An indoor water park resort near Scottsdale, kept at 84 degrees, with a Sensory Guide that rates every slide, pool and attraction for each sense, and a multi-colored wristband for neurodivergent guests on request at check-in.
The Water Park page lists indoor and outdoor hours by date; check them before you go, or call 888-962-9653. Overnight guests check in at 4 pm and out at 11 am, and can use the water park from opening on arrival day until closing on departure day. Half Day Passes run from 4 pm to close. The outdoor pool opens seasonally, weather permitting.
“We can offer a special multi-colored wristband to signal to our Pack Members that the wearer is neurodivergent. If interested, please request this wristband during check-in.”
“IBCCES helped us develop a sensory guide for each slide, pool, ride, attraction, show and activity found at Great Wolf Lodge.”
“Each Lodge is unique in its layout, but each has public areas that are generally quieter than the more popular attraction areas.”
Ask any Pack Member (that's what staff are called) to point you to a quieter area, and look around the layout when you arrive. Overnight guests can also take a break in their suite.
If your kid may wander off, ask for an RFID wristband for them too. Kids' wristbands come without the chip unless you ask, and the chip helps staff find your reservation and reunite you fast.
Lines are most likely at the big slides you reach by the tower stairs. The lodge suggests the start or end of the day, or a midweek visit outside school breaks, for shorter waits.
Northwoods Springs is the warming pool. The guide notes the temperature may be too high for some people, and there are jets under the water.
Northern Lights Arcade (sound 8 of 10: noisy when busy, sounds echo, blinking and flashing lights)not stated
Moonstone Mine mirror maze (sound 6 of 10: music and loud sounds that echo)not stated
Talking Stick Treehouse (sound 6 of 10: a bell dings before the big bucket dumps water)not stated
Wolf Tail slide (sound 6 of 10: the trap door makes a sound)not stated
Howlers Peak Ropes Course (loud clicking sounds as people move through it)not stated
Quieter, in the lodge's words
Build-A-Bearquiet zone
Raccoon Lagoon, the outdoor poolquiet zone
MagiQuestquiet zone
Oliver's Mining Co.quiet zone
Day Pass: the water park from open to close. Half Day Pass: 4 pm to close. Day passes are free for children 2 and under, non-refundable, and can sell out. Pick a date on the day pass page to see prices, or call 888-962-9653. Day pass guests skip the lobby check-in and go straight to Water Park Guest Services.
No outside food or drink in the water park, and day pass guests can't bring any in. Overnight guests can keep outside food in their suite. The lodge is cashless.
Food allergies: email the lodge's executive chef before you go (the address is under Dining on the Arizona site), or ask the front desk or restaurant staff when you arrive.
Life jackets and towels are included. Life jackets are first come, first served, and the lodge strongly recommends them for kids under 48 inches and weak swimmers or non-swimmers. Inflatable toys aren't allowed. Pockets must be empty.
Many slides need riders to be 42 or 48 inches tall, and the wave pool needs 48 inches. Whooping Hollow, the small-slide play pool, is for kids 52 inches and under.
Every child under 18 should be with a supervising adult at all times in the water park. At least one adult 21 or older must be in each suite.
Lockers rent by the day for a small fee. Cabanas can be rented daily for a reserved spot with seating.
Parking is $20 a night plus tax for any car parked more than 30 minutes. Service animals are allowed, except in or near the pools. A few waterproof wheelchairs are available at no charge.
Daily events like story time, arts and crafts and a family dance party are included with a stay. Accessibility questions: accessibility@greatwolf.com or 800-905-9653.
