Did you know that there is a Great Wolf Lodge, halfway between Portland and Seattle?
Families can escape to Great Wolf Lodge for a mini family vacation. Here everyone can swim, splash and slide. The centerpiece of the resort is the extensive 84-degree indoor water park, complete with water slides, a massive wave pool, a gentle lazy river, and interactive pools.
We’ve been to the Great Wolf Lodge in Grand Mound, Washington a few times now for family fun. My kids love it and I do too. We live right outside of Portland, Oregon, so the Grand Mound location is less than a two-hour drive. The first time we visited the indoor water park it had been a very cold winter and it was so refreshing to step into the water park that they keep extremely warm. I think they keep it at 78 degrees.
There are many things to do at Great Wolf Lodge, for a full list read our post 14 Things to do at Great Wolf Lodge. To get a glimpse at the activities they offer keep reading!
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MagiQuest
MagiQuest is one of their most unique features. The wall hangings, treasure boxes, and other strange things would “go off” when you waved a magic wand at them. My kids loved this feature! You can get a wand in their magic shop.
Indoor Waterpark
The actual water park had tons to do. A kiddie area, wave pool, body slides, tube slides, hot tub, and a swimming area with basketball and lily pads to cross.
I would definitely recommend this. It is expensive, so be sure to sign up for their mailing list to get good deals. We were able to get a deal that they mailed to us for $175 a night and another time we used the military discount and got the room for $170 a night. Both times we were able to get this rate on a bunk room.
Oliver’s Mining Co.
Guests of Great Wolf Lodge Grand Mound can go to Oliver’s Mining Co. to explore the mysterious mine shaft and discover hidden gemstones with a little help from Oliver the Raccoon. After mastering the mine, head to the sluice to discover what is hidden in the paydirt. Kids can take home the gemstones and minerals they unearth in a keepsake collection bag, complete with a gemstone identification card and personalized labels. The cost of the mining experience is $11.99; guests who book the mining package for $25.99 will receive a special mining helmet.
Build-Your-Own Fort Kits
These Fort Kits promote creativity and adventure for kids with little mess and easy clean up.
Kids of all ages can let their imagination go wild to create their own forts in the room with the kit’s colored sheets and clothespins and a camp lantern to enhance the woodland lodge theme. This all-new in-room, hands-on Build-Your-Own Fort Kit is easy to grab, go, play and have fun. It’s the perfect souvenir to quickly pack up and bring home so families can cherish their memories and time spent at Great Wolf Lodge for years to come.
Build-A-Bear Workshop
The signature Make-Your-Own experience offers an assortment of plush, clothing and accessories to customize a furry friend. Exclusive to resort shops, newly designed Great Wolf Lodge characters include Wiley the Wolf, Brinley Bear, Sammy the Squirrel, and Violet the Wolf.
Family Suites at Great Wolf Lodge Grand Mound
Extending far beyond being just a water park, Great Wolf Lodge also offers quality accommodations for families, exceptional service, a multitude of dining options, popular indoor arcade games, and more.
The rooms were awesome. All rooms have a refrigerator and microwave. If you get a bunk room, then kids will have a bunk area with their own tv. This may not sound like much, but what a difference it makes to have that little separate area! Another other option is booking a family suite where parents have their own bedroom and bathroom, while kids can sleep in the other room.
Groupon almost always has a good deal/discount on rooms here.
Dining
It is expensive to eat at the actual hotel. Go into town to eat! Granted the buffet is pretty good and the Lodge Fire Grill is fantastic. One day for lunch we ordered pizza, which is a cheaper option. It took a really long time for them to get to our order, but when they did the pizza was also good. 
Great Wolf Lodge Military Discount
Did you know that Great Wolf Lodge has a discount rate for military members and their families?
Great Wolf Lodge offers their Howling Heroes discount to military and first responders. With this discount military members and first responders can save 30% off their best available rates. This discount is available at all Great Wold Lodge properties. Type in promo code “Heroes” when making your online reservation.
They only allow a few rooms to be booked a day with this discount, so try to book well in advance.
There’s something for the entire family at Great Wolf Lodge, from PJ parties and nightly story time for kids to spa programming and evening “wine down” packages for adults.
Special Summer Activities
During the summer they now offer more things to do. It’s called “Summer Camp-in”. Here are some of the things you can participate in during the summer months.
- Trailblazer Challenge: Campers can win bragging rights by participating in different arts and crafts projects such as friendship bracelet making and rubber ducky decorating, as well as interactive games including family trivia and corn hole challenges
- S’mores: A special s’mores dessert bar will be featured, served up by the resort’s very own culinary experts — s’moreliers
- Pool parties: Complete with DJs, refreshments, limbo, rubber duck races, corn hole toss and a conga line
- Camp Themed Guestrooms: Everything from pennant bunting and yellow gingham bed scarves to actual in-room tents and campfire lanterns
- Campfire Ceremony: Wind down with family by a cracking fire with singing, face painting, s’mores, story-swapping, character shows and Story Time. Complete with a DJ-led dance party under the stars, guest can linger longer in the summer
- Character Breakfast: Think camp counselor-led songs and dances and napkin twirling complete with Wiley and friends circulating throughout the breakfast for photos and autographs
- BBQ: Mouthwatering BBQ anchors dinner menus at the resort’s main restaurant
Great Wolf Lodge in Grand Mound, Washington is an amazing vacation spot that offers something fun for everyone. From its indoor water park to its outdoor activities, it truly has it all. You can have as active or laid-back of a vacation as you want and you’ll never run out of things to do! Now, the question is: what is your favorite part about Great Wolf Lodge? Let us know by leaving a comment below and sharing your thoughts on this incredible getaway spot! Whether you like the thrill of going down the big slides in the water park or exploring nature trails, there truly is something for everyone when it comes to Great Wolf Lodge. Plan your next trip today and make your dreams come true!
