Get Away

Stave off summer rain and sunburns with an indoor swimming, sliding and climbing adventure. The 700-room Great Wolf Lodge Maryland, expected to open in late June as the chain’s largest waterpark resort, brings an Aspen-like lodge spirit to its Perryville property (compared with the more rustic, log-cabin look of its mid-Atlantic sister resort in Williamsburg).

Drop four stories before spinning down the Coyote Cannon waterslide or race your family on the tobogganstyle Mountain Edge Raceway. Otter Cave Waterworks, a water-fort tree house, includes toddler-friendly slides and toys, while the Hot Springs’ multiple alcoves are ideal for a warm soak. All are part of a 128,000-squarefoot indoor water park that also offers raft rides designed for siblings and families to ride together.

The 57,000-square-foot Great Wolf Adventure Park—a dry fun zone that feels like a cruise ship on land—is where you’ll find an arcade, duckpin bowling, mini golf and a ropes course, as well as MagiQuest, a live-action journey through a fantasy forest that you navigate with a magic wand to become a “Master Magi.”

Family-friendly suites, many with design elements inspired by Great Wolf’s wolf pack stories, come in a variety of styles and configurations.

Some include cozy bunk-bed rooms with character theming. Many can be connected for large families or to form multigenerational accommodations.

Visit in-house Dunkin’ Donuts for morning fuel. Other fun eateries serve pizza, salads, sandwiches, tacos, burgers, ice cream and drinks, including adult beverages. New addition Barnwood is good for a seafood and steak night with the kids. And don’t miss Story Time for a bedtime tale around the fireplace.

Rates begin at $249 per night and include waterpark admission.

Great Wolf Lodge, 1240 Chesapeake Overlook Parkway, Perryville, Maryland; 888-983-9653, greatwolf.com/maryland

Opened in December, the Museum of Illusions Washington continues a museum concept first launched in Zagreb, Croatia, in 2015. As the 40th of its kind, the Washington, D.C., location is a playful place to test your perceptions while learning science, math and mind-bending tidbits. Hang upside down (seemingly) in a subway car, walk through the Vortex Tunnel (for those with a strong constitution) and discover what your head would look like on a platter.

Illusionistic rooms challenge your sense of size and space and “illusion experts” stationed throughout are happy to offer fun photo assists. Rounding out the offerings are a playroom with games and puzzles, and a museum shop selling take-home brain teasers.

The museum is located in CityCenterDC, an area that’s also home to cafés, restaurants and chic shops such as Chanel, Gucci and Ferragamo. Walk-ins are welcome, but to avoid a potential wait—and lines to get in each exhibit—buy tickets in advance and visit at off-peak times. Hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Tickets: $23.95 for adults; $18.95 for children 5-12; $21.95 for seniors (65+), military and students; free for children under 5.

Museum of Illusions, 927 H St. NW, Washington, D.C.; 202-993-5992, moiwashington.com

Located just blocks from Bethany’s boardwalk and shoreline, pet-friendly Hotel Bethany Beach completed a property-wide transformation in spring 2022. The redesign exudes a coastal vibe, combining sea blues, saffron and sand tones with weathered wood accents. Take a relaxing break from the sun in the lobby, appointed with wicker lounge chairs, a surfboard coffee table and handblown glass pendant lights that glisten like beach glass.

The 100 upgraded guest rooms and suites include fresh furnishings, comfortable beds (either a king or two queens) and nautical bedside lamps designed with rope, plus a sofa or cozy lounge chair, microwave, mini refrigerator and Keurig coffee maker. Suite 401 features a beach shack-inspired kids sleeping area with surfboard and wave art and a sunset wall mural.

Summer guests can enjoy locally sourced ice cream from Hopkins Farm Creamery (for sale in the hotel’s graband-go pantry); two complimentary rounds of golf at nearby Nick’s Mini Golf; and 10% off at Mickey’s Family Crabhouse (at the restaurant or via inroom dining during select hours).

Other perks include complimentary breakfast and afternoon refreshments, an outdoor pool, a fitness center and board games. Delicious cookies are served upon arrival, along with a complimentary “orange smash” cocktail for adults, courtesy of Devil’s Backbone Brewing Co.

Summer rates begin at $378 per night. See the website for pet policies.

Hotel Bethany Beach, 39642 Jefferson Bridge Road, Bethany Beach, Delaware; 302-541-9200, hotelbethanyde.com