No matter what time of the year it is, Illinois always has something to offer for fun-seeking adventurers. It’s so easy to think of Chicago’s different theme parks and amusement parks when talking about the places you can visit to have some fun. In reality, there are plenty of waterparks all around Illinois. Whether you’re in Springfield or Des Moines or traveling to different cities around the state, you’re sure to find fun rides you, your friends, and your family will love.
Today we’ll be exploring the best waterparks in Illinois that you can visit. Illinois has no shortage of outdoor and indoor waterparks to offer. Prepare yourselves as we splash through different cities to find your next fabulous destination.
Collinsville Aqua Park, Collinsville
Collinsville Aqua Park is a must-see destination for tourists visiting Collinsville in the summer. Formerly known as Splash City, the Aqua Park is home to several aquatic rides.
Using the park’s tandem tubes, you can float through their figure-eight patterned lazy river by yourself or your friends. This ride is perfect for people who want to relax from the excitement of the park’s other more intense rides.
Our Leisure Pool is Aqua Park’s most extensive pool, with its deepest part measuring four and a half feet. This is also a great attraction to relax and have fun. Adventure-seekers should try Monsoon Mountain. With a height of 50 feet, this attraction features five slides that come in different shapes and sizes. Its giant bucket will pour water onto everyone in the area every five minutes.
Another great attraction in Aqua Park is the Lap Pool. Designed for the brave and adventurous, the Lap Pool measures 9 feet in its deepest portions. Next to it is the AquaClimb, a 12-foot climbing wall that you can use to jump into the deep water.
The Collinsville Aqua Park can host a plethora of events as well, such as birthday parties, group reservations, and others.
Address: 10 Gateway Drive, Collinsville, IL 62234 | Phone: 618-346-4571 | Website: https://www.collinsvilleil.org/departments/aquapark
Cypress Cove Family Aquatic Park, Woodridge
Located in Woodridge Park District, the Cypress Cove is an exciting family-oriented aquatic park. There are numerous attractions that your family can enjoy together.
One of them is building a sand castle with your kids and friends on Mad Bug Beach. This attraction directly brings you the beach experience from a modern waterpark in Illinois.
Bullfrog Bayou is also a place that anyone in your family and friends can enjoy with its sprays and splashes. This attraction also has a body slide that people 3.5 feet and below can have fun with.
Meanwhile, if you’re looking for a zero-depth pool in Cypress Cove, you should definitely see Cattail Bay. There’s a kiddie slide, giving kids something fun to do while you’re cooling off. Cypress Cove’s Swamp Shack Cafe is open all day if you ever feel like grabbing something to eat or drink.
Cajun Creek’s 600-foot lazy river is a great way to relax and explore all of Cypress Cove. You’ll have your own inner tube, too, while doing that. Adjacent to Cajun Creek is the Crocodile Isle and Tabasco Falls. Crocodile Isle gives you a great view of the whole creek, while Tabasco Falls is a thrilling tube slide before you float on the creek.
Other attractions you should definitely see are the Pelican’s Plunge, Snapper’s Snack Shack, and the Alligator Alley. This waterpark in Illinois also offers swim programs, special events, and group rentals.
Address: 8301 S. Janes Ave., Woodridge, IL 60517 | Phone: 630 353-3350 (in-season) and 630 353-3400 (off-season) | Website: https://www.cypresscove.org/contact/
Dolphin Cove Family Aquatic Center, Carpentersville
The Dolphin Cove is another waterpark in Illinois that you can find in Carpentersville. It has several attractions that can satiate your craving for adventure or just escape the sun’s heat with the cool water.
There are several attractions to see and try here in the Dolphin Cove. There’s a zero-depth entry pool for everyone to enjoy, a sandcastle beach, and Rip Tide, a body slide attraction. The sandcastle beach is made even more fun by Dolphin Cove’s Discovery Fountain, an interactive water play for you and your kids. Additionally, some geysers and slides dot the area, and a tube slide attraction called The Typhoon.
The Dolphin Cove Family Aquatic Center also features many lounge chairs, picnic tables, and a beach area complete with a jungle gym and interactive water play. There’s a sizeable shaded eating area to enjoy your food in the shade.
