stay at Great Wolf Lodge Complete Guide
Open seasonally in San Diego, Sesame Place is a hybrid theme park and waterpark. It's particularly fun for younger kids, especially toddlers.
Also in the San Diego area, LEGOLAND has a theme park, waterpark, and two hotels within their resort. Find out more details about exploring the LEGOLAND Waterpark.
