Our Favorite Activities At Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg VA
If you’ve been following us on Instagram, YouTube, or TikTok, you probably know how much our family of eight loves exploring new spots for kid-friendly fun. We’ve rolled our double decker RV (yes, all 45 feet and two stories!) across much of the United States, but when it comes to all-in-one family resorts, Great Wolf Lodge® in Williamsburg, VA, stands out as an absolute favorite. After spending a wildly fun weekend there with our six kids (ages 5-10, including twins!), we’re excited to share our top activities, tips, and a few surprising discoveries you will want to know about before you go.
Why We Chose Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg
When you’re traveling with six young kids, the ultimate vacation spot is one that sprinkles magic across all age groups, keeps everyone busy, and also gives parents a hint of downtime. Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg checked all those boxes for us.
Not only is it a massive, weatherproof resort—housing Virginia’s biggest indoor water park—but it’s also loaded with attractions and entertainment that go far beyond just swimming. Plus, it’s right in historic Williamsburg, making it a great anchor for exploring Colonial Williamsburg and Jamestown Settlement.
The DoubleDeckerFam’s Top Activities at Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg
1. The Indoor Water Park: Adventure For All Ages
Let’s start with the main event! We’ve visited many water parks, but Great Wolf Lodge’s indoor waterpark stands out for its diversity.
- Slides for Every Size: Our older kids went wild for the Howlin’ Tornado, this giant funnel slide that basically makes you feel like you’re swirling in a tornado (we laughed so hard we forgot to be scared). The younger ones, including our five-year-old twins, stuck to the gentler slides at Cub Paw Pool and Whooping Hollow—perfect for little adventurers.
- Wave Pool: All of us (yes, even mom and dad!) loved the wave pool, where it felt like we were catching real ocean waves without leaving Virginia.
- Lazy River: Honest confession—this might be my personal favorite. After chasing the kids up and down staircases to the slides, relaxing on a tube around the Crooked Creek lazy river felt like hitting the parent jackpot.
- Tot-Time Bonus: In the early mornings, they reserve special playtimes just for little ones, so younger kids have a chance to splash before the crowds arrive. Super smart move by the staff!
Tip: We recommend getting the Wolf Pass package, which bundles several attractions and can save your family money.
2. MagiQuest: The Magical Family Adventure Game
You can’t talk about Great Wolf Lodge without mentioning MagiQuest. This interactive, resort-wide scavenger hunt is kind of like a real-life video game.
Armed with “magic” wands (which the kids got to pick out and decorate), we wandered floors and hallways, unlocking portals, opening treasure chests, and solving clues. It was amazing watching our kids work together—older ones reading clues, the littler ones waving wands with total glee.
The best part? The adventure spans multiple days and you can take breaks anytime to head back to the waterpark or grab a snack. Our tip: Don’t rush through MagiQuest; split it up over your stay so no one gets overwhelmed.
3. Story Time, Dance Parties, and Character Meet-and-Greets
Our evenings at Great Wolf Lodge became a new family tradition thanks to their Lobby Story Time. All six of our kids, pajamas on and plush wolves in hand, gathered around for interactive storytelling that was genuinely entertaining for parents too.
Afterwards, the lodge hosts a dance party in the Grand Lobby. We thought our kids were tired, until the DJ played Disney hits, and suddenly it was a dance-off among toddlers and parents alike.
And don’t miss the chance for photos with the signature Great Wolf Lodge characters—Wiley the Wolf and Violet always make an appearance. Our twins still talk about meeting them (and we have the cutest photos for our family albums and social!).
4. Northern Lights Arcade
If your kids love winning tickets and prizes, the Northern Lights Arcade is a must. While it isn’t the largest arcade we’ve found, it is packed with just enough classic and new-school games to keep the kids entertained for a solid hour or two.
To keep things fair, we set a fun family challenge: everyone could only spend what was loaded onto their individual game cards—once it was gone, it was back to exploring the lodge! This meant our crew learned a bit about budgeting…and that Dad is super competitive at skee-ball.
