Great Wolf Lodge Gurnee is the perfect summer staycation because it involves no pre-planning and everything the family needs is under one roof! We consider ourselves very lucky to have a family resort destination that’s only an hour from home. Our kids are constantly asking to go to the water park; Great Wolf Lodge Gurnee has that and so much more! Allow me to share the memories we made and the features we enjoyed on our recent Great Wolf Lodge trip with you.
This post is sponsored by Great Wolf Lodge. While we were hosted guests during our visit on property all opinions in this post are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that support this blog!
Why Great Wolf Lodge Is the Best No-Airport Summer Vacation for Families Near Chicago
If you’re a Chicagoland or surrounding area local this destination is a real treat! You have an all-inclusive family getaway just a short drive away. Dining, accommodation, attractions… everything is on-site. Parents can relax more when they’re not worried about hauling everyone and everything around on vacation.
Once we checked in, we didn’t use our car the whole trip. There’s even a Dunkin Donuts in the lodge so you can get moving in the morning with some hot (or iced) coffee!
What do the rooms look like at Great Wolf Lodge Gurnee? Room Tour of Wolf Den Suite
After seeing the Wolf Den Suite I knew our girls were going to love this option. We elected to upgrade to this family suite with a children’s bunk room for comfort and fun! Here’s a quick look at the actual room we stayed in during our Great Wolf Lodge in Gurnee trip.
As a family of four we need a little more room for our comfort, but don’t necessarily need another room. The various family suite room options at Great Wolf Lodge allow you to choose the best setup for your family during your stay.
The bunk room wasn’t just functional, it was adorable! The girls felt like they had their own little lodge in there.
What is Hot Dog Days of Summer at Great Wolf Lodge Gurnee?
Only a handful of lodges are participating in the Hot Dog Days of Summer and your Gurnee lodge is one of them! We tried four of the five specialty hot dogs offered on this menu.
They were all fantastic, but my personal favorite was the Big Texas Dog. It’s an elevated must-try take on the classic chili cheese hot dog. Read more about all five of the Hot Dog Days of Summer offerings here.
What Families Actually Get for the Price at Great Wolf Lodge Gurnee: Everything Included in Your Stay
For the BEST value you have to get the Wolf Pass. The number of things included for the price is insane! Here’s everything included with the Wolf Pass at Great Wolf Lodge Gurnee:
- 1 MagiQuest game – plus one Vellara Wand, Wand Mod or Belt
- 1 game of bowling at Ten Paw Alley
- 1 round of Howl in One Mini Golf
- 1 admission to Howler’s Peak Ropes Course
- Double climb on Rustic Ridge Climbing Wall
- 1 mining experience at Oliver’s Mining Co.
- 1 small fill-your-own candy cup from Buckhorn Exchange
- 1 kid’s ice cream
- 1 pair of select swim goggles
- 3 games at Northern Lights Arcade (excluding virtual reality and headset games)
In addition to everything mentioned above you also get discounts on glam ears, bubble or glow items, Build-A-Bear and a $200 arcade card for $150. It’s truly everything you could need to keep a family entertained for 2-3 days!
When I’m on vacation ice cream every night is a given. Thanks to our Wolf Passes we all received a kid’s ice cream during our stay!
Pro Tip: The girls don’t eat that much ice cream right now, so we got one cup for them to share each night to stretch our Wolf Pass further. You don’t have to redeem all the food or attractions at once, remember that for your next stay!
The candy cups you get on the Wolf Pass are generously sized, too. We each made a custom curated container of delicious candy to snack on at the lodge and beyond.
To see all of the passes and decide which one is best for your pack visit the Family Resort Packages page here.
Is the Cabana Rental Worth it? From Inside the Curtain
We treated ourselves to a cabana rental for our full water park day and let me tell you… it’s worth it! The Great Wolf Lodge Gurnee cabanas are incredibly spacious, private, convenient and secure. Each one has a safe to lock your phones, wallets, valuables, etc. while you’re in the water.
Aside from security they’re also an incredibly comfortable way to enjoy your time at Great Wolf Lodge. There are lounge chairs, a sectional sofa, dining chairs, multiple tables for food, a mini fridge stocked with water, resort towels and even a TV!
