There’s nothing quite like a winter staycation when you live in Dallas-Fort Worth. The holidays are long over, and while spring break is on the horizon, let’s be honest—your whole family probably has cabin fever. Fortunately, North Texas is home to one of the best indoor waterpark resorts around—Great Wolf Lodge. And even better, they finished a $40 million renovation in early 2025, so not only does a visit to this family-favorite destination have the thrilling water rides, lazy river, and wave pool that beckon on a chilly day, but brand-new experiences also await.
From the moment you enter the Grand Lobby, you’ll see exactly how special your time at Great Wolf Lodge will be. I took my kids last year, and even though they’re tweens and teens, excitement was evident in their eyes—exactly what the resort hopes to achieve. “One of the biggest transformations took place in the Grand Lobby, which serves as the primary location for the resort’s family entertainment offerings. The space underwent a top-to-bottom redesign and created a new storytelling experience called The Legend of Luna, which uses lighting effects, video, sound, and even a flurry of snow to truly immerse our guests in this enchanting tale,” explains a resort spokesperson.
If the kids are dying to hit the slides, it’s an easy trek from your room to the bottom level. Aside from the expanded arcade and the new-and-improved Hungry Wolf Food Hall, this is where you’ll gain access to the 84,000 square-foot waterpark. Have toddlers along on your staycation? Hit Cub Paw Pool or Whooping Hollow, where the slides are just right, and the zero-depth entry is perfect for the tiniest guests.
If you’ve got grade-schoolers, teens, or adults who can’t get enough waterslide fun, thrilling rides like Coyote Canyon, Totem Towers, Alberta Falls, and River Canyon Run will keep them busy until it’s time to relax for a few trips down the Crooked Creek or brave the waves in Slap Tail Pond.
One of the things I’ve always loved about Great Wolf Lodge is how much else there is to do aside from the waterpark. MagiQuest is just one of the incredibly popular attractions at the resort, and the interactive adventure has been revamped with a whole new challenge! The game has been shortened from its original length, giving players of all ages a chance to complete the tasks, master the runes, unlock the treasure chest, and become a Master Magi.
Other new attractions include Virtual Frontier, where families can walk with dinosaurs and participate in interactive games; the fully immersive Laser Trail game, where players find themselves in the animated world of the Great Wolf Pack; Ten Paw Alley, a mini bowling alley, and Grounds by Topgolf, a family gaming den that features the classic Topgolf virtual golf games, but also Zombie Dodgeball and Hockey Shots, all played from the comfort of relaxing Adirondack chairs and cozy couches.
You won’t go hungry at Great Wolf Lodge. The popular buffet restaurant, Timbers Table & Kitchen, on the main floor, has been renovated, and what once was an outdoor patio space has been enclosed, reducing wait time significantly. All the family-style comforting dishes are still available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Fireside Grill, a sit-down restaurant on the fourth floor, is a new addition to the Great Wolf Lodge dining options: the onion rings and steak frites are a must, and the jumbo chocolate-dipped ice cream cookie tower is hard to resist.
On the bottom level, you’ll find Pretzelmaker, Hot Dog on a Stick, FatBurger, and Wood’s End Creamery, the perfect places to find a savory snack like mini pretzel dogs and French fries or a sweet treat, whether that be a milkshake or a sundae.
Crowd-favorite attractions like Build-A-Bear and Oliver’s Mining Co. are still a big part of the resort, as are the daily activities for kids of all ages. And, if the weather is agreeable, you can hit Howlers Peak Ropes Course, which is located just outside the waterpark.
The best part about choosing Great Wolf Lodge as a winter staycation spot? It’s only a 40 minute drive from Fort Worth, so there won’t be enough time for any backseat bickering. Get more info at greatwolf.com/grapevine