Great Wolf Lodge Illinois provides the ultimate family getaway by combining a massive indoor water park, diverse dining options and exciting dry attractions all under one climate-controlled roof.
Every detail is engineered to cater to both toddlers and teens alike and the resort is designed to provide parents with mental relief. With convenient amenities like RFID wristbands and 100% nut-free kitchens, families can focus on making memories together in a safe and effortless environment.
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Great Wolf Lodge
- Location: 1700 Nations Drive, Gurnee
- Hours: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. daily
- Phone: (847) 623-9653
Why parents love it
Parents love the convenience of Great Wolf Lodge, as the water park, restaurants, arcade and rooms are all under one roof. The resort is climate-controlled and set to 84 degrees year-round, taking the worry of Chicago’s unpredictable weather away.
The resort is designed with mini versions of attractions, including a 0-inch-deep pool, allowing toddlers and young kids to stay safe while still having fun. The lodge additionally offers free scheduled activities such as Story Time, Dance Parties and Yoga Tails, giving parents a break from planning the next activity.
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What parents are saying:
“Had an amazing stay, very clean and very friendly staff! We really enjoyed our stay and had a blast! Would highly recommend and will definitely come again!” says Armistead J. via Yelp reviews.
Read Armistead J.‘s review of Great Wolf Lodge on Yelp
“The Great Wolf Lodge was LOVED by our kids. It was very family-focused and such a great experience. We had the wolf den room, our kids are 6 and 4, they loved the ears, the mining activities, the water park… they were ALL ABOUT the magic quest game. They have told everyone who will listen about it. Some core memories were made FOR SURE,” says Karlee C. via Yelp reviews.
Read Karlee C.‘s review of Great Wolf Lodge on Yelp
“This place was so cool. They offer so many great things for the price you pay. Having a reusable soda cup was refreshing during breaks and the water park. The pizza was delicious. The fries and funnel cake fries were amazing. They even have Dunkin’ in the resort!! I asked chat assistant on the app and a few questions during my stay, and they were very quick to respond. The slides are a lot of fun. The water park offers towels. Would visit again!” says Jennifer P via Yelp reviews.
Read Jennifer P.‘s review of Great Wolf Lodge on Yelp
What kids can do here
The indoor water park provides a tropical escape from Chicago’s weather with a huge variety of slides and pools. There is something for every thrill level, ranging from high-energy Double Whirlwind to the relaxing Crooked Creek lazy river.
The little ones can play safely in the Cub Paw Pool or discover the zero-depth Fort Mackenzie, which features water toys and mini-slides. Towels are included by the resort, so you have one less thing to pack.
Other waterpark attractions the kids can enjoy:
- Fort Mackenzie
- Slap Tail Pond
- Crooked Creek
- River canyon run
- Alberta Falls
- Whooping Hollow
- Otter Run
- Totem Towers
- Double Whirlwind
- Coyote Cannon
- Cub Paw Pool
- Chinook Cove
- Raccoon Lagoon
The fun continues on land! The dry attractions offer a variety of entertainment for kids of all ages, from the MagiQuest scavenger hunt to the high-energy Howlers Peak Ropes Course. Younger kids can try their luck at the Northern Lights Arcade or create a new friend at the Build-A-Bear Workshop. For the adventurous guests, scale the Rustic Ridge Climbing Wall, explore the Visual Frontier, or play a round of Howl in One Mini Golf.
Other dry attractions to check out:
- MagiQuest
- Rustic Ridge Climbing Wall
- Oliver’s Mining Co.
- Ten Paw Alley
- Howlers Peak Ropes Course
- Northern Lights Arcade
- Build-A-Bear Workshop
- Howl in One Mini Golf
- The Virtual Frontier
Parent amenities
- Wind down service: Wine, cheese and chocolate delivered to your room after the kids go to sleep
- North Hot Springs: Adult-only hot tub, reserved for guests 21 and up
- On-site bars and lounges
- Fitness center available for workouts
Restaurants on site
Dining is easy at Great Wolf Lodge, offering a wide selection of on-site options, ranging from quick-service snack bars to sit-down restaurants.