If you feel like eating something, there’s always the Sandbar Cafe to grab some tasty treats.
This waterpark in Illinois gives you ample opportunity to relax. It has a grassy sun hill and even a large patio deck with chairs. Finally, you can visit their gift shop if you want to bring something home that will remind you of the fun you’ve had at Dolphin Cove.
The waterpark can host weddings, banquets, golf, and other special events. As a family waterpark, the Dolphin Cove always has something in store for everyone.
Address: Rt 25 & Rt 68 Carpentersville, IL 60110 | Phone: (847) 836-7946| Website: https://www.dtpd.org/contact-us/
Great Wolf Lodge, Gurnee
This indoor waterpark in Illinois, just outside Chicago, has a lot to offer for your splashy adventure needs. It has a lot of attractions. The most popular is a water fort treehouse with many interactive water toys called the Fort Mackenzie. It also has a body slide that you can use to get out of the tree house. Watch out for the bell, though. Once it rings, the giant bucket will pour gallons of water to drench you. There’s also a nice wave pool for everyone called the Slaptail Pond, which is a must-see for anyone visiting the Great Wolf Lodge in Gurnee.
Adventure-seekers should try the Great Wolf Lodge’s thrilling rides, such as the River Canyon Run and the Double Whirlwind. The River Canyon Run is a raft-riding waterslide attraction with many twists, turns, and bending curves that you and your family can have fun with. On the other hand, the Double Whirlwind is a slide attraction with two vortices. Grab a raft and travel through this slide before splashing into the landing pool with your family and friends.
You’ll never run out of things to do in this indoor waterpark. There are slides perfect for families, teens, children, and even toddlers. If you’re looking for something fun to do just outside Chicago, then the Great Wolf Lodge is a great place to visit.
There are private cabanas available for reservation, different dining options within the waterpark, and other special offers tailor-fitted for your next vacation.
Address: 1700 Nations Drive, Gurnee IL 60031, USA| Phone: 844.482.9653 | Website: https://www.greatwolf.com/illinois/customer-service/contact-us
Key Lime Cove’s Lost Paradise, Gurnee
Another waterpark in Gurnee, Illinois, is the Lost Paradise inside the Key Lime Cove resort. This waterpark enjoys proximity to other attractions in the area, such as the Six Flags Great America and the Gurnee Mills shopping mall. Like the Great Wolf Lodge, the Lost Paradise is an indoor-type waterpark with many attractions and features that families and social circles can enjoy.
Its attractions include a lazy river, a Wave pool, several body slides, a swirling funnel bowl, and a two-person tube slide.
There’s one caveat to Lost Paradise, though: Admission is generally reserved for overnight guests. However, the place is also available for birthday parties and other special events.
The Lost Paradise has a place for adults like the whirlpool spa grotto and toddlers like the Lil’ Limers okay pond. There’s something for everyone in Key Lime Cove’s Lost Paradise.
Address: 1700 Nations Drive, Gurnee, IL 60031 | Phone: (877) 360-0403 | Website: www.keylimecove.com
Knight’s Action Park, Springfield
Knight’s Action Park in Springfield is perfect for anyone planning to have a blast for a birthday party. In fact, birthday parties are what this waterpark is best known for. With its water slides, a go-kart track, pools, and a golf driving range, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a ride doesn’t spark excitement.
There are other things that you’ll love with Knight’s Action Park. For instance, once you’ve booked a birthday party reservation with them, the birthday celebrant will enjoy free admission to the waterpark. There’s also a splash playground and wave pool that kids will surely enjoy.
The Knight Family are also huge movie fans, so they installed a drive-in theatre.
Address: 1700 Knights Recreation Dr. Springfield, IL. 62711 | Phone: (217) 546-8881 | Website: https://www.knightsactionpark.com/home
Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Rockford, Cherry Valley
We know you’ve probably heard of Six Flags amusement parks when planning to explore the best waterparks in Illinois. And for a good reason. There are many fun things to do when you’re in a Six Flags amusement park, and Hurricane Harbor Rockford is no exception. There are numerous rides for all types of people in this waterpark, categorized into three, namely: family rides, thrill rides, and kids’ rides
Family rides include Castaway Creek, a relaxing lazy river for your families to enjoy. Another one is Tsunami Bay, a wave pool that can produce king-sized waves to bring the ocean experience to a modern waterpark.
