In this blog, we share The Ultimate Great Wolf Lodge Survival Guide for Lawyer Moms: What to Pack, Plan & Expect, featuring real-life tips from attorney, mom, and podcast host Cari B. Rincker, Esq., founder of Rincker Law, PLLC and host of The Billable Mom Podcast. With two young kids in tow, Cari has now visited two Great Wolf Lodge locations—Wisconsin Dells and Gurnee, Illinois. Cari shares her favorite must-pack items, travel hacks, and parenting tips to make your stay magical (and manageable).
Why Great Wolf Lodge Works for Working Moms
Great Wolf Lodge is a family-friendly, all-in-one vacation destination with indoor waterparks, arcades, crafts, character visits, and more—all under one roof. For busy professionals who don’t want to plan a complicated itinerary or shuttle kids all over town, it’s a self-contained escape that offers flexibility and fun for a wide range of ages.
Cari’s visits revealed just how special these resorts can be, especially for young children. Her four-year-old son loved the water slides, the characters, and the magic of the whole experience so much that he now begs to hear bedtime stories set at Great Wolf Lodge.
But there are also pitfalls. The on-site upsells, arcade temptations, and snack shop prices can easily bust your budget if you’re not prepared. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of mom-approved packing essentials, Amazon favorites, and practical travel tips to help you plan smarter.
Top 16 Amazon Must-Haves for a Great Wolf Lodge Family Trip
- Mesh Swim Bags for Each Child
Keep swimsuits, towels, goggles, and flip-flops organized. Bonus: pick a different color for each child to avoid mix-ups.
Cari recommends mesh bags from Etsy with names on them—but Amazon offers great alternatives too.
Waterpark floors can be slippery. Protect your little ones’ feet with non-slip shoes that dry quickly.
Perfect for moms who want to take photos in the waterpark or check messages without leaving their phone unattended.
Great Wolf Lodge hosts evening dance parties, often with carts of expensive bubble toys nearby. Bring your own ahead of time and avoid the meltdown.
If your kids love stuffed animals, pre-pack accessories or themed plushies. Great Wolf Lodge sells their own characters, but they can get pricey fast.
Cari recommends traveling with:
- Veggie straws
- Fruit leathers
- Deli meat and bread for DIY sandwiches
- Fresh fruit in a cooler
Tip: Rooms have refrigerators but no microwaves, so plan accordingly.
- TonieBox , Yoto Audio Players, and Tonie Character Story Cards
Perfect for calming kids down at bedtime or keeping them entertained during downtime.
Pack light activities to help kids stay occupied in the hotel room or at meals.
Cari prefers throwing on a cover-up over her swimsuit, even during winter trips. Look for lightweight and quick-drying options.
A festive and easy way to join in on the fun. Cari saw tons of families wearing them during the holidays.
Great for travel journaling, quiet moments, or decompressing after overstimulation at the arcade.
Cari always travels with her favorite supplements. These help boost energy, hydration, and immunity during family trips.
A minimalist mom essential. Keep your phone, keycard, and credit card on hand—without lugging a full purse.
Vacation = time to catch up on thoughts, planning, and personal goals. Cari recommends using your bullet journal while the kids nap or unwind.
- Kids’ Travel-Friendly Entertainment
Cari’s older child loves rocks and fossils, so they also brought a small rock tumbler and went mining for gems at the resort
A game-changer for packing sandwiches, snacks, fruit, and drinks for the room. Look for one that fits easily in the car or under the stroller and consider options with side pockets for wipes and utensils.
Real Mom Hacks from Cari Rincker’s Great Wolf Lodge Experience
Split the Room: Booking two adjoining rooms – one with bunk beds created a fun kids’ nook and gave everyone more space.
Don’t Buy Activity Packages in Advance: Cari recommends paying as you go, instead of locking into overpriced bundles.
Arcades Are Addictive: Set expectations early and know that the prize area can cause drama. Manage it with a daily token budget.
Use the App: The Great Wolf Lodge app helps you keep track of activities, order food, and check hours without standing in line.
Try the Larger Mining Bags: Great for multiple kids to share, and they come with extra goodies like fossils or shark teeth.
Opt for Pizza at the Pool: Ordering via the app from your hotel room or pool chair is efficient and kid-friendly.
Skip the Cabana (Maybe): Cabanas are more affordable in summer and more plentiful in Wisconsin Dells. But in Gurnee, IL around the holidays, they were harder to snag and more expensive.
Download Netflix in Advance: In-room TVs allowed for streaming so the family could have mini movie nights.
Wave Pool Watch-Out: Cari’s 4-year-old loved it, but her 2-year-old got overwhelmed. Gauge your child’s comfort level before diving in.
Free Wolf Ears: Yes, they’re free but only if you ask at the gift shop.
Mom-Approved Tips to Maximize the Magic
Great Wolf Lodge can be a magical vacation for toddlers and young kids if you come prepared. From navigating the arcade to packing bubble machines, mom hacks like Cari’s help reduce the chaos and amplify the joy. With locations across the country, it’s a destination many working moms turn to when they need to recharge and entertain.
Whether you’re planning your first visit or returning for round two, don’t forget to pack smart, plan ahead, and stay present. Your kids may not remember the arcade meltdown—but they will remember the dance party, the wave pool, and the stories they’ll ask you to retell over and over again.
Listen to More from The Billable Mom
For more working mom travel tips, parenting hacks, and behind-the-scenes stories, tune into The Billable Mom Podcast hosted by attorney Cari Rincker, founder of Rincker Law, PLLC. Each episode offers real conversations and practical tools to help professional mothers calm the chaos, six minutes at a time.
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