So, the warmer days are right around the corner, and that can only mean one thing – it’s time to start thinking about water parks! If you’re looking for a great place to cool down and have some fun this summer, look no further than Illinois.

There are plenty of great water parks in the state to enjoy with your family. To help you decide, we’ve put together a list of 9 of the best water parks in Illinois.

Table of Contents:

Raging Waves Waterpark (Yorkville)

Raging Waves is one of the most prominent water parks in Illinois because it’s one of the largest, and it’s definitely one of the best. It has something for everyone, from thrilling water slides and a lazy river to a kids’ area with a variety of fun water features.

There are also great restaurants on-site, so you can grab a bite to eat without having to leave the park.

Some of their attractions include the boomerang, three sisters, and the crocodile mile. Then. there’s Brock’s Giant Sandbox that gives you plenty of room to play in the sand.

When it comes down to food, it’s all about what you want. Whether you want popcorn chicken from Hungry Croc Barby and Billabong, a big juicy cheeseburger and fries from Shark Bite Cafe, or some of Joey’s pizza, there are options for everyone.

Six Flags Hurricane Harbor (Rockford)

The Six Flags Hurricane Harbor in Rockford is a great place to cool off and have some fun. It’s another one of the largest water parks in Illinois, with plenty of slides and attractions to keep you busy.

And if that’s not enough to excite you, they also have a great amusement park right next door so that you can enjoy a full day of fun. Some of the highlights at Hurricane Harbor include the Tidal Wave, Tiki Island, and the Abyss.

There’s also the Double Dare Drop, a 75-foot vertical drop slide that will have you screaming for more.

If you’re looking for something to eat, they’ve got you covered, too. From Dippin Dots to Paradise pizza, there are plenty of options to help you recharge and get back to action.

Pirates Cay Indoor Waterpark (Sheridan)

Pirates Cay Indoor Waterpark is a pirate-themed water park perfect for kids of all ages. It’s connected to the Holiday Inn Club resort family, so you can enjoy a full day of fun without having to worry about finding a place to sleep.

It has a number of fun water slides and a lazy river, wave pool, and kids’ area. There’s also an outdoor and indoor pool for those looking for a more relaxing experience.

Knight’s Action Park (Springfield)

Knight’s Action Park is a great place to go if you’re looking for something a little more extreme. It’s home to some of Illinois’ most thrilling water slides, including the freefall slide and the speed slide. They also have a go-kart track, mini-golf, and an arcade.

Food options include pizza, burgers, and chicken tenders. And if you’re looking for a place to stay the night, they have on-site camping facilities.

Whether you want to relax in a jetted pool, slide down one of the three giant slides, or enjoy the twenty thousand foot wave pool, you’re able to have a blast.

Grizzly Jack’s Grand Bear Resort (North Utica)

Grizzly Jack’s Grand Bear Resort is another excellent option for those looking for an all-inclusive water park experience. It’s home to a number of different water slides, as well as a lazy river, wave pool, and kids’ area. They also have an amusement park right on site.

There’s also an arcade for families to enjoy during their stay. Try out their 15-person hot tub for some relaxation or float down their lazy river. Then, there’s the wave pool where you can have fun slipping and sliding down fun water slides.

When you’re done having your fun, recharge with some pizza, hot dogs, or nachos from their concession stand.

Rainbow Falls Waterpark (Elk Grove Village)

The Rainbow Falls Waterpark is a great place to take the family for a day of fun. It’s home to several water slides like the Calypso Twist, Dolphin Drop, and Pelican Plunge. The waterpark is loaded with many activities for the whole family to enjoy.

There’s also a concession stand and picnic area. They even offer paddleboat, kayak, and canoe rentals. So, load up the family and head on over to the Rainbow Falls Waterpark for a day of fun.

Mystic Waters Family Aquatic Center (Des Plaines)

The Mystic Waters Family Aquatic Center is another of the largest water parks in Illinois. It’s home to many water slides, a wave pool, as well as a lazy river. With two 37-foot slides, a speed slide, and a freefall slide, there’s something for everyone at Mystic Waters.

Some of their best attractions are Otter’s Run, Sea Lion Falls, Crocodile Cove, and Dolphin Bay. Get wild and have fun or sit back and relax. The choice is yours.

Beluga Beach has water spray stands and a non-slip surface for younger kiddos. It’s the perfect waterpark introduction to the little ones without overwhelming them. Not to mention, there is the Island Cafe that serves lunch, snacks, and other refreshments.

Turtle Splash Water Park (West Chicago)

The Turtle Splash Water Park is a great place to take the family for a day of fun. It’s home to a number of different water slides, as well as a lazy river, wave pool, and kids’ area.

With three twisting body slides, a speed slide, and a tube slide, there’s something for everyone to have a “splash-tastic” time.

Some of their main attractions are the Bucket Drop, Tortuga Waterfall, and the Crush Body Slide. When it’s time to recharge, head over to the Hard Shell Cafe for some pizza, burgers, chicken sandwiches, and more.

So, head on over to the Turtle Splash Water Park for a day of fun. You won’t be disappointed.

Family Aquatic Center at Heritage Park (Wheeling)

The Family Aquatic Center at Heritage Park is a great place to take the family for a day of fun. This waterpark has many attractions, including a kid’s area and a wave pool. With two water slides and a lazy river, enjoy relaxing and the thrills of the slides on the same day.

The best part about this facility is that there is an indoor pool and private and group swimming lessons. It’s a great time to beat the heat and have fun with your loved ones while learning to swim.

The pool is the best place to have fun. The safer you are, the more fun you can have. That’s why they offer a variety of different swim lessons for all ages. Head on over to the Family Aquatic Center at Heritage Park today and have a day the family will never forget.

Wrapping Up

Whether you want to have fun in the sun outdoors or learn how to swim indoors, there is a water park in Illinois for you and your family. Make sure to head on over to one today for a day of “splash-tastic” fun.

As the summer approaches, the best way to cool off from the heat is by visiting one of Illinois’ many water parks. These parks offer various water slides, lazy rivers, and wave pools for the whole family to enjoy.

So, load up the car and head out for a day of fun at one of these fantastic parks and remember to have a blast.

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James Brockbank

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A seasoned traveller, Dad, and avid sports tourist, James foundered The Family Vacation Guide to share his expert vacation experiences- especially when it comes to being a travelling family man.

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