The Great Wolf Lodge is finally coming to the Central Valley.

After delaying the opening for more than a year because of COVID, the family-friendly resort in Manteca announced a June 29 grand opening date.

The 500-room, 29-acre facility is located at I-5 and Highway 120, about two hours north of Fresno. The resort is noted for its indoor water slide park, as well as the MagiQuest interactive game — a hit with children.

The city of Manteca will once again have a major waterslide park. Manteca Waterslides closed in 2004. The Great Wolf Lodge water park will feature 16 slides, pools and a lazy river.

Great Wolf Lodge also offers a ropes course, mini-golf, and bowling along with dining and entertainment events.

The resort is promoting a “sneak preview” period from June 15-28 ahead of the full opening.

Resort to Hire 500

The resort said they are looking to hire 500 employees.

Room rates can range from approximately $400-$1,100 a night, but include passes to the water park. Great Wolf Lodge is offering a 30% special for its grand opening. There are other discounts for booking 60 days in advance, AAA membership, and for first responders.

The Manteca resort will the second in California and 19th Great Wolf Lodge to open. Most are in resort towns. The other California site is in Orange County.

COVID Precautions

Great Wolf Lodge initially planned an opening last year. COVID continually pushed back starting dates.

Currently, San Joaquin County is in the red tier. If the system is still in place, the red tier would restrict amusement parks to just 15% capacity, no out-of-state guests, and no indoor dining.

The resort will require social distancing and mask wearing in most circumstances. The resort plans to clean frequently using “hospital grade” products.

Masks will not be required when dining, outdoors with distancing or actively at the water park.

Hot tubs will remain closed.