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Real Solutions for Real Parents by Autumn Rose Reo

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Great Wolf Lodge is REALLY Great for Grownups

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June 9, 2017 By Autumn Rose Reo 2 Comments

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Think Great Wolf Lodge is just the kiddos? Think again. From margaritas to massages, here’s 10 reasons why Great Wolf Lodge is really great for grownups.

Thanks to Great Wolf Lodge in Grapevine Texas for showing our family a howling good time!

Oh, the things we do for our kids…  

Stand in line during for hours for toys that you’ll hate later just to hear that squeal on Christmas morning. 
 
Hold them for hours even after they’ve puked up their guts all over you knowing full well you’ll get sick too just to rock them to sleep. 
 
Take off for a weekend of nonstop kid-loving waterparking, magical wands, arcade games, and more at Great Wolf Lodge. 
 
Great Wolf
 
Actually that’s what I *thought* it was gonna be like during my recent first trip to Great Wolf.
 
In the words of my husband, “we were taking one for the team.” 
 
BUT I was pleasantly wrong and very surprised.
 
No doubt there was going to be fun with a indoor and outdoor waterpark, tons of Not just because my kids were so jazzed for weeks until our trip and kept a huge smile across their face the ENTIRE time we were there, but because the “kids vacay” became one for the big kids, too. 
GreatWolfisGreatforGrownups

10 Reasons Great Wolf Lodge is Really Great for Grownups 

1. The food is REALLY good. 

You’ll find no shortage of chicken nuggets, pizza, really great mac and cheese, and hamburgers here and when you need to feed the kids that’ll work and do you well. But you’ll also find upscale cheese plates, prime rib, and salad options galore. But for those with a little more picky palates, you’ll find it at the Lodge Wood Fired Grill. Expect notable choices like Ahi Tuna, Brussel sprouts, and of course a sizzling ribeye you’ll feel like you’re dining like date night. So if you have tweens, let them head to the arcade while you get in a little dinner or round up the crew and don’t feel like you’ll need a sitter because this is one steak house that won’t flinch when you bring in all the troops. 
 
Great Wolf

2. Perfect Proximity

Want to get me to relax? Then put me in a place that I feel like my kids are safe. While you’ll still need to keep a watchout for children swimming, there’s so much comfort that kids of all ages can be happy and still in reach within a few hundred feet of each other. Even if you have kids of different ages all throughout Great Wolf, there never more a few minutes from you. That makes it a no-brainer for families looking for something to make everyone happy, especially the adults.  
 
Great Wolf

 

3. Keep Going with Caffeine

With so much to do, you’re gonna need the caffeine and they know it. You’ll find a Starbucks to get you moving and keep you going all day long! 

4. Livin’ on Island Time 

When I think of a real vacation, I envision cool cabanas, a Bahama Mama in my hand, and cool water just steps from my toes. Great Wolf has that and lot more. Keep an eye on the kids while they power away all day and you just sit in your chair thinking about how much life would be better if it were like just.like.this. everyday.
 
Great Wolf

5. Get in your own element at the Spa.

While Taylor and I had a “howling good time” with mommy and me manicures and ice cream treats at Scooops Kid Spa, head upstairs to Elements Spa if you are looking for a little less giggles and sparkles. With top of the line massages (including couples and prenatal options), facials and salon services, it’s a real adult retreat within the resort.  
 
Great Wolf

6. Take it to the the Limit.

Are you less lawnchair and more “let’s go!”? Then get going on the Howlers Peak Ropes Course. With a course for the littles and the big kids, you’ll be flying high in no time. Th.ere’s even a bungee jump on one side for those of us that really live on the edge (of parenting that is.) 


Great Wolf


7. Slowing it down with Story Time 

If you sit down to story time at your house every night you know that can be an ordeal within itself. When you’re at Great Wolf Lodge, not only do they take that work off your hands, but they will wear them babies out with appearances, pictures, and of course, stories. They’ll be so ready to go to bed so you can spend a little downtown. 

