Great Wolf Lodge Maryland: Unknown Tips & Hidden Secrets

If you’re planning a family getaway to Great Wolf Lodge Maryland, this is the blog you need to read first.

We just got back from a stay at the brand-new Great Wolf Lodge Perryville — and let me tell you, there’s so much more to know than what you’ll find on the website. From secret check-in perks to food hacks, money-saving packages, and the real story on what’s worth it (and what’s not), we’re sharing all the inside scoop.

PS: Want a deeper breakdown of the pricing, packages, and pro tips? We wrote an entire blog post, which you can read here.

Also, if you’re visiting during summer, you’re in for a bonus—summer camp— in season means extra free fun, like camp-themed activities, character visits, no resort fee, and family games happening daily.

Where is Great Wolf Lodge Maryland?

Address:
1240 Chesapeake Overlook Pkwy,
Perryville, MD 21903

Just off I-95 and about an hour from Baltimore and Philadelphia, it’s a convenient escape with major kid appeal.

Waterpark & Pool Hours

Before you plan your day, here are the current 2025 hours:

• Indoor Waterpark: 9 AM – 8 PM ( 10 AM to 8 PM on Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday)
• Outdoor Pool: 8 AM – 7 PM (seasonal, heated!)

✅ Wristbands are required for all water areas. Hot tubs allow kids with an adult, but only for 10 minutes. Enjoy short lines for the water slides, fewer crowds at the wave pool, and the lazy river at 10 am or after 5 pm. 

Check-In Tips: YES, You Can Arrive Early

You don’t need to wait until 4 PM to start your vacation. If the hotel is under 30% capacity and your room is ready, you can check in as early as noon. It’s not guaranteed, but worth asking.

Even if your room isn’t ready, you can still use the waterpark and enjoy all the activities as early as 11 am on check-in day, so pack your swimsuits in a separate bag and hit the fun ASAP.

Room Types + What to Know Before You Book

One of the best parts about staying at Great Wolf Lodge Maryland is that every room is designed with families in mind, but there are a few things you’ll want to know before you book.

The rooms are cute, clean, and super family-friendly, but don’t expect luxury — this place is all about fun, not frills. Still, we found a few helpful things to keep in mind that made our stay a lot smoother.

Here’s what surprised us:

• No microwave in the rooms. If you’re bringing baby bottles, leftovers, or microwave snacks, plan. There are microwaves in some common areas, but they aren’t always convenient.
• No full-length mirror. Not a dealbreaker, but worth knowing if you like to do a head-to-toe check before heading out.
• The bathroom sink is outside the bathroom. Honestly? We loved this. It made mornings a lot easier with multiple people getting ready at once.
• It gets cold at night — bring extra blankets! The provided bedding is fine, but not very warm. We brought our throw blankets for the kids and were so glad we did.

Room Types at Great Wolf Lodge Maryland

There’s something for every family size and style:

• Standard Family Suites – These come with two queen beds and a pull-out sleeper sofa. They include a mini-fridge and coffee maker, and are perfect for families who don’t need all the extras.
• Kid-Themed Suites – These are always a hit with little ones! Suites like the Wolf Den and Kid Cabin have bunk beds and fun decor. It’s a great way to give them their own space while still staying connected.
• Premium Suites – These larger suites offer more room to spread out, and some even have balconies. They’re great for multigenerational trips or larger families who want a bit more breathing room.

No matter which room you choose, you’ll still get access to the Great Wolf Lodge water park, free activities, and all the resort amenities. Just make sure to pack smart — a few small comforts from home can go a long way toward making your stay extra cozy.

Free Activities You Shouldn’t Miss

There’s a lot you can do without spending another dime.

Here are the free activities, such as character appearances and more, included with your stay:

🧘 8 AM Kids Yoga

📖 Story time with characters

🎨 Balloon animals, crafts, & button making

🕺 Dance parties & nightly shows

🐾 Animatronic Forest Friends shows

💡 Check the Great Wolf Lodge app daily for updated schedules and locations!

Passes at Great Wolf Lodge Maryland — Which One is Right for Your Family?

Great Wolf Lodge Perryville has tons of fun things to do, but figuring out which pass to choose can be overwhelming. They offer multiple activity and food bundles, and trust me, the names sound similar, but the value can be very different.

We tried them during our stay at Great Wolf Lodge Maryland, and here’s a real parent breakdown of what you get, who it’s best for, and whether it’s worth.

Pup Pass — Best for Toddlers

💵 Price: $49.99
Great for: Toddlers and preschoolers (ages 2–5)

What’s Included:

• One Build-A-Bear-style plush
• One candy cup
• One scoop of ice cream
• $5 arcade credit

What to Know:
The $5 arcade credit will maybe cover two games — maybe. We ended up spending an extra $60 on more arcade credits because, well… kids. If your little one is too young for the ropes course or MagiQuest, this is a cute and manageable bundle.

