The amazing Great Wolf Lodge in now open and another tourist jewel has been added to Grapevine’s growing crown of resorts. Located directly across the street from the Gaylord Texan, Great Wolf Lodge announces itself as soon as you walk up to the main entrance. The northwoods theme begins with the large lodge poles holding up the roof to the entrance. But it is the unique ornamentation that boldly declares “We are different and proud of it.” Gynormous (my daughter’s word) wolves guard the front doors, adding an imposing element to an already impressive property.

Inside the main lobby, great wooden beams line the arched ceiling. Full-grown trees provide a backdrop for a continuation of the woods theme. Three stuffed wolves guard a huge fireplace, and large windows overlook the indoor water park.

It is the water park that drew the most interest from the guests. On the day we visited the resort, the park was packed with people enjoying the sensation of water play in a comfortable environment (while the outside temperature was below 50 degrees). We felt exactly like the proverbial “fish out of water” when we walked inside the park with our leather jackets and turtleneck sweaters, while everyone around us was in their bathing suits.

The water park is dominated by the 12-level tree house water fort, which provides an interactive water experience. There are over 60 water effects, including spray guns, fountains, valves and hoses, as well as cargo netting and suspension bridges. Every five minutes, an oversized bucket dumps between 700 and 1,000 gallons of water on unsuspecting visitors. It only takes one time standing under that deluge of water to learn when the next “dump” will be, then to stand out of the way!

The water park also features high-speed body slides, inner tube waterslides that wind in and out of the building, and a lazy river. The wave pool was a big hit, especially when the wolf howling announces that the wave machine is about to turn on!

The resort is focused on families and children – something you immediately notice in the little details (friendly wood animals adorn trash cans). There is even an animated theatrical show on the east side of the Lobby. Children of various ages were mesmerized by the story of the Indian girl and her friends, the owl, the raccoon and the squirrel.

There are several themed restaurants, including the Camp Critter Bar & Grille, that features a two-story realistic tree with a canopy of leaves and canvas-topped booths with hanging lanterns, giving guests the impression that they are dining in a northwoods forest camp, and Bear Claw Café™ ice cream shop and confectionery. The menus are “kid-friendly” and orientated to the younger guests. Food quality was good, and the service was adequate. Because we visited on opening weekend, the resort was still working the kinks out. But give them a few weeks, and it will be an amazing experience.

There are also video arcades, and a magical treasure hunt that takes kids all over the resort. The purchase of a magic wand is necessary, but that essential tool allows the kids to “discover” all the clues to the hidden treasure. We saw numerous groups of children running all over the resort, magic wands in hand, on the hunt for the next clue.

If you want to get away this weekend with your family, but not drive too far, be sure to consider Great Wolf Lodge. You are almost guaranteed to have one weekend where your kids never say, “I’m bored.” And don’t forget to pack your bathing suit!

Please visit www.greatwolf.com/Locations/Grapevine for more information, room rates and reservations.