Now that cold weather’s here, it’s time to pack away the swimsuits—then put them in the car and drive down to Williamsburg for a trip to Great Wolf Lodge.
Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg, like the rest of the chain of family-oriented hotels, each of which features an indoor waterpark. The indoor temperature of the park is kept around 87 degrees, so no matter what the weather is outdoors, you’re perfectly comfortable inside.
The waterpark is freakishly clean and incredibly well-staffed with lifeguards and other helpful staffers. There are plenty of tables and chairs, lockers for valuables, and free life vests for smaller children. The park features water attractions for every age—my two-year-old son had a blast on the smaller slides and in the wave pool, but was a little nervous about the large climbing structure that’s at the center of the park.
There are some really fun larger slides, including some that can take as many as four riders at a time, and a “flowrider,” where you can boogie board or even surf. It’s not the world’s biggest waterpark, but it certainly has enough fun for the entire family to wind up wet and happy.
There’s more at the Great Wolf Lodge than the park. The hotel is almost like a cruise ship that never leaves land—you really never have to leave the building to have fun. There’s an arcade of family-friendly video games, an interactive adventure called MagicQuest, and Gr8 Space, a zone especially for teens. Special activities for kids are offered throughout the day through Cub Club; you get a schedule when you check in. There are also plenty of restaurants (including a Starbucks for your morning caffeine fix) on site.
However, you certainly don’t have to stay on the property for your entire vacation. We used Great Wolf as a home base for Colonial Williamsburg, Busch Gardens, and Jamestown, all of which are easy, quick drives away.
Now, Great Wolf Lodge isn’t cheap. But when you add up what you get, you certainly see the value. Instead of just being a place to crash after a day of sightseeing, Great Wolf Lodge lets the fun continue back at the hotel.
So if you’re looking for a little getaway within an easy driving distance, Great Wolf is the place to go for a little summer fun any time of the year.
Kristen Page-Kirby
Great Wolf Lodge is a three-hour drive from Annapolis. (Tell your GPS you want to take the scenic route; it’s much prettier and more interesting—and not much longer—than the interstate.) Go to GreatWolf.com/Williamsburg for information, rates and to book your trip.