Paw Pass — Great for Younger Kids

💵 Price: $64.99
Great for: Ages 4–7 who want to feel like the “big kids”

What’s Included:

• One MagiQuest game + classic wand
• One arcade game card ($5)
• One Build-A-Bear-style plush
• One candy cup
• One scoop of ice cream

What to Know:
This is a nice step up from the Pup Pass. It gives your child their own wand for MagiQuest (even if they don’t finish the game) and still includes the plush and treats. Again, the arcade credit doesn’t go far, but this bundle adds a little adventure.

Wolf Pass — Most Activities in One Pass

💵 Price: $74.99
Great for: Ages 6+ who want to try everything

What’s Included:

• MagiQuest game + wand topper
• One round of mini golf
• One rope course climb
• One maze adventure
• One game of mini bowling
• One arcade game card ($5)
• One candy cup
• One scoop of ice cream

What to Know:
This is the best all-in-one value for activity lovers. If your kids want to try it all, the Wolf Pass is the way to go. It’s easy to complete over 2 days, and without the pass, these add-ons cost over $100 per kid.

Birthday Package — Add-On for Celebrating a Special Day

💵 Price: $39.99 (as an add-on)
Great for: Any birthday celebration while you’re there

What’s Included:

• One large helium balloon
• Door sign for the birthday child
• $10 arcade credit
• Birthday wolf ears (for the birthday kid only)

What to Know:
This isn’t a full party package — it’s more of a fun in-room surprise. You’ll still need to plan your own party meal or cake if you want a full celebration. But kids love waking up to the birthday door and balloon!

Day Pass — Water Park Only, No Overnight Stay

💵 Price:

• Full Day: ~$60/person
• Half Day: ~$48/person
  (Prices vary based on demand)

What’s Included:

• All-day access to the water park

What to Know:
Kids under 2 are FREE, and you can leave and return with your wristbands. If you’re not staying overnight at Great Wolf Lodge near MD, this is the way to go. Just plan ahead — the day passes sell out quickly during busy weekends and school breaks.

Ultimate Food & Fun Pass — Best for Larger Families or Longer Stays

Price: $350 (for a family of 4). This is a value at $549, and it is currently discounted!
Great for: Families of 4–6 staying 2+ nights

What’s Included:

• $100 dining credit
• Unlimited mini golf, mirror maze, ropes course & bowling
• Candy cups + soda sippers for each child

What to Know:
If you’re staying 2+ nights or have more than 2 kids, this is hands-down the best value. Our family completed all the other passes in about two days, but this one kept everyone happy — and fed — the entire time. Buy online before arrival to guarantee availability.

And don’t forget, Great Wolf Lodge Perryville offers military discounts and seasonal promos, so always check the site before you book.

A La Carte Pricing (If You Skip the Packages)

Here’s what each amazing attractions cost if you go pay-as-you-play:

Food at the Lodge (and Nearby)

Waterpark Food Options:

🍔 Timbers (Burgers, chicken tenders)

🍕 Hungry as a Wolf (Pizza, pasta)

🥨 Pretzelmaker – Don’t miss the breakfast sandwiches + free pretzel samples

🍦 Wood’s End Creamery – Ice cream and treats

🧃 Freshwoods Market – Grab & go drinks and snacks

Ordering Takeout? Try:

Domino’s

Five Guys

Denny’s

Parking + Extras

Parking is $19 per night, and yes, they’re cashless — all charges go to your wristband or a credit card.

Join the Great Wolf Voyage Club — It’s Free!

This is a no-brainer. The Voyage Club is their free rewards program that offers great deals.

Earn 1 point for every $10
Points = future discounts
Early check-in, birthday perks, and room upgrades as you level up

Sign up before your trip so your current stay counts toward rewards and enjoy a random discount.

Attractions at the Lodge

Here’s everything your kids will be begging to do:

• Indoor + outdoor waterpark
• MagiQuest adventure game (12 to 15 games)
• Howlers Peak ropes course (outdoor)
• Mini bowling
• Mini golf
• Moonstone mine maze
• Build-a-Bear workshop
• Arcade
• Character meet-and-greets

To truly experience it all? Plan to stay 2–3 nights or grab a Wolf Pass.

Bonus: Explore Nearby — Visit Havre de Grace!

Just 15 minutes away, this historic waterfront town is charming and worth a detour.

🎣 Walk the Promenade
🦅 Visit the Decoy Museum
🌊 Tour the Havre de Grace Maritime Museum
🏠 Explore the Concord Point Lighthouse
🍽️ Grab a bite at MacGregor’s or Market Street Brewery
🌉 Catch views of the Susquehanna River

Final Mom Tips Before You Go

Pack extra towels and blankets

Download the GWL app — it’s your trip HQ

Check the app daily for activity changes

Bring closed-toe shoes for the ropes course

Don’t skip the outdoor pool — it opens earlier and is heated!

You’ll get the most out of Great Wolf Lodge Near MD if you arrive early, grab a value pass, and stay for at least 2 days. I hope these tips will help you make the most of every moment.