The Best Family-Friendly Halloween Event
Halloween is one of our favorite times of year, and after six visits to Great Wolf Lodge over the past 8 years, I think we know our favorite ways to celebrate it! We recently visited Great Wolf Lodge in Grapevine, Texas, during its annual Howl-O-Ween celebration, and I loved seeing how the resort transforms for fall.
What’s Great About Halloween at Great Wolf Lodge?
Between the Halloween decorations, themed activities, indoor water park and a special experience called Ghostly Globes, there was so much to enjoy without ever leaving the property.
With three kids ages 5, 8, and almost 12, I’m always looking for family getaways that offer something for everyone. Great Wolf Lodge has been a favorite of ours for years, and visiting during Howl-O-Ween always adds a whole new experience to a place we already love. You can spend the morning riding water slides, the afternoon playing MagiQuest, and the evening enjoying Halloween festivities together. And because so many seasonal activities are included with your stay, you don’t have to spend a fortune on extras to make the trip special!
If you’re considering a fall getaway to Great Wolf Lodge, I’m sharing everything you need to know about Howl-O-Ween, including the Halloween activities, what’s included with your stay, what extra costs and whether Ghostly Globes is worth booking. I’m also sharing some of our favorite experiences and tips for planning your visit with kids of different ages.
What Is Howl-O-Ween at Great Wolf Lodge?
Howl-O-Ween is Great Wolf Lodge’s annual Halloween celebration, featuring themed decorations, seasonal entertainment, games, crafts, and special family experiences. It’s designed to be fun rather than frightening, making it a great option for families who want to celebrate Halloween with younger children. And unlike a traditional Halloween event that lasts only a few hours, Howl-O-Ween takes place throughout your resort stay, so you can enjoy the festivities alongside everything else Great Wolf Lodge offers.
One of my favorite things about the celebration is that you don’t have to choose between a water park vacation and a Halloween getaway. Great Wolf Lodge combines both into one trip, with an indoor water park open year-round and seasonal events scheduled throughout the day. We loved the flexibility to swim, enjoy the resort’s attractions, and take part in Halloween activities without driving to different locations. It made our fall getaway both fun and convenient!
When Is Howl-O-Ween at Great Wolf Lodge?
For 2026, Howl-O-Ween at Great Wolf Lodge Grapevine runs from September 24 through October 31. That gives families several weeks to enjoy the festivities, including fall break when we visited and the weekends leading up to Halloween. I especially love visiting in October because it’s a fun way to make the most of the season before the holiday arrives. Most families are located within driving distance to Great Wolf Lodge, so it even makes a great fall weekend getaway!
Howl-O-Ween activities and schedules can vary by Great Wolf Lodge location, so I recommend checking the resort’s website and app before your trip. Some experiences are scheduled, while premium seasonal activities may require reservations. You can find the current details for the Grapevine location on the official Howl-O-Ween page here.
What Halloween Activities Are Included at Great Wolf Lodge?
One of the best things about Howl-O-Ween is that many of the Halloween activities are included with your overnight stay! Great Wolf Lodge offers a variety of seasonal entertainment throughout the celebration, so you can enjoy Halloween fun without purchasing an additional event ticket. I love having these activities available between trips to the water park, especially when everyone wants a break from swimming.
Trick-or-Treating at Great Wolf Lodge
What’s Halloween without a little candy?! Great Wolf Lodge offers a seasonal trick-or-treat trail where kids can collect treats as part of the Howl-O-Ween celebration. It’s a fun way to bring a traditional Halloween activity into your vacation, especially if you’re traveling before October 31.
They provide bags to trick or treat, but we packed our own buckets with us. Costumes are encouraged, but they’re not required, so children can still enjoy the festivities even if you don’t bring Halloween outfits. Another favorite for families to wear is matching Halloween pjs. Be sure to check the daily activity schedule for the times and locations of the trick-or-treat trail during your stay. Ours was 5:30-7:30pm.
