If you’re looking for something to do this winter that helps you forget about the cold and snow, we’ve got the perfect attraction for you. There are five indoor waterparks in Illinois that will drive you wild, and they’ll keep you from staying cooped up all season.

If you like water slides, lazy rivers, and wave pools, you need to add a few of these attractions to your bucket list. Check out the best indoor waterparks in Illinois:

1. Grizzly Jack's Grand Bear Resort
2643 IL-178, North Utica, IL 61373, USA
Facebook/Grizzly Jack's Grand Bear Resort
This exciting vacation spot belongs at the top of your bucket list. Kids of all ages love a trip to this resort, and now is the perfect time of year to visit. It is a great place for romantic excursions, celebrations, and other special occasions. It is situated along the Illinois River near Starved Rock State Park where there are many marvelous outdoor activities to enjoy.

When the weather makes it uncomfortable to be outside, though, this place still delivers. It is home to what might be one of the best indoor waterparks in the world. It spans 24,000 square feet and includes a wave pool, tube slides, water slides, a toddler play area, and a 15-person hot tub. The decor makes it look like an outdoor oasis, but you'll be completely protected.

Take a quick look at this water park in action:

2. Great Wolf Lodge
1700 Nations Dr, Gurnee, IL 60031, USA
Facebook/Great Wolf Lodge
The indoor attractions at this wonderful spot will transport you to a unique water world. Rain or shine, you won't need sunblock to enjoy this waterpark. Water slides, inflatables, dump buckets, and play areas give you all the classic aquatic fun you crave.

This is the newest indoor waterpark in the Land of Lincoln. It opened in the summer of 2018 in the northern part of the state. In addition to water games, guests can enjoy mini golf, bowling, rock climbing, and ropes courses.

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3. Pelican Harbor Aquatic Park
200 Lindsey Ln, Bolingbrook, IL 60440, USA
Facebook/Pelican Harbor Aquatic Park
This unique aquatic park actually has both indoor and outdoor water worlds. It is open daily with peak times between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. most weekdays and noon to 6 p.m. on weekends. All sorts of water slides and flotation devices abound. The price to enter is $6 during non-peak hours and $9 otherwise. Residents save a few dollars with a valid ID. You can find this place at 5221, 200 S Lindsey Ln., Bolingbrook, IL 60440.

Get a first-person view of these fun waterslides:

4. Pirate's Cay Indoor Water Park
2558 N 3650rd Rd, Sheridan, IL 60551, USA
Facebook/Pirate's Cay Indoor Water Park
This lesser-known park is one of the best indoor waterparks in the state for people who love pirates. The tropical theme will transport you to instant summer where you'll enjoy dump buckets, slides, inner tubes, a lazy river, and magical play areas. It is open most Mondays and Thursdays between noon and 8 p.m., Fridays between noon and 9 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. Tickets are priced by the height of the individual. General guests will pay about $22 if more than 48" tall and $19 if less than that height. Those who are shorter than 36" are admitted for free. Find this nautical adventure at 2558 N 3653rd Rd., Sheridan, IL 60551.
5. The Water Works Indoor Water Park
505 N Springinsguth Rd, Schaumburg, IL 60194, USA
Google/Dejan Beogradilja
Go on a deep-sea adventure when you visit this fabulous place. It is popular any time of year and features slides, nets, stairs, and spigots. No matter your age, this aquatic center will make you smile. Stop by Monday through Thursday between 5:30 and 8 p.m., Friday between 4 and 8 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday between noon and 5 p.m. The cost is $8 for youth and $10 for adults. Residents save $2 per person. Get to 505 N Springinsguth Rd., Schaumburg, IL 60194 for all the fun.

For more like this, check out six more indoor attractions in Illinois that will keep you active all winter.

Are there any other indoor waterparks in Illinois that you enjoy? Please share your favorite aquatic centers with us in the comments.

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More to Explore

Natural Attractions in Illinois

William Suphan | May 31, 2023

What are some bucket list natural attractions in Illinois?

Bucket list natural attractions in Illinois include:

  • Giant City State Park. There are swirling, otherworldly rock formations here that look like they’d be at home on an alien planet. 
  • Bork Falls. The waterfall here drops into turquoise waters and it’s a wonderful swimming hole during the summer months.
  • Pomona Natural Bridge. Located in the Shawnee National Forest, this natural rock bridge is 90 feet across and 30 feet high.
  • Burden Falls. As one of the tallest waterfalls in the state, this one is 35 feet tall and is made up of several smaller falls.

Find out more about bucket list natural attractions in Illinois. 

What are the most beautiful natural wonders in Illinois?

The most beautiful natural wonders in Illinois include:

  • Starved Rock State Park. In these canyons, some trees grow out of the sides almost horizontally and there are all sorts of lovely hiking trails.
  • Cave-in-Rock. This water-carved limestone cave with a 55-foot entrance was formed over millions of years and was once a hideout for bandits.
  • Matthiessen State Park. The canyons here have interesting striations and there are beautiful waterfalls hidden throughout.
  • Garden of the Gods. This is one of the most gorgeous places in the state with 300-million-year-old rock formations.

Learn more about the most beautiful natural wonders in Illinois. 

What are the most scenic hiking trails in Illinois?

The most scenic hiking trails in Illinois include:

  • Buffalo Rock State Park. While the verdant foliage is a sight in itself, there are also bison that roam the area that are a wonder to behold.
  • Illinois Beach State Park. There are few places more beautiful than a beachside hiking trail. There are 6.5 miles of shoreline to hike here.
  • Castle Rock State Park. There are boardwalk hikes here with amazing views of the rolling hills and lush forests in this park
  • Ferne Clyffe State Park. There are 18 trails in this park that will take you to forests, waterfalls, and lovely fields.

Discover more about the most scenic hiking trails in Illinois. 

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