Great Wolf

8. Dancing Machine

So the storytime doesn’t work to calm down your kids? Or are you just hitting your high around 8 pm! Don’t worry the party doesn’t stop unless you want it too! The pajama party is the nightclub of my dreams. They took it back old school with a mix of now so I could shimmy and shake with glowsticks and bubbles all while wearing our yoga pants. Best of all I knew when I was done, the bed was just a few steps from moving to the Macarena.
 
Great Wolf

9. Wine Down with a Little Wine. 

This is the newest and for me one of the coolest ways to hit the hay for adults. Paired with cheese and sweets, the Wine Down Service, lets you “wine down” with four adult-themed packages like the Kids Snoring, More Pinot Noir-ing featuring chocolate truffles and Pinot Noir. And so the cubs stay asleep while you await your treat, room service will text you at the door so the knock doesn’t wake up! (DOUBLE PAW POINTS FOR THAT!) 
 
great-wolf-lodge-wine-down-img7518-760x430
 

10. Yes, because it’s REALLY FUN! 

Yep, it’s just freaking fun to get away and do something different, to let it go, and most of all, just be a bigKID.With everything you want at your fingertips, everyone in your family will have memories to last them a lifetime…or at least you head back to Great Wolf Lodge next time. 
 
Great Wolf 

Adult Places to Check Out at Great Wolf Lodge: 

Starbucks
The Lodge Wood Grill 
Elements Spa 
Howlers Peak Ropes Course
Room Service 
 
Plan your trip now to Great Wolf with the best rates available.
 
Don't miss
Best-Hotels-for-Kids-in-DFW2
 
 
 
 

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About Autumn Rose Reo

Texas blogger, TV contributor, PR pro, and mother of two (including a son with a Congenital Heart Defect) , Autumn Rose Reo is always on the search for REAL SOLUTIONS for REAL PARENTS that REALLY WORK. From parenthood, things to do, reviews, style, recipes and more, she’s always cookin’ up something fun, resourceful and good to know! She’s frequently featured on TV sharing her solutions and in her spare time, she’s helping others promote their business with her own PR shop, The Reo Agency See what she’s burning, party she is planning, or what challenge she is taking on today.

Comments

  1. Raylan Bluford says

    May 15, 2024 at 7:44 pm

    I was there like 18 times. That was the best place ever.

    Reply

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  1. Guide to Indoor Things To Do in DFW with the Kids | MamaChallenge.com says:
    October 16, 2019 at 12:10 pm

    […] If you’re in need of a staycation, this is the place to go! Plus it’s a one-stop shop with activities, restaurants, and a place to lay your head while the kids are running around with their magic wand (plus parents love it, too.)  […]

    Reply

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I put it off all day because I didn’t want to ha I put it off all day because I didn’t want to have to start the inevitable, but here we are the first #SeniorSunday for Jackson Benham Reo. (I’m so not ready.)
Doubled-down and won big! Congrats to @daynetxbbq Doubled-down and won big! Congrats to @daynetxbbq for being named #7 in @texasmonthly 2025 Top 50 BBQ! 

We’ve done our own BBQ stop shopping this last year from our own @hurtadobbq, @smokenashbbq and @225bbq in Arlington, @goldeesbbq and @panthercitybbq in Fort Worth, @zavalasbarbecue in Grand Prairie and @franklinbbq in Austin, no one can say that BBQ is BBQ. It’s as vastly different as the landscape as Texas. Now I’m off to @burntbeanco - #sequin here we come with the rest of the state!

#bbq #texasbbq
I can’t believe these are my people…my people I can’t believe these are my people…my people are supposed to be toddlers with Thomas the Train and Disney Princess backpacks! 

Goodbye 11th and 7th grade!
🚨 ACT NOW: Keep Public $$$ in Public Schools! 🚨

Click Here (takes less than one minute): 
https://www.txpta.org/take-action

Tomorrow, March 11, the Texas House Committee on Public Education will hear HB 3. Let’s make it clear: Public money demands public accountability!

Texans have rejected vouchers since 1957—yet lawmakers are once again pushing them through with SB 2 and HB 3.

