We’re lucky that we have so many pools in the Chicago area. But the sheer number can get a little overwhelming, and there’s nothing worse than a disappointed toddler on a sweltering day. We did a splash test for you so you can quickly zoom in on the best pool for your family.
There’s nothing worse than a disappointed toddler on a sweltering day, so we did a “splash test” for you so you can quickly zoom in on the best pool for your family.
1730 Pfingsten Road, Northbrook (847) 897-6196 nbparks.org/aquatics/sports-center-pool.htm
Cost: $9, $8 kids 2-17, free under 2; $7 adult
residents, $6 kid residents.
Special perks: Zero-depth entry, spray
fountains, kiddie slide, lap pool, water slides, diving boards, sun
deck and family locker rooms complete with their own
showers.
It’s a big, beautiful pool. While the pool doesn’t have asmany slides and water park features as other pools, it’s superclean and nice.
We wish: There were a few more slides or
crazy water toys.
Northbrooks Sports Center | Best for small children
15600 West Ave., Orland Park (708) 349-4386 orland-park.il.us
Cost: $14, $7 residents.
Special perks: One of several aquatic
centers in the region that offers a lazy river. Not feeling lazy?
They also have six slides, fishing piers, a skate park, playground
and sand volleyball area. This place has enough activities for
every age, but preschoolers and up will be the ones who can really
take advantage of everything they have to offer.
We wish: We had time to spend an entire
week here.
Centennial Park Aquatic Center | Best for preschoolers and up
Centennial Park Aquatic Center
8301 S. Janes Ave., Woodridge(630) 985-5620woodridgeparks.org/park_cypress-cove.htm
Cost: $13, $8 resident. Free kids under
1.
Special perks: Picture a full-service
water park and you’ve got Cypress Cove. They have a massive pool, a
tube slide, drop slide, kiddie slide, lazy river, zero-depth entry
pool, plunge pool, sand area, entertainment stage, water spray
playground, full concession area-the list goes on and
on.
We wish: We lived closer. Seriously. It’s
that good.
Cypress Cove Family Aquatic Park | Best for anyone obsessed with water parks
Cypress Cove Family Aquatic Park
1220 Fredrickson Place, Highland Park (847) 433-3170 pdhp.org
Cost: $12 4 and older; $7 residents 4 and
older. Free 3 and under.
Special perks: If you like slides, this
is heaven. They’ve got a straight slide, a curly slide, a drop
slide, a kiddie slide-you get the picture. Hidden Creek AquaPark
also has a sand area and a gradual depth pool for the little ones.
Moms will love the people-watching here, and children who can swim
on their own will be able to spend hours comparing
slides.
We wish: They had a kids’ rate. If you
have two adults and two children and aren’t residents, you’ll be
dropping $48 each time you want to get cool.
Hidden Creek AquaPark | Best slides
100 N Catalpa Ave., Itasca(630) 773-2257itascaparkdistrict.com
Cost: Ranges from $4-$8, depending on the
day of the week and the time you arrive. Free kids 1 and
under.
Special perks: Got a little one? There’s
a zero-depth pool, a bubbler bench, deck sprays. Got an older kid?
He’ll probably enjoy the 180-foot water slide.
We wish: It weren’t so crowded on the
weekends.
Itasca Park District | Best for the entire family
Itasca Park District Waterpark
2200 N. Oakley Ave., Chicago (312) 742-7554 chicagoparkdistrict.com
Cost: Free
Special perks: The biggest perk is the
price. Beyond that, it’s a classic city pool: ice-cream,
cannonballs and screaming kids everywhere you turn. It’s better for
bigger kids than toddlers because it can get pretty crowded quickly
here, so you need to be a good swimmer even amid kicking, crazy
children who swarm the pool on hot days.
We wish: The pool were a little bigger
and the hours a little more regular. But for the price, it’s
perfect.
Holstein Park | Best for a classic summer day
4000 N. Bridge St. (Route 57),Yorkville (630) 882-6575 ragingwaves.com
Cost: $28.99 over 48 inches tall, $18.99
under 48 inches, free kids 2 and under.
Special perks: This water park is the
largest in Illinois and it’s a place your older kids will not want
to leave. Ever. So make sure you have at least a day to spare.
They’ve got a wave pool and a lazy river. Or try the
Boomerang–65 feet tall with a 40-foot drop.
We wish: There wasn’t such a long wait
for some of the popular rides.
Raging Waves | Best for an all-day experience
