If you are like me, preparing to leave on a trip with kids is complete CHAOS. I have also found that often when we arrive at our destination, we have left a few necessities in the whirlwind to get out the door. Visiting Walmart everywhere we went, and buying duplicates of stuff we already own happens way too frequently for us. So, to prevent this from happening, I started making packing lists.

As mentioned in my previous posts, we recently visited Great Wolf Lodge. The lodge is one of our favorite places to visit, and we try to visit a couple times a year. I wanted to share a few tips on how to get the best deal, in addition to tips to make the most of your visit. I also thought my packing list might be helpful to people. So in this, my 3rd installment of my Great Wolf Lodge posts, I share my exactly that, which you can download for free and use as you like.

I print this checklist before each trip and then check it off as it’s packed. I try to catch up on laundry a few days in advance and throw things I know will need to be packed in a stack. Then I can easily access them the night before the trip when I try to pack everything. You can access the water park as soon as it opens on the day of your reservation. We try to get up early and leave (though it rarely works as planned).

Here is a link to my Great Wolf Lodge Packing checklist that can be saved to your computer and downloaded to print. I have left a few blank spaces under each section so that you may be able to write in additional things that may be specific for your family. I hope you find it helpful!

For all the things you DO need to pack at Great Wolf Lodge, there are many things you DON’T need to pack. For example, towels are provided in the waterpark, so you do not need to pack those. They keep fresh, warm towels near the door, and provide laundry baskets for you to dispose of them throughout the park. You also do not need to pack life jackets. Those are also provided in all size ranges, even down to infant. Do not bother bringing floats or pool toys. These are not allowed in the park. It can get very crowded and would be unfair to others. Do not pack big coolers. They are also not allowed in the park. We have brought large insulated lunch bags in with no problem. These are big enough that we can easily fit a few drinks and snack in it. We have even brought in stuff to make sandwiches.

Hopefully, you are able to use my tips. Perhaps you have your own already? I would love to hear them!