Monster Bash Dance Party
If your kids love music and dancing, the Monster Bash Dance Party is another fun seasonal activity to look for! Great Wolf Lodge turns up the Halloween fun with a family-friendly dance party where costumes are welcome. It’s a great way to spend part of your evening after a day in the water park.
I especially like activities like this for younger children because they can participate without needing to meet height requirements or purchase attraction passes. And even if your older kids aren’t interested in every Halloween activity, it’s nice to have something the whole family can enjoy together. Check the resort’s schedule so you don’t miss the party during your visit! Grayson and Amelia loved dancing on our last night. It was perfect because it started after dinner. It was a fun way to get some more energy out before bedtime.
Howl-O-Ween Games and Boo Bingo
Great Wolf Lodge also offers Halloween-themed games that add a little extra fun to your stay. Activities may include Boo Bingo, Howl-O-Ween trivia and interactive games such as Pin the Wolf Ears on Mr. Bones and Feed the Monster. These are simple ways to enjoy the holiday without having to plan a separate outing or spend additional money.
I think these activities are especially appealing for younger kids who love games and participating in themed events. They’re also great options when everyone wants to take a break from the water park or spend a little time together before dinner. Since the schedule can vary, I recommend checking which games are offered during your stay.
Halloween Arts and Crafts
For kids who enjoy creating things, Howl-O-Ween crafts are another complimentary activity to look for. Great Wolf Lodge offers seasonal craft opportunities that let children get creative and make something special during their visit. I love that there are quieter activities available alongside all the excitement of the water park and arcade.
Crafts can be so helpful when you’re traveling with kids of different ages or need a little downtime during the afternoon. They’re also a fun way to bring home a small reminder of your Halloween getaway. Check the daily schedule for the available craft activities and times. We made Halloween necklaces on our last morning at 10:00am. It was the perfect way to end our trip.
Ghostly Globes at Great Wolf Lodge: Is It Worth the Money?
If there’s one experience I would recommend looking into during Howl-O-Ween, it’s Ghostly Globes! This was one of the highlights of our entire getaway, and I loved that it was something completely different from the usual Halloween activities. If you’ve ever seen those private dining globes during the winter holidays, imagine one transformed into a glowing Halloween experience with spooky decorations, music and special treats. It’s such a fun way to celebrate the season together as a family!
During our visit, we had our own private illuminated globe where we enjoyed a Halloween light show, music, family games, apple cider, hot chocolate and everything we needed to create our own spooky dessert. The globe was decorated for Halloween, and the music and glowing lights made the whole experience especially fun. After spending so much time swimming and exploring the resort, I loved having a chance to sit down together and enjoy something a little different. And with kids ages 5, 8 and almost 12, I especially appreciated finding an activity that everyone could enjoy! We enjoyed playing games together and just relaxing and having fun as a family. It was such a unique experience that I highly recommend!
What Is Included With Ghostly Globes?
At Great Wolf Lodge Grapevine, Ghostly Globes includes a private globe decorated for Halloween, an immersive light show set to seasonal music, family-friendly games and activities, apple cider and a build-your-own graveyard dessert. Each globe accommodates up to six guests, making it a great option for families or small groups. Additional food and drinks are available to purchase from the seasonal menu.
The experience is available on select dates during Howl-O-Ween and requires a separate reservation. At Grapevine, Ghostly Globes is scheduled from September 25 through October 31, 2026, with evening reservations available. I recommend booking in advance if it’s something you really want to experience because availability may be limited.
In addition to Grapevine, TX Ghostly Globes is also offered at these lodges: Pocono Mountains, PA, Perryville, MD and LaGrange, GA. Ghostly Globes are open to both overnight guests and local visitors.
Is Ghostly Globes Worth Booking?
For our family, absolutely! I thought Ghostly Globes was worth the additional cost because it gave us a special experience that we wouldn’t normally have during a regular Great Wolf Lodge visit. Between the light show, games, treats and cozy atmosphere, there were so many little details that made it memorable.
