{"id":610,"date":"2020-01-31T21:08:38","date_gmt":"2020-02-01T03:08:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.greatwolf.com\/blog\/?p=610"},"modified":"2022-08-12T15:06:21","modified_gmt":"2022-08-12T21:06:21","slug":"indoor-water-park-toddler-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.greatwolf.com\/blog\/indoor-water-park-toddler-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Great Wolf Travel Activities Guide for Parents of Toddlers"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Want to know what fun <a href=\"https:\/\/www.greatwolf.com\/blog\/toddler-activities-at-home\/\">things you can do with toddlers<\/a> at the water park?\u00a0 Whether it\u2019s your first trip to an indoor water park for toddlers with your first child, or your fourth trip with your fourth, the idea of traveling with a toddler is always a bit overwhelming.<\/p>\n<p>There are concerns about safety, transportation, food, and even lodging\u2014the list goes on! It\u2019s important to find a destination that will work for your kids, keep them busy, and minimize the number of tantrums.<\/p>\n<p>At Great Wolf Lodge, we guarantee we\u2019ve thought about it all. From luggage carts near the front door (we know that having a toddler means tons of stuff!) to wristbands that are also room keys (so you can\u2019t lose them), we try to make it as easy as possible for your family to travel without a hitch.<\/p>\n<p>So, whether you\u2019re in or out of the water park, there are tons of toddler-friendly activities at Great Wolf Lodge. Read our toddler amusement park guide to find out!<\/p>\n<p><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone\" src=\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/GWL_GuideforParentsWithToddlers-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"mom swimming with her toddler\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" \/><\/p>\n<p>First off, the water park. You may think the slides and tube rides are for older kids\u2014and there are certainly some that are\u2014but our water park is geared just as much toward toddlers.<\/p>\n<p>Remember how we talked about wristbands? Our Wiley the Wolf measuring sign is color-coded, and each child receives a colored wristband based on their height. (Who said safety can\u2019t be fun?!)<\/p>\n<p>The color designates which attractions they can go on, either alone or with a parent. Here are a few suggestions for toddler water slides!<\/p>\n<p>1. <strong>Fort Mackenzie:<\/strong> Picture a tree house that\u2019s also a water fort. That\u2019s what <a href=\"https:\/\/www.greatwolf.com\/georgia\/waterpark-attractions\/swim-splash-slide\/fort-mackenzie\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Fort Mackenzie<\/a>\u00a0is! Your toddler will love every level of this place\u2014and whether you admit it or not, you probably will too.<\/p>\n<p>There are interactive water toys, splash features, and even a gigantic bucket that tips every eight minutes. Hint: Wait for the bell to ring so you know when the bucket\u2019s going to tip!<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone\" src=\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/GWL_GuideforParentsWithToddlers_0003_FortMackenzie-1024x590.jpg\" alt=\"Toddler wearing a safety water vest while playing with a wheel at a water park\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" \/><\/p>\n<p>2. <strong>Cub Paw Pool:<\/strong> As the name suggests, this one\u2019s just for tykes and toddlers! There are kiddie slides and rainbow colored jet skis that\u2019ll keep them entertained for hours. And with a zero-depth entry and a mere 18-inch \u201cdeep\u201d end, you won\u2019t have to worry quite as much.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone\" src=\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/GWL_GuideforParentsWithToddlers_0000_ClubPaw-1024x590.jpg\" alt=\"Toddler playing at a water table at an indoor water park.\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" \/><\/p>\n<p>3. <strong>Crooked Creek:<\/strong> What day at the water park would be complete without a float on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.greatwolf.com\/georgia\/waterpark-attractions\/swim-splash-slide\/crooked-creek\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">lazy river<\/a>? Grab a tube with your little one and let the gentle current carry you along for as long as you\u2019d like.<\/p>\n<p>And while we\u2019re on the topic of the water park, you might be wondering about water safety. For starters, life jackets for various age ranges are provided free of charge at all Great Wolf Lodge locations.<\/p>\n<p>They\u2019re located right at each park\u2019s entrance, along with lifeguards who can help you determine the proper size and fit for your child\u2019s life jacket.<\/p>\n<p>As an alternative to the traditional life jacket, a limited number of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.puddlejumperusa.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">puddle jumper life jackets<\/a> (they provide more mobility but are still U.S. Coast Guard approved) are available.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone\" src=\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/GWL_GuideforParentsWithToddlers_0002_CrookedCreek-1024x590.jpg\" alt=\"Father and his toddler playing in a shallow pool at a water park.\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" \/><\/p>\n<p>And, of course, what would our water park be without lifeguards? At Great Wolf Lodge, the 1,000+ members of our aquatics team are highly trained, constantly moving and scanning the water.<\/p>\n<p>They can be found at just about every attraction\u2014indoors and out! And don\u2019t worry\u2014this isn\u2019t just any old summer job.<\/p>\n<p>Our lifeguards are certified by a third party, complete 24 hours of lifeguard training with us, and go through individual tests, drills, and mandatory \u201cin-service\u201d training each month.