The Ultimate Minnesota Staycation: Fun for Kids at Great Wolf Lodge
- Kari Lynn

- 11 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Looking for the perfect family staycation in Minnesota — a place where kids are entertained from morning to night and parents can relax without ever leaving the state? Look no further than Great Wolf Lodge Minnesota in Bloomington.
With massive indoor water parks, themed suites, daily family activities, and tons of food options, it’s one of the most exciting places in the Midwest for families to escape, even if it’s just a few hours from home.


Here’s why Great Wolf Lodge is a top Minnesota staycation destination for families with kids — no passport, no long flights, and no stress required.
🏨 What Makes Great Wolf Lodge Minnesota Special?
Located just minutes from the Mall of America, Great Wolf Lodge Minnesota combines two of the best family experiences under one roof:
A huge indoor water park (open year-round)
A full lineup of family-friendly activities
Comfortable suites designed for families
On-site dining and entertainment
It’s a true getaway that feels worlds away — even if you live right in the Twin Cities.


🌊 Indoor Water Park Fun (Rain or Snow or Sunshine)
The centerpiece of Great Wolf Lodge is its indoor water park, and it’s the main reason families choose it for a staycation.
Highlights include:
Massive water slides for all ages
Wave pools and splash areas
Lazy river floats for parents and kids
Tot-friendly play zones for little ones
Because it’s completely indoors, the weather never stops the fun. Snowstorm? Rainy day? Doesn’t matter — water adventures continue.
🐺 Activities That Go Beyond the Water Park
Great Wolf Lodge keeps kids entertained even after they dry off.
🎲 1. Kid-Friendly Games and Experiences
Northern Lights Arcade – games of all kinds
Howlers Peak Ropes Course – climb and explore
MagiQuest – a live action adventure game where kids complete quests with a magic wand
Build-A-Bear Workshop – make a memory (and a stuffed buddy!)
🎨 2.
Daily Scheduled Fun
Every day, the lodge offers activities like:
Dance parties
Story time
Character appearances
Crafts and themed events
These are perfect for kids of all ages and help make the staycation feel special.
🛏️ Family-Friendly Rooms & Suites
The lodge offers several suite types that are perfect for families of different sizes.
Examples of room options:
Family suites with extra sleeping space
Kid-themed suites with bunk beds or themed décor
Larger rooms for extended families or multi-family trips


It’s a great way to make sure everyone has space — and kids LOVE having a room that feels like part of the adventure.
🍕 On-Site Dining That’s Kid-Approved
You don’t have to leave the resort for food — there are plenty of family-friendly dining options:
Pizza and burgers
Ice cream and treats
Coffee and snacks for parents
Sit-down meals for dinner
No matter your meal plan, eating at the lodge is convenient and kid-approved.
🛍️ Bonus: Close to the Mall of America
Great Wolf Lodge is just a short walk or shuttle ride from the Mall of America, which means your staycation doesn’t have to end with the water park.
Nearby attractions include:
Nickelodeon Universe (indoor amusement park)
SEA LIFE Aquarium
Mini golf, shops, and dining
Kids’ entertainment and activities
It’s an easy way to extend the fun beyond the lodge — especially on colder or rainy days.
Here’s what makes Great Wolf Lodge one of the best family staycation places in Minnesota:
✅ Open year-round — perfect for winter breaks or summer weekends
✅ Indoor water park means weather never limits your fun
✅ Activities for all ages — toddlers to teens
✅ Close to other kid-friendly attractions
✅ Easy drive from anywhere in Minnesota
✅ Relaxing for parents & thrilling for kids
Tips to make your staycation even better:
Book in advance — weekends and holidays fill up fast
Check for package deals that include meals or activities
Pack swimsuits + extra towels
Bring waterproof socks for kids — they make waterpark days comfier
Arrive early to enjoy the water park before crowds build
If you want a stress-free, high-fun, weather-proof staycation that your kids will remember for years, Great Wolf Lodge Minnesota is hard to beat.

With thrilling water slides, daily activities, cozy family suites, and tons of entertainment!





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