Last month the triplets celebrated a birthday. In 2017, we decided to forego a traditional birthday party and visit Great Wolf Lodge instead. This year, the triplets all unanimously agreed that they wished to do the same. No presents, no party- just an overnight stay at Great Wolf Lodge. Planning an overnight stay at Great Wolf Lodge is easier than planning and executing a birthday party for three, and my husband and I obliged. Have you ever headed to Great Wolf Lodge to celebrate a special occasion? Here’s my tips for successfully celebrating a birthday at Great Wolf Lodge.
Please note that this is not a sponsored post; it’s advice from one mom to another!
-Plan ahead. Great Wolf Lodge often offers deals for pre-planning. If you are able to plan your visit well in advance, you may be able to save. If you are not able to plan ahead, don’t worry. There are still ways that you could snag a good deal. Discount sites such as Groupon often offer Great Wolf Lodge discounted rates. Also, if you are a credit union member, check with them to see if they offer a discount code. Our credit union did, and we were able to get a great deal using their discount code.
-Determine the room type. There are several different room types. We choose the Kid Camp Suite because we have so many kids (4). The room had a queen bed, a sofa pull-out bed, a twin bed, and twin bunk beds. As a parent, I advise that you make this choice personally. The different room types come with different price tags. Once kids get a glimpse of a kiddie themed suite on a computer screen, they will beg (and possibly be disappointed) if it isn’t available or feasible budget-wise.
-Great Wolf Lodge offers a birthday party package. It is an additional cost that is dependent on the number of people included. However, it is a bit pricey. We did not purchase the Birthday Party package.
-Be sure to tell the host at check-in that you are there celebrating a birthday. The host will give the birthday kiddo special wolf ears with a birthday hat.
One reason that we choose Great Wolf Lodge is because of its convenience for winter birthday celebration. Summer birthdays are easy to plan. Simple throw some burgers on the grill and play! Winter birthdays are harder to plan with limited choices for kids. Great Wolf Lodge is a fun option to fill this gap.
Overall, we had a fun time celebrating their birthday at Great Wolf Lodge. I’m not sure yet if we will return next year. There are several additional activities- arcade, a wand game, stuffed animal center, etc- that all cost extra money. The activities can get pricey, especially for a big family, and the triplets are old enough to understand what all the additional activities are and to want them. But if you’ve never been to Great Wolf Lodge, a birthday is a good time to try it out. Be sure to check out my article Great Wolf Lodge: Save or Splurge before booking your trip!