summer fun with water in illinois

Schools are out, hot and humid days are in, and plenty of free time on hands with kids. If you don’t have an access to a pool at your backyard then you stuck.

Ummmm not really!!!

There are always district parks with pools or water parks that more than happy if you stop by. Whether you planning a weekend get a way or just couple of hours soaking in a water. With Chicago’s packed beaches by Lake Michigan and no room for parking you can always go to a local Park Districts. Parking is free and if you are a resident you don’t pay that much for entry, prices range from $7 to $11. Unless you have more time and money to spend this summer, there are great water parks that will satisfy everyone in your family.

Here are some that I found worth of try:

1. Arctic Splash

Wheeling Park District

327 W. Dundee Road, Wheeling

(847) 465-7674 www.wheelingparkdistricr.com

Zero depth pool for little ones, four lane lap pool, toddler slide, mini lazy river, interactive water play structures and more. Admission: $7 and down per person, kids 2 and under are free.

2. CoCo Key Water Resort

Arlington Heights/ Rockford

(815) 398-6000 Rockford www.cocokeyresort.com

(847) 394-2000 Arlington Hts. www.cocowaterresort.com

Some restriction apply, check their sites, but great slides and not long drive.

3. Splash Landings

2400 Chestnut Ave, Glenview

(847) 486-5372 www.glenviewparkdist.org

Great if you have small kids that need care while you splash in water, they have childcare available for 3 months up to 6 years. Water slide and interactive play, zero depth pool and lap pool. Kids 1 and under free, admission:$5.75

4. Pelican Harbor Aquatic Park

Bolingbrook Park District

200 S. Lindsey Lane, Bolingbrook

(630) 739-1705

(630) 739-0272 www.bolingbrookparks.org

It has outdoor and indoor park, great for unpredictable weather. Tons to do at both parks, perfect for different age kids. Check with them for hours and day they are open. Admission $8 and kids 2 and under free.

5. Oak Brook Park District Family Aquatics Center

Oak Brook Park District

1450 Forest Gate Road, Oak Brook

(630) 990-4233 www.obparks.org

They offer swim lessons for young ones and programs for toddlers, Admission: $10, $8 for kids 3-17 and seniors, residents can get a discount.

6. Mayan Adventure Water Park

Elmhurst, Illinois

(630) 279-1100 www.mayanindoorwaterpark.com

You can only go if you are a guests of Holiday Inn Elmhurst, but if you don’t want to drive far, its worth it. It has plenty of room, slides and pool area. Tyr to schedule during a week or non holiday days, they have best prices than.

7. Grizzly Jack’s Grand Bear Resort & Indoor Water Park

2643 N. Illinois Route 178, Utica

(866)399-3866 www.grizzlyjacksresort.com

It’s a year round place, great for little get a way with kids. They won’t be board and just in case they do, there is also a mini-golf and crafts area. Many attractions, even a sports bar for adults. Call for rates, only guests can use water park, and amusement park is free with staying in. To a public is for $12.95

Call or check their web page before you hit the road, the prices and hours may have changed and can vary. Make sure you have towels and some sunscreen with you, some park district might want you to bring your own lock. Have fun!!!!