Great Wolf Lodge Water Park | Illinois - Gurnee, Illinois

Carlos Rebolloso Cardenas

Visitenlo

Katie Downey Rediske

Review of Great Wolf Lodge

We recently spent a weekend at Great Wolf Lodge with our family of five (kids aged 9, 6, and 2), and overall, it was a fantastic experience!

Pros:
• Water Park Fun: Our kids absolutely loved the large lazy river, the kid-friendly slides on Fort Mackenzie, and the wave pool. Although we didn’t try the bigger slides, they looked exciting, and the lines were surprisingly short.
• Perfect Timing: The water park did get busy in the afternoons, which is to be expected on a Saturday, but it was much quieter and more enjoyable when it first opened in the morning.
• Kid-Friendly Features: The fenced-in kiddie area was a great touch, offering peace of mind for parents. The warm water and comfortable air temperature made the experience even better. Plus, the lazy river and kiddie pool had handicap-accessible features like railings.
• Other Activities: The high ropes course and climbing wall were a fun change of pace from the water park.
• Clean and Renovated: The hotel was clean, modern, and felt more open compared to other Great Wolf Lodge locations we’ve visited.

Cons:
• The kiddie splash pad water was freezing, making it less enjoyable for our little one. And there wasn’t a ‘hot tub’ pool or adult hot tub to warm up in.
• The room lighting was very dim; more overhead lights would have made a big difference.
• The bathroom lacked a fan, leading to a humid environment after showers.
• The arcade was fun but overpriced.

Overall, Great Wolf Lodge provided a wonderful family getaway with plenty of activities to keep our kids entertained. While there were a few downsides, the positives far outweighed them. We’d happily return for another visit!

jin huang

We had an incredible experience at the indoor water park, and it truly felt like a home away from home. The facility is beautifully maintained and feels new, which added to our comfort. The staff went above and beyond with their kindness and helpfulness, making us feel welcomed throughout our stay. Our room was not only clean but also well-insulated, allowing us to rest peacefully at night. The indoor water park itself was a fantastic place for us, offering a safe and fun environment with plenty things to do. We also appreciated the clean restroom, particularly the hot water showers that made for a refreshing experience. We can’t wait to return during Christmas; it feels like a special place for our family.

Amanda B

Overall the experience was fun but I'd hesitate to go back. We sent for just 1 night in the middle of the week. If I didnt see my daughter smile so much in the water, Id give just 2 stars.|The best part of this place was that if was not busy at all. Slides were great for my 4 year old and fun for adults too.|The worst part was that they charge $15 per car to park - this is NOT included in your hotel price. They do not have a map of the park, you have to download the app. The fountain machines actually count down the ounces so you cant go over.

Matt

Came on a Thursday and it was blessedly empty. I have known about this place forever, but finally took our kids here and had a blast. I couldn't get over the Disney World level of theming and cleanliness. The rooms were awesome, with a little alcove for kid beds separated from the main room. We are definitely coming back!

Gymnastgirl

So you think, $50 for an afternoon is a bit high, but should be fun - think again. It’s not $50. It’s $57. What for? A “resort fee”. Oh, and if you’re under 12, you get a cheap pair of wolf ears. Sorry, friends, last time I paid a resort fee it was when I was staying overnight, not for an afternoon. Let’s just charge everyone, staying or not, so we can line our pockets. On arrival, you find you’re gouged out of 16.90 for parking. Prorated for the 4 hours you’re there? Heavens no! Let’s just line our pockets more and charge everyone for 24 hours. Want a locker for your handbag? That’ll be a “nominal” charge of $10. Swim bag? Sorry, that’ll be a “nominal” charge of $20. Oh yeah, better bring a lot of money for food - of course the owners want you stuffing yourself with the overpriced fast food on offer. There’s another $20-30 a person. Drink? Better shell out for those bottled waters. Expect a trip to cost $90-100 IF your kids don’t want all the extras like the arcade - then plan for $150. The owners of this place are certainly greedy. If the business is struggling, you’re better of finding a way on ensuring that your customers want to come back, not alienating them by picking their pockets every chance you get. We certainly won’t be returning.

Sarah L

This was our first time staying at Great Wolf. My toddlers had a blast so we will be back. If it wasn’t for their fall discount deal on a room though I definitely wouldn’t pay full price. I agree with others that parking should be free. Service in their Barnwood restaurant and the water park restaurant area were very slow though and it wasn’t even crowded. The water park was a lot of fun and I think if you do have smaller kids it is worth it. We will definitely be back next year now that we know what to expect.

Marie Moster

I would say that the service was fine and there is a lot of events planned on the weekend to accommodate families. The issue was our room was not one of the best. I would not say all rooms are the same. Yet our room was sort of less convenient. But it's a nice place, I would recommend it if you have children and want indoor activities.