Why You’ll Love the Great Wolf Lodge Summer Camp-In!

This post is a partnership with BSM Media on behalf of Great Wolf Lodge. All opinions are mine.

We felt like the luckiest family last weekend because we got to try something new!

And not only that it was new, but it was so much fun! For years now, we’ve wanted to go to Great Wolf Lodge. There’s nothing not to love. Indoor water park fun, a getaway right in the mountains of Massachusetts and only an hour from home, fun food, and tons of activities under one roof. When we got the opportunity to have a hosted weekend and to experience the upcoming Summer Camp-In experience, we jumped at the chance! We were pumped up and ready to go.

First of all, what exactly is Great Wolf Lodge?

It’s a one-of-a-kind family resort with a wide array of attractions, entertainment offerings, and dining options – and all under one roof. It’s a great place to have a getaway. And the centerpiece attraction at every location is a massive indoor water park, featuring water-filled fun for every member of the family. I’m talking thrilling water slides and family raft rides, and also zero depth entry toddler water play areas, indoor/outdoor hot tubs, and lazy rivers! (my personal favorite)

Then there’s everything else! We loved the Great Wolf Adventure Park – which is a family entertainment center with fun-filled attractions such as a ropes course, climbing wall, mini golf, family bowling, arcade games, and MagiQuest. MagiQuest is a mystical adventure game where players use interactive magic wands to discover relics and runes needed to defeat goblins and dragons. And I’m happy to say that both kids succeeded! And had a whole ceremony about it.

There’s always fun in the lobby with tours and StoryTime – a nightly gathering where kids wear pajamas and meet the characters. The arcade is open 24 hours and was a huge draw for my kids! There was also a kid spa, a souvenir store, a candy store, a sweets/ice cream parlor, a Build-A-Bear Workshop, conference rooms, and plenty of places to eat, drink and take pictures!

Now let’s talk about the reason we were there – the First Ever Summer Celebration!

This is SO cool. It’s called the Summer Camp-In, and will run from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend. Basically, Great Wolf Lodge is taking the time-honored summer tradition – camping – and turning it outside-in. This is the BEST family escape for summer. And all 17 Great Wolf Lodges in North America will celebrate the Summer Camp-In with special activities and events. You don’t even have to worry about the weather – which we certainly do here – because it’s rain or shine. The nonstop fun includes pool parties, character appearances, camp games, music and sing-a-longs, flame-grilled barbecue “camp cuisine”, and so much more.

Why You’ll Love the Great Wolf Lodge Summer Camp-In!

Earning Badges and Scoring Rewards.

This was super fun for my kids. They can explore all that Great Wolf Lodge has to offer, and can earn badges and score rewards by participating in arts and crafts – like friendship bracelet making, making bowling shirts, rubber ducky decorating, and field games like spoon races and corn hole challenges.

When The Sun Goes Down, it’s Party Time!

The fun doesn’t have to stop when the day is done! There will be campfire sing-alongs, summer camp story time, dance parties, and more!

The Food!!

There will be character buffets, buffet style BBQ meals of slow-cooked favorites, and s’mores, of course! What else can I say? It was SO family-friendly. The kids could have the BBQ items, but also had the option for the restaurant kid items – like chicken nuggets and mac and cheese. We could always have pizza and burgers/hot dogs, and the camp fare was SO genius! Like potato tot nachos and spicy corn. Ahh, I miss it so.

Amazing Games and Activities!

We got to experience some of the fun at our Great Wolf Lodge stay, like the limbo, Duckie 500 Race (where decorated ducks race down a HUGE water slide), and what the Great Wolf Lodge always has – like bowling, mini golf, and the ever-open arcade. Just so much fun to have!

A Character Breakfast!

My kids got trading cards so they could identify Wiley and friends. And who doesn’t love having breakfast with characters? We try to always do that!

Fun Seasonal Rooms!

Not sure how I almost saved this for last, but mainly it’s because it’s worth waiting for. These rooms ROCK! We got to preview the seasonal suites, featuring a cozy campfire lamp, plush pillows, and summer camp décor.

Making Memories.

Ultimately, isn’t that what it’s all about? We have such busy weekends and are sometimes separated for them. The kids go away or Cassidy goes away or I do, or the kids have play dates and parties. This was a true family weekend.

Have you ever been to Great Wolf Lodge?