Whether you’re looking for a breakfast buffet at Campfire Kitchen, a sweet treat from Wood’s End Creamery or a relaxed dinner at Barnwood, there are many choices to satisfy every craving. Parents will appreciate the 100% nut-free kitchens and the convenience of mobile ordering through the resort’s app.
Wood’s End Creamery: Open for lunch and dinner, this is the ideal spot for dessert, featuring ice cream, sundaes, shakes and lodge-made fudge.
Campfire Kitchen: This buffet-style restaurant is open for breakfast and serves American classics, including farm-fresh eggs, applewood-smoked bacon, organic granola, fresh market salads and seafood.
Barnwood: Open for dinner, this a la carte restaurant provides a dine-in experience featuring American cuisine and alcoholic beverages.
Hungry as a Wolf: Perfect for lunch and dinner, this snack bar offers Brooklyn-style hand-stretched pizzas, Italian dishes, garlic cheese breads and fresh salads
Buckets Burgers & Bites: This snack bar is open for lunch and dinner, serving burgers, chicken salads and various sweet treats.
Timbers Tacos: Enjoy Mexican favorites for lunch and dinner such as street tacos, nachos and churros, along with signature margaritas on tap.
The Watering Hole and The Outpost: These ball service locations offer a place to relax with craft beers, refreshing soft drinks and signature cocktails.
Freshwoods Market: This grab-and-go market is open all day, serving everything from ready-to-go meals to cereal, pastries and snacks.
Dunkin’ Donuts: Perfect for a quick breakfast on the go, this location offers their classic coffee, donuts, bagels and breakfast sandwiches.
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Admission and policies
- Self-parking is $19/night and can be paid upon arrival
- Pup Pass: Ideal for the little ones. Starts at $49.99 per package and includes one pass exclusive furry friend at Build-A-Bear, three games at Northern Lights Arcade (Excludes virtual reality/headset games), one Candy Cup from Great Wolf Candy Co. and one kids’ ice cream from Wood’s End Creamery
- Paw Pass: Perfect for older children and teens. Starts at $69.99 per package and includes one MagiQuest game for your entire stay, one MagiQuest Vellara Wand, Mod or Belt, three Northern Lights Arcade Games (Excludes virtual reality/headset games), one candy cup from Great Wolf Lodge Candy Co., one kids’ ice cream from Wood’s End Creamery and one pass exclusive personalized leather bracelet.
- Wolf Pass: Best value pass. Starts at $79.99 per package and includes one MagiQuest Game for your entire stay, one MagiQuest Vellara Wand, Mod or Belt, three Northern Lights Arcade Games (Excludes virtual reality/headset games), one Candy Cup from Wood’s End Creamery, one game at Ten Paw Alley, single climb admission to Howler’s Peak Ropes Course, double climb admission to Rustic Ridge Climbing Wall, one round of Howl in one mini golf, one individual mining experience at Oliver’s Mining Co. and one pair of select swim goggles.
- Day pass: $40 per person. Includes access to indoor water parks for unlimited swims and splashes with towels included
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Tips for visiting
- Download the mobile app for food ordering, daily schedules and more
- Lockers are available to store your belongings
- Arrive early in the day for shorter lines on popular attractions
- Use your wristband as a credit card for extra convenience
- Suites will be ready at 4 p.m., but you can begin the fun anytime on your arrival day
Why your family should check it out
Great Wolf Lodge is specifically engineered to provide parents with mental relief by keeping the water park, attractions and dining all under one roof. The resort is designed to be inclusive for all ages, featuring dedicated spaces so both younger and older children can play safely.
Practical conveniences like 100% nut-free kitchens and RFID wristbands that serve as your park pass and room key remove the typical chaos of vacations.
Additionally, with the indoor environment kept at 84 degrees year-round, parents never have to worry about the weather interrupting vacation plans.