5. Build-A-Bear Workshop
Surprise! There’s an on-site Build-A-Bear Workshop. Not only is this a fantastic rainy day or downtime activity, but our kids loved creating their own unique wolf, bear, or dragon with a special “Great Wolf Lodge” twist. The team even let our youngest help “bring the bear to life”—the delight on his face melted our hearts.
These plushies instantly became our children’s favorite souvenirs, and they bring them along on RV trips as a reminder of their magical weekend.
6. Ropes Course and Mini Golf (Seasonal/Outdoor)
During warmer months, the Howlers Peak Ropes Course and Howl in One Mini Golf are way worth it. Our braver kiddos loved harnessing up for the ropes course—yes, even some of our five-year-olds wanted to try! It’s awesome to see them face their fears and grow in confidence. If you have a competitive streak, mini golf is a hilarious way for the whole family to bond.
7. Delicious Food Options for Every Appetite
Dining with a large family usually means some negotiations, but we were pleasantly surprised. The Loose Moose Bar & Grill buffet offered plenty of options (with allergy-friendly and picky-eater choices), plus our kids each found something they actually wanted to eat.
For poolside snacks, Buckets Incredible Craveables made grabbing burgers and fries easy. And yes, there’s a Dunkin’ Donuts, so parents can caffeinate as needed (highly recommend!).
Travel Tip: It’s okay to bring your own snacks into your hotel room. We packed some RV favorites for late-night munchies, saving time and cash. For more about family dining out and budget tips on vacation, check out The Points Guy’s great guide.
What Surprised Us Most at Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg
Beyond the expected fun, here are a couple standouts that made our trip extra special:
1. Allergy Awareness: Our daughter has a peanut allergy, and staff everywhere were not only knowledgeable but genuinely attentive. The kitchen even came out to walk us through the buffet and point out all the safe options, which we truly appreciated.
2. Accessible Fun: As a family with six kids of different ages, the resort’s layout and staff made it easy to keep track of everyone, yet still feel like you weren’t crammed into a single space. There’s plenty of seating, life jackets everywhere, and the lifeguards are highly trained (for more on water safety best practices, AAP’s guidelines).
3. Room Variety: While our “Family Suite” was plenty big for us, we met other large families who booked two adjoining rooms or a “Kid Cabin Suite.” There’s something for every crew size, even RVers like us who want a little space to spread out after months on the road.
Tips From the DoubleDeckerFam for Your Great Wolf Lodge Adventure
- Book Early: The Williamsburg location gets busy, especially during school breaks. Booking early means better rates and room choices.
- Watch for Deals: Follow Great Wolf Lodge’s social channels and check their website for seasonal specials and bundles.
- Pack Swim Gear for Everyone: Yes, even in winter! You’ll also want goggles, water shoes, and easy cover-ups.
- Bring Pajamas and Slippers: For evening events in the lobby—believe me, your kids will thank you (and you’ll feel like part of the pack).
- Set Your Budget: Between MagiQuest wands, arcade games, and Build-A-Bear, keep a handle on extras—set expectations with your kids to avoid meltdowns.
- Allow Down Time: It’s easy to try and do everything, but scheduling longing in your room for movies or quiet time makes the trip more relaxing for everyone.
Why We’ll Return: A Parent’s Perspective
We loved Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg because it truly allows us to relax and have fun with our children. Unlike some theme parks, you don’t need to stress about weather, endless lines, or driving between attractions. Every activity is steps from your room, and the atmosphere is warm, welcoming, and creative.
If you’re an RV family like us, even more reason to consider it during your travels—plenty of parking, a safe environment, and a chance to recharge before your next camping adventure. Plus, it’s a great “treat” between more rustic trips.
Final Thoughts
Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg VA easily won a spot as an Eyerly family favorite. Whether you have curious toddlers, energetic twins, or tweens who want a bit of independence, there’s truly something for everyone under one giant roof.
If you decide to check it out, let us know—tag us @