Tips for Visiting Great Wolf Lodge with Kids on the Autism Spectrum

Great Wolf Lodge Travel Guide for Parents with Kids on the Spectrum

Planning a trip to Great Wolf Lodge with a child on the autism spectrum can feel overwhelming, but with the right preparation, it can be an enjoyable experience for the whole family. The resort offers a variety of sensory-friendly resources to help make the visit more comfortable. As a mother of a child with autism, I’ve learned firsthand how small adjustments—like visiting during off-peak times and taking frequent breaks—can make a big difference. These tips will help you create a smoother, more enjoyable trip tailored to your child’s unique needs.

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Utilize Great Wolf Lodge’s Sensory Guide
Great Wolf Lodge offers a Sensory Guide to help families navigate the resort with children who have autism or sensory sensitivities. This guide rates different attractions based on sensory input levels (sound, sight, touch, and smell) to help you plan ahead. You can access the guide here: Great Wolf Lodge Sensory Guide. As a mother of a child with autism, I found this resource invaluable in preparing for our visit.

Call Ahead & Note Special Requests
Contact Guest Services before your stay to share your child’s specific needs. Great Wolf Lodge staff are often accommodating with room requests (quiet floors, early check-in), dining accommodations, and sensory-friendly considerations.

Prepare for Water Sensory Needs
The water park offers a variety of experiences—some kids love the wave pool, while others might prefer the lazy river. Bring familiar swimwear and goggles if they’re sensitive to water or chlorine. Water shoes can help with different textures underfoot.

Bring Noise-Canceling Headphones
The water park, arcade, and lobby can be loud. Pack noise-canceling headphones or earplugs to help your child cope with overwhelming sounds. My child found the noise of the water park difficult, so we took breaks in quieter areas, like the outdoor pool and hot tub, to help him reset.

Create a Visual Schedule
Preparing a visual schedule ahead of time can help reduce anxiety. Include pictures of the water park, dining areas, and activities like MagiQuest. Some kids find it reassuring to know what’s coming next. If your child likes to know what to expect ahead of time considering watching some GWL videos.

Request a Quiet Room Location
Ask for a room away from high-traffic areas like elevators, restaurants, and the arcade. Higher floors or the far end of hallways tend to be quieter, which can be a big help during downtime.

Visit During Off-Peak Times
Aim for weekdays, especially during the school year or non-holiday periods. The resort will be less crowded, making noise levels and wait times much more manageable. This strategy has worked well for my family, as my child gets overwhelmed by large crowds.

Use a Dining Plan or Pack Food
If your child has dietary restrictions or sensory sensitivities with food, look into the dining options in advance. Great Wolf Lodge allows small coolers in your room for snacks and familiar foods. Some locations have allergy-friendly options—just ask!

Bring Familiar Comfort Items
Whether it’s a favorite blanket, stuffed animal, fidget toy, or tablet, having familiar items on hand can provide comfort in a new environment.

Plan for Sensory Breaks
Build downtime into your day. Visit your room for quiet time or take a break at the outdoor areas (some locations have walking paths or quieter seating areas). Knowing we could retreat to our room whenever necessary made a big difference for my son’s comfort level

With the right strategies in place, Great Wolf Lodge can be a fantastic destination for families with children on the autism spectrum. From utilizing their Sensory Guide to planning quiet breaks and visiting during less crowded times, these small but effective steps can help ensure a positive and memorable trip. Every child is different, so being flexible and responsive to their needs will make all the difference. Happy travels!

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