I would especially recommend it for families visiting during fall break, celebrating a birthday or planning a special Halloween getaway. If you’re trying to keep your vacation budget lower, there are still plenty of complimentary Howl-O-Ween activities to enjoy. But if you’re choosing one seasonal experience to splurge on, Ghostly Globes would be my pick!
You can find more information and reservations on the Great Wolf Lodge Grapevine Ghostly Globes page.
Is the Indoor Water Park Open During Howl-O-Ween?
Yes! One of the biggest reasons I love visiting Great Wolf Lodge during the fall is that you still get to enjoy the indoor water park. At the Grapevine location, the indoor water park is kept at a comfortable 84 degrees year-round, so you don’t have to worry about chilly October weather ruining your swimming plans. It’s such a fun combination to spend part of your day on water slides and then change into your Halloween outfits for the evening activities.
During our visit, the kids enjoyed the water park just as much as they would during any other season. With a 5-year-old, an 8-year-old and an almost-12-year-old, we appreciate having attractions for different ages and swimming abilities. Younger children can enjoy water play areas and smaller slides, while older kids can explore larger slides and family raft rides if they meet the height requirements. And the wave pool and lazy river are always fun options for spending time together!
Water park admission is included with your overnight stay, so you don’t need to purchase a separate ticket for the indoor water park. I recommend bringing swimsuits, cover-ups and a change of clothes so it’s easy to transition between swimming and the Halloween activities. And if you’re planning to spend most of the day at the water park, a private cabana can be a convenient upgrade for families who want a dedicated place to relax. They are open from 10:00am to 8:00pm.
Howl-O-Ween Eats & Drinks at Great Wolf Lodge
One of the things I love about Great Wolf Lodge is having so many dining options without ever leaving the resort! During Howl-O-Ween, families can enjoy a special limited-time menu featuring festive fall treats, seasonal drinks and delicious meals. Whether you’re grabbing a snack between water park visits or sitting down for dinner together, there’s something for everyone!
Some of the limited-time Howl-O-Ween menu items include:
- Pumpkin Pie Caramel Swirl Shake: Vanilla ice cream blended with real pumpkin pie, topped with pumpkin caramel sauce, whipped cream and nutmeg.
- Fall Funnel Cake Fries: Crispy funnel cake fries dusted with cinnamon and powdered sugar, served with pumpkin caramel dipping sauce.
- Howlin’ Wagyu Burger: Flame-grilled wagyu beef with pork belly, cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, zesty aioli and sriracha ketchup on a toasted black wolf bun.
- Worms in the Graveyard: Crushed Oreo cookies, gummy worms and sweet orange pastry cream.
- The Mac Attack Double: Two beef patties topped with American cheese, mac and cheese, crispy bacon and smoky chipotle aioli.
Other seasonal offerings include Salted Pretzel Crunch Chiller, Ranch Chicken Popcorn, Buffalo Ranch Wings, Cheesy Meatball Pizza, Classic Chicken Parmesan and Oreo Cookie Cup. Great Wolf Lodge also offers seasonal cocktails and mocktails, along with full-service dining options like salmon, steak and pasta.
I love that you can spend the day enjoying the water park, grab dinner together and head straight to the evening Howl-O-Ween activities without ever leaving the property. It makes a family getaway so much easier, especially when you’re traveling with kids of different ages!
What Else Can Kids Do at Great Wolf Lodge During Howl-O-Ween?
Even with all the seasonal activities, there’s still so much more to enjoy at Great Wolf Lodge! One of the reasons our family keeps returning is that you can fill an entire weekend with activities without leaving the resort. And during Howl-O-Ween, you get the added bonus of Halloween entertainment alongside all the usual attractions.
MagiQuest
MagiQuest is one of the most popular activities at Great Wolf Lodge, and it’s especially fun for kids who enjoy interactive adventures. Using a magic wand, children explore the resort, complete quests and discover different challenges throughout the game. It’s a great activity when everyone wants a break from swimming, and I love that kids can return to their adventure throughout their stay.
