10 Best Things at Great Wolf Lodge in Bloomington

While our stay was complimentary, all opinions are my own. 

The new Great Wolf Lodge in Bloomington is just a hop, skip and a jump from my house. What this close proximity means is an ideal and easy way to have a fun staycation. I knew the water park was going to be a hit with my crew. It’s a no brainer. What I didn’t understand was all the other amazing, fun things that this specific Great Wolf Lodge has to offer. I felt like a kid myself experiencing this magical place specifically designed to maximize joy. 

Great Wolf Lodge in Bloomington, Minnesota is a destination. It’s not just a hotel. It’s not just a water park. It’s an encompassing destination of ultimate fun for kids…..and for adults who never experienced anything like this when they were kids. 

For first time visitors this experience could be overwhelming if you don’t come prepared. There is so much to see and do, it’s best to have a plan. With that mindset I’ve listed the best things at Great Wolf Lodge with corresponding information so that you can visit with a plan. Little kids will be delighted and run from one activity to the next, but with a little preparation parents can have a game plan. 

1. Wolf Pass 

The Wolf Pass is your key to ensuring your child has the time of their lives at Great Wolf Lodge. It provides all the magic and all the activities in a prepaid for pass. Kids simply wear the pass around their neck and then visit all the attractions. Attendants at each location will scratch off that particular activity. So what is all included? 

Package Includes

• One MagiQuest or ShadowQuest game
• One Compass Quest game
• Classic or color wand, standard topper or Magi belt
• One animal at Creation Station (outfit not included)
• One 12 oz. candy cup
• One pair of Great Wolf Lodge goggles
• One Glitz Glitter Tattoo
• One game at Howl at the Moon Glow Golf
• One Leather Treaty wristband
• One movie at Howly Wood XD Theater
• One game at Oliver’s Time Challenge
• One $5.00 Paw Points game card
• One game of bowling at Ten Paw Alley

As you can see from the picture above there are other passes, but I recommend the Wolf Pass as it has everything!! I’ll dive into some of the particular activities from the pass as they are what makes this place so awesome. See more details in some of the sections below! 

2. Themed Suites

It’s hard to capture a picture of an entire hotel room. But if you have more than one kid, I highly recommend getting a themed suite. There are several options available. Checkout some of the different ones here. 

We stayed in the Kids Cabin Suite and it was so stinking adorable. The kids have their own log cabin bunk bed room!! The loved it! And luckily there is a entirely separate area for adults. So the kids have their space {and TV} and the parents can have their own too! 

3. Water Park

Even if Great Wolf Lodge didn’t have all the other fun activities the water park alone would be worth it! Full of various slides, a lazy river, a tide pool, kid’s play area and much more – kids can spend all day exploring. 

My fellas favorite part was by turning the lazy river into a brother race. I tried to keep up for a while and then they just wore me out!! 

We climbed to the upper level to checkout some of the best slides and happen to see the magnificent sunset!! Nothing like a water park summer sunset with out the sunburn. 

4. Gemstone Mining Experience

As part of the Wolf Pass we visited the Gemstone Mining area. Claim your bag of sand and mine through the particles to find your treasure!! My younger two sons had never tried anything like this, they thought it was great fun! 

5. Northern Lights Arcade

An arcade is always an easy win for my crew. Claim your free tokens from the Wolf Pass and play a few games. Or purchase an individual card on your own to have even more credit at the ready for games. 

Much to his delight my youngest son won himself a souvenir ball!! 

6. Creation Station 

For kids who love to have a soft cuddly friend, Creation Station is the place to visit. Kids an select their favorite character and watch them be created right before their eyes. 

We had never experienced this sort of creation your own pal place before. I feel like it’s a must-do for any kid age 6 or younger. 

And when kids are snuggling up at night in their log cabin hangout, they can cuddle with their new soft friend! 

7. Candy Cups

It’s quite obvious whoever pulled together all the offerings at Great Wolf Lodge knew what kids want. I mean an entire wall of candy options?! This is the stuff of dreams! 

8. Howlers Peak Rope Course

 9. Food 

Another great aspect of this complex is that one need not leave the premises. There is entertainment, food and lodging all in one great place. Of course, the Mall of America is just over the interstate, so if one does want to venture forth to explore more of Minnesota it’s literally outside Great Wolf doors, but if you are a family looking for a self-contained placed to have a staycation or vacation, this location has everything you need! 

We had pizza from Hungry as a Wolf for supper one evening and the next morning we had a breakfast buffet from the main restaurant. If those two options are not your preference there is also a Dunkin’ Donuts {with coffee & donuts for breakfast} and lots of other possibilities as well. Checkout the full line up here. 

{breakfast buffet includes Eggs Benedict!}

10. Special Activities & Guest Appearances 

• Rustic Ridge Climbing Wall {we didn’t try}
• MagiQuest {get your magic wand {Wolf Pass} to help discover the treasures!} 

• Ten Paw Alley {we didn’t have a chance to play!} 
• Glitz Glitter Tattoo

My three sons were not interested in glitter tattoos, but I was!! Hahaha, how come they didn’t have places like this when I was a kid? 

• Leather Treaty Engraved Wristband  

Have you visited a Great Wolf Lodge before? Where? Have you been to this particular Bloomington location? If so, what was your favorite part? Leave a comment below with your advice and/or insight! 

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