Get Ready To Splash This Summer At Illinois Water Parks

ACROSS ILLINOIS — Take heart, Illinois: Warm weather is on the way. After a winter of being cooped up inside, Illinois's water parks beckon. Whether you’re looking to escape for a day or make an overnight or weekend out of it, there are many awesome indoor and outdoor water parks in the Chicago area and beyond.

Most outdoor parks open Memorial Day weekend, or in early June, and run through late August or until Labor Day weekend. Some facilities require reservations and may exercise capacity limits.

Worker shortages may also force some facilities to temporarily close for a day or two, so call ahead first. If you're looking for a job, many are still hiring summer help.

COOK COUNTY

Mystic Waters Aquatic Center
2025 Miner Street, Des Plaines
Opens: June 3
Type: Park district
Details: Tall slides, drop slides, leisure pool, water features, cafe
Admission until 6 p.m.: $19 adult non-resident, $15 adult resident; $17 seniors/youth 17 and under/non-resident, $12.50/resident; Twilight admission after 6 p.m. (subject to current capacity): $16.50 adult/non-resident, $12.50 non-resident; $11.25 seniors (60+) and youth (17 and under) $16.50/non-resident , $12.50/resident
Regular season: June 3 to Aug. 13; Sunday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., until 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Post-season: Aug. 19 to Aug. 20, noon to 7 p.m.
Special hours: July 4, noon to 7 p.m.
Call ahead to make sure the pool is open or check the app.

Family Aquatic Center at Heritage Park
105 Community Blvd., Wheeling
Opens: May 29
Type: Park district
Details: Details: Water playground with large tipping bucket, tube and body slides, two drop Pool with splash pad area, water slides, diving boards, two drop slides, zero-depth main pool, splash pool, toddler slide, sand play area, sand volleyball, picnic area, lap lanes, snack bar, locker rooms.
Admission: $10 adult residents/$13 for non-residents; $8 for senior (62+) residents/$9 NR; Free for children 2 and under.
Pre-season hours: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., May 27 to May 29
Regular season hours: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, June 3 to Aug. 13
Holiday hours: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. May 29; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. July 4; and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 4.
Post season: Saturdays and Sundays only, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Aug. 19-Aug. 20, Aug. 26-Aug. 27, and Sept. 2 to Sept. 3.
Twilight admission (4 p.m. to close): $7 individual age 3+.

White Water Canyon
8221 W. 171st St., Tinley Park
Opens: June 3
Type: Park district
Details: 5 acres of swimming and splashing fun for the whole family, featuring water slides, lazy river, diving board, concessions.
Admission: Residents $10 ($5 after 5 p.m.); $5 after 4 p.m. starting Aug. 15; non-resident $20 all day.
Regular season hours: Noon to 8 p.m. daily, June 3 through Aug. 13
‘Special event hours’: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. June 25, July 4, July 16 and August 6
Post-season hours: Aug. 14 to Sept. 4; Friday, 4 to 7 p.m.; Saturday, Sunday and Labor Day, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Centennial Outdoor Aquatic Center
16028 127th St., Lemont
Opens: June 2 (season pass holders), June 3 general public
Type: Park district
Details: Slide, diving board, 6-lane, 25- meter pool. Leisure pool with zero-depth entry and some play pieces.
Admission: $7/resident, $14/non-resident. Children 2 and under free. Season passes available.
Regular Season Hours: 9 to 11 a.m. daily (pass holders with children 11 and under); noon to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday; until 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, June 3 to Aug. 13. Daily pool hours may be adjusted and or sections of the facility may be closed due to inclement weather, attendance or staffing.

Rainbow Falls Water Park
200 Rev Morrison Blvd, Elk Grove Village
Opens: June 3
Type: Park district
Details: Swim-season attraction with a tropical theme & numerous pools & rides including a huge 4-way slide.
Admission: $12/residents/$18 for non-residents; free for tots under 24 months; seniors (65+), $9 resident/$13 non-resident.
Hours: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, 11:30 to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, June 3 through Aug. 13.
Post season: 11:30 a.m. 5:30 p.m., weekends only starting Aug. 19 and Aug. 20; Aug. 26-Aug. 27; and Sept. 2-Sept. 3.
Holiday Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day.

