Howlin’ at Great Wolf Lodge

Howlin’ at Great Wolf Lodge

Your guide to the water resort just up the road

by JILLIAN O’CONNOR

A40-minute road trip to Great Wolf Lodge indoor water park and theme resort is a time-honored tradition for many families in the Seattle area. But like anything else involving large groups of children and lots of splashing, yelling and buying, parents will have to brace themselves.

With its multiple waterslides and handson exploration and creative activities, this nearcation in Grand Mount, Washington is open year-round and offers something for everyone, from babies to teens to parents.

Watery highlights

There are lifeguarded slides or pools to cover every age group and comfort level, from the seriously steep drop of Howlin’ Tornado for the big kids and daring parents, to Slap Tail Pond, an intense wave pool where you can decide how far you want to go. (Note: the wave pool gets pretty rough in the deeper spots.) Slides are open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m daily.

As a veteran of many Disneyland visits, I tend to immerse myself. So I had a great time for more than a day. But by hour 45 at this resort, I required an umbrella cocktail at approximately 10:52 a.m. Within two hours of my expiration, even the kids (then 10 and 7) were fine with going home. Waterslides are amazing, but you’ll know when you’re done. Keep in mind that a limited number of day passes are available each day, and the prices start at $50 per person. Children younger than 2 do not need a pass.

Highlights on land

Kids will get a kick out of nightly pajama story time and daytime story times; morning yoga with resort characters; the Great Clock Tower Show, a big hit with younger kids; an arcade with video games, skill cranes and Skee-Ball; a glowing golf course; two spas, including one for kids and one for adults; a mirror maze and Oliver’s Mining Co. (both for an additional fee); and Shadowquest and MagiQuest, interactive magic wand games that keep kids running all over the resort — when they buy a wand or a game. The Howlers Peak Ropes Course, just outside the water park, provides a climbing challenge for children who are at least 4 feet tall. Tickets are extra. And for parents: a fitness center.

Along with your bathing suit

Consider taking earplugs. The noise levels in the rooms (which start at $229 and include water park access) can vary. Life jackets are provided on a first-come, first-served basis. They are strongly recommended for kids under 4 feet tall and for weak swimmers. Inflatables from home are verboten.

Where to eat

Pizza, subs and salads are sold at the takeout restaurant, Hungry As A Wolf. There’s also a buffet restaurant, a fast-food stand in the water park and a fancier sit-down grill. An ice cream and sweets stand will be a hit. Did I mention the wine service? We also ventured out to the Mariachi Alegre Mexican restaurant in Rochester. It’s good Mexican food served by a cheerful staff — and not a single arcade noise or pool echo in the whole joint.

How to save

Bring food to save money on meals and beverages. Rooms have mini-refrigerators. Parents can get the biggest financial bang for their buck by arriving at 1 p.m. the day of check-in and staying until 8 p.m. the day of checkout. Very good deals are often available on multiple-night stays, especially if you go with another family.

Notes about volumes and lines

For kids bothered by loud noise or prone to overstimulation, consider noise-canceling headphones. Kids unable to handle long waits? Big slides are less crowded in the hours just after opening.

Best tip: Go with adult friends. One Seattle mom I talked to loves moms-and-kiddos trips: “Go with a girlfriend — and it is fun!”