Williamsburg attraction makes family vacation a splash

The water park at Great Wolf Lodge.

By Mark McCullough

I live in Williamsburg, and probably like other people who live in tourist towns, I initially did not think to take a family vacation at a hometown attraction, Great Wolf Lodge, but I’m sure glad I did.

The main attraction of the Great Wolf Lodge is the massive indoor water park that is always a balmy 84 degrees. Fort McKenzie is the center of it all, highlighted by a 1,000-gallon bucket that tips over every few minutes to the delight of all.  From a gentle lazy river to the howling tornado that spins you and your family through a huge funnel, the water park caters to family vacations, with activities for all ages and abilities. Recently a flowrider was added to simulate surfing and boogie boarding (make sureyour swim trunks are pulled tight).

The great thing about Great Wolf Lodge is that they have been adding on and improving since they opened. When the kids have had enough water fun, there are plenty of other things to do on this family vacation. They can hit the arcade or cub club that will be sponsored by National Geographic, allowing the little ones to participate in crafts with an educational twist. For the tweens and teenagers, Great Space is a paradise of media. A DJ controls a light show, and the walls are mounted with flatscreens showing movies. PCs are available for a quick Facebook or twitter entry, and a green screen is a hit for those who want to create their own videos. Man I tell you, these kids have it made these days!

Ice cream pedicures

Dad and son can bond in the Race Zone, where you build your own remote-controlled race car or monster truck and race on the indoor track. MagicQuest is an electronic scavenger hunt that takes the children throughout the complex gathering clues and obtaining points. The final accomplishment is slaying the dragon, and what 7-year-old boy (or 40-year-old dad) doesn’t want to do that! For the moms, there is Elements Spa, featuring Aveda products and a full spectrum of services. The little ladies can visit Scoops, a spa that features ice cream-themed manicures and pedicures.

At the end of each day, the lobby comes alive with animated creatures and characters in an animated show that delights the children, followed by story time by the fireside.

When everyone finally is worn out from all the activities, the guest rooms do not disappoint. One-third of the 405 suites are themed with names like “wolf den,” and kids camp featuring a tented area in the suite with gaming systems and bunk beds.

Related Orbitz resources:

• Family vacation
• Williamsburg hotels

Mark McCullough, father of 3 children under age 6, often reminisces about his former life as a raft guide and rock-climbing instructor. Now his outings are more subdued, like canoeing along the tidal rivers in Virginia’s historic triangle of Jamestown, Yorktown and Colonial Williamsburg.

Tagged: Family time