Our Favorite Activities at Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg VA
Hey, y’all! Dane here from the Double Decker Fam – you know, the crew adventuring the U.S. in a big blue double decker RV with my wife and our wild pack of six kiddos. (If you’re new, check out our Instagram or YouTube, we’ve got all the family energy and crazy stories.) This week, I want to answer our most asked question lately: Was Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg worth it? And, what were our favorite activities as a big family?
Let’s dive in—I’ll give you the real scoop as a dad of six, what we did, what we skipped, and tips to make the most of your trip. Whether you’re heading to GWL Williamsburg for your first visit or you’re a howlin’ regular, I promise you’ll find a few helpful ideas here! (And as always, this post is packed with all the real life stuff nobody tells you upfront.)
Why We Chose Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg
First off, Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg isn’t new to the family travel scene. It’s kind of legendary – it’s one of GWL’s biggest resorts and delivers those classic Northwoods-cabin vibes with rustic woodwork, themed rooms, and plenty of immersive activities for kids of literally all ages. And for a family of 8, the fact that it’s actually possible to find a family suite? Sign us up!
Plus, the indoor water park comes in clutch when you want energy-burning activities without the unpredictability of Virginia’s weather. (We’ve had everything from 70-degree sunshine to sleeting rain here in April…so, yeah, indoor is good.)
Getting the Most Out of Your Great Wolf Stay
I’ve seen a ton of travel advice about GWL that promises “secrets” for scoring deals. Here’s mine: book directly with the Great Wolf Lodge website and keep an eye out for seasonal offers. They run flash sales and discounts, especially for midweek stays or during off-peak months.
I also recommend joining their mailing list and rewards program for special codes. When you book for a big family, don’t be afraid to call and ask about combining rooms or getting a family suite if you need more space. We loved our “Kid Cabin Suite”—it’s got built-in bunks, a kid-approved den, and space for everyone to chill. Trust me, after a full day with six kids in the waterpark, that space is GOLD.
Our Top Family Activities at the Williamsburg GWL
1. The Indoor Water Park – Center of the Action
Let’s be honest: this is the main draw. The water park at Williamsburg is enormous—about 84 degrees all year. As soon as we got our wristbands, the kids were off like a shot to Fort Mackenzie, the multi-level water playground. The giant tipping bucket gets everyone soaked, and even the twins were thrilled (a big win for 5-year-old energy levels).
Favorite water attractions according to the Eyerly kids:
– Howlin’ Tornado: It’s a four-person raft ride that’s both thrilling and totally manageable for “medium-big” kids. Our 10- and 9-year-olds would’ve ridden it 20 times if we’d let ‘em.
– Alberni Falls and River Canyon Run: Perfect for families to ride together, especially since you can pile four or five kids on a tube.
– Cub Paw Pool: This shallow pool is a toddler and preschooler paradise—tiny slides, mini-sprayers, zero fear of deep water.
– Slap Tail Pond: Aka the “wave pool.” I love that the water depth is gentle (less than 5 feet at the deepest) so even our littles felt brave with us nearby.
– And yes, the hot tubs exist for grown-ups, too! Pro tip: Go early or late for less crowds.
Tip: Bring your own water shoes—the floors get slick and nobody wants to pack seven pairs of extra socks for the walk back to the room.
If you’re wondering about COVID precautions or safety, GWL Williamsburg keeps it tight with plenty of life guards and visible, frequent cleaning. Read more about their recognized safety policies over at USA Today.
2. MagiQuest – Magical Adventure for All Ages
You cannot go to GWL and skip MagiQuest—especially if you have Harry Potter fans or adventure-loving tweens. This interactive scavenger hunt is essentially a resort-wide RPG. You get a “magic wand” at the MagiQuest shop, activate your quest, and then trek all around the resort to solve riddles, topple dragons, collect runes, and unlock digital treasure chests.
The best? The kids literally wear themselves out running from clue to clue. It’s indoor, weatherproof, and way more affordable than a regular escape room. Even the twins tagged along and “helped” the big kids pick up clues. The grown-ups can help read clues and guide teamwork lessons (bonus, right?).
If you want to save money, you can reuse wands from previous trips or find them on sale. Also, don’t stress if you don’t finish your quest—it’s meant to be played over several days, and unused game time can roll over for next time.
3. Story Time and Evening Shows in the Grand Lobby
When it’s time to slow down, Great Wolf’s free entertainment in the Grand Lobby is where you’ll find us (and a bunch of other RV travel families, too). Every night, there’s a clock tower “howl along” and an interactive story time with costumed staff and (sometimes) characters like Wiley the Wolf.
Our tip: Get the kids in pajamas and bring a blanket or stuffed animal from the room. The big, cozy lobby really is the perfect spot to decompress after a wild day. It might seem “lame” to older kids, but honestly? Even our older ones love it when the whole family’s together. It’s one of those underrated GWL moments!
4. Arcade, Mini-Golf, and Ropes Course
We’re pretty budget-conscious (RV life, y’all!), but the kids had a blast in the Northern Lights Arcade, especially with their Paw Pass cards. Be ready—those classic ticket games are everywhere. Load up your pass and stick to a set dollar amount.
- The mini-golf course was a perfect after-dinner wind down, and the glow-in-the-dark setting is a fun twist.
- For older kids, the ropes course is a major highlight! (Height restrictions apply, so double check before you promise it to your littles.)
Note: All these activities cost extra, so pack snacks and set spending rules upfront. GWL Williamsburg does run regular discounts if you buy bundled activity passes.
5. Breakfast With the Characters
Okay, “character dining” sounds a little Disney-ish, but at GWL Williamsburg, it’s laid-back, smiley, and not at all forced. Our twins loved grabbing French toast sticks with Violet or Wiley Wolf stopping by for high-fives and photos.
We usually do this on our final morning as a special send-off – it’s a good way to actually get the whole family eating together without the chaos of the main food court crowds. (And yes—plenty of kid-friendly and allergy-aware options, noted by Allergy Eats and the GWL website directly.)
Insider Tips for Big Families at GWL Williamsburg
Plan your meals
The in-house dining is decent, especially for kids who like pizza, mac-and-cheese, and chicken nuggets. We skipped most “a la carte” food by bringing a stash of groceries for breakfasts and snacks—a suite with a fridge and microwave helps a ton. (GWL staff are totally used to seeing guests wheel in a cooler.)
BYO snacks and refillable water bottles
You’ll save a ton of money and time. The kids get hungry constantly, and I swear that pool-time hunger is next-level. The resort has water bottle filling stations and microwaves near the vending machines.
Maximize your room with multi-kid sleeping arrangements
Bring a pack-and-play for toddlers, extra pillows, and blankies if you’ve got a big crew. GWL is happy to provide extra towels if you ask at the front desk.
Check morning and bedtime activities at the front desk
There’s often free crafts, puppy shows, and dance parties scheduled. Kids’ club activities usually fill quickly, so swing by early!
Take advantage of early check-in (even if your room isn’t ready)
You can access the water park hours before actual check-in at 4 pm—just leave your bags with bell services and hit the slides! Make sure you pack the swimsuits in a go-bag.
Quick Pros & Cons
Pros
– Endless indoor kids’ activities, rain or shine
– Suites actually accommodate big families (our 8 fit easily)
– All-in-one resort—minimal driving, parking, or planning required
– Super safe, well-monitored water attractions
Cons
– Food is pricey, and quality can vary (be prepared with snacks!)
– Upsells for activities add up (watch those “paw passes”)
– Pools and slides can get crowded, especially on weekends
– No pets