Spray 'N Play
Mike Rylko Community Park, 951 McHenry Rd, Buffalo Grove
Opens: June 1
Type: Park district
Details: Land-based family park with water sprays, fountains & toys plus a picnic area.
Admission: Free for 12 months and under; $4 for children and adults; $2 for 62 and up; $2 for twilight (5:30 to 7 p.m.)
Hours: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday; 12:30 to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Flick Outdoor Aquatic Center
951 McHenry Road, Glenview
Opens: May 28
Type: Park district
Details: 5-pool center featuring zero-depth play pool, diving well, drop slides, kiddie pool with slide and play features, two giant flume slides, interactive spray area, changing rooms, locker rooms, Garden Grill concessions.
Admission: $13 for resident/$16 for non-resident
Pre-season hours: 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. May 27 to May 29; and June 3 to June 4.
Regular season: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, June 10 to Aug. 6.
Post-season: Aug. 7 to Sept. 4.

Meadowhill Park
1479 Maple Ave, Northbrook
Opens: June 10
Type: Park district
Details: 32-acre park with lots of sports & adventure areas, including a Velodrome, climbing wall and 4 pools, featuring diving boards, lap lanes, locker room, outdoor swimming pool, play features, shade canopies, sun deck, water slides, zero-depth pool.
Admission: N/A

The Water Works
505 N. Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg
Opens: May 27
Type: Park district
Details: Three water slides, rapid water channel, water playground, diving pool, lap pool, zero depth entry pool, whirlpool, family changing room.
Open swim admission: $8 resident/$12 non-resident; children under 2 free.
Lap swim admission: $8 adult resident/$10 non-resident; youth resident $6/non-resident $8.

DUPAGE COUNTY

East End Pool
463 Schiller Street, Elmhurst
Opens: May 27
Type: Park district
Details: Zero depth wading pool with kids slide, 8 Lane Lap Pool, Drop slide, 1 meter and 3 meter diving boards, ADA accessible aquatic lift, concessions by Bacci Pizzeria, family change area and gender-neutral bathrooms and locker rooms with showers.
Admission: Youth (2-15), $9/resident, $10/non-resident; adult (16-61) $10/resident, $13 non-resident; seniors (62+) $8/resident, $10 non-resident.
Hours: See hours.

Normal P. Smalley Pool
665 S York St, Elmhurst
Opens: June 10
Type: Park district
Details: Slide, diving board, spray area
Admission: Youth (2-15), $9/resident, $10/non-resident; adult (16-61) $10/resident, $13 non-resident; seniors (62+) $8/resident, $10 non-resident.

Phillips Park Family Aquatic Center
828 Montgomery Road, Aurora
Opens: June 3
Details: Zero-depth entry leisure pool, two drop-off slides into a plunge pool; one twisting enclosed body flume slide; two winding body flume slides; kid-friendly areas with spray guns, waterfall, a small slide and dumping coconut tree; two regulation sand volleyball courts, outside food and beverages are allowed, sand play area with seating and shade, lap-lane swimming at designated times.
Regular season hours: 10:30 to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 12:30 to 6 p.m., Friday through Sunday, June 3 to Aug. 13.
Post-season hours: Weekends only, Aug. 19 through Sept. 4, 12:30 to 6 p.m.
Holiday hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Independence Day and Labor Day
Admission: $8/resident $8, $12/non-resident) Monday-Thursday; Friday-Sunday: $9/resident, $13 non-resident. Children under 2 free.

Cypress Cove Family Aquatic Park
8301 Janes Ave, Woodridge
Opens: June 1
Type: Park district
Details: Bayou-themed water park operated by the Woodridge Park District featuring a spray playground, lazy river, sand, zero-depth pool, an island, tubing, waterfall cascade, tall water slides, a six-lane lap pool and shack shack.
Admission: $11.50 for residents, ages 1-59 and $18.50 for non-residents.
Hours: Noon to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday; noon to 6 p.m. Friday through Sunday, June 1 to Aug. 30; post season noon to 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday only, Aug.26 through Sept. 4.

KANE COUNTY

Santa Springs Water Park
601 Dundee Ave., East Dundee
Open: Water park open May 27 through Sept. 4; amusement park open through Oct. 29.
Type: Commercial
Details: Santa's Village has opened a Caribbean-themed Santa Springs, which includes water slides, water play areas and cabanas where parents can sit while the kiddos play.
Admission: $35.99 for any person over 39 inches tall, includes admission to Santa Springs and Santa's Village.

KENDALL COUNTY

Raging Waves
4000 N Bridge St, Yorkville
Opens: June 3
Type: Commercial
Details: "Illinois' largest water park" with water slides, mat races, cabanas for rent, a four-story water fort with slides.
Hours: Hours vary, but generally 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; check the schedule.
Admission: Pick-your-date $29.00; Any date-tickets starting at $54.00 valid through Sept. 4. Party packages available (8 people) $449.99; all-day cabanas starting at $200.

