An indoor water park resort in Grapevine, kept at 84 degrees, with a Sensory Guide that rates the slides, pools and attractions for each sense, and a multi-colored wristband for neurodivergent guests on request at check-in.
For water park hours, see the lodge's Indoor Water Park page; the Day Pass page also shows the water park's hours for the day. For day passes, call Customer Service at 800-693-9653. Overnight guests check in at 4 pm (or as rooms become available) 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.”
Look over the layout when you arrive so you know where a quieter area is, and feel free to ask any Pack Member (that's what staff are called) if they can recommend one. Overnight guests also have their guestroom for a break.
Overnight guests: kids' wristbands come without the RFID chip unless you ask. If your kid may wander from your group, the lodge suggests asking for an RFID wristband for them, so staff can find your reservation and reunite you quickly.
Lines are more likely at the larger slides you reach by a tower staircase. Pools and water park play structures often have no line, and the arcades and lobby entertainment are likely to be without one too. For shorter waits, the lodge suggests the beginning or end of operating hours, or a midweek visit outside school breaks, when the lodge is usually less busy.
The lodge calls Crooked Creek, its lazy river, “a well-deserved break from the high-energy adventure.” Water flows from overhead in spots along the way. Cabanas can be rented in the water park for a reserved area for your group.
Northern Lights Arcade (sound 8 of 10: noisy when busy, sounds may echo, blinking and flashing lights)not stated
Fort Mackenzie water fort (sound 6 of 10: a bell dings before the bucket dumps water)not stated
Grand Lobby (sound 5 of 10: can be busy and active during events, with microphones and music)not stated
Howlin' Tornado slide (loud rushing water and other guests)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
Oliver's Mining Co.quiet zone
MagiQuestquiet zone
Day Pass: the water park from open to close. Half Day Pass: 4 pm to close. Everyone needs a day pass to enter the water park, even if they aren't swimming. Day passes are free for children 2 and under, non-refundable, and limited in number, so some dates sell out. See the Day Pass page for prices, or call Customer Service at 800-693-9653. Day pass guests skip the lobby check-in line and go straight to Water Park Guest Services.
No outside food or drink in the water park, including glass containers and personal coolers. Overnight guests can keep outside food and drinks in their suite, and coolers are welcome in the lodge but not the water park. Day pass guests can't bring outside food or drink. The lodge is cashless.
Food allergies: email the lodge's executive chef before you go (the address is under the Dining tab for the Grapevine lodge), or talk to the front desk or restaurant staff when you arrive. With advance notice, the culinary team can often provide personalized options.
Coast Guard approved life jackets and towels are included. Life jackets are first come, first served, and you can also bring your own. The lodge asks that water park towels stay in the water park area, and there's a fee if one isn't returned. The lodge strongly recommends that children under 48 inches and weak or non-swimmers wear a life jacket. Inflatable toys aren't allowed, and pockets must be empty. Any child who still uses diapers or may have accidents must wear a swim diaper, sold in the lodge.
Several slides need riders to be at least 42 inches tall. Cub Paw Pool, the kiddie pool, is for kids 48 inches and under.
Every child under 18 should be with a supervising adult at all times in the water park. The lodge's lifeguards are not a substitute for a parent watching: keep your child within arm's reach, and if your child is in the water, you should be too.
The lodge suggests packing swim goggles, earplugs, flip flops or aqua socks, and a plastic bag for wet suits. Small lockers rent by the day for a small fee.
Parking is $25 a night plus tax for any vehicle parked more than 30 minutes, and there's designated accessible parking on site. Service animals as defined by the ADA are allowed in all areas of the resort, but not in the pools and attractions of the water park. A limited number of waterproof wheelchairs are available at no charge.
Daily family events like yoga, arts and crafts and character meet and greets are free with a stay; check the Great Wolf app for the current list. Sign language interpretation for shows and amenities: email veryimportantfamilyGV@greatwolf.com at least 10 days ahead. Other accessibility questions: accessibility@greatwolf.com or 800-905-9653 (mention you'd like to talk about accessibility features).