Despite the cartoons pictured, I watched a major tennis tournament that was on while my oldest daughter napped in the cabana. It was incredibly relaxing! A cabana allows you flexibility for whatever the day brings.
There are a few different cabana rental packages: a basic cabana rental, a Deluxe Cabana or a Stocked Fridge option.
We went with the Deluxe Cabana as it included a huge spread of food for lunch, which we then snacked on for most of the day. Everything in the food spread above came with the Deluxe Cabana package. The pizza was our favorite part, it was incredible!
In addition to the food we also received soda sippers with free refills for the duration of our stay, souvenir Howl Towels and several other perks. Check out all of the cabana rentals for Great Wolf Lodge Gurnee here.
Water Park Safety for Young Kids: Why Great Wolf Lodge Is Built for Families with Children Ages 2–12
My girls are just two and four years old, so water safety is a huge concern of mine. One of the big reasons we’re so comfortable at Great Wolf Lodge is because of the precautions they take.
U.S. Coast Guard approved life jackets are provided on site and labeled based on size/age for easy guest use. All of their lifeguards are CPR and First Aid trained and strictly enforce height and health restrictions on all major slides and attractions.
Remember: lifeguards do not take the place of a parent. All children under the age of 14 are required to be accompanied by an adult for the duration of their time in the water park.
How to Get the Best Value at Great Wolf Lodge Gurnee: Midweek Stays, Bundles, and What to Skip
We stayed from Sunday to Tuesday for a relatively quiet trip to the water park. There was very little crowding anywhere and no wait at the sit-down restaurant for a nice dinner (with a view of the water park that the kids loved). An early/midweek stay was the way to go for us.
On our second night I tried the chocolate milk shake – it was incredible! I’m an ice cream girly and could’ve tried one of everything on their menu if I had the time (and capacity!). Highly recommend visiting the Wood’s End Creamery at least once during your trip.
What is available to eat at Great Wolf Lodge Gurnee?
We tried a wide variety of the fare at our lodge and let me tell you, it was all really good! In addition to the quick service eateries, Great Wolf Lodge offers high quality dining at a reasonable price so you don’t have to pack up the family to enjoy an upscale dining experience.
Our first night at the lodge we enjoyed a sit-down meal at Barnwood. The portions were huge and the quality was fantastic!
We ordered the nachos for an appetizer and honestly, I could’ve just made that my meal. It was a very large appetizer. Next time, we may just get a few different apps to share instead of individual entrees. Something to consider if your family prefers sampling a variety over a large meal.
Here’s the Smokehouse Burger and Alfredo Shrimp we ordered. Again, both were incredible and generously portioned. That said, I took some of my pasta home, which made for a delicious meal again the next day. You’ve been warned – you won’t go hungry at Great Wolf Lodge Gurnee!
What to Skip at Great Wolf Lodge Gurnee
If you’re running low on time and can’t quite squeeze it all in I can suggest some things to skip.
Our girls were a little too small for the Rustic Ridge Climbing Wall or the Howlers Peak Ropes Course. We were much more focused on Oliver’s Mining Co. where we got to discover and identify different types of rocks. My oldest is especially fond of rocks and small treasures, so this was a huge hit!
We did so much in our two days at Great Wolf Lodge that missing those two attractions was no big deal. Plus, we have new things to look forward to during our next stay!
It was really refreshing to simply book this vacation, pack and show up. Add on a Wolf Pass and you truly have very little else to plan out. Great Wolf Lodge Gurnee is designed to provide a family getaway that allows everyone to kick back and enjoy.
Once there you’ll have a room, endless entertainment and a stress-free family vacation. Howls to that!
FAQs About Visiting Great Wolf Lodge Gurnee with Kids
How far is Great Wolf Lodge Gurnee from Chicago?
Great Wolf Lodge Gurnee is located in Gurnee, Illinois, north of Chicago. For many Chicagoland families, it is close enough for a weekend getaway or short midweek staycation without needing to fly.
What age is Great Wolf Lodge Gurnee best for?
Great Wolf Lodge Gurnee is best for families with children ages 2 to 12, although older kids can still enjoy many of the attractions. Younger children can enjoy the water park, character experiences, candy shop, arcade, MagiQuest, mining activities, and family dining. Some attractions, like the ropes course and climbing wall, may be better suited for older children depending on height, confidence, and interest.