Our entire family enjoyed MagiQuest during our latest visit, and it’s one of the experiences I recommend considering if your kids are interested in games and exploring. Younger children like Grayson may need help with the quests, while older kids can enjoy working through more of the challenges by themselves. MagiQuest requires an additional purchase or an eligible activity pass, so I would compare your options before booking. Both of the girls mastered MagiQuest during our stay and became Master Magis!
Northern Lights Arcade
The arcade is another favorite activity for families visiting Great Wolf Lodge! Northern Lights Arcade offers a variety of games, making it a fun option for kids of different ages. It’s especially convenient when you want to enjoy something indoors between water park visits or after dinner. We typically did MagiQuest in the morning after breakfast, the waterpark and then the arcade, dinner and more MagiQuest. There is ALWAYS something fun to do to keep everyone entertained!
During our latest stay, we had Wolf Passes, which included select arcade games along with other attractions. I like having a pass when we know the kids want to enjoy several paid activities, but you can also purchase arcade play separately. If you’re planning a Halloween getaway, I’d make a little room in your schedule for the arcade, especially if your kids love games! Our kids are definitely arcade obsessed.
Gem Mining and Other Attractions
At Great Wolf Lodge Grapevine, families can also enjoy attractions such as gem mining, mini bowling, the ropes course and other interactive activities. These experiences are a fun addition to the water park, especially when you have children who want to try something different. Amelia and Grayson enjoyed gem mining during our visit, and I love that Great Wolf Lodge offers so many ways to keep everyone entertained.
Some attractions are included with activity passes, while others can be purchased individually. Availability and participation requirements vary, so I recommend checking the attractions at your specific location before your trip. You don’t need to do everything in one visit, but it’s nice to have options when you’re planning a 4 day trip like we did.
What Are the Best Great Wolf Lodge Upgrades During Howl-O-Ween?
One thing I’ve learned after six Great Wolf Lodge visits is that the best upgrades depend on your family’s interests and how you want to spend your time. During Howl-O-Ween, I would prioritize seasonal experiences first because they’re what make an October visit different from the rest of the year. But there are a few other upgrades worth considering if you want to make your getaway more convenient.
Ghostly Globes: This would be my first choice for a special Halloween upgrade. We loved the private globe, seasonal treats, games and light show, and I thought it added something memorable to our trip.
Private cabana: A cabana is a great option for families planning to spend a full day at the water park. During our visit, we appreciated having a comfortable space to relax and regroup between activities.
Activity passes: Great Wolf Lodge offers Pup Pass, Paw Pass and Wolf Pass options that bundle different attractions and treats. We had Wolf Passes during our latest stay, and I would compare the passes if your kids want to enjoy MagiQuest, arcade games and other paid attractions.
Premium accommodations: If you’re traveling with a larger family or staying several nights, an upgraded suite may be worth considering. We stayed in the Grizzly Bear Suite during our latest visit, and I appreciate having additional room when traveling with three kids. We had 2 bedrooms, a living area and 2 bathrooms. The 3 beds were great with a family of five.
Howl-O-Ween seasonal package: Great Wolf Lodge Grapevine also offers a seasonal add-on package with Halloween-themed keepsakes, including a mystery plush, candy and 2026 wolf ears. This is a separate optional purchase rather than a requirement for enjoying the complimentary Halloween activities. We didn’t purchase them this time, but they were so cute, and the special ears were so fun!
My biggest recommendation is to choose one or two upgrades that will make the most difference for your family. For us, Ghostly Globes was the standout seasonal experience, while the cabana and activity passes made it easier to enjoy everything else the resort offers year-round.
Is Howl-O-Ween at Great Wolf Lodge Good for Toddlers, Kids and Tweens?
I think one of the best things about Howl-O-Ween is that it appeals to a wide range of ages. With three kids who are at very different stages, we appreciate having activities that everyone can enjoy together. The Halloween celebration is family-friendly rather than focused on scary attractions, so it’s a good option for younger children who may not enjoy traditional haunted attractions.
