12 Ways to Keep Your Kids Safe at Great Wolf Lodge

A trip to Great Wolf Lodge is packed with fun, excitement, and nonstop waterpark action—but safety should always come first! Whether your kids are tiny pups or confident teens, a few simple precautions can help ensure your family has a fun and safe adventure.

*This site contains Amazon Affiliate Links

Here are 12 ways to keep your kids safe at the waterpark (and beyond!) during your stay at Great Wolf Lodge.

1. Bring Your Own Family First Aid Kit

Great Wolf Lodge has first aid stations, but bringing your own small family kit is always a good idea. Pack waterproof bandages for minor scrapes, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers for headaches or sore muscles, allergy medication, and anything specific your family may need—like an inhaler or EpiPen. After a long day of swimming, you’ll be glad you thought ahead!

Click here and sign up for the GWL Voyager club to Save $50 off your next trip to Great Wolf Lodge!

2. Teach Kids That Lifeguards Are There to Help

The lifeguards at Great Wolf Lodge are highly trained and always watching, but it’s important your kids know they’re approachable, too. Teach them that if they ever get separated from you, they should go straight to a lifeguard or staff member for help. Also, remind them to follow lifeguard instructions at all times—they’re there to keep everyone safe!

3. Wear the Provided Life Jackets (Or Bring One from Home)

You’ll find complimentary life jackets throughout the waterpark, and they’re U.S. Coast Guard-approved. These are great for less confident swimmers or younger kids. If your child prefers their life jacket from home and is used to wearing it, bring it along! It’ll offer comfort and familiarity, especially for cautious kiddos.

4. Big Kids: Be Careful Around Little Ones

The waterpark can get busy, especially in popular spots like the wave pool and lazy river. Remind older kids to watch where they’re going, slow down, and be mindful of little swimmers. If they’re using innertubes or rafts, they should be extra cautious not to bump into others.

Click here and sign up for the GWL Voyager club to Save $50 off your next trip to Great Wolf Lodge!

5. Always Have Parental Supervision for Little Kids

Even with lifeguards on duty, there’s no substitute for parental supervision. Stay close to your little ones, especially in splash zones, pools, and wave areas. The general rule is to stay within arm’s reach for non-swimmers or kids under five.

6. Game Plan and Check-In Times for Teens (And a Family Meet-Up Spot!)

If your teens are exploring more independently, set up a game plan in advance. Agree on regular check-in times, know what areas they’ll be in, and choose a family meeting spot just in case anyone gets separated. A good landmark, like the big tipping bucket in Fort Mackenzie or near the entrance to the wave pool, works well

7. Follow the Height and Age Requirements for Slides

Each slide and attraction has posted height and age requirements for safety reasons. Make sure your kids meet these before lining up, even if they really want to try “just once.” Lifeguards will enforce the rules, but it’s helpful to avoid disappointment (and tantrums!) by explaining them ahead of time.

8. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!

Swimming, climbing, and playing can lead to dehydration—especially in warm waterparks. Bring water bottles with you, and remind everyone to take water breaks. There are drinking fountains inside, but having your own bottle makes it easy to grab a sip between slides.

Click here and sign up for the GWL Voyager club to Save $50 off your next trip to Great Wolf Lodge!

9. Take Breaks (And Watch for Fatigue)

Water fun can be exhausting! Plan to take breaks for snacks, rest, and downtime. Signs of fatigue—like crankiness, shivering, or slowed reaction times—are clues your kids may need to recharge before jumping back in.

10. Pack and Reapply Waterproof Sunscreen (For Outdoor Areas)

If you’re visiting a Great Wolf Lodge location with outdoor water areas (like Mason, Ohio or Garden Grove, California), don’t forget the sunscreen! Use waterproof formulas and reapply regularly, especially after time in the water. Indoor-only locations? You can skip this one—but it’s always good to double-check if your trip includes any outdoor fun.

11. Wear Water Shoes or Non-Slip Sandals

Pool decks and splash areas can get slippery. Water shoes or sandals with good grips can prevent slips and protect feet from hot surfaces or sharp edges. Plus, they make walking up all those slide stairs easier!

12. Teach the Waterpark Rules (And Why They Matter)

Before heading into the waterpark, go over the rules with your kids. Explain why they shouldn’t run, why it’s important to wait their turn, and why they need to listen to lifeguards. Understanding the “why” behind the rules helps them take safety more seriously—and makes it less about you being “the bad guy.”

Final Thought: Safe Kids = Happy Parents!

Taking a few extra safety steps helps you relax and enjoy the trip even more. Great Wolf Lodge is packed with fun, and knowing your kids are safe means you can all focus on making lasting family memories.

Got any tried-and-true tips for staying safe at the waterpark? Share them in the comments!

I LOVE GREAT WOLF LODGE!!

Check out Everything you could want to know about Great Wolf Lodge HERE!

Watch the videos about Great Wolf Lodge HERE!

Do you want to take you pack to Great Wolf Lodge?

Use my link and sign up for $50 off your trip to Great Wolf Lodge

Connect with Author:

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse