What to pack for a Great Wolf Lodge Illinois trip
Pack swimsuits, waterproof sandals, and a rash guard or swim shirt for the indoor water park, plus casual clothes and layers for cooler evenings. Bring toiletries, chargers, ID and the credit card used at booking; if you have young children, pack life-jacket alternatives and any needed baby supplies because the hotel does not provide cribs or rollaway beds.
In this guide
Water-park essentials
Water park access is included with your stay and the indoor park is kept at about 84°F, so plan for repeated splash sessions. Bring at least one swimsuit per person, plus a quick-dry cover-up for walking between the room and the park.
Pack waterproof footwear with good traction for wet surfaces, goggles for kids who prefer them, and a small zip bag for wet suits or swimsuits when you leave the park.
- Swimsuit (bring spares for children)
- Waterproof sandals or water shoes
- Rash guard/swim shirt (sun-safe for outdoor pool days)
- Goggles and waterproof band for long hair
- Small waterproof bag for phone/keys
| Item | Why bring it |
|---|---|
| Life jacket (if your child needs a personal one) | The resort provides life jackets as part of the resort fee, but families sometimes prefer their own for fit |
| Waterproof phone case | Keeps electronics safe near pools and splash areas |
| Extra swimsuit | Quick-dry gear shortens downtime between park sessions |
What to pack for your room and sleeping
Rooms at Great Wolf Lodge Illinois include a range of suite types such as Grizzly Bear Suite, Deluxe Family Suite, Wolf Den Suite, and Junior Cabin Suite. Choose a suite size that matches your family's sleeping needs because the property does not provide cribs or rollaway/extra beds.
Bring small comforts from home if you or your kids have particular bedtime needs (white-noise machine, favorite pillow, nightlight). The nightly resort fee includes in-room coffee, but you should bring specialty coffee if you prefer it.
- Pajamas and a lightweight blanket or favorite pillow for kids
- Nightlight or portable white-noise machine
- In-room medicines and basic first-aid items
- Chargers, power strip, and travel adapters if needed
| Room type (examples) | Typical beds listed |
|---|---|
| Grizzly Bear Suite | 1 Double Sofa Bed, 1 King Bed and 2 Queen Beds |
| Deluxe Family Suite | 1 Double Sofa Bed and 2 Queen Beds |
| Junior Cabin Suite, Balcony/Patio | 1 Twin Sofa Bed, 1 Queen Bed and 3 Twin Beds |
Toiletries, health and baby supplies
Standard toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, sunscreen) are not guaranteed in quantities beyond typical starter amenities. Bring any prescription medication and over-the-counter remedies you expect to need.
If you’re traveling with infants or toddlers, remember diapers, wipes, formula or preferred snacks — the hotel does not supply cribs or rollaway beds, so plan room occupancy and bedding for small children in advance.
- Prescription meds and a small first-aid kit
- Sunscreen for outdoor pool days and after-park outdoor walks
- Diapers, wipes, and portable changing pad if needed
- Hand sanitizer and waterproof bandaids
| Item | Tip |
|---|---|
| Sunscreen | Apply before outdoor pool or short walks; indoor park is climate controlled |
| Extra shampoo/soap | Bring if you prefer a specific brand or larger quantities |
| Children’s flotation devices | Resort provides life jackets; personal devices are allowed if compliant |
Dining, snacks and on-site restaurants
Great Wolf Lodge Illinois has multiple on-site dining options (Barnwood, Timbers Tacos, Campfire Kitchen, Hungry As A Wolf, Freshwoods Market, Wood's End Creamery, The Watering Hole and Dunkin'). Meals are not included in the room rate, so plan meals or bring snacks if you have picky eaters.
For quick options, Freshwoods Market offers grab-and-go items; Wood's End Creamery covers desserts; and Timbers Tacos operates inside the water park during posted hours. Check venue hours on arrival because they can vary by day.
- Cash is not accepted at the property; bring a credit or debit card (some venues may accept cards only).
- If you want to eat at Campfire Kitchen for breakfast buffet, check hours with the front desk.
- Pack refillable water bottles to reduce single-use cups between water park sessions
| Venue | What it serves |
|---|---|
| Barnwood | Dinner, a la carte American menu and bar |
| Timbers Tacos | Tex-Mex inside the water park (11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.) |
| Freshwoods Market | Grab-and-go snacks and ready meals |
Practical items: documents, payment and parking
Bring a government-issued photo ID and the credit card used to book the reservation; the property may require a card for incidental charges and pre-deposits are standard. Great Wolf Lodge accepts credit cards and pre-charges the first night at booking on many reservations.
Self-parking is available on site for a nightly surcharge; check current parking fee rates with the front desk or your reservation confirmation before travel.
- Photo ID and the credit card on file for check-in
- Printed or digital reservation confirmation
- Check the nightly self-parking surcharge before arrival
- Phone numbers: resort address is 1700 Nations Dr, Gurnee, IL 60031; BookResorts agents (24/7) +1 (888) 605-1350
| Pre-arrival task | Why |
|---|---|
| Confirm parking fee | Fees can change and are applied per night |
| Confirm water park hours | Park access is included but daily hours are posted by the resort |
| Note check-in time (4:00 PM) and check-out (11:00 AM) | Early check-in/late check-out may be available on request |
Extras for kids and family entertainment
Besides the water park, Great Wolf Lodge Illinois offers arcade games, a bowling alley, ropes course and miniature golf. Pack small items for downtime like card games, travel-sized board games and portable chargers.
Bring any special costumes or character items for themed events if your family plans to participate; check the activity schedule at the front desk after arrival for daily kids’ programming and times.
- Small travel games, tablets with headphones and chargers
- Comfort items (stuffed animal, familiar blanket) for younger children
- Copies of any activity reservations or sign-up confirmations
| Activity | Bring |
|---|---|
| Arcade & bowling | Card or cashless payment method for games |
| Ropes course & mini golf | Closed-toe shoes recommended |
| Kids’ activities | Comfort items or costumes if needed |
Weather and nearby day-trip packing
Gurnee has hot summers and cold winters; pack seasonally appropriate outerwear if you plan to leave the lodge. The indoor water park runs year-round at a warm temperature, but outdoor excursions (Six Flags, Gurnee Mills, beaches) require typical outdoor-season gear.
If you plan a day trip to downtown Chicago or Lake Michigan beaches, bring comfortable closed shoes for walking and a lightweight jacket for variable weather when near the lake.
- Summer: lightweight layers, sunscreen, sunglasses
- Fall/Winter: warm coat, hat, gloves if you plan to be outdoors
- Comfortable walking shoes for outlet mall or theme-park days
| Destination | Packing note |
|---|---|
| Six Flags Great America / Hurricane Harbor | Short drive; bring sunscreen and park-appropriate footwear |
| Gurnee Mills | Bring a small tote for purchases and comfy shoes |
| Chicago day trip | Expect city walking; bring transit/parking plan |