Kids’ rides include Caribbean Cove, the perfect place for your kids and toddlers to have fun with splashes of water and other aquatic toys. Little Lagoon is also a kid-friendly attraction that little swimmers can explore and climb. There are colorful sprinklers and ocean animals that kids can play with in this attraction.
Finally, the thrill rides. Perfect for adrenaline junkies, these rides offer excitement and fun to those willing to take the splash.
First, there’s the Bermuda Triangle, a five-story water slide with twists and turns. You can also try The Abyss with its dark slides, twists, and turns. If you want to try something unique in the Midwest, the Tidal Wave is perfect for you. This is the first and only tailspin waterslide in Illinois and all of the Midwest. Typhoon Terror and Wipeout are also great attractions for you. The Typhoon Terror is a giant funnel that anyone brave enough can plunge into. Wipeout is an attraction that with a near-vertical free-fall with a 45-degree loop.
Address: 7820 Cherryvale N Blvd.vCherry Valley, IL 61016 | Phone: +1 847-249-1766 | Website: https://www.sixflags.com/hurricaneharborrockford
Mystic Waters, Des Plaines
Another excellent option for families in northern Illinois is the Mystic Waters Family Aquatic Center. This waterpark in Illinois is located at 2025 Miner Street, Des Plaines and is part of the Des Plaines Park District.. You’ll be delighted to know that there’s no shortage of activities you can do in this place. Its proximity to other parks in the area also makes this waterpark a great place to visit.
The aquatic center itself offers plenty of fun, too. There are numerous rides and attractions that you can try when visiting Mystic Waters.
You can try Otter’s Run’s giant slides or the Sea Lion Falls’ drop slides. If you’re looking for something calmer, then the Crocodile Cove’s lazy river and Dolphin Bay’s zero-depth pool are perfect for you. Kids can enjoy Beluga Beach, an area specifically designed for them.
Once you feel hungry or thirsty, The Island Cafe is always open for food and refreshments.
Additionally, this waterpark in Illinois can host family outings, birthday parties, and other special events.
Address: 2025 Miner Street, Des Plaines | Phone: 847-391-5740 | Website: https://www.dpparks.org/parks-facilities/mystic-waters/
Paradise Bay Water Park, Lombard
People who plan to visit Lombard, Illinois, should seriously consider visiting one of its main destinations: the Paradise Bay Water Park, located inside the Lombard Park District.
This waterpark in Illinois is home to state-of-the-art facilities that everyone can definitely enjoy. They offer rental and conduct numerous special day events for its visitors. Its rentals include its private facilities, camp reservations, and party deck.
Of course, Paradise Bay wouldn’t be a waterpark without its rides and attractions. Their zero-depth entry pool is complete with fountains, water sprays, and even a whirlpool. Called the Hurricane Cove, it has a body slide, bowl slide, and speed slide. Completing the ensemble is Hurrican Cove’s water walk called Alligator Crossing.
If diving through the water is more your thing, then Splash Down is for you. It has a 3-meter and 1-meter dive board and a drop slide for divers. Swimmers can try the Dolphin Cove, which is an 8-lane lap pool. You can even play water basketball and water volleyball inside this attraction.
Younger visitors can enjoy Paradise Bay’s Turtle Cove, a milder version of Hurricane Cove. It’s also a zero-depth entry pool with fountains, an island, and a water slide perfect for children and toddlers.
Overall, Paradise Bay is a perfect destination for travelers looking for something fun to do in Lombard.
Address: Sunset Knoll Recreation Center, 820 S. Finley Road, Lombard, IL 60148 | Phone: (630) 620-7322 | Website: https://lombardparks.com/paradise-bay-water-park/
Pelican Harbor Waterpark, Bolingbrook
The Pelican Harbor waterpark is one of the few waterparks in Illinois that feature indoor and outdoor waterparks. Because of this, the Pelican Harbor Waterpark is open year-round, even when it’s snowing outside!
You can celebrate your birthdays, go on a group outing, or just have some pure fun with anyone you’re with at this waterpark. You can have poolside parties and even learn how to swim with the waterpark’s swimming programs. In fact, Pelican Harbor has its own membership program.
