Stave off summer rain and sunburns with an indoor swimming, sliding and climbing adventure. The 700-room Great Wolf Lodge Maryland, which opened in late June as the chain’s largest waterpark resort, brings an Aspen-like lodge spirit to its Perryville property (compared with the more rustic, log-cabin look of its mid-Atlantic sister resort in Williamsburg).
Drop four stories before spinning down the Coyote Cannon waterslide or race your family on the toboggan-style Mountain Edge Raceway.
Otter Cave Waterworks, a water-fort tree house, includes toddler-friendly slides and toys, while the Hot Springs’ multiple alcoves are ideal for a warm soak. All are part of a 128,000-square-foot indoor water park that also offers raft rides designed for siblings and families to ride together.
The 57,000-square-foot Great Wolf Adventure Park—a dry fun zone that feels like a cruise ship on land—is where you’ll find an arcade, duckpin bowling, mini golf and a ropes course, as well as MagiQuest, a live-action journey through a fantasy forest that you navigate with a magic wand to become a “Master Magi.”
Family-friendly suites, many with design elements inspired by Great Wolf’s wolf pack stories, come in a variety of styles and configurations. Some include cozy bunk-bed rooms with character theming. Many can be connected for large families or to form multigenerational accommodations.
Visit in-house Dunkin’ Donuts for morning fuel. Other fun eateries serve pizza, salads, sandwiches, tacos, burgers, ice cream and drinks, including adult beverages. New addition Barnwood is good for a seafood and steak night with the kids. And don’t miss Story Time for a bedtime tale around the fireplace.
Rates begin at $249 per night and include waterpark admission.
Great Wolf Lodge, 1240 Chesapeake Overlook Parkway, Perryville, Maryland; 888-983-9653