Looking for the perfect family getaway packed with activities, cozy accommodations, and a massive indoor water park? Look no further than Great Wolf Lodge Poconos! Our family spent a memorable overnight trip exploring everything this popular resort has to offer—from the new Mountain Tower rooms to splashing around in the water park, enjoying allergy-friendly dining, and even going on a MagiQuest adventure. Here’s everything you need to know before you book!
Checking In: What’s the Mountain Tower Lounge?
When we arrived, we walked right past the main entrance (which looked fantastic!) because we were directed by "Willow," our Great Wolf Lodge concierge bot, to check in at the Mountain Tower Lounge. If you’re staying in the new Mountain Tower like we did, you’ll appreciate this smaller, quieter check-in area with self-service kiosks and a cozy market stocked with snacks and a Dunkin’ Donuts.
While we missed out on the hustle and bustle of the main lobby at first, we explored it later. That's where you'll find most of the restaurants, activities, and a lively atmosphere—especially during the winter holidays when we visited!
👉 Pro Tip: The Mountain Tower is a newer addition and feels a little more tucked away. It's a short walk from the main attractions but a great choice if you like a quieter environment.
Touring Our Room: Cozy Cabin Vibes
Our Mountain Tower suite had a warm, rustic design that immediately felt family-friendly. The highlight for the kids was the Kid Cabin bunk area—adorably themed with little woodland touches like paw prints on the mirror and fun camp-style posters on the walls.
The main sleeping area had a queen bed plus a pull-out sofa, making it easy for everyone to spread out. There was also a small dining nook, a mini fridge, and a coffee maker. Though there wasn't a microwave in-room, we found shared microwaves conveniently located near the ice machines.
The theming was charming overall, although in places the resort is starting to show a little wear—especially as you get closer to the main lobby—something to keep in mind if you're expecting brand-new finishes.
Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Dining at Great Wolf Lodge
As a family with gluten-free and dairy-free dietary needs, we were really impressed with how accommodating the staff were at Timber’s Table and Kitchen and Fireside.
At Timber’s Kitchen, the chef personally came out to discuss allergy-friendly options. We enjoyed grilled salmon, gluten-free pasta, fresh veggies, and dairy-free sorbet.
For breakfast at Fireside, we opted for the family-style skillet—think fluffy omelets, gluten-free pancakes (yes, dairy-free too!), and crispy potatoes.
Staff were knowledgeable, friendly, and made sure we had safe, delicious meals.
👉 Note: Fireside offers table service while Timber’s is a buffet—decide what works best for you if you’re concerned about cross-contamination.
Splash Time: Great Wolf Lodge Water Park
Of course, the real star of any Great Wolf Lodge Poconos getaway is the huge indoor water park!
From the splash pad for little ones to thrilling body slides and multi-rider raft adventures, there’s something for every age and comfort level. We especially loved:
The lazy river (watch out—this one’s splashier than most!)
The wave pool
Tons of slides (some requiring a tube you grab from the river)
A gated adults-only hot tub (though it often had kids sneaking in)
Towels and life jackets are provided, but chairs fill up fast if you arrive later in the morning. Renting a cabana might be worth it if you want guaranteed space and some extra comfort.
👉 Pro Tip: Past the noisy entrance to the water park, there are quieter family restrooms and even a water bottle filler station!
MagiQuest: A Real-Life Video Game Adventure
Another hidden gem? MagiQuest at Great Wolf Lodge!
We bought a wand and spent two hours roaming the lodge, collecting runes, battling bosses, and completing quests.
Even our initially skeptical kids agreed it felt like playing a real-life video game.
Be prepared for lots of stairs (wear comfy shoes!) and know that finishing all nine runes can take upwards of six hours. It’s a fantastic way to extend the magic outside the water park!
Nearby Dining: Our Picks for Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Options
If you want to explore local food spots outside the lodge, we highly recommend:
Zack’s Taco Shack: Fresh, flavorful tacos with gluten-free options.
The Farmhouse Cafe: Cozy country vibes and impeccable allergen awareness, perfect for a hearty brunch.
Both were less than a 20-minute drive and gave us a nice break from the resort scene.
Final Thoughts: Would We Stay Again?
Absolutely!
Between the family-friendly atmosphere, excellent food allergy accommodations, MagiQuest adventures, and of course the nonstop fun at the water park, our stay at Great Wolf Lodge Poconos created memories our family will treasure for years. If you want to see the full room tour and details, be sure to check out our YouTube video here!
