Water-park rules, safety and best practices at Great Wolf Lodge Colorado Springs
This guide explains water-park rules, safety and common best practices for visiting the indoor water park at Great Wolf Lodge Colorado Springs. Follow the resort’s lifeguard instructions, supervising-companion rules, flotation and diaper policies, and simple pre-visit checks to keep your family safe and avoid problems.
In this guide
Who can use the water park & access rules
Water-park access at Great Wolf Lodge Colorado Springs is reserved for registered guests and day-pass holders; day-pass reservations are required. Children age 2 and under may receive complimentary day passes.
Every stay includes water-park passes for the length of your visit. If you plan to visit only for the day, check the lodge’s policy and reserve a day pass in advance to ensure entry.
- Water park open year-round (indoor) and kept at about 84°F.
- Access limited to guests with room or day/season passes.
- Day-pass holders must follow the same safety and supervision rules as overnight guests.
| Who | Access |
|---|---|
| Registered overnight guests | Included with stay (passes for entire visit) |
| Day-pass holders | Allowed with reservation |
| Children 2 & under | Free day pass if visiting as day guest |
Supervision, lifeguards and companion rules
The indoor water park is staffed with on-duty lifeguards. Always follow an on-duty lifeguard’s instructions and posted attraction rules.
The resort requires a supervising companion to be with children in the water park. The supervising companion must be at least 14 years old (and official materials also state all children under 18 should be accompanied by an adult).
- If a posted attraction rule sets a higher minimum age for a ride, follow the posted requirement.
- Lifeguards can close attractions or remove swimmers who break rules or are unsafe.
- Keep a close eye on weaker swimmers, even in shallow areas.
| Age / Situation | Supervision requirement |
|---|---|
| Children under 18 | Should be accompanied by a supervising adult per property FAQ |
| Supervising companion | Must be at least 14 years old to supervise in water park |
| Posted ride rules | Follow posted height/age/weight requirements |
Lifejackets, flotation & prohibited items
Guests under 48 inches tall, non-swimmers, and weak swimmers are advised to wear lifejackets; the resort provides US Coast Guard–approved lifejackets for courtesy use inside the water park. Lifejackets must remain in the water park while in use and returned afterward.
Inflatable devices and personal flotation toys from outside are not allowed in the water park. This helps lifeguards maintain clear sightlines and reduces entanglement risks.
- Use only US Coast Guard–approved lifejackets supplied by the park or approved personal devices.
- No inflatable rafts, beach balls, pool noodles, or personal floatation inflatables brought from outside.
- Return lifejackets to the designated area when finished.
| Allowed | Not allowed |
|---|---|
| USCG-approved lifejackets (park-provided or approved) | Inflatable rafts or personal floatation toys |
| Standard swimwear | Inflatable arm bands or pool floats brought from home |
| Lifeguard-supervised ride devices provided by park | Glass containers, personal coolers |
Health, hygiene and diaper rules
Protective swim diapers are required for toddlers and diaper-dependent guests who use water attractions. Regular diapers are not sufficient; bring appropriate swim diapers or purchase them at on-site retail if available.
No outside food or drink is permitted in the water park, and glass containers and personal coolers are prohibited. Follow posted rules to help keep water clean and safe for all guests.
- Bring or buy protective swim diapers for young children; change diapers in designated changing areas.
- Do not bring outside food, beverages, glass containers, or personal coolers into the water park.
- If someone is ill (diarrhea, vomiting, fever), avoid using the pools and follow public-health guidance.
| Requirement | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Protective swim diapers for diaper-dependent guests | Prevents contamination of pool water |
| No outside food or drink in water park | Reduces risk of spills, trash, and contamination |
| Return towels when required | Avoids replacement fees and keeps supply available |
Before you go: packing & logistics
Bring appropriate swimwear, a cover-up or dry towel for outside the water park, and any personal items you need in the room. Water-park towels are included with a stay or day pass, but a fee may apply if towels are not returned.
Plan arrival and parking: the main check-in begins at 4:00 PM and check-out is before 11:00 AM. Self-parking and valet are available for a daily surcharge; confirm current parking fees with the front desk or reservation.
- Pack: swimsuits, swim diapers (if needed), sunscreen for outdoor areas, and a dry change of clothes.
- Bring photo ID and the credit card used at booking for check-in (primary guest must be 21+).
- Expect to pay for parking and optional cabana/cabana-like rentals if you plan to use them.
| Item | Tip |
|---|---|
| Towels | Park towels included; bring a cover-up for outside the pools |
| ID & payment | Primary guest must present photo ID and credit card at check-in |
| Swim diapers | Required for diaper-dependent guests; available at retail if you forget |
Safe behavior on slides, lazy river and wave pool
Follow posted rider rules at each slide and attraction: these include height/weight limits, single vs. double-rider instructions, and required body positions. Lifeguards enforce the posted rules for your safety.
In multi-person raft attractions and wave pools, keep arms and legs inside the raft, remain seated per instructions, and wait until lifeguards or attendants signal it is safe to go.
- Obey attendant/lifeguard start signals before launching on slides.
- One rider per lane or per raft unless signage indicates otherwise.
- Do not dive in shallow areas; enter feet first where depth is shallow.
| Attraction | Common rider guidance |
|---|---|
| Body slides & flumes | Feet-first position, obey attendant, height/weight rules |
| Raft rides (multi-rider) | Keep seated, follow raft capacity signage |
| Wave pool / lazy river | Stay clear of drains; supervise kids at all times |
If there’s an emergency or a problem
Lifeguards are the first responders inside the water park. For other emergencies, contact the 24-hour front desk or use posted emergency phones; the front desk is staffed 24 hours a day.
For lost items, guest services and the resort’s retail/guest services area handle lost-and-found items. If you need immediate help, alert a staff member or go to the front desk.
- Report injuries or safety concerns to the nearest lifeguard immediately.
- For room- or billing-related problems contact the front desk; check-in runs 4:00 PM–midnight and is staffed 24 hours.
- Keep prescription medications and an ID on hand in case you need assistance.
| Issue | Who to contact |
|---|---|
| In-water emergency | On-duty lifeguard |
| Medical assistance or urgent help | Alert staff; front desk available 24 hours |
| Lost & found or property issue | Front desk / guest services |