<\/p>\n<p>When your toddler is tuckered out from all the fun at the water park, there\u2019s plenty to do to unwind. We recommend taking a look at the activity schedule ahead of time so you can plan your days around your toddler\u2019s naptime! Here are some dry land toddler activities you won\u2019t want to miss.<\/p>\n<p>4. <strong>Story Time:<\/strong> If your toddler loves story time at home, they\u2019ll love it at the Lodge just as much! Story Time\u00a0is the perfect ending to your fun-filled day at the water park where your wolf pups will get to put on their favorite PJs and get cozy for a story told by our very own Ambassadors of Fun.<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Tip<\/strong>: Bring his or her favorite stuffed animal or blanket to make it all the more enjoyable.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone\" src=\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/GWL_GuideforParentsWithToddlers_0004_Story-Time-1024x590.jpg\" alt=\"2 kids wearing wolf ears while listening to stories at a Great Wolf Resort.\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" \/><\/p>\n<p>5. <strong>Wake Up with Wiley and Friends<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.psychologytoday.com\/us\/blog\/the-athletes-way\/201506\/physically-active-children-grow-be-healthier-adults\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Studies have shown<\/a> that physically active kids are more likely to be active as adults\u2014so keep those little feet moving!<\/p>\n<p>Whether it\u2019s finding your inner zen at Yoga Tails, exploring nature on a Wolf Walk, or stomping your paws at Wolfercise, we always find ways to keep your little ones active (and give you a better night\u2019s sleep when they\u2019re all tuckered out at night).<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Tip<\/strong>: Don\u2019t forget sneakers!<\/em><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone\" src=\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/GWL_GuideforParentsWithToddlers_0005_WakeupwithWiley-1024x590.jpg\" alt=\"Kids gathered around a Great Wolf kids character and staff member.\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" \/><\/p>\n<p>6. <strong>Ten Paw Alley<\/strong>: You may not think bowling is the best activity for toddlers\u2014and you\u2019d be right most of the time! But, our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.greatwolf.com\/new-england\/waterpark-attractions\/attractions\/ten-paw-alley\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">bowling alley<\/a>\u00a0is specifically made for kids!<\/p>\n<p>The lanes are shorter, the bowling balls are smaller, and there are no special shoes required (that\u2019s a win for you!).<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone\" src=\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/GWL_GuideforParentswithToddlers_TenPawAlleyV2-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"2 children high-fiving each other at the Ten Paw Alley bowling lanes at a Great Wolf Resort.\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Traveling with toddlers is no walk in the (water) park. But for every time you question your sanity (and there are many!), there\u2019s a priceless family moment to remind you why you came.<\/p>\n<p>So, don\u2019t forget to have fun yourself! It\u2019s sometimes easy to forget, but this vacation is also for you. Celebrate your parental wins with a glass of wine or a grande latte (we have those, too!).<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Want to know what fun things you can do with toddlers at the water park?\u00a0 Whether it\u2019s your first trip to an indoor water park for toddlers with your first child, or your fourth trip with your fourth, the idea of traveling with a toddler is always a bit overwhelming. There are concerns about safety, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":812,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[5,4,132,12],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-610","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-family-fun","category-family-travel-tips","category-pack-of-parents","category-your-guide-to-great-wolf"],"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/www.greatwolf.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/TWguide-1024x512-1.jpg",1024,512,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/www.greatwolf.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/TWguide-1024x512-1-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/www.greatwolf.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/TWguide-1024x512-1-300x150.jpg",300,150,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/www.greatwolf.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/TWguide-1024x512-1-768x384.jpg",768,384,true],"large":["https:\/\/www.greatwolf.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/TWguide-1024x512-1-1024x512.jpg",1024,512,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/www.greatwolf.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/TWguide-1024x512-1.jpg",1024,512,false],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/www.greatwolf.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/TWguide-1024x512-1.jpg",1024,512,false],"wpvqgr-square-answer":["https:\/\/www.greatwolf.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/TWguide-1024x512-1-300x300.jpg",300,300,true]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"Great Wolf Lodge","author_link":"https:\/\/www.greatwolf.com\/blog\/author\/admin\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"Want to know what fun things you can do with toddlers at the water park?\u00a0 Whether it\u2019s your first trip to an indoor water park for toddlers with your first child, or your fourth trip with your fourth, the idea of traveling with a toddler is always a bit overwhelming. 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