For toddlers and preschoolers, I would focus on character experiences, Halloween crafts, themed games and the Trick-or-Treat Trail. Elementary-aged children may especially enjoy the dance party, Bingo, water park and MagiQuest. And for tweens, the larger water slides, virtual reality, laser tag and MagiQuest can help make the trip exciting even if they’re starting to outgrow some of the younger children’s activities.
Our oldest is almost 12, and I love that Great Wolf Lodge still offers plenty for her to enjoy. We can spend time together at the water park, enjoy seasonal experiences like Ghostly Globes and then let the kids choose some of their favorite activities. It’s one of the reasons I think Great Wolf Lodge works so well for families with children of different ages!
What Should You Pack for Howl-O-Ween at Great Wolf Lodge?
Packing for a Howl-O-Ween getaway is a little different from packing for a regular water park trip because you’ll want to bring everything you need for swimming along with a few Halloween extras. I recommend packing swimsuits, cover-ups, comfortable clothes, pajamas and sneakers that are easy to walk around the resort in. You’ll likely spend a lot of time going between the water park, your room and the other attractions, so comfort is definitely important!
I would also bring Halloween costumes if your kids want to participate in the themed activities. Costumes aren’t required, so there’s no need to buy anything elaborate if you’d rather keep things simple. If you’re planning to take family pictures, coordinating fall outfits or Halloween pajamas can be a fun touch, too. And don’t forget to leave a little room in your suitcase for any souvenirs or treats you bring home!
Tips for Planning a Howl-O-Ween Getaway at Great Wolf Lodge
After visiting Great Wolf Lodge several times, I’ve learned that a little planning can make your stay even more enjoyable. I recommend checking the Howl-O-Ween activity schedule as soon as you arrive so you know when the seasonal events are happening. Many activities are included with your stay, but they take place at specific times, and you don’t want to miss something your kids are excited about. The app is my favorite way to keep up with all the events and their times.
If you want to experience Ghostly Globes, I would make that reservation before your trip rather than waiting until you arrive. It’s a special seasonal experience with limited availability, so planning ahead gives you a better chance of getting the time you want. I would also compare activity passes before your visit if your children are interested in MagiQuest, the arcade and other paid attractions. This can help you decide which extras are worth purchasing and which ones you can skip.
Finally, don’t feel like you need to schedule every minute of your getaway! One of my favorite things about Great Wolf Lodge is being able to enjoy so many activities at our own pace. We love spending time at the water park, grabbing meals at the resort and exploring whatever sounds fun next. The Halloween festivities add even more to do, but you can still have a wonderful trip without participating in every event.
Final Thoughts: Is Howl-O-Ween at Great Wolf Lodge Worth It?
After six visits to Great Wolf Lodge, I love finding new reasons for our family to return, and Howl-O-Ween has become one of my favorite times to visit! There’s something so fun about celebrating Halloween while still enjoying the indoor water park, MagiQuest, arcade and everything else the resort offers. The decorations and seasonal activities make the experience different from a regular stay, and I especially appreciate that so many Halloween events are included with your reservation. It’s such a fun way to celebrate fall together without having to plan a separate activity for every part of your trip.
If you’re thinking about visiting Great Wolf Lodge during October, I definitely recommend adding Howl-O-Ween to your fall family bucket list! Whether you spend your days swimming, enjoy the complimentary Halloween festivities or splurge on a special experience like Ghostly Globes, there are so many ways to make the getaway your own. For our family, Ghostly Globes was one of the highlights of the trip, and I loved having a seasonal experience that all three kids could enjoy together. After visiting Great Wolf Lodge at different times of year and at different locations, I can confidently say Howl-O-Ween is a wonderful reason to plan a fall getaway! Have you ever visited Great Wolf Lodge during Howl-O-Ween, or would you add a Halloween water park getaway to your fall bucket list?
