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HIT THE SWELLS IN OUR ALL-AGES
WAVE POOL

Surf’s up! Catch a wave and splash and play as the swells sweep in from the five-foot deep end to the zero-depth-entry shallows. A favorite for kids of all ages, Slap Tail Pond will lift and carry you on the surge of the ocean’s tide.

Sensory Level & Participant Guidelines 1 = low sensory stimulation, 10 = high sensory stimulation
5
Touch
  • Splashing water, rolling waves
2
Taste
  • Low impact on this sense throughout the attraction
  • Potential to ingest water
5
Sound
  • Background noise consisting of rushing water and other guests
  • Potential for close proximity/ shared space with other
4
Smell
  • Scent of chlorine prominent 
4
Sight
  • Open waters with other swimmers
  • Can get crowded
  • Potential for water to splash in eyes

Safety Requirements

Safety Requirements
  • Guests less than 48 inches tall, weak swimmers and non-swimmers should wear a life jacket and remain in the shallow end.
  • Waves will be on and off throughout the day. A warning signal will sound prior to each wave cycle.
  • Waves may cause a strong current that can sweep you off your feet.
  • Prolonged exposure to wave action may result in fatigue.
  • Exercise caution in deep water.
  • No tubes allowed in the wave pool.
  • Running, diving, and rough play are not permitted.
  • Protective swim diapers are required for any young children, toddlers, or diaper-dependent guests.

Failure to abide by these rules may result in injury to yourself and others and could result in removal from the water park.

Slap Tail Pond HOURS
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*Hours are subject to change.
Location: Indoor Water Park

adults
family
teens
children
Ride Type Icon
Indoor
High Thrill Level Icon
High Thrill
Height Icon
Min. 48"

 MORE WATER PARK RIDES


A wide shot of the  water treehouse as water splashes down from a bucket above the jungle gym
Fort Mackenzie
Ride Type Icon Indoor
Family of four splashing water in a wave pool
Slap Tail Pond
Ride Type Icon Indoor
High Thrill Level Icon High Thrill
Height Icon Min. 48"
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Height Icon Min. 42"
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Totem Towers
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Double Whirlwind
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Great Wolf Lodge indoor water park and resort.
Test Indoor WP attraction
Ride Type Icon Indoor

day pass illustration

Come play for a day with a day pass

Come play for a day with a day pass

We offer several day passes to best fit your needs. Day passes include access to the water park, events, and more.


Frequently Asked Questions

What are the water park hours at the Great Wolf Lodge in Illinois?

For water park hours during your stay, please view our Indoor Water Park page. You can access the water park any time after opening on your arrival day and until closing time on your departure day.

How much is a water park day pass at the Great Wolf Lodge in Illinois?

You can enjoy our entire indoor water park at Great Wolf Lodge in Gurnee, IL with a Day Pass. Please see our Day Pass Page for pricing on both Half Day and Full Day Passes. Passes are free for children ages 2 and under.

What is included in a stay at Great Wolf Lodge?

Great Wolf Lodge guests have unlimited access to our 84-degree indoor water park, filled with slides, pools, and more. Guests are also invited to enjoy free daily events and activities, including dance parties, arts and crafts, and story time. Our Adventure Park is also full of attractions available at an additional cost. Parking is not included in the room rate.

Are life jackets provided?

Coast Guard approved life jackets are available on a first come, first serve basis. We strongly recommend that children under 48 inches and weak or non-swimmers wear a life jacket. Please note that inflatable toys are not allowed in the water park.

Are towels provided in the water park?

Towels are provided for your family in the water park as well as bathing towels in your suite. You may wish to bring a beach towel or cover up as we ask that the towels stay in the water park area. Towels in the water park are included but are subject to a fee if not returned.

Are lockers available in the water park?

We do have a locker room with small lockers available for your use. The lockers are rented on a daily basis for a nominal fee. Larger items, such as luggage, will need to be kept in your room or vehicle.


Slap Tail Pond

Ride Type Icon
Indoor
High Thrill Level Icon
High Thrill
Height Icon
Min. 48" inches

Feel The Surge Of The Ocean In This Friendly Wave Pool.

Surf’s up! Catch a wave and splash and play as the swells sweep in from the five-foot deep end to the zero-depth-entry shallows. Wave pools are a fun family vacation favorite for kids of all ages. The rollers flow in every five minutes to lift and transport you on the surge of the ocean’s tide.


check icon
Hours
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Cost
Included in your reservation
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Best For
adults family teens children

Other Water Park Attractions

Ride Type Icon
Indoor
High Thrill Level Icon
High Thrill
Height Icon
Min. 48" inches

Keep diving in! We have so much to offer!

Swimsuits, goggles and other swim accessories
Shopping Outlets
Shop for water park essentials, forgotten necessities, and more at our retail outlets.
Family having breakfast
Dining Options
Delight every member of your family by choosing from our various restaurants.
Family playing arcade games
Attractions
Enjoy family time together outside the waterpark at our various attractions .
Kid Cabin Suite Image with Bed, Couch and Cabin Themed Bunk Beds
At-Home Comfort
After a full day of exhilarating resort fun, relax in one of our spacious suites that is big enough for the entire family.