| Price: $$$+ For: All Cleanliness: 4.5/5 Comfort: 4.5/5 Recommended: Yes |
Features: Indoor water park, wristband access, parking included, special activities for kids of all ages, mini-golf, arcade, child spa, dining that can accommodate food allergies, family-friendly Links: Official site |
Ever since I heard about Great Wolf Lodge being built in California, I’ve wanted to check it out. Now, some people might think it’s crazy to have an indoor water park in a place where we have good weather 90% of the time. But, there is one major perk of having an attraction like this indoors — no sunburns! Frans burns like crazy (after 1/2 hour in the sun WITH SPF 70 smothered on) and Munchkin doesn’t fare much better. So, being able to spend hours at a water park without having to worry about reapplying sunscreen and bathing in aloe afterward is pretty nice. But, there’s more. Here are 14 reasons why you’ll want to stay at Great Wolf Lodge CA in Garden Grove / Anaheim (even if you have teens).
Why Stay at Great Wolf Lodge in Garden Grove, CA
1. Indoor Water Park
First and foremost, you’ll love the indoor water park! It’s only open to guests, which means that the lines stay bearable and the environment is 100% family-friendly. There are special areas are designed for infants, toddlers, young children, and older children to play safely both inside and outside.
Fort Mackenzie
Wave Pool and Play Area
Activity Area
Outdoor Water Play
Water Slides
River Canyon Run
Tweens and teens love the larger water slides, as do adults. That’s what we spent most of our time on. We loved the raft and inner tube slides the most and our favorite one had to be Howlin’ Tornado. But, after the third time, Frans and I were a little dizzy. We did skip one slide that locks you in a tube, drops the floor out, and then you freefall 20 feet and do a 360 loop. We saw that and were like, “Uhm, nope!”
You can also try your hand (well, belly or knees rather) at body surfing. Wolf Rider Wipeout (aka Flow Rider) is a blast! Frans did the best out of the three of us but, sadly, I never hit the “record” button while aiming the GoPro at him. FYI, the back wall is NOT padded very much so don’t let your body go limp when you hit it like I did. (Yeouch!) When you’re done for the day, grab clean towels at the Clock Tower as you head out.
2. Nice Lodging
As mentioned, admission to the water park is included with your stay. Rooms sleep 2-8 people and are spacious, quiet, and clean. Handy wristbands act as your parking ticket, room key, and even as your wallet. This is such a nice feature when you’re in and out of water most of the time.
3. Location
The lodge is close to Disneyland and offers a complimentary shuttle. But, parking is free for guests so you can explore other fantastic hotspots around the area at your leisure.
4. Indoors
It gets HOT in Southern California sometimes! On days with little to no wind, it can feel like you’re walking around in an oven. That’s why it’s so nice to escape that summer heat at Great Wolf Lodge CA. 90% of the dining and activities are indoors!
5. 24-Hour Entertainment
The Northern Lights Arcade is open 24 hours every day and games are changed out every six months or so. Frans and I were partial to the air hockey and skee ball but Munchkin thought the Stinky Feet game was hilarious! Players can collect tickets and redeem them for prizes.
6. Indoor Miniature Golf
Everyone will enjoy Howl at the Moon Glow Golf. Don’t take this 9-hole course lightly as it’s harder than it looks. Make sure the kids wear light colors (white is best) so they “glow” in the black lights.
7. Pint-size Bowling
We didn’t get a chance to try this during our visit but the Ten Paw Alley looked like a ton of fun. These feature actual Brunswick lanes, just smaller. It was funny to see adults thrown off their game by the half-size lane and bowling balls.
8. Interactive Games
MagiQuest is an interactive game where children complete “quests” via kiosks and items located throughout the six floors of the lodge. The game wand remembers where you left off so you can even complete your game or download new adventures on your next visit.
9. Creation Station and Clubhouse Crew
Smaller guests can choose, stuff, and dress their own plush pal at the Creation Station. Then, they can use their new friend to participate in a simplified interactive game called Clubhouse Crew.
10. Spa Services
Get some pampering in at the Scooops Kid Spa with a much-needed mother-daughter (or father-daughter, no judging here) mani-pedi.
11. Age-Appropriate Activities
The younger set will love the character appearances, storytime, Forest Friends show, crafts, and dance parties just for them.
12. Food
Choose from a casual buffet, table service, healthy treats, desserts, a bar and grill, or pizza delivered to your room. There’s even a Dunkin’ Donuts inside! If you have food allergies or restrictions, make sure to talk to the chef on duty (at every meal) and he or she will be happy to accommodate you.
13. Shopping
Find a great selection of high-quality goods including brand name bags, apparel, souvenirs, and more. The swim shop has a great selection of swimming gear too. We picked up some seriously nice waterproof bags for our upcoming Hawaii trip here.
14. Seasonal Fun
Great Wolf Lodge loves celebrations. Special events are organized throughout the year such as Springapalooza and Snowland. We were visiting for Diá de los Niños and participated in a themed storytime and mini piñata craft.
Though the water park at Great Wolf Lodge CA is included with your stay, everything else costs extra. So, make sure you keep that in mind before charging everything to the room or adding money to your Paw Points card. Instead, look into the Pup, Wolf, and Paw Passes to save on paying for attractions separately.
Great Wolf Lodge CA in Garden Grove — For All Ages
We spent 2-½ days at Great Wolf Lodge CA in Garden Grove and still didn’t have enough time to do everything. Many activities are geared towards families with smaller ones. However, we had plenty of fun with our teen at the water park and arcade and can’t wait come back again. Maybe one day they’ll build a location near us in the San Francisco Bay Area!
My family and I were part of a media preview event and were provided with complimentary lodging, dining, and activities. All opinions are my own.
