Families Rule the Den at Great Wolf Lodge

I am about to slide down a twistingtangerine-colored tube, bathingsuit clad, looking forward to thesplash at the bottom—and it's themiddle of November in Pennsylvania.Is this some wacky dream? No, it's theindoor water park at the Great WolfLodge (800-905-WOLF; www.greatwolf.com) in the Pocono Mountains.You may ask yourself how much funan indoor water park could possiblybe, especially with a gaggle of littleones in tow. I assure you that there isplenty to keep kids of all ages safelyentertained for days.

Splish Splash

The water park is 78,000 squarefeet and includes 11 waterslides. Thestar attraction is the Hydro Plunge, afamily-friendly water rollercoaster thatpiles you into a raft with your lovedones for a thrilling dash across 727feet, up and down and all around. Getin line for this one first because there isalmost always a short wait.

The fan favorite is Coyote Cannonwith a nail-biting 40-foot plunge thatdrops you into a bowl, leaving you towhirl around until you are plunked intothe splash pool. In addition to the slides,there is also an impressive wave pool, alazy river, and a four-story interactivetree house water fort, complete with abucket that dumps about 1000 gallonsof water on unsuspecting passersby.

Beyond the wet and wild shenanigans,you will find plenty of other family-friendly activities to participatein, including Northern Lights Arcade,the Magiquest scavenger hunt, and theCub Club, in which the Ambassadorof Fun organizes arts and crafts projectsfor kids.

Something for Grownups

While the kids are off having funwith mom or dad, the other parentalunit can slip away to Elements, anAveda concept spa for a massage,facial, or other relaxation treatment.Among spas this one holds its ownwith great products and attentive service.Parents are certainly pampered inthis plush little retreat.

The food at the resort found atCamp Critter Bar and Grille and theBear Claw Café is very kid-focusedoffering favorites such as macaroni andcheese and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches,with a salad bar for those interestedin finding the four food groups.

Because the menus are all buffet styleon Saturday, you may want to venturebeyond the resort to try a local new hotspot, Pangea (570-629-0250; www.poconospangea.com), which offers afusion of various world cuisines withoutmuddling the palate. And if you havetime and money in your pocket, theCrossings outlet mall is just a stone'sthrow from the lodge and offers somehigh-end shops and plenty of bargains.So much to do, so little time.