LAKE COUNTY

Hurricane Harbor
1 Great America Parkway, Gurnee
Opens: May 27
Type: Commercial
Details: Hurricane Harbor Chicago is now a separate park and has its own main gate located in the parking lot adjacent to Six Flags Great America. A separate admission ticket, season pass or membership is required to enter Hurricane Harbor Chicago. The water park boasts the Tsunami Surge, the self-touted tallest water coaster in the world. Other highlights include several water slides, a body surf pool, a 500,000-gallon wave pool, a children's pool and play area and more. Admission: Tickets start at $29.99 for one-day admission. Six Flags only accepts credit/debit cards, including parking.
General pool hours: noon to 8 p.m.; see the full summer schedule.

Esper A. Peterson Foundation Family Aquatic Center
250 Library Lane, Grayslake
Opens: May 27
Type: Municipal
Details: The outdoor aquatic center includes water slides, kids splash area and frog slide.
Hours: May 27 through Sept. 4. See the full summer schedule.
Admission: Daily admission is $18 per person for those 2 years old and older; $16 for guest; twilight 6 to 8 p.m., $9 (age 2 and up), guest $8.

Great Wolf Lodge
1700 Nations Drive, Gurnee
Opens: Year round.
Type: Commercial
Details: 80,000 square ft. indoor water park where it's always 84 degrees. Thrilling water slides, a giant tipping bucket and zero-depth entry water play areas for pre-swimmers.
Admission: Day passes start at $50; half-day $40; overnight packages available.

LASALLE COUNTY

Grand Bear Resort & Water Park
2643 IL-178, North Utica
Opens: Year round
Type: Commercial
Details: 24,000-square-foot indoor water park with play zones, slides, wave pool, lazy river and 15-person hot tub, concessions.
Admission: Day and overnight packages.

McHENRY COUNTY

Stingray Bay Aquatic Center
12015 Mill St., Huntley
Opens: May 22 to Aug. 15
Type: Park district
Details: Massive outdoor aquatic center with water slides, a kids water play area, lap swim and diving boards. Concessions sold at Ray’s Cafe.
Admission: $10 resident/$13 non-resident (age 3+); twilight rates (after $5 p.m.) $6 resident/$8 non-resident; 2 and under free. Passes available.
Hours: 12:15 to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday; 11:15 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Special hours: noon to 6 p.m. Memorial Day (May 29) and July 4.

SANGAMON COUNTY

Knight's Action Park & Splash Kingdom
1700 Knights, Recreation Drive, Springfield
Opens: May 27
Type: Commercial
Details: Multi-amusement venue with rides, attractions and water park. Splash Kingdom features eight exciting water slides, giant wave pool Sorayground- Camile's Reef,
Admission: Regular water park pass $39.95.95 adult, second-day pass $29; child (under 48 inches) $31.95, second day pass $29; seniors (60+) $31.95; 2 and under free. Promotions and group prices available throughout the summer.

WILL COUNTY

Heritage Falls Water Park
101 Troxel, Romeoville
Opens: June 3
Type: Park district
Details: Splash pad, a pool complete with a deep-end, two diving boards and two water slides.
Admission: $9 for residents, $14 for non-residents
Hours: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (pass holders) and 1 to 6 p.m. public, Monday through Friday: 11 a.m. to noon (pass holders) and noon to 5 p.m. general public Saturday and Sunday, June 3 to Aug. 14.
Post-season hours: After Aug. 14, Heritage Falls will continue to be open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (pass holders) and noon- 5 p.m. general admission on weekends through Labor Day (Sept. 4).

Pelican Harbor Indoor/Outdoor Aquatic Park
200 Lindsey Ln, Bolingbrook (located in Volunteer Park)
Opens: May 29
Type: Park district
Details: Indoor swimming available only; outdoor water park closed for Summer 2023.
Admission: $5 for residents, $7 for non-residents.
Hours: Vary through Aug. 31.

WINNEBAGO COUNTY

Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Rockford
7820 Cherryvale N Blvd, Rockford
Open: May 28 through Sept. 5
Type: Commercial
Admission: Single-day starts at $25; passes available
Details: Formerly Magic Waters Park. The Six Flags venue offers thrilling water rides including tropical twisters, Tiki Island kids splash zone, Little Lagoon, Paradise Pipeline, Double Dare Drop, The Abyss, Tidal Wave, Tsunami Bay and more.