Located inside the Bolingbrook Park District, Pelican Harbor offers its visitors several indoor and outdoor attractions.
Its outdoor attractions include An interactive spray ground, 4 water speed slides, A lazy river, a Diving well and drop slide, and a zero-depth entry pool. There’s also a beach volleyball and sand playground area.
On the other hand, its indoor attractions include another zero-depth entry pool with a fixed temperature of 85 degrees Fahrenheit. They also have a lap pool with a set temperature of 82 degrees Fahrenheit, two water slides, tumble buckets, a 10-person hot tub, and two event areas perfect for birthday parties and other private events.
In addition, visitors can also enjoy a picnic area, a concession stand, pavilion, and “funbrellas” for an all-day rental.
Address: 200 Lindsey Lane, Bolingbrook, IL 60440 | Phone: (630)739-1700 | Website: https://bolingbrookparks.org/facilities/pelican-harbor/
Phillips Park Family Aquatic Center, Aurora
Located at 828 Montgomery Road, Aurora, Illinois, the Phillips Park Family Aquatic Center is a family-oriented waterpark. However, due to staff shortages, this waterpark is temporarily closed for the 2022 season. If they are able to hire enough staff members to ensure everyone’s safety, they should be open for 2023 and beyond.
Once it opens, it will be one of the many great destinations for families who want to have fun together under the sun’s heat. Of course, there are numerous activities that you can do in this waterpark. For instance, you can float through their lazy river and enjoy their waterfalls. While there are no concession stands and cafes inside the waterpark, what sets it apart is the fact that you can bring your own food and drinks inside. So, if you’re the type that doesn’t like buying food inside a waterpark, you should definitely check out Phillips Park Family Aquatic Center.
Address: Cole Center Administration Office, 101 W. Illinois Ave., Aurora, IL 60506 | Phone: 630-897-0516 | Website: https://www.phillipsparkaquatics.info/
Pirate’s Cay, Sheridan
If you’re in Sheridan and decided to go for a splashy adventure, then check out Pirate’s Cay Indoor Water Park. Furthermore, Pirate’s Cay is an excellent choice if you’re looking for pirate-themed waterparks in Illinois.
It offers great rides and attractions such as a lazy river, two body slides, a couple of tube slides, and a kiddie playscape.
Aside from these exciting rides, Pirate’s Cay has tons of fun things to do, like watching a movie in its movie theater, water sports rental, and even driving through a golf course.
Children can have fun with its numerous aquatic toys like water buckets and water sprays. Pirate’s Cay even has its own marketplace to buy pirate-themed toys, swim accessories, and life jackets.
Experience the pirate life and adventure with Pirate’s Cay’s Indoor Waterpark.
Get a virtual tour of the place and get more information about admission tickets and more on their website.
Address: 2558 N 3653rd Rd., Sheridan, IL 60551 | Phone: (815) 496-3292 | Website: https://holidayinnclub.com/explore-resorts/fox-river-resort/on-site-activities/pirates-cay-waterpark
Rainbow Falls Water Park, Elk Grove Village
Another destination for your family when looking for the best waterparks in Illinois is Elk Grove Village’s Rainbow Falls Water Park. This waterpark has a variety of attractions for you and your kids to enjoy.
This waterpark has several attractions for you to explore.
Firstly, it has the Sunfish Bay, a zero-depth entry pool with many fun features like the vortex pool of Barracuda Bowl, water sprays, and more. Secondly, the Calypso Twist is composed of four giant twister slides. Two of these slides are body slides, while the other two are tube slides.
The Coqui Frog Pond is the go-to destination for your little ones. It has a magical rainbow mist and a tot slide for the kids to enjoy. Want something a little more exciting, though? The Dolphin Drop will help you make a big literal splash once you hit the deep end.
Plus, the secluded Iguana Island houses a giant water bucket that tips every now and then. Other fun surprises are waiting for you in this three-story water fun house.
Another great attraction in this waterpark is the Lily Pad Leap. With a cargo net above and a set of floating lily pads, you can test your balance and dexterity. If you’re looking for a decent challenge, then you should definitely try this one out.