Is Great Wolf Lodge Gurnee safe for toddlers and young children?
Great Wolf Lodge Gurnee is designed with families in mind and offers safety features such as U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets, trained lifeguards, and posted height or health restrictions for certain slides and attractions. Parents should still stay with and actively supervise children in the water park, especially children under 14.
Does Great Wolf Lodge Gurnee provide life jackets?
Yes. Great Wolf Lodge Gurnee provides U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets for guests to use in the water park. They are typically organized by size, which makes it easier for parents to find the right fit for their child.
Do you have to leave Great Wolf Lodge Gurnee for food or activities?
No. One of the biggest benefits of staying at Great Wolf Lodge Gurnee is that families do not have to leave the resort for meals or entertainment. The lodge has dining options, sweet treats, coffee, arcade games, water park fun, MagiQuest, bowling, mini golf, climbing, mining, and other kid-friendly activities on-site.
What food is available at Great Wolf Lodge Gurnee?
Great Wolf Lodge Gurnee has several food options on-site, including quick-service dining, sweets, coffee, ice cream, and sit-down restaurant meals. Families can eat at the resort without leaving the property, which makes the trip easier with young kids.
What can kids do at Great Wolf Lodge Gurnee besides the water park?
Kids can enjoy many activities beyond the water park, including MagiQuest, Ten Paw Alley bowling, Howl in One Mini Golf, Northern Lights Arcade, Oliver’s Mining Co., the climbing wall, the ropes course, candy cups, ice cream, and seasonal food or entertainment experiences.
How can families get the best value at Great Wolf Lodge Gurnee?
Families can get the best value by visiting midweek, choosing the right room type, adding a Wolf Pass if they plan to do multiple activities, sharing treats when possible, and spacing activities across the stay. A cabana may also add value for families who want a more comfortable full water park day.
What is included with a stay at Great Wolf Lodge Gurnee?
A stay at Great Wolf Lodge Gurnee typically includes access to the indoor water park for registered guests, along with your room accommodations. Families can also add activity passes, dining experiences, cabana rentals, arcade cards, and other extras depending on how much they want to do during their visit.
Is the Wolf Pass worth it at Great Wolf Lodge Gurnee?
The Wolf Pass can be worth it for families who plan to do several activities beyond the water park. At Great Wolf Lodge Gurnee, the Wolf Pass may include activities like MagiQuest, bowling, mini golf, the ropes course, climbing wall, mining, candy, ice cream, swim goggles, and arcade games. It is usually the best value if your family wants a full activity-packed stay.
Can you use the Wolf Pass over more than one day?
Yes. Families do not have to redeem every Wolf Pass item at once. Spreading the activities, treats, and experiences across the stay can make the pass feel more valuable and help keep kids entertained over two or three days.
What type of room is best for a family at Great Wolf Lodge Gurnee?
Family suites are a good option at Great Wolf Lodge Gurnee because they give families more space than a standard hotel room. The Wolf Den Suite is especially fun for kids because it includes a themed children’s bunk area that feels like their own little lodge inside the room.
When is the best time to visit Great Wolf Lodge Gurnee for smaller crowds?
A Sunday through Tuesday or other midweek stay can be a good choice for families looking for smaller crowds. Visiting earlier in the week may mean shorter waits, easier dining, and a more relaxed water park experience.
Is Great Wolf Lodge Gurnee good for a two-night trip?
Yes. A two-night stay is a good length for Great Wolf Lodge Gurnee because it gives families time to enjoy the water park, try extra activities, eat on-site, relax in the room, and avoid feeling rushed. Adding a Wolf Pass can help fill the trip with activities across multiple days.
Is Great Wolf Lodge Gurnee worth it for a no-airport family vacation?
Yes. Great Wolf Lodge Gurnee can be worth it for families who want a vacation feeling without the airport, rental car, or long travel day. It offers rooms, dining, water park access, activities, and entertainment in one place, making it a convenient family getaway near Chicago.
What is Hot Dog Days of Summer at Great Wolf Lodge?
Hot Dog Days of Summer is a seasonal Great Wolf Lodge food experience featuring specialty hot dogs at select lodge locations. Great Wolf Lodge Gurnee participates in this limited-time summer offering, giving families another fun food option during their stay.
