A Mama’s Review of Great Wolf Lodge – Colorado Springs, CO
We finally made it to the Great Wolf Lodge in Colorado Springs, CO! Was it worth the hype? Let’s dive into this review from a mama’s perspective.
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Prefer Watching Over Reading?
Want to see our Great Wolf Lodge adventure in action? Watch our fun, family travel vlog for a behind-the-scenes look at our stay, including the water park, activities, and more! Check it out here: Great Wolf Lodge | Family Travel Vlog | Colorado Springs
Need tips and tricks for your visit? Check out this post: Great Wolf Lodge Tips & Tricks: A Mama’s Guide
The Property
The Great Wolf Lodge in Colorado Springs is a beautifully themed resort with a cozy, woodsy feel. We visited over Thanksgiving, so the Christmas decorations added extra magic! The layout is convenient, with the main lobby leading to restaurants, a gift shop, and adventure areas. Here’s a quick overview:
- Right of the lobby: Barnwood restaurant, Buckhorn Exchange gift shop, guest suite elevators.
- Left of the lobby: Front desk, self-check-in kiosks, Loose Moose restaurant.
- Further left: The walkway to Great Wolf Adventure Park, featuring Build-A-Bear, Dunkin’, Great Wolf Candy Company, Hungry as a Wolf, and more.
- Inside Adventure Park: Arcade, MagiQuest, mini golf, climbing walls, ropes course, bowling, and the entrance to Wiley’s Waterpark.
Downside: The elevators. There are only three, and one was out of service our entire stay. Another broke down on night two, leading to long wait times. If you want to avoid the wait, take the staircase hidden in the back corner of Barnwood restaurant. Bonus: extra steps to burn off those vacation calories!
The Check-In Process
Check-in is divided into two lines: one for the front desk and one for self-check-in kiosks. I opted for the kiosk, which was quick and easy. However, if you pre-purchase add-on packages, you must check in at the front desk to receive your vouchers and passes. This isn’t well-advertised, so I had to return later to get everything sorted. The staff was friendly and helpful, but better signage would be appreciated.
Tip: Don’t forget your complimentary wolf ears! At this location, you pick them up at Buckhorn Exchange, not the front desk.
The Rooms
We stayed in the Junior Wolf Pup Den Suite, and it was a huge hit! Our 12-year-old exclaimed, “I love this so much! It’s so much better than every hotel I’ve ever been to!” The themed wolf den with bunk beds and its own TV was the highlight for him.
Other Room Highlights:
- Microwave, mini-fridge, and single-cup coffee maker.
- Spacious bathroom with a large vanity.
- Queen bed (we’d prefer a king, but it was comfortable!).
- Smart TV and a table with chairs.
- Large balcony with Rocky Mountain views (great for summer stays!).
Tip: If your budget allows, upgrade to a themed suite for added fun. We scored ours for nearly the same price as a standard suite by waiting for a deal. For more booking tips, check out my Great Wolf Lodge Tips & Tricks: A Mama’s Guide post.
Traveling with a big family?
Consider booking connecting rooms or a premium suite for extra space!
Want a full room tour? Watch it here: Junior Wolf Pup Den Suite TOUR 🐺 | Inside Great Wolf Lodge Colorado Springs
The Water Park
Wiley’s Waterpark is a 10/10! It was the highlight of our trip and had something for everyone.
Water Park Features:
- Cub Paw Pool: Perfect for toddlers.
- Fort Mackenzie: Interactive fun for bigger kids.
- 7 Water Slides: Thrills for all ages.
- Chinook Cove: Water basketball & climbing wall.
- Slap Tail Pool: Classic wave pool fun.
- Plenty of seating.
- Cabanas available for rent.
The water park was clean and well-maintained, and the bathrooms were surprisingly tidy!
Mom Win: They provide towels and life jackets. Just scan your wristband to check out towels, and return them before leaving to avoid charges. Life jackets (including infant sizes) are free to use and can be found in various places throughout the water park.
Best Part? Access to the water park is included with your stay!
Other Activities
Beyond the water park, there’s so much to do!
What We Tried:
- Oliver’s Mining Co.: Fun gem-mining activity included in our package. We found colorful rocks, arrowheads, and even a beautiful purple crystal!
- Howlers Peak Ropes Course: A great indoor adventure. (Tip: Closed-toe shoes required!)
What We Missed (But Want to Try Next Time!):
- MagiQuest: An interactive wand-based adventure.
- Ten Paw Alley: Mini bowling with smaller pins and balls.
- Northern Lights Arcade: Large selection of games.
- Howl in One Mini Golf: A 9-hole course.
- Rustic Ridge Climbing Wall: 28 feet of climbing fun!
- Build-A-Bear Workshop: Customize a furry friend.
Bonus: Daily free activities like yoga, crafts, bingo, character appearances, story time, and dance parties! Check the Great Wolf Lodge app for the schedule.
The Restaurants
This location offers two sit-down restaurants, three quick-service spots, two bars, an ice cream shop, and a candy store.
What We Tried:
- Barnwood (Dinner): Small, limited menu but tasty food. We had chili, spinach artichoke dip, Caesar salad, and mac & cheese. Probably wouldn’t return.
- Loose Moose (Breakfast Buffet): Good selection with eggs, bacon, sausage, waffles, fruit, and pastries. Decent quality for a buffet.
- Buckets Burgers & Bites (Waterpark): Standard fast-food style, but convenient.
What We Missed:
- Hungry as a Wolf: Pizza joint.
- Dunkin’: Always a win for a quick coffee fix.
- Wood’s End Creamery & Great Wolf Candy Company: Sweet treats!
- The Watering Hole & Outpost: Bars.
Tip: Consider meal packages if you plan to eat mostly on-site. Otherwise, you might find better options in town.
Our Overall Experience
Would we stay here again? Yes! Despite the slow elevators and a couple of restaurant misses, we had a fantastic time. The themed rooms, water park, and endless activities made this a memorable trip for our family. We’re already planning our next visit!
Have you stayed at Great Wolf Lodge before? What was your favorite part—or was there something you’d change? I’d love to hear about your experience! Drop a comment below and let’s chat!
For more tips, check out my Great Wolf Lodge Tips & Tricks: A Mama’s Guide post!
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