Other destinations are waiting for you to see here in the Rainbow Falls Water Park. You can also rent their Community Center and go on group outings and field trips to this waterpark. There’s no shortage of fun activities to do when you’re at Rainbow Falls.
Address: 180 Lions Dr., Elk Grove Village, IL 60007 | Phone: In-season (847) 228-2860 Off-Season: (847) 437-9494 | Website: https://elkgroveparks.org/destinations/facilities/rainbow-falls-water-park-community-center/attractions
Pirates Cove, Elk Grove Village
Another must-see theme park in Elk Grove Village is the Pirates Cove. One of the few pirate-themed waterparks in Illinois, the Pirates Cove is open from June to August and is built specifically for children. The waterpark’s concession stand is also available all day for all your food and refreshment needs.
Pirates Cove has many things to do, which makes it perfect for anyone who wants to spark their children’s imagination. For instance, you can try the Barnacle Bay Boats to make your child feel like the captain of their own paddle boat. Also, the Pirate
Plunge is a must-see in Pirates Cove. It is a giant waterslide for children to race against and have fun with each other. You can sail up the sky with a set of pirate ships with Soaring Schooner. Furthermore, Pete’s Pirate Ship gives you the chance to live the pirate life aboard an 18th-century pirate ship. It has an upper deck that offers you a great view of the park’s entirety. You can relax in the Cannonball Falls Picnic Area to dine and have a good time with your friends and family.
This waterpark also has ground attractions like a carousel, a choo-choo train, and a jumping house. These attractions make a perfect venue for a children’s party and other special events.
Address: 901 Leicester Rd., Elk Grove Village, IL 60007 | Phone: 847-439-COVE / 847- 228 -3183 (Rentals) | Website: https://www.elkgroveparks.org/destinations/facilities/pirates-cove-childrens-theme-park/attractions
Raging Rivers, Grafton
Grafton’s Raging Rivers Water Park features eight attractions to sate your summer fun and keep you cool under the sun. It has a 700-foot-long Endless River for guests looking to relax and ride along tranquil waters. Its 18,000-square-foot wave pool is perfect for everyone that likes to ride the tide. Kids can enjoy a smaller version of this wave pool with Itty Bitty Surf City.
Visitors who want more thrilling rides can try their Cascade Body Flumes with their twists and turns. Shark Slides are also an excellent option for people that wants to experience the Swirlpool.
Another must-see attraction in this waterpark is the Tree House Harbor, an interactive play area with overhead rope pulls, tunnel slides, and a crawl tunnel. The ensemble is completed by the ever-popular water bucket that randomly pours out 1,000 gallons of water.
Address: 100 Palisades Parkway, Grafton, Illinois 62037 | Phone: (618) 786-2345 | Website: https://www.ragingrivers.com
Raging Waves, Yorkville
Yorkville has something to boast that other cities can’t: They have the largest waterpark in Illinois. Due to its size, Raging Waves Waterpark has a lot of things to offer for visitors of any age and size.
Raging Waves has categorized its attractions into four: Fun For All, Lil Mates, Over 42, and Over 48
The Fun For All attractions features a quarter-mile-long lazy river, a giant wave pool, and a classic sandbox for you and your kids to enjoy.
Lil Mates feature kid-friendly attractions like the Quokka-Nut Island, another zero-depth entry pool for your kids. The Koala Kove is another safe attraction for toddlers who will venture on their first waterpark adventure. Finally, the Kangaroo Falls is a four-story water fort with a giant bucket that tips over and surprises everyone with its gallons of water.
The over 42 rides include extreme slide attractions available for visitors who are taller than 42”. The attractions include Wild Wallabies, The Three Sisters, Crocodile Mile, and Aussie Mat Dash.
Over 48 rides include the Wonambi, The Boomerang, Tasmanian Twisters, Platypus Plunge, PJ’s Plummet, and the Cyclone.
Being the largest waterpark in Illinois certainly has its perks. There are also many dining options to enjoy while having fun in its numerous attractions, such as the Shark Bite Cafe and Joey’s Pizza.
Address: 4000 N Bridge St Yorkville, IL 60560 | Phone: 630-882-6575 | Website: https://www.ragingwaves.com/
Six Flags Hurricane Harbor, Gurnee
Six Flags Waterparks are really great amusement parks located all of the country, so it’s little wonder that Six Flags Waterpark made it onto this list twice. The Six Flags Hurricane Harbor located at Gurnee has plenty of rides and attractions to offer.
