By Elizabeth Crozier|Updated on May 30, 2023(Originally published May 29, 2023)
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Elizabeth Crozier
Author
An Illinois transplant who grew up and went to school in Indiana for 22 years, Elizabeth holds a BFA in creative writing and has enjoyed traveling across the country and parts of Europe. She has visited half of the states, as well as parts of Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean, and regularly travels home to the Hoosier State to see friends and family. With more than five years of writing experience, Elizabeth’s articles have been featured on several websites, and her poetry and short stories have been published in multiple literary journals.
A day by the pool is relaxing, but a day at one of the best waterparks in Illinois will set you up for pure bliss. Children will love the splash zones and you’ll love all the lazy rivers and sunbathing. No matter which part of our great state you call home, there’s a wonderful world of water waiting for you. Check these Illinois waterparks out:
Illinois has no shortage of water parks. In fact, there are over 50 water playgrounds in the Prairie State. There are indoor and outdoor aquatic parks, and all of them are tons of fun. But by far, the best waterpark in Illinois is Hurricane Harbor in Cherry Valley. Not only does this waterpark have an insanely relaxing lazy river, but it also has 12 incredible water slides. There are family-friendly slides as well as slides for the adrenaline enthusiast, so you’ll find an adventure for the entire family.
While Hurricane Harbor is an outdoor water playground, the best indoor waterpark is Great Wolf Lodge Water Park in Gurnee. Located inside the Great Wolf Lodge Hotel, this indoor water playground will keep the family entertained for hours. And with fun rides like the River Canyon Run, Double Whirlwind, and the Coyote Cannon, you’ll want to stay at the waterpark all day. The little ones will love Fort Mackenzie, the most incredible water fort treehouse in Illinois. Additionally, they’ll enjoy splashing around in the Cub Paw Pool. But best of all, there is also a massive arcade, mini golf, a rock-climbing wall, and more at the resort — basically, all the activities needed for a fun day with the family.
During the warmer months, we love to visit water and splash parks to cool off. And while we can’t always make it to a waterpark, there is always a splash park in close vicinity. But one of the best splash playgrounds is found at Leon Corlew Park in Edwardsville. This adorable splash park has lots of sprayers and sprinklers that will be fun for the little ones. There is also a playground equipped with swings, slides, and crawl spaces that the kids will love. And the best part is, the splash park is free. So, pack a bag of snacks and spend the day splish-splashing with the kids.