Looking for a perfect all-in-one short and relatively budget-friendly family vacation? Great Wolf Lodge in Scottsdale, Arizona, offers everything you need for an unforgettable 2 to 3 day getaway with your kids. This resort is designed to keep the entire family entertained without needing to leave the premises. Here’s what to expect during your stay, along with nearby kosher dining options.
Great Wolf Lodge: A Family Paradise
Great Wolf Lodge
- Address: 7333 N Pima Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85258
- Google Business Link: Great Wolf Lodge Scottsdale
Great Wolf Lodge is more than just a hotel—it’s a full family adventure under one roof. The indoor water park is the main attraction, offering hours of fun for kids and adults alike. With waterslides, a wave pool, and splash zones, there’s something for everyone, no matter the age. Our kids, aged five and seven, had a blast, and even older kids up to age 12 found plenty to enjoy.
Accommodations
Every room at Great Wolf Lodge is designed with families in mind. You can choose from a variety of suite layout options, making it easy to accommodate larger families or groups. Each room comes with a small mini-fridge, perfect for storing snacks or breakfast items.
The rooms also have thoughtful amenities for kids, like low-hanging hooks and a peephole at child height on the door. For added convenience, adults receive wristbands that serve as room keys and can also be used to pay for things throughout the resort, so you can leave your wallet behind.
The Water Park
Get ready for an unforgettable experience at the massive indoor water park at Great Wolf Lodge, where the fun never stops! This water park is a dream come true for kids and adults alike, with thrilling slides that even extend outside the structure, making it one of the most exciting water parks in the area.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Big Thrills: The park features several huge water slides, including two family-sized slides that are perfect for sharing the excitement with your kids. Whether you’re racing down the slides, floating along the lazy river, or braving the wave pool, there’s something for every level of thrill-seeker. The slides are designed with families in mind, so you can go on all the rides together, ensuring everyone is part of the fun.
- Fun for All Ages: For the little ones, there’s a dedicated toddler pool area that’s gated for safety, complete with mini slides and shallow water. Younger kids will also love the interactive climbing and sliding structure, packed with water cannons, sprayers, and smaller slides that offer endless entertainment.
- Relax and Recharge: While the kids are busy splashing around, you can set yourself up on one of the many lawn chairs scattered around the park. Bring a bag with snacks, kick back, and keep an eye on the action. If you need more privacy or comfort, you can rent a cabana for the day, which provides a shaded space and extra amenities.
- Convenience and Flexibility: One of the best things about staying at Great Wolf Lodge is the flexibility they offer with water park access. You can start enjoying the water park as soon as you arrive, even before your room is ready. After checkout, you’re still welcome to spend the day in the water park, making the most of your stay. If you have valuables, rent a locker for the day, or simply store items in your car and easily access them when needed.
- Extras for Comfort: The water park also features excellent shower and dressing facilities, including a family room, making it easy to freshen up after a day of fun. Don’t forget to bring a waterproof case if you want to keep your phone with you while enjoying the attractions.
Free Activities
Great Wolf Lodge offers a variety of activities to keep your family entertained beyond the water park. The basic pass includes free activities such as:
- Story Time in the Evenings: A magical way to wind down the day with your little ones.
- Morning Yoga: A short yoga class perfect for starting the day on a calm and refreshing note.
- Coloring and Craft Activities: Held a couple of times a day, these are great for kids to express their creativity.
In addition to the included activities, you can purchase passes for other exciting adventures like the rope climbing course located at the back of the resort.
Kosher Dining Options Nearby
While Great Wolf Lodge offers plenty of fun, finding kosher food can be a challenge. Fortunately, there are excellent kosher dining options nearby in Scottsdale.
Kitchen 18
- Address: 10211 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85253
- Google Business Link: Kitchen 18
Kitchen 18 is a must-visit for kosher diners. They offer generous portions of delicious food, including a variety of Chinese dishes and more. Even if you don’t opt for the all-you-can-eat buffet (available on Sunday nights for $30 per person), you’ll still enjoy great portions and excellent value. Kitchen 18 is perfect for both lunch and dinner, making it an easy choice for your meals during your stay.
Milk & Honey at The J Jewish Center
- Address: 12701 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85254
- Google Business Link: Milk & Honey at The J
Located just 10 minutes away, Milk & Honey inside The J Jewish Center offers a variety of kosher meals, ideal for a quick bite during your trip.
Albertsons or Target for Kosher Groceries
For breakfast or snacks, you can pick up kosher items at the nearby Albertsons or Target grocery stores, just five minutes from Great Wolf Lodge.
La Bella Pizza & Bakery
- Address: 6505 N 7th St, Phoenix, AZ 85014
- Google Business Link: La Bella Pizza & Bakery
If you’re in the mood for pizza, La Bella in Phoenix is about 25 minutes away and offers tasty kosher pizza and baked goods.
Conclusion
A stay at Great Wolf Lodge in Scottsdale, Arizona, is the perfect all-in-one short family with young kids vacation. With the main attraction being the water park and great kosher restaurant options nearby.