Water Amusement Parks in Illinois and Northern Indiana
[Reading time: 8 mins]
Before starting, I’d like to clarify that this blog post list tries to focus on amusement waterparks that have more thrill rides, as opposed to swimming pools with water features. We have so many amazing local aquatic centers that do have awesome water play, such as slides, water playgrounds, a lazy river, etc, and if you’re looking for any in Lake County, here are a few of the popular ones:
10 Outdoor Swimming Pools in Lake County
But back to this blog post!
For those with older kids, sometimes they want more than a small aquatic center, and that’s ok! Good thing is, we have some thrilling water amusement parks in Illinois that can feed those adventure-seekers of yours. Two are close by in the Chicago suburbs, but there are 5 more waterparks located within 1.5 to 5hrs throughout Illinois and also Northern Indiana! And that doesn’t include the indoor water parks, also listed towards the end of the blog.
Read on for:
2 water amusement parks in the Chicago Suburbs
3 water amusement parks in Illinois
2 water amusement parks in Indiana
5 Indoor waterparks
Plus, a bonus one!
Photo via ragingwaves.com
Boasting as Illinois’ largest waterpark! Raging Waves is over 58 acres, with over 32 waterslides, a lazy river that’s 1/4 mile long, a 350,000 gallon wave pool, sand area, leisure pools, 43 private cabanas, 11 dining options and so much more!
Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Chicago
1 Great America Pkwy
Gurnee IL 60031
Photo via sixflags.com
As a part of Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, Hurricane Harbor is a separate waterpark section of the theme park that has thrill rides, family rides, family-friendly play areas, as well as special events, restaurants and shopping.
Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Rockford
7820 Cherryvale N Blvd
Cherry Valley IL 61016
1.5 hrs from Chicago
Photo via sixflags.com
Planning to visit the Rockford area? You have the option to go to the other Hurricane Harbor Illinois location in Cherry Valley, just right outside of Rockford. Enjoy the same thrills and family fun!
1700 Knights Recreation Dr
Springfield IL 62711
3.5 hrs from Chicago
Photo via Knight’s Action Park Facebook page
Splash Kingdom is a small waterpark within the multi-amusement venue, Knight’s Action Park. In addition to the water rides and slides, there are also the theme park rides, a golf driving range, 18 hole mini golf, a batting cage and 2 drive-in movie screens.
100 Palisades Pkwy
Grafton IL 62037
5 hrs from Chicago
Photo via Raging Rivers Facebook page
A little bit aways from Chicago, but it’s worth the stop if you’re headed to St. Louis or elsewhere down state. Your kids will love the endless river and the shark slide, in addition to other favorites such as the swirl pool and wave pool. There’s also a great tot area for the littles.
9001 E Lincoln Hwy
Crown Point IN 46307
1.5 hrs from Chicago
Photo via Deep River Waterpark Facebook page
Located just on the other side of the Indiana border in Crown Point, Deep River Waterpark has all the classic thrill rides of a waterpark, like a mat slide racer and body & tube slides, along with 2 lazy rivers, an interactive water playground and a play area for little kids.
Indiana Beach Amusement and Water Park Resort
5224 E Indiana Beach Rd
Monticello IN 47960
2 hrs from Chicago
Photo via indianabeach.com
There IS more than corn in Indiana! Indiana Beach boasts over 50 rides and attractions at their amusement and waterpark. In addition to the rollercoasters, slides, ferris wheels and many other thrill rides, the waterpark area has water slides, a lazy river, splash pad and a sandy beach.
Photo via santasvillagedundee.com
I added this one as a bonus, because even though it’s not a waterpark that has thrill rides, it is still definitely more than just an aquatic center; and being in the Chicago suburbs, it’s a must-visit attraction.
Santa’s Village is one of our favorite summer pastimes; in fact, we’ve had season passes for the past few years! I’d say the park is geared towards children ages 10yo and under, with so much to see and do, including a petting zoo area and carnival games, in additional to all the amusement rides. The waterpark is a perfect addition to the hot summer months.
Indoor Waterparks
The below water parks don’t necessarily have thrill rides, but the unique array of indoor water attractions at each one, makes it the best place to enjoy the pool all year round.
505 N Springinsguth Rd
Schaumburg IL 60194
Photo via the Schaumburg Park District Facebook page
As a part of the Schaumburg Park District, The Water Works is a very affordable indoor water attraction, well worth the price for all the fun you get, such as 3 water slides, a spray ground, diving and lap pool, zero depth entry pool for the little ones, a whirlpool and so much more.
1700 Nations Dr
Gurnee IL 60031
Photo via statelinekids.com
Between all the thrill rides, the basketball water playground, the kiddie pool and water fort treehouse, there is so much fun to be had by all ages at the Great Wolf Lodge in Gurnee. Stay a night or two and enjoy everything the rest of the resort has to offer: an arcade, mini golf, bowling, ropes course, MagiQuest, a climbing wall and the list goes on!
2121 W Indian Trail
Aurora IL 60506
Photo via foxvalleyparkdistrict.org
The Vaughan Aquatic Center located in the Vaughan Athletic Center, is more than just a swimming pool. This indoor water park has a 2-story enclosed slide, body slide and lots of interactive water play activities. There’s also a warm water therapy pool and an 8-lane competition lap pool.
2558 N 3650 Rd
Sheridan IL 60551
1.5 hrs from Chicago
Photo via holidayinnclub.com
Inside the Fox River Resort, the Pirate’s Cay is a pirate-themed indoor waterpark, with a lazy river, 2 body slides, 2 tube sides and a kiddie splash playground that has dump buckets and shooting water guns. Also at the resort, families can enjoy mini golf, a movie theater, arcade, special activities and an additional outdoor and indoor pool.
2643 IL-178
North Utica IL 61373
2 hrs from Chicago
Photo via statelinekids.com
As a part of Grand Bear Resort at Starved Rock & Mathiessen State Park, the Grand Bear Falls is a 24,000 sq ft indoor waterpark with a wave pool and swimming area, a lazy river and whirlpool, a 15 person jacuzzi, kiddie splash tower play zone and family slide, and so much more. Make a long weekend out of it and stay at the resort in one of their lodge rooms, cabins or villas, and make a night out of the resort activities like the arcade and mini golf.
Which ones are your favorite water amusement parks to go to with your kids? Let me know in the comments!
For those with older kids, sometimes they want more than a small aquatic center and swimming pool, and that’s ok! Good thing is, we have some very thrilling water amusement parks near us, that can feed those adventure-seekers of yours!