It can be nice to forget about snow, ice and sub-zero temperatures (which seem to be the Chicago norm) for a day or two. Stay close to the city, and keep admission costs down at our favorite nearby indoor water parks. Or, you can also make a mini-getaway out of a trip to tropical-feeling locales in Utica, Gurnee, Lake Geneva and the Wisconson Dells. Either way, these indoor water parks are our favorite in the Chicago ‘burbs and beyond.
Best for a day of play
Where: 505 North Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg, IL
Where: Water Works is a great nearby option for young kids. The gradual-entry pool is perfect for letting little ones get comfortable with the water while the play structure in the pool has three small slides for more adventurous swimmers. You’ll also find a diving pool, lap pool and whirlpool. The family changing room makes getting ready for swimming and packing up to go extra easy. The daily fee is $6 for resident children ($8 non-resident), and $8 for resident adults ($10 non-resident). You can also invest in an indoor pool pass to enjoy a year of unlimited swimming.,
Pelican Harbor Aquatic Park in Bolingbrook
Where: 200 Lindsey Lane, Bolingbrook, IL
Toddlers and grade-schoolers will love Pelican Harbor. Little ones can slide down the Parkie the Pelican tot slide near the zero-depth entrance to the pool. Tumble buckets add fun splashing for all ages, and the two other water slides (one open, one enclosed) are big hits with older kids. Rates are $9 ($6 for residents) per day during peak hours.
Indoor Pool at Wheeling Park District
Where: 333 W Dundee Rd, Wheeling, IL
Don’t overlook this Wheeling spot for a day of tropical-feeling fun. With a mini-lazy river, toddler slide shaped like Petie the Polar Bear, interactive water play structures and a zero-depth leisure pool, it’s a perfect spot for families with young kids. The family locker room makes bathroom breaks and changing totally stress-free. There’s also a lap pool and open swim time on certain days of the week. Rates are $6.50 for adults, $5.50 for kids ages three to nine and free for kids under two.
Best for a night away
Grizzly Jack’s Grand Bear Resort in Utica
Where: 2643 Illinois 178, North Utica, IL
It’s a bit of a drive from Chicago, but Grizzly Jack’s is a great getaway whether you’re looking for one night away or a week-long vacation. The 24,000-square-foot water park includes a wave pool, lazy river, a water-activated play structure, tot pool and a family slide. With concessions and seating, you can easily spend the whole day at the water park. Grizzly Jack’s also has an arcade, family movies, family craft time and mini golf.
Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark in Lake Geneva
Where: 7020 Grand Geneva Way, Lake Geneva, WI
Just about an hour outside of Chicago, Lake Geneva’s Timber Ridge Lodge has a water park designed for kids 10 and under. One area has swings, slides and a waterfall for the littlest swimmers. The activity pool, best for ages seven to 10, has a rope-climb and water basketball. Ease along in the lazy river or get adventurous on two 30-foot water slides! Parents will appreciate the hot tubs and the option for childcare if you need some time alone. Need more to do? Timber Ridge has golfing, skiing, horseback riding and a spa.
Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells
Where: 1305 Kalahari Drive, Wisconsin Dells, WI
It’s always sunny and 84 at this indoor water park and resort in the Wisconsin Dells. All the rides are ranked by thrill level on the site, so you can prepare both your new swimmers and thrill seekers for their trip. Test your surfing skills on the Flowrider, take it easy on the lazy river, fly down nearly-vertical drops and let your little ones adventure worry-free at Tiko’s Watering Hole. There is also an outdoor water park and indoor theme park with bowling, mini golf, an arcade and escape room. Book yourself a spa treatment (there’s a Junior Spa, too!) or just take advantage of the on-site events like crafting, slime making, cookie decorating and more.
Wilderness Resort in Wisconsin Dells
Where: 511 East Adams Street, Wisconsin Dells, WI
This 600-acre resort claims to be the largest water park resort in America. While the three-and-a-half hour drive might seem like a lot, the amount of entertainment families can find here is well worth it. There are actually four separate indoor water parks here (bring a stroller—there will be walking!); Klondike Kavern is 65,000-square-feet of splashy fun including a Hurricane, body and tube slides, and indoor-outdoor spa for parents and a lazy river. Klondike Kavern connects to the Wild Waterdome via a sky deck where you’ll find the nation’s largest wave pool, a swim-up bar and zero-depth lagoon for tots. There is also a Wild West Water Park which has a giant water playground; and Cubby’s Cove, another water play structure with pint-sized body slides and water basketball. The rest of the indoor attractions include go-karts, mini golf, a ropes course and new play park for the 12 and under bunch.
Book your stay at Great Wolf Lodge’s 17th(!) location. The 80,000-square-foot water park in Gurnee is kept at a comfortable 84 degrees, and includes Fort Mackenzie—a multi‐level interactive water fort treehouse with a tipping water bucket, the Crooked Creek lazy river, Slap Tail Pond wave pool and River Canyon Run family raft ride. It also has a ropes course, bowling alley, mini golf, arcade and multi-story rock wall.
Looking for more fun things to do with your Chicago kid? Sign up for the Mommy Nearest newsletter!
