Great Wolf Lodge was one of the country's first water-park resort franchises, and has a well-earned reputation for catering to kids. While not the largest of the Great Wolf resorts, the Traverse City Great Wolf Lodge is special due to its setting in one of northern Michigan's most vibrant and beautiful cities. With its north woods-themed guestrooms (choose from suites that offer kids' quarters with cabin-style bunk beds or slightly more adult layouts with lodge décor), a variety of

Great Wolf Lodge was one of the country's first water-park resort franchises, and has a well-earned reputation for catering to kids. While not the largest of the Great Wolf resorts, the Traverse City Great Wolf Lodge is special due to its setting in one of northern Michigan's most vibrant and beautiful cities. With its north woods-themed guestrooms (choose from suites that offer kids' quarters with cabin-style bunk beds or slightly more adult layouts with lodge décor), a variety of on-site activities for kids and their adult companions, and kid-oriented dining options, the family-friendliness of the resort extends past the water-park area.

The water park itself is a haven for families with kids of all ages. A four-story treehouse play area, Fort Mackenzie, provides splashy fun for kids too little to hit the big slides (and offers bigger kids—and adults—plenty of fun as well). Listen for a clanging bell—it means the 1,000-gallon water bucket on top of Fort Mackenzie is about to tip, soaking everybody in its way. Big kids usually love it, but little ones are sometimes wary—and hold on to them tight, because the water can knock them off their feet!

Tube slides like Alberta Falls mean more thrills for bigger kids and adults, and the lazy river ride (Crooked Creek), family raft ride, and activity pools offer even more options for all ages to play together. The water park is clean, well-staffed with plenty of friendly and attentive lifeguards, and generally not overcrowded, as admission is limited to hotel guests. The water's always pleasantly warm, especially in the shallow water near the little kids' areas. There are two hot tubs—one for adults only, and the other for the whole family (kids under 12 must be with a parent). At 53,000 square feet, the water park is large, but easy to manage for families with smaller children.

Great Wolf Lodge resort offers much more than just a water park. Children 12 and under can get ice-cream themed facials, pedicures and manicures at Scooops Kid Spa, or the entire family can try their hand at MagiQuest, an interactive fantasy game. The "Howl In One" mini-golf course provides outdoor fun when the weather's nice.

If you're looking for a budget-friendly vacation, opt for a suite and bring food with you: eating in the restaurants and café can really add up.