💰 Vouchers drain public school resources.
📉 They don’t improve student achievement.
❌ They aren’t about "parent choice"—private schools choose their students.
🏫 Texas parents already have school choice.

Governor Abbott is making vouchers a priority, but Texans are pushing back. Lawmakers are feeling the heat from voters who refuse to let public schools be undermined.

📲 Take 1 minute to make your voice heard NOW!

📷Jackson and Taylor are 2 of the 5.5 million reasons why Texas must keep public dollars in public schools. I was a product of public schools and had an amazing experience in a rural community with some of the best teachers. Change needs to happen, but taking away resources like these from schools is not especially when they ste already underfunded and our teachers’ morale is at an all time low. Communities work better together not when you separate them further apart. 

#studentsrworthit
#txptarally25
❣️…Pressing pause (for while)… Forgot wha ❣️…Pressing pause (for while)…

Forgot what it feels like to RELAX? The Sanford House Inn & Spa is ready to help you “Leave Your Worries Behind” with packages to treat yourself (or someone else) this Valentine’s Day! 

You “Can’t Help Falling in Love” with multiple options including a Hot-Stone Massage, Facials, Spa Manicure + Pedicure, Blowouts, Foot Reflexology and even lunch (with wine!

Just take a look at my face - I was able to “turn it off” (for a little while) and when I left my dry winter skin was just glowing - plus I learned how to make it stay that way from my very  knowledgeable esthetician! 

If you haven’t tried this gem in the middle of Arlington, you’re missing out! The Spa is just part of experience with its 12-room Inn and acclaimed 506 Restaurant (don’t sleep on the brunch), @thesanfordhouse is your little piece of heaven in the middle of downtown!

Think it’s only a little dream? It will be if you don’t make an appointment or nudge your loved one this is what you NEED for Valentine’s Day! (But don’t worry you can still get a great experience anytime!)

Link is in my stories for full list of Valentine’s Day packages! 

📍506 N. Center Street, Arlington, Texas
(Less than 1 mile from @attstadium)

#valentines #dfw #ArlingtonTx #sanfordhouse
Texas Bucket List ✔️= Johnson City Lights Thi Texas Bucket List ✔️= Johnson City Lights

This is the last weekend of the “Christmas lights you can see from space” from the twinkliest town in Texas, @visitjctx!

You have until Sunday…and while you’re there you should hit up @halterranchtx, my other new favorite.

#gofredtx #fredericksburgtx @visitfredtx @visitfredericksburgtx
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@ClassicChristmas has been extended until Sunday, Jan. 5, so if you haven’t been enjoy this VIP experience with ice skating and snow tubing! 

Giveaway includes 4 Tickets to Classic Christmas + 4 Premium pass upgrades plus: 
🎟️ Exclusive Express Lane entry to popular activities 
🎟️ $10 merch credit at the Classic Christmas Gift Shop  
🎟️ Coca-Cola Beverage

To enter:   
⭐️ Like this post  
⭐️ Comment what’s your favorite Christmas song 
⭐️ Tag a friend who would love the chance to come
⭐️ Share this story as an extra chance to win!

The giveaway is open now through December 30 at 11:59 pm and you’ll have December 31 - January 5, 2025 to enjoy the fun! Winner will be contacted by DM so profile must be public.  (Giveaway is not associate with Instagram/META.) 

#classicchristmas #cocacola #Arlingtontx #ArlingtonTexas #cocacola @enchantdallas #dfw #dfwevents #mamachallenge #dfwinfluencer #dallasinfluencer
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 🎄 Tour of Trees at Trinity Falls in McKinney
 🗓️ Now through Dec. 15 (so hurry up!) 

Know what’s better than touring homes? Touring homes with beautifully decorated Christmas trees! 

@trinityfallstx has brought both worlds together by inviting the public to explore their model homes with professionally- styled trees by @absholidaydecor at the 5th Annual Tour of Trees. While you marvel at the homes and the trees, take your photos in front of the trees for a chance to win $500 Amazon gift card.  

