Is there anything to do at Great Wolf Lodge besides the water park? The answer is yes! Great Wolf Lodge offers a variety of activities besides the waterpark, such as arcade games, mini golf, bowling, shopping, and more. They also have organized activities and events throughout the day for children and families. Additionally, some Great Wolf Lodge locations have spa services and fitness centres for adults. Read on for some helpful tips and ideas on things to do at Great Wolf Lodge when you are tired of the water park!

Enjoy the accommodations!

We decided to go budget-friendly in 2019, so stayed in a standard room which was the least expensive option. However, even though the room was standard, the decor is themed around the resort’s signature Northwoods style. This includes rustic wood furniture, nature-inspired artwork, and cozy bedding with plaid or wildlife designs. Overall, this created a warm and inviting atmosphere that was perfect for a family getaway.

In 2022, we were celebrating our son’s birthday and decided to try a themed-room. Great Wolf Lodge is known for these fun and unique themed rooms that add an extra level of excitement to a kid’s vacation. Each room is designed with a different theme, such as a camping tent or wolf den. We chose the wolf den. These rooms have a separate area with a bunk bed and TV for the kids, and a king-sized bed for the adults.

A collage of room photos at Great Wolf Lodge in Traverse City, Michigan

MagiQuest

MagiQuest is an interactive adventure game that can be played throughout the hallways of Great Wolf Lodge. Players use special wands to complete quests and challenges throughout the lodge, such as finding hidden objects, battling dragons, and unlocking secret rooms. The game is perfect for families and kids of all ages, and adds an extra layer of excitement to a stay at Great Wolf Lodge. The game is positioned around the centre of the resort, so you don’t need to worry about noise while trying to relax in your room!

MagiQuest Book and Wand from Great Wolf Lodge

Go bowling

Great Wolf Lodge is a popular family resort that offers a variety of activities, including bowling. The bowling alley at Great Wolf Lodge features six lanes and is open daily. Guests can enjoy a game of bowling with family and friends while taking a break from the other activities the resort has to offer. It is a great way to spend time together and create lasting memories.

Bowling at Great Wolf Lodge

Do some shopping

The on-site gift shops offer a variety of souvenirs, clothing, and accessories. The Bear Essentials Swim Shop is perfect for those who forgot to pack swimwear, water shoes or need pool toys. The Great Wolf Kids Store has a wide selection of toys and stuffed animals for children. For adults, the Trading Post Gift Shop offers jewelry, apparel, and home decor.

Shopping at Great Wolf Lodge

Play at the arcade

One of the most popular attractions at the resort is the arcade, which features numerous games and activities that are guaranteed to keep guests entertained for hours. From classic arcade games like Pac-Man and Space Invaders to newer games like Mario Kart and Jurassic Park, there is something for everyone. Guests can also earn tickets from playing games and exchange them for prizes at the prize counter. Overall, the arcade at Great Wolf Lodge is a must-visit for anyone looking for some fun and excitement during their stay.

Arcade at Great Wolf Lodge
Arcade wins from Great Wolf Lodge
We came home with a bag full of loot from the arcade!

Enjoy some food and beverages

What to do at Great Wolf Lodge besides the water park? Indulge in some delicious food and drinks! Great Wolf Lodge offers a variety of dining options for guests. The number of restaurants depends on location but usually there is a good variety of places to eat. There will be a main restaurant which features a buffet-style menu with options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. There’s also a snack bar which serves items like pizza, burgers, and fries. For those looking for a quick bite, there’s also a coffee shop and a dessert shop. In terms of beverages, guests can enjoy a variety of drinks at the on-site bar. Additionally, there are vending machines and a convenience store for those who want to grab a snack or drink on the go.

Food and Beverage at Great Wolf Lodge

Mine for treasure

Oliver’s Mining is a relatively new activity offered at Great Wolf Lodge. The activity allows children to pan for gemstones and fossils in a simulated mining environment. The attraction is designed to be educational and interactive, as children learn about geology and the process of mining. Participants are given a bag of mining dirt that contains a variety of gems and minerals. They then use a sluice box to wash away dirt and reveal the hidden treasures. The activity is a fun way for children to learn about earth science and the history of mining.

Back of dirt from Oliver's Mining Company at Great Wolf Lodge

Find fun photo opportunities

Great Wolf Lodge offers many opportunities for guests to take memorable photos. The indoor water park is a popular spot for capturing action shots of family and friends enjoying the various water slides and attractions. The lodge’s rustic-themed decor provides a picturesque backdrop for posed photos, particularly in the main lobby or by the grand fireplace. The lodge also offers character meet and greets, where guests can snap photos with the Great Wolf Lodge mascots, Wiley and Violet. Additionally, the MagiQuest game allows guests to take photos with various enchanted objects throughout the lodge. Overall, Great Wolf Lodge provides plenty of photo opportunities for guests to capture their fun-filled vacation memories.

The clock tower at Great Wolf Lodge
There are lots of photo opportunities at Great Wolf Lodge

Take a walk around the resort

Taking a walk around the outside of Great Wolf Lodge can be a great way to stretch your legs and enjoy the scenery. As you stroll around the perimeter of the lodge, you’ll see the impressive log cabin-style architecture and the lush greenery that surrounds it. You might also notice some of the outdoor activities available to guests, such as the water park or mini golf course. Depending on the time of day, you might see families out and about, enjoying the fresh air and each other’s company. Overall, a walk around Great Wolf Lodge can be a refreshing and enjoyable experience.

Outside of the lodge

Save money on extra activities

If you are interesting in doing all of these amazing activities, I would suggest that you look into the Wolf, Paw and Pup passes available. Purchasing a paw pass at Great Wolf Lodge comes with several benefits. Firstly, it provides access to a variety of activities and attractions within the resort, such as the bowling alley and MagiQuest. Secondly, the pass includes an arcade credit, which can be used to play games and win prizes. Additionally, the pass offers discounts on food and drinks at select restaurants within the resort. Furthermore, it allows guests to receive a discounted rate on certain merchandise at the Great Wolf Lodge gift shop. Overall, purchasing a paw pass can enhance the overall experience and provide added value for guests at Great Wolf Lodge. We have always purchased these passes during the booking stage!

Picture of the Paw Pass

In Summary…

There is so much to do at Great Wolf Lodge besides the waterpark! However, the water park is a major and very fun attraction. You can read our post on the water park at Great Wolf Lodge in Traverse City, Michigan!

Don’t forget to be prepared. Check out the following link for some great ideas! As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases #CommissionsEarned.