Like any Six Flags Amusement Park, the Hurricane Harbor offers rides into Family Rides, Kids Rides, and Thrill Rides.
Get the best Hurricane Harbor experience by going to their special events, restaurants, and gift shops that dot the area.
If you’re looking for plenty of excitement and some great memories, then Hurricane Harbor is a great place for you.
Address: John Krajnak, Park President, 542 N Route 21, Gurnee, Illinois 60031 | Phone: 847-249-1776 | Website: https://www.sixflags.com/hurricaneharborchicago
Splash Country, Aurora
The City of Aurora co-owns one of the waterparks in Illinois. Splash Country is an excellent destination for your family’s next fun aquatic adventure.
This waterpark also hosts special theme days and events, swim lessons, birthday parties, and reservations for its visitors.
Splash Country has several rides and attractions that you’ll want to try out. There’s a six-lane zero-depth pool for you and your kids and 1,100 feet lazy river — the second-largest in Illinois! — complete with dumping buckets, bubbling rapids, and jets.
Additionally, there are two tube slides for you to enjoy. One slide is enclosed while the other is open. A kid-friendly area with spray guns, a waterfall, and other interactive features, is also available for your children to enjoy. There are two sand volleyball courts and a sand play area to play sports with your friends and family.
Splash Country allows outside food and refreshments to be brought inside the waterpark. Just take a careful look at their guidelines to learn which ones are allowed.
Address: 195 S. Barnes Road, Aurora, Illinois | Phone: 630-906-7981 | Website: https://www.splashcountry.info/
Splash Valley Aquatic Park, Kankakee
The last attraction we’ll explore is Kankakee’s Splash Valley Aquatic Park. Located at 1850 River Rd, Kankakee, IL 60901, it offers aquatic lessons, swim programs, and swim teams. They are also available for reservations such as birthday parties, group rentals, and other packages. These things are on top of the several rides and attractions they offer.
Splash Valley Aquatic Park features two closed body and tube slides, a zero-depth entry pool, and water troughs. Its concession stand is available all day if you want to grab something to eat. If you feel like doing sports, its two sand volleyball courts are perfect.
The Splash Valley Aquatic Park also hosts special events for all its visitors.
Address: 1850 River Rd, Kankakee, IL 60901 | Phone: 815 401-5977 | Website: https://www.splashvalley.com/
A Guide to Visiting Waterparks in Illinois
Before delving into the different waterparks in Illinois, though, here are a few things that you need to know when going on a trip to one:
- Make sure to check the opening and closing times of the waterpark. You also have to make sure you can afford the ticket prices at the entrance and each ride inside (depending on how the waterpark’s pricing system works).
- Bring the essentials for a waterpark trip. We’re talking about your swimwear, a towel, and even your goggles. If you’d like, you can wear your swimwear underneath your clothes while you’re walking around and then simply change out of them when you’re ready to ride.
- Learn the waterpark’s rules. It will help if you know the waterpark rules you’re going to. For instance, do they have a height restriction for their rides? Is there a dress code for swimwear? Knowing these things will help you plan for your trip accordingly and avoid any hassle.
- Know the peak times of your favorite rides and avoid them then. After all, no one wants to queue in long lines, especially in the middle of the summer. We recommend choosing the least busy times for your favorite rides and enjoying the place’s other attractions and amenities until then.
All in all, bring what you need and check the waterpark’s website to check out their rides, policies, and prices.
With that, are you ready to explore the best waterparks in Illinois?
Splash Through the Best Waterparks in Illinois Today!
Sure, there are a lot of waterparks in Illinois, and finding the best one might seem a little difficult. But that’s precisely the reason why it’s so fun to explore the best waterparks in Illinois. Each city on this list has something great to offer. From extreme adventures to birthday parties to child-friendly themes, Illinois is blessed with waterparks that will surely satiate your thirst for fun and excitement.
Be sure to also check out our list of the best indoor water parks where you can enjoy amazing water slides and pools year round!
Looking to explore Illinois? Here are some other great things to do in the state:
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