14 Secret Things to Know About Great Wolf Lodge Maryland

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If you’re heading to Great Wolf Lodge Maryland for the Summer Camp-In, I’ve got you covered with real-deal tips you won’t find in the welcome brochure. These are the things you only learn after visiting a few times… and now I’m spilling all the tea. From the free pretzel samples at Pretzelmaker (yep, they’ve added a new food spot!) to the no resort fee, to that magical little microwave tucked into the hallway by the ice machine. I’m sharing what I’ve learned from experience, so your trip runs smoother, feels easier, and saves you money.

Don’t worry, we’re sharing the good, the unexpected, and the “wait, what?” moments. Oh, and be sure to check out our other post: Great Wolf Lodge Maryland: Unknown Tips & Hidden Secrets for even more gems.

1. The Ultimate Food & Fun Pass SAVES YOU HUNDREDS

We got:

  • $100 dining credit
  • Unlimited bowling, ropes course, mini golf & Moonstone Mine Maze
  • Souvenir soda sippers and candy cups

We paid $350 — real value? $545+
Tip: Buy it online before arrival for the best value.

2. Free Fun You Don’t Want to Miss 

These underrated activities are FREE and worth planning around:

  • 8 – 9 AM Kids Yoga
  • Summer Camp-in Jamboree
  • Splash and Dance Pool Party
  • Adventure of the great wolf pack
  • Trailblazer Challenge
  • Character appearances and more

Check the app each morning for times & locations!

3. Want to Skip the Package and Pay À La Carte?

Here’s what you’ll spend:

  • Mini Bowling – $7.99 pp or $24.99 for 4 people
  • Mini Golf – $7.99 pp
  • Moonstone Mine Maze – $10.99 pp or $49.99 (up to 6 ppl)
  • Ropes Course – $14.99 pp
    • Must be 45”+ w/ adult, 48”+ solo
  • Magic Quest Game – $16.99 pp
  • Build-a-Bear – Avg. $25–$40

Most of these are included in the Ultimate Food & Fun Package. (They are unlimited)

4. What’s NEW at Great Wolf Lodge Maryland in 2025

PretzelMaker is here!

  • Enjoy free pretzel samples in the afternoon
  • Don’t miss the breakfast pretzel sandwiches — they sell out
  • We loved that is not overpriced 

5. The #1 Hidden Freebie

Every kid gets FREE wolf ears — but no one tells you this.
Just ask at the gift shop! They don’t advertise it, but they’re included with your stay.

Howl in One Mini Golf

6. Considering a Day Pass? Read This First 

Day Pass Cost:

  • Full Day: ~$60
  • Half Day: ~$48
  • Kids under 2 = FREE

Pro Tips:

  • You can leave and re-enter
  • Use the app for real-time schedules & park info
  • GWL is cashless — card or wristband only so be mindful

7. Don’t Skip the Outdoor Pool — Here’s Why?

  • Opens 1 hour earlier than the indoor waterpark
  • Closes 1 hour earlier — plan ahead
  • Heated water
  • Kids allowed in hot tubs (10-minute limit with an adult)
  • Go early to grab chairs!

8. Allergy Parents, Read This

Food allergies or gluten-free?

Email: food.maryland@greatwolf.com before your stay.

  • Ingredient binders at every register, so ask for one during check-in
  • Staff can prep safer meals with advance notice, so reach out via email
  • More notice = better options for your child

9. Use This or Get Overwhelmed

Download the GWL app. It’s your trip command center.

  • Track activity/show times
  • Find characters
  • Order food
  • Report problems
  •  Ditch the paper schedule

10. Is the Birthday Package Worth It?

Birthday Packages start at $39.99
Includes:

  • 1 large balloon
  • Door poster
  • $10 arcade credit

Only the birthday kid gets wolf ears — not the whole group!

11. Waterpark Pro Tips — Go at THIS Time

Best time to go? 5 PM — everyone’s at dinner = shorter lines!

Locker rental:

  • Medium – $17
  • Large – $20
  • Jumbo – $23

Towels provided — $15 charge if not returned.

12. What to Know Before Climbing Howlers Peak

Outdoor ropes course = big win for older kids!

  • Closed-toe shoes required (Crocs don’t count)
  • Must be 45”+ with adult / 48”+ solo
  • $14.99 per person
  • Opens earlier than the waterpark — check the app!

13. Where to Refill Your Souvenir Drink Cups 

Refillable cups? Here’s where to go:

Self-Serve Soda Stations:

  • Near mini golf
  • Near the rope course

Ask at:

  • Hungry as a Wolf
  • Campfire Kitchen
  • Barnwood

These come with the Ultimate Food & Fun Pass!

14. What’s the Great Wolf Voyage Club?

Voyage Membership = Free perks that add up

Earn:

  • 1 point per $10 spent
  • Perks like early check-in, birthday gifts, and room upgrades
  • Points = $$$ off future stays

 Sign up BEFORE your trip — points only apply to bookings after you join.
It’s 🆓

We hope you enjoy this list! 🙂

 

Kids, Quarantine & Me

Welcome to ‘Kids, Quarantine & Me’! I’m Yatzuri, a mom of three amazing kids living in the Washington DC area. Join us as we explore Family Cruises, Things to do with Kids, Playground Park, outdoor adventures, Getaways, and More! Because having kids is a reason to travel, not stop!

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