Property
North Woods-themed indoor waterpark resort is pulled off so well, you don’t mind the omnipresent bears, wolves and moose witnessing your family getaway.  Curious guests can join the daily naturalist led tour of the lobby who describes the animals and their habitats, not to mention a first class lesson in wolf howling.

Location
In the heart of the Poconos, great one-movie-getaway (2hrs) from NYC or Philly.

Sleeps
Variety of supercool suites featuring in-room wolf dens, tents or cabins to settle separation anxiety– you know, the worry that you’ll have to pretend to go to bed at 7:30 to fool the little ones into crashing when in the same hotel room. If suites are too pricey, even the standard “family room” includes two queens and a sitting area separated by half wall and private patio/balcony. All rooms offer convenience of fridge, microwave and coffee fixin’s, though an onsite Starbucks might hold greater appeal.

Highlights
The funnest waterpark ever –parents of tiny tots will get a huge kick out of the five waterslides that are totally safe, but thrilling starters, bigger kids can man buckets and water launchers aimed at unsuspecting passersby below a massive waterplay structure that culminates in a ginormous bucket and two decent length body slides. The biggest among the party can get top thrills with six slides for grown-ups that allow double tubes to drag the kids along for the ride. MagiQuest is an impressive magi and wizardy scavenger hunt rambling throughout the property and offers family quests where participants must work together to solve the adventure. Scoops Kid Spa and adjoining full service Elements spa for grownuppies offer mani, pedi, massage and waxing for those pre-tankini donning “oops! forgot!” moments.

Good to know
Get front row seating before the nature themed clocktower for a pj-fest pre-bedtime. After the animatronic creatures finish their musical review– scoot right over to sit in front of the massive fire to get the best seats for storytelling with Wylie the Wolf mascot and pro-actor pal. Huge collection of family/educational board games are yours for the asking to enjoy in the crafty-filled kids’ Cub Club or in your room. Best, best, best…is the family hot tub. That’s right, a hot tub safe for the kids to join in the aaaahing.

Contact
http://greatwolflodge.com/locations/poconos/index.aspx

October 28th, 2008 | by Sascha Zuger