TIP: Don’t miss the tree collaboration with #RHOD @dandrasimmons - it’s “beeutiful!” 🐝 

This event is FREE, but registration is required. (Link is in stories or DM “Tree” for the link.)

 #touroftrees #trinityfalls #trinityfallstx #mckinney #mckinneytx #mckinneytexas
WHERE TO CHRISTMAS IN DFW WITH TEENS - Dallas Zoo WHERE TO CHRISTMAS IN DFW WITH TEENS - Dallas Zoo Lights

🌲 Dallas Zoo
🗓️ Now - January 4 

Wonder what the @dallaszoo is like after dark? Once Upon a Wild Light comes alive with more than two million lights, 5:30 pm - 9 pm each night through January (so you can do this one with your family during the holiday break!) 

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And for the even bigger kids over 21, Dallas Zoo: After Dark, goes wild on Thursday, Dec. 12, 6-9 PM with eats, treats and holiday drinks,live music, and games and other ways to get you in the holiday spirit! 

 @DallasZoo @ReliantEnergy #dallas #dallasholiday #dfwevents #dallaszoolights #holidays #zoo #dallastexas #mamachallenge
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🗓️ Now through Dec. 29

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Try and vote for “Best Taco in Arlington” from 12 participants:

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🌮 The Hunter Taco at Cut & Bourbon

🌮 El Jefe at Grounds and Gold
 
🌮 Jamaican Me Crazy at M’Jays House of Smoke

🌮 Champiqueso at Papaya Mexican Grill

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🌮 He’s Just a Po Boy at R Bar and Grill 

🌮 Celestial Pork Belly Taco at Rocketbelly
 
🌮 House Special Barbacoa at Tic-Taco
 
🌮 The Chicken of Wall “Street” at TJ’s Catfish & Wings & BBQ

🌮 Baja Shrimp Taco with Mango Salsa at Tom’s Burgers & Grill
 
🌮 Wanna Taco ‘Bout It at Zack’s Bistro

We can tell you which one is our favorite, but take away all the fun to find your favorite! 

(Link to Vote in Stories!)

#ArlingtonTX #TacoTuesday #SavetheTacos
Always great to see a few guys who work together l Always great to see a few guys who work together like each other, too.

It’s even better when they’re Texas Rangers and  we’re celebrating Hall of Famer Adrían Beltré!
And just like that…11th grade and 7th grade (and And just like that…11th grade and 7th grade (and then they drove off!)
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While we experienced live music, fashion show and more as part of the opening, the cool smoke installation and the people-watching is definitely just part of the menu at Soy Cowboy you’ll have to explore. 

Food Nerd Note: SoyCowboy is on the upcoming @dfwrestaurantweek menu for just $39, so it’s a steal to take your own trip on a budget. (Make your reservation.)

Chon mean (or what we hope is Cheers in in Thai!)
NEWS ALERT: Dallas Food Nerd is now on TV! 📺 ( NEWS ALERT: Dallas Food Nerd is now on TV! 📺 
(Well today at least.)

Normally we’re always behind the smartphone camera, today we stepped out in front of the TV screen! The lovely folks at the new morning show Morning on Merit Street @morningonmeritstreet invited DFN for a little “roundtable” discussion about dining trends with our own Food Nerd @autumnreo / @mamachallenge and Bill Trevino of @craftandvinerestaurant CraftandVine along with hosts @dominiquesachse and @fanchonstinger for a little dishin’ on dining!

(If you’re able to take a look online, keep watching to see our new friend Pearl 🐶 and friends from @sweetpearlsicecream share their incredibly sweet story with @hungreehannah!) 

✔️ And just like we shared on the show, we want to know what you think! What do you think about Table Limits on reservations? Yes restaurants should have them or no way?
Round #2: Now he’s off for CIT at YMCA Camp Grad Round #2: Now he’s off for CIT at YMCA Camp Grady Spruce! It’s hard to separate them, but we’re excited he’s so happy to be ready for this adventure!
July 4th kicked a week early! 🎆 Love when the n July 4th kicked a week early! 🎆 Love when the neighborhood shines!
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