Disclosure: Mom’s Lifesavers was invited to visit Great Wolf Lodge New England for an overnight experience for the grand opening. This post is part of a hosted stay, all opinions expressed are our own.  Bonnie went on this trip with her family. 

Inside Scoop on Great Wolf Lodge New England

Since our fantastic visit my friends have been calling and emailing us with questions – tons of them. This post hopefully helps you and your family make the most of your stay at Great Wolf Lodge New England.  Please email us if you have any questions.  We are happy to give you the inside scoop!

About Great Wolf Lodge New England

Located in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, this is the company’s 12th indoor waterpark resort and boy do they know what they’re doing! With 406 suites in 12 different configurations – there is a room that is perfect for you and your family. Every suite comes with:

• a refrigerator
• microwave
• coffee maker
• and waterpark and ropes course admission passes – now that is a mom’s lifesaver.

In addition to the rooms you will find the 68,000 square foot indoor waterpark is kept at a comfortable 84 degrees Fahrenheit ALL the time. What we loved about it – waterpark admission is exclusive to resort guests – this keeps the lines down and the fun up!

Add constant entertainment from bingo, character appearances, face painting, balloon twisting, story time AND the Great Forest Friends Show and there is ALWAYS something to do.

Accommodations at Great Wolf Lodge

We stayed in the KidCabin Suite. There were 5 of us and my husband was thrilled with the super comfy queen bed and tv that he didn’t have to share with the kids. The two younger girls ages 7 and 8 LOVED the bunk beds and their private cabin located INSIDE our room – so cool! Our son, 12 years, was happy that he had the choice of staying in the ‘cabin’ or on the full size pull out couch. You can find all the room option on the Great Wolf Lodge New England website here.

Inside Scoop: We stayed on the 2nd floor of the Howlin Timbers Play Park. Why I liked this: less foot traffic passed by our room because we were on the upper level. There are ‘quiet hours’ at Great Wolf Lodge New England and while we were there noise was not an issue.

Inside Scoop: The bracelets that you are fitted with for your stay also act as your room key. If you have an older child I suggest activating the wrist band as a room key for them as well. It will give them some sense of ‘added responsibility’ as well as make them super helpful if you need them to run to the room for anything.

Eye Popping Arrival

The Grand Lobby welcomes you upon arrival with free activities and fun! While I headed to the check-in counter the kids colored, got balloon animals and were outfitted with wolf ears.  Throughout the day the Grand Lobby hosts all sorts of activities for the kids.  This is such a special touch for families.  You are instantly put in the mood to enjoy your stay!

TIP: Check your Howlin’ Good Fun guide provided at check-in for all the events, locations and times during your stay.

Let’s Talk Water

Our family couldn’t wait to get in the water – specifically the rides! We did them all (Well not all, I couldn’t handle the thought of the Wolf Tail – maybe next time!) We did the Howlin’ Tornado – a six-story funnel slide that “leaves riders howlin” or in my case streaming the whole way down. Did I love it? Enough to ride it 6 times with the kids. The whole family really enjoyed River Canyon Run – a raft ride adventure for the whole family – all 5 of us rode together.

When we weren’t on a raft or slide we played in Slap Tail Pond – a gigantic wave pool filled with more than 100,000 gallons of water. This was the first time I truly felt safe with everyone in a wave pool. I can’t think of another time at a water park where I felt that I could actually relax. Even my husband commented on how the lifeguards and staff were so attentive.

Great Wolf Lodge New England offers a height check before entering the water park. Kids will get a wristband that will ensure that they are on rides that are best suited for their age.

Inside Scoop: There are LOTS of life jackets, vests, and ability appropriate flotation devices that are available for everyone in the park. No need to pack yours. There is also towel service – all the dry, fluffy towels you could possibly need. I loved not having to keep track of the kids towels! 

Scooops Kid Spa

Scoops Kid Spa is a special treat. Inside Scoop: If you are planning on being pampered be sure to plan according and make an appointment. This can be done in advance or during your stay.

