10 Splash-Tastic Spraygrounds to Beat the Heat in Chicagoland

Looking for the best splash pads and spraygrounds in Chicagoland to cool off with the kids? You’re in the right place! Spraygrounds—interactive playgrounds with built-in water features like fountains, misters, dumping buckets and sprays—are a summertime favorite for Chicago families.

From the city to the suburbs, these kid-friendly water play spots are perfect for spontaneous fun on hot days. Most Chicagoland splash pads open in May or June, depending on the weather, and many are free or low-cost, making them an ideal family outing. We’ve rounded up the top splash pads and spraygrounds across Chicago and the surrounding suburbs!

Note: Always check operating hours before you go—some splash pads may close due to weather or maintenance.

Read more: Treat Your Kids to Chicagoland’s Best Ice Cream Shops

Best splash pads in Chicagoland

Adams Playground Park

• Address: 1919 N. Seminary Ave., Chicago
• Cost: Free

Tucked away on Seminary Ave. on a quiet, tree-lined Lincoln Park street, this sprayground is a child’s paradise, featuring pipes “springing leaks,” wheels to control water misters, and of course, a short-enclosed side that’s perfect for the toddler set.

Crown Fountain in Millennium Park

• Address: 201 E. Randolph St., Chicago
• Cost: Free

We would be remiss if we didn’t add to this list the most popular water area in all of Chicagoland that comes alive in the summer: The Crown Fountain in Millennium Park. A tradition in the city, kids love to splash around this open area, consisting of two 50-foot glass towers that use projection to give the illusion of water spouting from people’s mouths. 

Buffalo Grove Spray ‘N Play

• Address: 951 McHenry Road, Buffalo Grove
• Cost: $4 per children and adults; kids 12 months and under are free

Featuring more than 20 water toys, sprays and fountains, the Buffalo Grove Spray ‘N Play is one of the largest facilities of its kind. Little ones will love launching water cannons and running beneath — and through — rainbow arches. Note: This water facility only operates when the temperature hits at least 70 degrees. 

Prospect Park Splash Pad

• Address: 733 N. Prospect Ave., Park Ridge
• Cost: $8/non-residents, $5/residents

Kids will go nuts for this pirate-themed sprayground, complete with a pirate ship to explore, squirting crabs, and barrels and dripping fish overhead! 

Skokie Water Playground

• Address: 4701 Oakton St., Skokie
• Cost: $10/Skokie residents, $11 Evanston residents, $18/non-residents. Children under 2 are free. 

This giant multi-level play area houses dozens of jet sprays, a twisty open slide and a 500-gallon drop bucket that soaks everyone when it gets too full!

The Hub at Berens Park 

• Address: 493 N Oaklawn Ave, Elmhurst
• Cost: $6/resident adults 16+, $4/resident youth 2-16, $8/non-resident adult 16+, $6 non-resident youth 2-16, free/children 2 and under. 

Let your kids go wild at this 6,000 sq. ft. splash park that offers 9 interactive water features. The Hub also hosts mini golf and batting cages, making it your one-stop shop for a day of summer fun. This year, The Hub is offering a Super Pass which grants unlimited access to The Hub Spray Ground, East End Pool and Norman P. Smalley Pool. 

Francis Toby Anderson Park

• Address: 4401 SW Hwy., Oak Lawn
• Cost: Free

This recently-renovated park features a splash pad to cool off on hot summer days. The water playground offers a few picnic tables with canopies so parents can stay cool in the shade while kiddos enjoy the splash park. Be sure to check out the zipline swing on the playground! 

Dragonfly Landing 

• Address: 4704 Garfield Ave., Lisle
• Cost: Free

Located at PrarieWalk Pond, Dragonfly Landing is a nature-themed play set for kids that includes a treehouse, leaping lily pads and a free splash pad with interactive jets and colorful flower misters. The space also has a shelter with a living “green” roof where families can set up for a day of nature-based fun. 

Splash Island

• Address: 1450 Forest Gate Road, Oak Brook
• Cost: $14/non-residents, $10/residents, free for kids ages 2 and under

Kiddos who visit Splash Island in Oak Brook will feel like they hit the sprayground jackpot. With a zero-depth entry pool, giant wide slides perfect for water races, dumping buckets and jets, Splash Island offers every bit of water fun a child could possibly want.

Ty Warner Spray Park

• Address: 55 E. Richmond St., Westmont
• Cost: $7/non-resident children, $5/resident children (adults are free with paid child admission)

This Westmont sprayground is loaded with interactive features for kids of all ages, including mushroom cap waterfalls, dumping buckets and a giant misting whale’s tail. Expected to open in July 2025 due to construction. 

This article was recently updated on April 17, 2025 by Chicago Parent’s Audience Development Manager, Katina Beniaris. Questions? Please reach out to katina@chicagoparent.com.

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