Kicking Off Summer at Great Wolf Lodge in the Wisconsin Dells!

As soon as the school bell rang for the last time this year, we were off on our first summer adventure! On my son’s last day of first grade, he had a half day, so we surprised him by picking him up from school with the car already packed and ready for a weekend away. Destination: Great Wolf Lodge in the Wisconsin Dells!

Technically, this trip was a birthday gift from my parents to him, but of course, the rest of us couldn’t resist tagging along. And what a fun-filled weekend it turned out to be!

Summer at Great Wolf Lodge

We’ve visited Great Wolf Lodge in the winter before (when the outdoor park is closed), but this was our first summer stay at this specific resort—and let me tell you, having the outdoor water park open took the fun to another level! From slides to splash zones to floating the lazy river, the kids were in heaven.

Free Family Fun in the Lobby

One of the best parts about Great Wolf is all the included lobby entertainment. We took full advantage of:

• Dance parties

• Story-time snuggles

• The Great Clock Tower Show

• A special meet & greet with Violet Wolf

These are all free activities, and they made each day feel extra magical without any added cost. You can find these posted in the lobby or on their app. Make sure to bring bubble wands for your kids if you have them, otherwise they do sell them right there in the lobby for $15-$35.

Also, be sure to check out their activity passes to save on fun extras! The Pup Pass is perfect for toddlers, with treats like a Build-A-Bear, arcade credits, and a sweet treat. The Wolf Pass is ideal for older kids and includes MagiQuest, ropes course, arcade, bowling, and more—great value if you want to do it all. The Paw Pass falls right in the middle, offering a nice balance of activities without the climbing or bear-building. Buying a pass ahead of time can save money and help you say “yes” more often during your stay!

Easy Meals & Family Favorites

Breakfast: We kept it simple and budget-friendly with waffles and yogurt in our room each morning. But the lodge’s on-site restaurant has a delicious hot breakfast if you want to treat yourself.

Dinner:

• Night one: We ordered in from Pizza Pub and relaxed in the room playing games and watching movies.

• Night two: We walked across the parking lot to Buffalo Phil’s, where your food is delivered by model trains—yes, really! It’s a hit with kids and honestly, pretty entertaining for adults too.

Pro Tip for Families

If you’re bringing a wagon or stroller, definitely request a first-floor room. You can walk straight into the water park without needing elevators or stairs. Just note that the lobby is actually on the second floor, so being on the first floor also means easy access in and out of the building. Win-win!

Must-Do: Dells Duck Tour

Before heading home, we checked out the Dells Duck Tour, and it was a highlight for everyone. These amphibious vehicles drive on both land and water, offering fun facts, scenic views, and even a chance for the kids to drive the boat on the water! It was toddler-approved and a perfect way to end our weekend.

Want Help Planning Your Next Family Getaway?

Whether you’re eyeing the Wisconsin Dells, a water park weekend, or something totally different, I’m here to help! I offer free travel planning services for all types of trips—big or small. From cruises and all-inclusive to family road trips and hotel stays, I can help you find the best fit and the best value.

Click here to fill out my Vacation Planning Form and let’s start dreaming up your next adventure!

Thanks for following along on our spontaneous summer kickoff. I can’t wait to help you plan something just as fun for your family!