Our Great Wolf Lodge Birthday Adventure
January is a big month in our family—both my son and daughter celebrate their birthdays! This year, my son couldn’t stop begging to go back to Great Wolf Lodge. It’s been two years since our first trip, and he was determined to have his birthday there again. After lots of planning (and convincing my husband to get on board with a water park weekend), we made it happen.
We chose the Great Wolf Lodge in Scottsdale, AZ, and let me tell you, it was a weekend to remember. This is not a sponsored post—everything we did was paid for out of pocket—but I wanted to share our experience and a few tips for anyone planning a trip there.
The Planning Process
This trip was extra special because we had a huge group—26 people in total! Thankfully, I was able to set everything up beforehand with the events manager at Great Wolf Lodge, and if you’re traveling with a big group, I highly recommend doing the same. It made everything so much easier, especially when coordinating cabanas, birthday packages, and general logistics.
We stayed on-site this time, which was a major upgrade from our first visit when we only spent a day at the water park. Staying overnight gave us access to the water park the evening we arrived, and my son was thrilled to kick off his birthday fun a day early.
Tips for Your Great Wolf Lodge Visit
If you’re planning your own trip to Great Wolf Lodge, here are some helpful tips to make the most of your experience:
Water Park Wristbands
When you stay on-site, water park wristbands are included. This is a huge perk because it allows you to enjoy the park the evening you check in and every day after, until you checkout.
Know What’s Included
Activities like the water park, rope climbing, rock wall, and arcade are separate, so plan ahead. There are package deals, but keep in mind that everything adds up quickly.
Food and Drinks
You can’t bring food or drinks into the water park, but sealed water bottles are allowed.
They sell alcohol for adults and refillable soda cups, which I highly recommend if you plan to drink soda throughout the day.
For snacks, bring a cooler for your room. You can head up for a quick snack break and return to the park without spending extra money on concessions.
Book a Cabana (if Possible)
We booked two cabanas, and it was 100% worth it. The cabanas (at least for birthdays) come with a server for food and drinks, which makes the day so much easier. If you don’t book a cabana, seating is first come, first serve, and it fills up fast.
Birthday Packages
I pre-booked a birthday package for my kids, and it was such a hit! They each got cakes, wolf ears, towels, souvenir cups, and a free scoop of ice cream. The package also includes discounts for other activities, but make sure you check prices ahead of time to plan your budget.
Be Mindful of Closing Times
If the water park closes at 8 p.m., they mean 7:58 p.m. Staff is strict about shutting things down on time, so don’t wait until the last minute to hit your favorite slide. My son was determined to do the ropes obstacle course but we showed up right at closing so he couldn’t that night. Luckily, I had time to take him the next morning before we checked out.
All Ages Welcome
Great Wolf Lodge isn’t just for kids! While there’s plenty for younger ones to enjoy, there are also activities for older kids, teens, and even adults. My adult brother, cousins, parents, and grandparents all had a blast alongside the kids. It’s truly a family-friendly destination.
The Highlights
This trip was everything my son dreamed of and more. From the water slides to the arcade, he and my daughter were in their element. Plus, spending time with family and celebrating together made it even more special.
I’m also grateful for how accommodating the staff was. They helped make the weekend as smooth and fun as possible for such a large group. We did have a couple of hangups, such as the front desk checking out the wrong room a day early, not having the right amount of wrist bands upon check in, and some of our birthday items missing from the cabana when we arrived. However, the staff were quick to correct the situations in all instances. I was honestly thrilled having planned for such a large group and only having a few small issues that were easily resolved.
If you’re considering a trip to Great Wolf Lodge, start planning at Great Wolf Lodge and take these tips with you. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, planning a weekend getaway, or just looking for some family fun, it’s an experience you won’t forget.
Have you ever been to Great Wolf Lodge? Let me know in the comments if you’ve been or if it’s on your bucket list!
