PALS is partnering with LuMind idsc to host two family weekends this fall.

Join us for an exciting Family Weekend in collaboration with LuMind IDSC! This gathering is open to all PALS participant, volunteer, and alumni families—you're welcome to come solo or as a group. While this is not an official PALS program, it’s a perfect opportunity to spend time together, share in fun activities, and meet others in our vibrant community.

Choose from two 2025 locations: Perryville, MD or Manteca, CA—both hosted at Great Wolf Lodge!
Enjoy waterpark fun, social events, and special PALS-led activities, including a Saturday afternoon program and a 21+ After-Party.

Date: Friday, September 12, 2025 - Sunday, September 14, 2025

Cost:
Friday Night - $198 per standard room
Saturday Night - $240 per standard room

Locations:
Great Wolf Lodge Perryville, MD
1240 Chesapeake Overlook Pkwy
Perryville, MD 21903

Great Wolf Lodge Manteca, CA
2500 Daniels St
Manteca, CA 95337

More on Lumind IDSC:

LuMind IDSC serves as a bridge between the Down syndrome community and the research community. Their mission is to accelerate research to increase availability of therapeutic, diagnostic, and medical care options and we empower families through education, connections, and support.

LuMind IDSC Family Weekend brings together hundreds of families at 21 waterpark locations in 18 states (plus Ontario!) to celebrate the Down syndrome community and our awesome families. Family Weekend is produced and operated by LuMind IDSC, a small non-profit organization with a national reach.

Family Weekend is a chance for people of all ages who have Down syndrome to connect with others and enjoy family activities. It’s also an opportunity to learn, develop friendships, and discover new resources for your family. At the end of Family Weekend, we hope you will leave with some new information, lots of great memories, and maybe some new contact numbers from kindred spirits you’ve met.

  • Rates for 2025 include these exclusive package benefits:

    • No Resort Fee at Great Wolf Lodge locations (a savings of $39.99 per room per night!)

    • Up to six (6) waterpark passes per room

    • No minimum night stay guarantee. Family Weekend rates are available (on a space-available basis) for three (3) days before and two (2) days after the actual event dates.

    • Complimentary parking for all overnight guests of Family Weekend.

    • Access to our Family Weekend group cabana.

    • Retail Discount of 10% at Buckhorn Exchange at Great Wolf Lodge locations.

    • Free admission to PALS Programming on Saturday afternoon and a Dance Party on Saturday Night.

    • Reduced-cost meal tickets for Saturday Night Taco Bar Dinner.

  • After submitting the Family Weekend Registration Form, you will receive an email from LuMind IDSC with information and discount codes to book your room(s) at Great Wolf Lodge.

    Additionally, you will receive information for the following:

    • Taco Bar Dinner tickets

    • T-shirt purchases

    • Registration for the free Dance Party on Saturday night

    • Volunteering with Family Weekend

  • PALS will be offering limited financial aid to make this weekend accessible to more families. If you are seeking financial assistance, please email support@palsprograms.org.

  • No, supervision is not provided by PALS. While PALS staff will be in attendance to help coordinate certain activities, this is not an official PALS program. Each individual or family is fully responsible for their own supervision, safety, and participation throughout the weekend.

  • Meals are not included in the registration, and must be purchased through Great Wolf Lodge.

    You may bring your own food, drinks, and snacks into your private room or in the water park. Outside food can not be brought into any meeting or event areas.

  • You do not have to be a guest at Great Wolf Lodge to enjoy some of the activities.

    Waterpark Day Passes are available for each location. The price of Day Passes varies by location and is not eligible for our discount.

    Note: Sometimes, the price of Day Passes is greater than that of one night’s stay.

Click here to see additional FAQs from LuMind IDSC.

More questions? Email PALS at support@palsprograms.org

 

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