Our girls opted for the ‘Sprinked In Scooops’ treatment. This $9.99 per child treatment includes a tiara and sash as well as a scented ice cream flavored hand lotion, hair scent and lip glass application. A variety of services are available including manicures, pedicures, nail art and stickers.

 Going to Great Heights

I am afraid of heights, but felt that if I was going to conquer that fear this was the place to do it. The Howlers’ Peak Ropes Course is a 30 foot tall climbing attraction that is available to both kids and parents. There is even a smaller course designed for the youngest ‘pups’. I was so proud to see the kids head up in their harnesses and explore that I had to give it a try. It was awesome! I can’t wait to go do it again!

Inside Scoop: This activity requires fitted footwear – NO flip flops or sandals. Pack a pair of sneakers – you’ll be glad you did!

Making Friends at the Great Wolf Kids Store

There are a lot of things to make, do and see at the Great Wolf Kids Store. Our girls opted for the Color Your Own T-shirt option. For $15 your child can color a t-shirt or pillowcase that features all of the woodland family from Great Wolf Lodge New England.

Our girls fell in love with Violet Wolf and Rachel Raccoon and make stuffed plush animals. This was a special treat. Knowing  about  this option before hand helps set the expectation with your little ones on what type of souvenir they want to have from their stay. The girls had money from Nannie and Grandpa that they used to get these huggable friends.

Inside Scoop:  Looking for an inexpensive souvenir – make sure you have a penny and some quarters with you. There is a penny flattening machine right outside the store!

Magi Quest

Give a 12 old a magic wand and an interactive video game and they will be off battling dragons, collecting crystals as they play this live-action game throughout the park. Stop by the Magi Quest store to purchase a wand (there are many styles available at different price points, most under $20) Then get ready to play, the fee to register, activate the wand and start the game is $13.99. To learn more about Magi Quest visit their site here.

There are 6 different quests at Great Wolf Lodge New England. Our son finished 2 while he was there. The wand and game is open to him for future stays and can also be used at any Great Wolf Lodge location.

 So Much To See and Do

But there’s more…An arcade, a 4D movie theater, mini golf, laser games, bowling and more!

All of these options are available with the reloadable Paws Points Card. You can add money to the card at a kiosk in the arcade or at the ticket redemption center. There is a wonderful variety of games from claw style to action themed. The kids had a blast in the arcade.

The girls also redeemed Paw Points for a round of mini golf.

Inside Scoop: Take advantage of the Grand Lobby Activities – these are free with your stay and perfect for the whole family. The Great Forest Friends Show was a big hit with our girls. Also included is the Wolf Walk, face painting, balloon twisting, Bingo and story time!

Food Options at Great Wolf Lodge

The Lodge Wood Fired Grill is perfect for a sit down meal with a very attentive wait staff and kids menu. We opted for a family friendly appetizer and the kids indulged in breaded chicken strips. I enjoyed a loaded macaroni and cheese that was incredible and my husband went for a seafood Alfredo that included lobster and shrimp – he was one happy camper! This was perfect for sitting and taking a deep breath from all the excitement.

Hungry as a Wolf is located in the arcade. We went with this option for the end of the day. We grabbed a pizza, a huge salad and drinks and headed back to the room to wind down. It was the perfect late dinner option that the whole family enjoyed.

Dunkin Donuts – that’s right. I started my morning out with an iced coffee from Dunkins. Located right in the lodge there is no reason to leave – really, not even for Dunkins!

Bear Paw Sweets & Eats – When it was time to end our mini vacation we wrapped up with a final trip to the arcade. Tickets were cashed in for various prizes like candies, jewelry, and novelties. We then headed over to Bear Paw Sweets and Eats for a scoop of ice cream to take on the ride home. A very sweet way to end our stay.

 Special thanks to the friends and staff at Great Wolf Lodge New England for making our stay so exciting and magical!